La Ciccia Reviews

You need to make reservations well in advance. Tiny little restaurant. We loved Monterey calamari, octopus stew and grilled sea bass. They have a huge wine list. We tried some Sardinian wines and they were good. Our waiter was great. He let us try 3-4 different wines before choosing the one we liked. Great little neighborhood restaurant.

Fortunately La Ciccia is a little bit off the beaten path, otherwise you'd never get a table. Nevertheless, the two times we've visited this little resto it was packed. For good reason. On our last visit we showed up an hour early for an 8pm rezo and instead of being rebuffed, we were put at the bar and treated to full table service. Fine by us. We started with the Burrata special, a gooey, delicious cheese that oozed buttery notes all over our palates. Next up was the oven roasted Monterey Calimari that was tender, tasty and drizzled in basil oil we lovingly sopped up with the remains of our bread. Our last course was the Gnochetti with Pork Bagna, a meaty, to-the-tooth dish, cut with the sharp bite of year-old Pecorino. By the time we'd finished, there wasn't a crumb remaining, nor was there room for dessert. No matter...we'll be back.

La Ciccia came highly recommended by Mike at the Prescott Hotel-he hit a home run!! The trip over on the church J line was like an episode from Seinfeld-lots of fun!! We Didn't have reservations and preferred to eat at the bar.Lenis, the hostess, was amazing-she told us it would be about 25 minutes, sent us over to Nebbia's for a glass of wine and called us when our seats were available.Lorelia, at Nebbia;s,was very friendly and took good care of us.At La Ciccia;s, we had the baby octopus stew -might be the best thing I've ever had! A spicy tomato sauce with tender, delicious octopus.The bottariga pasta was so good and the trio of gelatos for dessert were out of this world.Our waiter/bartender was the best and everyone was so incredibly friendly! Excellent wine list.It was definitely one of our all time favorite dining experiences!

Three of us ate family style and were delighted with our starters of fish stew, baby octopus, and a squid ink linguine dish, all generous portions. Then our main course of lamb arrived and I was sorry I had filled up on the fish stew, tasty though it was. The lamb was exceptional! Medium rare char-grilled slices that were tender and delicious and a very nice size portion for $28. Only the wine glass prices seemed high to me; otherwise it was very good value. Do try the ricotta cake (more like a pudding) for dessert. We loved it!

Wow, loved our dinner here so much. There were quite a few standouts in this Sardinian restaurant. And of course the menu changes. But if available, do not miss the squid ink pasta. It was exceptional. Equally amazing was the octopus stew. The waitstaff was attentive and very helpful. The restaurant small and busy, and can be very noisy. We had 9:30 reservations so as our dinner progressed, the crowd thinned and noise not a problem at all. Oh, the gelato -- BEST EVER. If you like and appreciate excellent food, go to La Ciccia!

This is undoubtedly the best Italian food that I've ever had in my life. We started with several small plates and I ordered the squid ink pasta - which was to DIE for. I can close my eyes and still recollect the taste.

Never had Sardinian food before, so this was a novelty. It is a restaurant in my neighborhood, so I have eaten there several times. The food is excellently prepared. Unfortunately, it has been "discovered," so it is now among the trendy restaurants to go to. Also unfortunately some people also bring their infants to dinner with them, a rising rend among the affluent 30 year old set in San Francisco who have settled into this neighborhood. Thus, better late in the evening if you don't want to be entertained by other people's children.

Phenomenal Sardinian restaurant - excellent food, creative Salumi options and ample portions. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every dish. The home made pasta with Botarga (dried fish eggs) was sensational. The braised lamb shank was exquisite and just fell off the bone. The Porchetta salumi plate was more than we could eat, but made for a great addition to eggs the next morning. They have an extensive wine list they are very proud of. The sommelier was very helpful in helping us wind our way through the many Italian varietals to select the right wines for our dinner. My only gripe was that we left with a lot of food because we were not informed on the plate size - it would be very easy to order a la carte and have too much. Ask about portion sizes. Some dishes are better to split than take on by yourself!!

This is where to get Sicilian food in the San Francisco Bay area. Period. The owners run it like they were inviting you to their own home for dinner. The food is always spot-on and the wine list will boggle the minds of those looking for obscure finds of delight. I've never had a bad meal there over the years and have had several that are just incredible. Check out the specials, or go with the mainstays. You can't go wrong at La Ciccia! Reservations are a must, often several weeks in advance

We arrived very late for our reservation. Our table had, understandably, been given away. Lorella seated us at the bar and make certain that we had a fabulous dinner. The food was outstanding as was the service. La Ciccia will be top of our list when we return to San Francisco. Thank you Lorella for your great hospitality!

