THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Locanda Osteria & Bar

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Locanda Osteria & Bar Restaurant Review:

Stepping into this Valencia Street spot, with its geometric white tile walls and rough-hewn communal tables, is like arriving in Italy. Instantly, you’re surrounded by good food, drink and beautiful people. Locanda Osteria & Bar is a project from the couple that gave San Francisco Delfina and Pizzeria Delfina --- both restaurants with loyal followings. Locanda is devoted to the food of Rome: sexy fare like Jewish-style artichokes to eat with your hands, or a lusty bucatini all’amatriciana that easily slips its way around a fork. Start with a cocktail dubbed "La Bella Confusione" --- the bartender’s choice --- or a glass from the mid-size list of mostly Italian wines. Next try something small, a flatbread-style pizza Bianca with bone marrow and radish salad, or chilled tongue with salsa verde and Gaeta olives. Traditional pasta preparations (carbonara, cacio e pepe) are deeply satisfying thanks to their authentic flavors. Meats and fish --- bavette steak, Gulf snapper with cavolo nero and olives, guinea hen leg --- are cooked over charcoal for that tender, smoky bite. Linger over light desserts such as granita, ciambellini or crostata, or end the night as an Italian might with after-dinner drinks and cheese. Weekend brunch is a popular option.