Greco Romana

This consummate neighborhood cafe is always filled, and at every table, no matter how many fantastic Greek specialties, you will invariably find a massive pizza. The Il Greco is first on the list--with good reason. Feta, red onion, tomato, Kalamata Olives (freshly chopped!), and FRESH oregano top the pie; it usually includes Greek sausage which I opt out of for vegetarian reasons, but carnivores swear someday I'll come around for this potent combination of spices and garlic and sausage. Yes, the other pizzas are brilliant as well, the secret being absolutely fresh ingredients, right down to the herbs. The crust is light, yet substanial. One of the best I've tried in the city. Salads like the Greek Village or the sublime-when-in-season Insalata di Arance make the meal. When you don't feel like pizza (sigh), the specials don't disappoint. A vegetarian lasagna consisting of fresh vegetables which had snap and vibrant flavor were layered upon a creamy ricotta cu ... more

This consummate neighborhood cafe is always filled, and at every table, no matter how many fantastic Greek specialties, you will invariably find a massive pizza. The Il Greco is first on the list--with good reason. Feta, red onion, tomato, Kalamata Olives (freshly chopped!), and FRESH oregano top the pie; it usually includes Greek sausage which I opt out of for vegetarian reasons, but carnivores swear someday I'll come around for this potent combination of spices and garlic and sausage. Yes, the other pizzas are brilliant as well, the secret being absolutely fresh ingredients, right down to the herbs. The crust is light, yet substanial. One of the best I've tried in the city.
Salads like the Greek Village or the sublime-when-in-season Insalata di Arance make the meal. When you don't feel like pizza (sigh), the specials don't disappoint. A vegetarian lasagna consisting of fresh vegetables which had snap and vibrant flavor were layered upon a creamy ricotta custard, separated by a layer of fresh pasta, and topped off by one of the better bechamel sauces I've had. Very subtle, very good. All dinners come with a celestial house-made bread, and sometimes they bring out olives (tho on my last few visits, no olives--they can be ordered off the appetizer list, with some fine garlicky tzaziki). For meat-eaters, my boyfriend the carnivore swears by the meatballs, or the swordfish special, with an excellent tapenade. This place is one of the great finds of the city. Parking is as it will be on Clement (impossible), but the sweet ambient fairy lights and pleasant staff will erase all bad memory of San Francisco driving. less