We just returned from our annual visit to the Bay area. A dinner at La Ciccia has become a part of our tradition. The food is authentic, fresh and perfectly prepared. The wine list is outstanding with many hard to find Sardinian wines and is fairly priced to boot. Ask the waiter for recommendations. You will be glad you did. I can't wait until next year. I just wish I didn't live 3,000 miles away.

Great food and atmosphere.... everything tastes really authentic. You need to book much in advance: hard to get a table.

The location is in a very nice neighborhood and the outside is unassuming. As you enter, you realize it's not particularly large, yet they manage to fit relatively comfortably about 15 tables. By 6:30, it was packed. The waiter is bona fide Italian and the menu is selective and authentic. They provide the titles of dishes in Italian, with English in parentheses. Of course,it's the type of menu where I don't know at least one of the things in the description, so I might as well read it in Italian. There are like 4 choices of everything - appetizers, salads, pastas, main courses, deserts. My sister ordered something minus all the stuff. The waiter commented at that point it's just pasta and butter to which my sister said "exactly". She eats nothing. She went crazy and had some cheese on top of it. My future brother-in-law had the baby octopus stew as appetizer and I don't recall what for the dinner. Wife had a salad and then the baby octopus stew as her meal - apparently this is the specialty there. I had a greens salad (wife said it was outstanding, I was just okay with it - go with her view). And I had the lamb. The lamb was very good in my view, amazing in the view of my wife. Go with her view. Nice wine pairings (all Italian) and two desserts. All for about $230 before tip. I learned they don't offer gluten free pasta, but if you call a few days before your reservation they can try to buy some from the store. Others bring it with them! Hard to argue the service was awesome. I could easily skip going to this restaurant again, as it's too fancy for me, but my wife thought it was amazing. Go with her view!

I have been to this restaurant a few times in the past, it is often impossible to get a reservation, because so many people enjoy the delicious flavors of Sardinia that the chef serves each night. The space is small with a few bar seats available. The emphasis is on seafood but this night two of my friends ordered the pork dish which was cooked perfectly and they enjoyed the hint of spice from the salsa. I ordered the Prawns that were served with a tomato sugo that brought out the flavor of the seafood. We shared the calamari and the Fusilli to start. The dishes were all served promptly and we had enough to feel satisfied but not stuffed. Service is prompt, the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. The Hostess is also the owner so she keeps the restaurant flowing and as I mentioned, this is a favorite in the City so make sure to plan ahead for reservations.

When you enter the tiny restaurant somebody will greet you with a big smile and a friendly hand on your shoulder will escort you to your table. I immediately felt I am in the right place. The food is not the regular American Italian you find in 90% of the restaurants, this family owned restaurant serves food originated in Sardinia! I started with Octopus stew in a spicy tomato sauce which was perfect! the octopus meat was tender and not rubbery, perfectly seasoned and spicy. I cleaned the plate using the bread. For main I had one of the days special: pasta with rustic tripe stew. So simple, so authentic, so good. For desert the barman recommended the chocolate truffle which was a big scoop of chocolate ice cream filled with liqueur and cherry. You don't need more than that...Most wines are from Sardinia and are very interesting and reasonably priced. For me that was a perfect dinning experience.

We dine at La Ciccia every time we visit San Francisco and it never fails to be wonderful. The food is excellent, atmosphere warm and inviting and the management really cares about your experience. Although we may dine here once a year or less frequently, we are greeted like once-a-week customers by the owner. She is engaging, friendly and manages the operation with precision. It's a bit of a distance from the main tourist area but definitely worth the short trip for outstanding Sardinian food and a memorable evening.

Wonderful handmade pasta and fresh seafood. The special goat ragu was amazing. The wine list has a number of fantastic Sardinian gems at very reasonable prices. Make sure to make a reservation. It's a small place and is always busy.

We had the octopus stew for a starter- it was swimming in a slightly spicy marinara sauce that was perfectly seasoned (as was the whole meal). Save some bread for the sauce. We split the pasta botarga and ordered the special: sea bass. We split a salad. The wine list is famous, and famously good- the hard part is deciding what to drink, but they have excellent advice. We were too full to eat desert, so we ordered the ricotta cake to go (OMG delicious later when we ate it) This place is tucked away in Noe Valley, but is worth the trip. Reservations are a must, and it is closed on Mondays and a few other times during the year, but you will be blown away by the food when you do get a reservation. Let the servers guide you in your food choices and wine- you will not be disappointed.

An amazing authentic cuisine from Sardegna. Unique and a must! The wine list is award winning! The fish is fresh. The chef is creative still honoring the italian cuisine tastes and tradition.

