4.5 STARS
As we were savoring the food at Barberio Osterio, waves of pleasure rolled through my body while I tried to hold in my creepy, euphoric Mark Wiens face.
And, then one lady's raucous laughing shook the dining room and cut that 'gasm real short.
Whomp whomp.
As with any new hip resto, Barberio Osterio is very lively so it may be it's best to dine right they open on a weeknight or during lunch to have a more enjoyable experience. We had 5:30 pm rezzies on a Friday, and by 6:30 pm...the noise level was too much and we couldn't hold a convo.
Opening mid-September, Barberio Osterio is already the "IT" spot on Valencia. And, for good reason because the food is remarkable. So, def make those rezzies on Resy esp on the weekends. They're open for indoor dining only.
M E N U
Regional Italian Cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Pastas are homemade.
Wine (all iItalian) and low abv cocktails (vermouth, sake, etc) only. No full bar but there's plenty of bars within walking distance: Blondie's, Dalva, Mother, ABV, The Valencia Room, etc.
6% SF health mandate added to bill.
F O O D
* Complimentary Bread w/ olive dipping oil: https://tinyurl.com/52rv5jvk
Fresh crusty country bread served with a briny, fruity olive oil dip.
* Sacchetti: Pasta parcels w/ slow roasted stemple creek lamb, pecorino romano & rosemary, zucchini & pecorino fonduta, peperonata, shaved summer squash, herbs ($26): https://tinyurl.com/29wb4mut
Don't let this "healthy" looking pasta fool you...it's filling, deliciously satisfying, and well-balanced in flavors. Al-dente chewy pasta parcels generously filled with savory, meltingly tender shredded lamb with a creamy cheese sauce and tangy peppers for a bite. One of the best pasta dishes I've had to date. We used the extra bread to sop up every. last. drop. of sauce.
GET THIS!
* Papparadelle: 10-hour bolognese-rossotti ranch veal, schmitz ranch dry aged beef, stemple creek pork, prosciutto di san daniele, soffritto, baby spinach, parmigiano-reggiano ($25): https://tinyurl.com/ycxubfve
A signature dish at their sister resto, AltoVino, this was our least fav dish of the night. There just wasn't enough bolognese to coat the long, wide sheets of papparadelle so it tasted on the plain, drier side.
* Pesce al Sale: Black cod roasted under salt & herb crust, roasted summer squash, frittella di zucchine, cherry tomatoes, capers, castelvetrano olives, young onion, soft herbs, cherry tomato passato ($39): https://tinyurl.com/yvumnudb
Carved and plated tableside: https://tinyurl.com/yjr4rcsc, the pesce al sale is NOT to be missed. If you know me, I prefer raw fish and I loathe olives...yet I found myself going back for more...and more. The black cod was silky, moist, and effortlessly flaked off with the brush of our forks. The accompaniments added freshness and texture...those crispy zucchini fritter tho...so good. The bursts of salty umami from the ikura completed this dish.
GET THIS TOO!
* Zabaglionep: Nectarine zabaglione, citrus granita, macerated berries & stone fruit ($12): https://tinyurl.com/p6mutzk9
To end this awesome dinner, we wanted something light and healthy...and the zabalionep delivered. Fresh, ripen strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, nectarines with refreshing granita and mint paired with an airy nectarine infused cream.
S E R V I C E
Welcoming, gracious, and attentive service. Everyone from the manager, server, food runner, and bussers were so kind.
Food service was prompt and courses were well-paced.
A M B I A N C E
Rustic modern charm with an open kitchen. Good for solo dining at the bar or date night.
P A R K I N G
Very challenging street parking (avoid driving through Valencia). There's a parking garage in back, at Hoff and 16th (Wells Fargo alley).
Overall, in a city that excels in both old and new skool Italian food, Barberio Osterio stands out for their upscale Italian fare that pays homage to the classics while adding a modern flair. Mmmm, still thinking about the sacchetti and pesce al sale. Def a great addition to The Mission's food scene! read more