Vivande And Piccolo Wine Bar, San Francisco, California, Italian Restaurant Details

Food:

I am addicted to their hazelnut torte cake thing, which is the only reason for the 2 stars. Otherwise, it would be a 1 star simply because they offer the absolute worse customer service in existence.

Actually, it's nonexistent, so go figure!

Food:

We have been hunting around SF for a good Italian place. We have been disappointed with many restaurants that think the only way Americans like pasta is if you drown it in gooey cheese.
Vivande is nothing all that special to look at. The wall are exposed brick with cracks, the tables are covered with brown paper. The atmosphere is simple and bright. I really like that you can see the whole kitchen from the dinning area. You can see if your food being prepared. This place is not assuming at all. It has non of the hype of say SPQR down the street, but you will get a seat quickly and I like the food better.
The pasta is fresh, thinly pressed and not mushy. The sauces are light and fresh, not over whelming. My dad tried Venus' Jewel Box. It is a very cool dish I have never seen before and I would recommend from what I tasted.

Food:

This is a neighborhood favorite of ours - they make fresh, homemade, light pasta every day and have a great selection of Italian wines. The salsiccia is fantastic, with homemade fennel sausage grilled to perfection. The prices are a bit higher than you'd expect to pay for pasta, but well worth every penny.