I had been to quite a few Italian restaurants in north beach and was disappointed by them all. I am so glad I came here.. I can now say I have had authentic Italian in San Francisco. The service was great. Friendly but not too over the top! Ioved every dish I had. I will tell all my Italian friends about this place

I've been several times to La Ciccia and every time I go there is something new to taste-food or a wine from Sardinia. I love that. The last time I was there, treating friends, the service was not what I expected-we felt rushed and the server did not seem to want to explain some of the foods on the menu. It was very surprising as we had never had that experience there before. It might have been an off night for the server. That said, the food is always very good and we always enjoy hearing about a unique Sardinian food or wine that might be on the menu that night. Knowing that the sardines are in season and they are preparing it the Sardinian way. Or the saffron ice cream is made on the premises. Makes each visit a little surprise.

Spent a month in San Francisco and this was a stand out restaurant for the care and service they put into everything. Even as someone who's not a foodie type I could appreciate the attention to detail and the sense that they really have a passion for everything they are doing there. Highly recommended.

It is really difficult to find good italian food while travelling, this is an exception, if you wanna have a taste of italy or you are missing our cousine, this is the place you are looking for. 10+

This is the type of place that is off the beaten path but well worth the journey. The food is excellent and the hostess has always made me feel welcome even when I didn't have a reservation. It's a cozy interior and the servers are knowledgeable about the menu and about food and, of course, hospitality. The size belies the quality inside. Whenever I've brought guests they've been pleasantly surprised how much they enjoyed the experience. I keep coming back!

I ate here about three weeks ago. The lamb was excellent and the marinated squid appetizer was especially tasty. The Sardinian wine we had was great, and the wine list is expensive. This is definitiely worth the ride from downtown if you are visiting SF. Keep in mind that this place is very small and not conducive to large parties. Reservations are a must.

I live near here but haven't been for a few years. If you're visiting San Francisco getting here from downtown hotels gives you exposure to a couple of SF 'hoods. The J-Church light rail comes above ground for most of the trip and you'll ride up the side of Dolores Park affording great views of downtown (sit on LHS). Restaurant is small - maybe 40 covers? - and you're packed pretty close. Food is exceptional. Other reviewers have highlighted the various specialties but I would encourage paying particular attention to the specials - last night offered a veal tripe stew in a spicy tomato broth which was exceptional... Waitstaff - uniformly male, at least on most recent visit - all great and very knowledgeable. Pricing competitive for the experience - apps lo/mid teens; first courses hi teens/lo-twenties; second courses hi-twenties. Decent selection of exclusively Italian wines by the glass, with bottles beginning around forty dollars.

This restaurant came highly regarded and my friends hit the mark. What an awesome dining experience from start to finish. The staff reminded me of any great neighborhood restaurant in Italy, something hard to come by in the Bay area. Great wines, food, service... a well orchestrated evening. Started with house made charcuterie that rocked. Two pastas really caught us off guard, they were so good. The aglio olio was outstanding with the battarga (fish roe) and the gnochetti with pork ragu made me want to order another one. Highlights on the secondi were orata and pork tenderloin. Probably one of the best wine lists for Sardegna and southern Italy in the area. One of my new SF favorites!

There wasn’t anything special about the meal or experience. The food was average and nothing special. The squid appetizer was the best part of the meal. For the next course we had the pasta and lamb pasta. Both were ok and over priced for the portions. The main course were the scallops. Although they looked good it was very spicy maybe too much pepper and that was all we could taste. With a $70 bottle of wine and no dessert the bill came to over $300. Also the service was slow and expect to pour your own wine. Not something we would expect at these prices. I think there are better restaurants in San Francisco to choose from so skip this one unless you’re ok with average and uninteresting food.

This small restaurant serves delicious Sicilian cuisine, which is not the typical fare you'll find on Italian menus. I've dined here multiple times and have never had a bad meal. Their specials, esp. the Santa Barbara prawns are outstanding. The waitstaff are friendly and professional which adds to the overall experience of this beloved neighborhood gem.

Our son and his wife took us there for dinner. Baked calimari was wonderful followed by lamb entree and fettuccine special. Had help from the server to pick a terrific red Sardinian wine. Wonderful service and atmosphere. Just a very fine dining experience.

Tucked away in the southern part of Noe Valley, situated at the end of the J Church MUNI, it is well worth the trip. Everything we ate was top notch; the menu looked solid top to bottom. Service was perhaps the best I've experienced. Make a reservation in advance.

You probably need to make reservations well in advance, since it's a pretty small place. But the food- excellent. It's the perfect mix of next-door nonna cooking and 'high palate' cuisine. All the essences of Italian/Mediterranean food are there, and yet it's much more. The Sardinian roots of the kitchen give the dishes a special twist (it's not Sicilian, as a previous reviewer pointed out- a big difference!). The seafood is spectacular and the pasta in squid ink was our favorite.

