Fiorella

Fiorella Restaurant Review:

Behind an understated façade, inky wood banquettes and tables anchor white honeycomb floor tiles against hand-drawn wallpaper depicting a cheeky mix of Bay Area personalities such as Alice Waters, Joe Montana, Humpty Hump and newscaster Dennis Richmond. Sleek finishes are also child-friendly; the restaurant smartly caters to families and maintains charitable partnerships with neighborhood elementary schools. Of the bold, colorful antipasti, we relished the savory anchovy dressing of the chicory salad, and the beef tongue with horseradish salsa and shaved walnut. Golden wood-fired octopus with crushed pistachio and Castelvetrano olives over chickpea purée is alone worth a visit. Saucy, Neapolitan pies rightly favor the garden and strike a diplomatic balance between white and red selections. A respectable wine program features Italian varietals, supported by six local beers by the bottle and tap. A finish of thick chocolate budino with hazelnuts and sea salt is highly recommended. Bring the family for weekend brunch.