Kuleto’s is one of those restaurants we love to recommend: with delicious, well-priced food and impeccable service, it’s consistently reliable. Located just off Union Square, this Italian-inspired trattoria is the perfect place to cap off a day of shopping and sightseeing—or to enjoy an early, pre-theater dinner. If you’re just in the mood for a little vino and a snack, stop in at Enoteca, the restaurant’s adjacent wine bar, which features a separate appetizer menu and more than 40 wines available by the glass. But for a real meal, point yourself to Kuleto’s dining room and get ready for a treat. If you are dining alone, or like to watch the action, sit at the long counter by the open kitchen and watch chef Sharyl Seim work her magic. For a quieter, more intimate experience, choose the carpeted main dining room, where tables are clothed in white linen and adorned with Italian majolica plate-ware. Vaulted ceilings and bright chandeliers add an elegant touch to the bistro-chic decor. Seim’s California-Italian menu features something for everyone: Highlights include a starter of grilled radicchio wrapped in pancetta with goat cheese and a basil cream sauce and housemade pastas, many of which are vegetarian-friendly. For heartier fare, try the tender veal piccata, honey-roasted duck, or ahi tuna. For dessert, the Kuleto’s version of zabaglione is one of the best we’ve ever tried; the chocolate pot de crème is also excellent. Navigate the restaurant’s extensive wine list with help from your knowledgeable server, who is happy to make recommendations. Kuleto’s is a popular place, so be sure to make a reservation. No reservation? Take our word for it: the wait is worth it.

221 Powell St. (between Geary and O’Farrell/ adjacent to Villa Florence Hotel), San Francisco
(415) 397-7720
www.kuletos.com
BREAKFAST: Mon.–Fri. 7–10:30 a.m.; Sat.–Sun. 8–10:30 a.m.
LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
WINE BAR: 4–10 p.m.
CREDIT CARDS: AE, DC, DIS, MC, VISA
NOTES: Reservations advised, wheelchair access, full bar