Cotogna

Tucked into San Francisco’s Jackson Square neighborhood, Cotogna has been a beacon of refined Italian cooking since 2010. From the sister team behind the acclaimed Quince, this Financial District gem delivers the kind of consistency that keeps regulars coming back year after year. The space strikes a balance between warmth and sophistication—communal tables invite conviviality while a blazing wood-fired oven serves as the heart of the operation.

The pasta program here is nothing short of exceptional. The signature raviolo di ricotta is a must-order: a single, generously-sized pillow of pasta encasing creamy ricotta and a molten egg yolk, all swimming in nutty brown butter. It’s large enough to share but good enough that you might not want to. The agnolotti dal plin offers another highlight, with its impossibly tender filling of veal, rabbit, and pork, while seasonal offerings like the summer corn triangoli showcase the kitchen’s commitment to peak-ingredient cooking.

Beyond the handmade pasta, Cotogna excels at making every visit feel special without being stuffy. Start with tissue-thin prosciutto draped over gnocco fritto, those addictive fried dough pockets perfect for loading up with pickled onions and gorgonzola. The wood-fired pizzas hold their own as well, particularly the soppressata version with its crackling crust and salty-fatty toppings. In warmer months, keep an eye out for the gelato cart serving rotating flavors.

Whether you’re sliding up to the bar for a solo pasta and cocktail session or celebrating an anniversary at a reserved table, Cotogna adapts effortlessly to the occasion. It’s the kind of place where you can trust that every dart thrown at the menu will land on something memorable—a rare quality that makes it one of the city’s most reliable dining destinations.