Found this place randomly on Yelp, called at 4:30p on a Sat afternoon to make an impromptu dinner reso for 2 ppl at 6p. The owner answered the phone and welcomed us. When we arrived, the bartender/server gave us a choice for where to sit and we chose the bar inside and really enjoyed our time there!
Here's what we ordered:
SNACKS
CARCIOFI 7
Grilled artichoke
- this somehow got missed in our initial order and I checked on it after all the other starts had already been served. I would've liked to have it in the beginning of the meal, it's served cold but it was still doable to take home since it was served cold anyway.
CHEF'S CHOICE BOARD 50
Cheese & charcuterie duo (3 cheeses, 3 meats)
- we left it to our server to put something together for us, and were very happy! for the cheeses, it included the Ciok (cow) cheese but I don't remember the rest. everything was imported from Italy and I didn't recognize any of the names as they weren't typically found in our usual grocery stores.
- I can't remember which other meats we had besides the Prosciutto di Parma, but I was so surprised as it was the best Prosciutto di Parma I've ever tasted Stateside. Apparently, this one is hard to get as US import laws are strict and this one is aged right up to the legal limit. it was so smooth, not overly salty or sinewy at all like it can be w mass production.
- the little accompaniments were so good! I think the honey was local, and the orange jam homemade. there was an artichoke spread which I think the owner said was local from Santa Cruz. they make their seed crackers in house and they were perfect!
FOR THE TABLE
TUNA TARTARE 25
Yellowfin tuna, strawberry, Pizzuta almond, EVOO
- small portion but incredibly fresh; the owner told us the fish had just arrived the day before. the fruit accompaniment was so good and light so that you could really taste the freshness of the fish.
BURRATA 18
organic burrata, roasted organic cherry tomatoes, pesto alla genovese, taggiasca olives, seeds crackers
- perfection. the pesto + extra virgin olive oil combined was so decadent!
VINOVERO SALAD 18
Heirloom Farm Spring lettuce, prosciutto crumble, soft boil egg, lemon radish, capers dressing, focaccia crostini
- there was a ton of different kinds of vegetation in this salad, the dressing was very light and not at all overpowering (thank goodness, as is common in American restaurants) and the soft boiled egg was perfect. this was a great dish to follow the cheese & charcuterie board, and a good size for sharing.
- the olives were the best, I enjoyed every single one. not too salty, really delicious!
SPRING PIZZETTA 24
Bufala Mozzarella
Prosciutto di Parma, Wild arugula,
parmigiano reggiano
- the owner recommended this pizza of all the pizzas. the ingredients on this pizza were so similar to all our appetizers that next time, I would want to try pizzetta prosciutto & funghi instead for a different kind of taste.
- my friend loved the focaccia bread the pizza was served on (made in-house) and it's signature at this place.
SPRITZ
- we ordered 2 rounds of cocktails since we're not big wine people, but if you're into wine, this is the place to ask for recommendations to pair w all your food. all their wines are Italian and the staff is very knowledgeable.
- I liked that the spritzes were not liquor-based as it made for a lighter and more refreshing accompaniment to our meal. their limoncello was also local and organic, and I found it way less abrasive compared to the larger commercial brands. splendid!
NEGRONI SBAGLIATO, Jerbis Vermouth 25, Bitter D'Angera, Spumante 15
VINOVERO, Genziana Aperitivo, Bitters, Orange, Sparkling Wine 15
SORRENTO, Organic Limoncello, Tonic water, Sparkling Wine 14
SICULO, Rossi D'Angera Vermouth, Orange Bitters, Sparkling Wine 13
Apparently, this place "doesn't" have a closing time in the evening "until the patrons feel like leaving" but please don't do that to the sweet man who owns this place bc he will treat you like a guest in his own home and you'll exhaust him lol! His name is Michael and he was a lovely host. it's a tiny spot and very cozy, a sharp contrast to Silicon Valley. it was a nice getaway to drive down to LG without traffic after the busyness of the week.
there was a crazy lady that barged into the restaurant towards the back and the owner chased her down lol. since he's very Italian, it was offensive that the woman would bust into his place and not even say hello. she was also nuts in tearing up the restroom like a tornado, didn't clean up after herself and left a mess everywhere. Michael was shaking his head -- these uncouth Americans with no manners!
oh, and the little details really are a beautiful touch -- we were served palette openers to start, and when I mentioned it was my friend's birthday, Michael brought out homemade meringue and fruit bowl w a little candle. indiv wrapped homemade cookies came w the check. thank you, Michael and crew! we will be back :) read more