It was good. But unfortunately we didn’t get the best waiter to start off with. He asked us what we wanted and we told him. He didn’t go through the daily specials that I heard the other waiters go through with other customers. I got the spicy garlic spaghetti with fish roe or something like that. It was good. Would I order again? No. My partner had gotten the pork scallopini, it had great flavor.

This place definitely lived up to expectations. It is a small restaurant in a pretty residential neighborhood. We had a reservation, which I recommend. They specialize in Sardinian food and ingredients. So there are several seafood options as well as pork and some vegetarian choices. They have a pretty extensive wine list with wines from all over Italy, including Sardegna. All of the food was amazing. There was a special seafood pasta with a tomato and olive based sauce that was probably the star of the show. The spaghetti with mushroom ragu was rich and delicious. We also had an arugula salad with burrata cheese as an appetizer. We could not try a second course because we were too full, but they had some good looking fish and pork dishes. We did get the cheese plate, which came on a flat bread and included pecorino and fiore sardo, as well as some honey. It is not cheap with entree courses starting at $25 per plate, but worth the splurge. Wines start at around $14 per glass or $45 per bottle.

This small but very lively place serves excellently prepared Sardinian fare- the fish is wonderful, especially the spicey calamari, and the lamb pasta was heavenly. The squid ink pasta was a bit overcooked, but still tasty and flavorful. Overall, a very nice visit.

Located at the southern edge of Noe Valley lies this treasure. Every time I go the owner greets me in Italian and kisses my cheek, I don't speak, nor do I understand Italian, but that doesn't stop me from feeling very special! Make a reservation for this restaurant because it is is very popular. From its wine list to the complex favors of a unique Sardinian cuisine (don't call it Italian, the chef and co-owner will strongly disagree!) you will be transported.

There is not a bad dish at this small, out-of-the way Italian, While it is not the largest menu and the tables are a little cramped, the quality and freshness of the ingredients plus the true southern Italian authenticity more than make up for these tiny annoyances. The menu changes often bit try the "black squid ink pasta" if one is featured on the menu. The wine list is also superb and features one of the larger selections of mostly (southern) Italian wines. Reservations are a must. One caveat: if your are looking for what goes as Italian cuisine in many places (ie chick/veal parm, pasta with meatballs, etc..), this place may not be for you but try the enatore Capelli Gnochetti Pork Bagna Pecorino Sardo instead.

La Ciccia has two things going for it: It is a neighborhood place in the best sense of the term: Loyal locals interact with welcome newcomers in an intimate space; and it features a number of dishes with a Sardegnan flair, something rare even in most Italian mainland cities. The staff are welcoming and attentive and the people in the kitchen know what they are doing. One weak spot for me personally was that, for someone who, for health reasons, is not allowed to eat spicy food, many of the menu items were off limits. This would not be a problem for most customers. The wine list is varied and the prices very reasonable.

I've been coming here for years and the food was always intense and exuberant but this past year I think they're using the same sauce on multiple dishes- and of course I ordered an appetizer and entree with the same dish. It's a trek out to the restaurant so a major disappointment.

This restaurant was recommended by a local resident. It was a special, intimate dining experience. Lorella has never met a stanger and the staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was as special as suggested. If you want real Sardinia Italian, this is the place. Our daughter said the fish stew was exquisite.

La Ciccia is a family-owned and run Sardinian restaurant in Noe Valley. We've dined here several times over the years and last night's meal was as spectacular as ever. Both the quality of the food and the attentive staff make this place one of our must-visit places whenever we're in San Francisco. The owners are a delightful couple. Their warm personalities light up the room and transform an already amazing restaurant into the most special of places.

My daughter took me out for my birthday. The ingredients were all quite fresh and well presented. We shared a braised squid appetizer. Unlike the usually breaded and fried version, this dish was baked and served with a lovely sauce of vinegars and herbs. She had a lamb and veggies that was delightful...the lamb being cooked perfectly. I had a pasta with shaved dried fish and cheese. Both very good. We had a nice bottle of red wine from Sardinia that the server recommended. Good service and very good food.

Loved this meal...off the beaten path and would not have found it as visitors to the city. Ordered too much food...a wonderful salad, anchovies appetizer, prawns, pasta. Lots of fun...chose the wrong wine and they were willing to exchange it but we kept it. It was a Sardinian special.

We went to La Ciccia with 2 friends. It is a small restaurant and difficult to get a reservation. The food is wonderful! The service is excellent. I know little about Sardinian cuisine but would love to go back to La Ciccia again.

This is one of the best restaurants I have eaten at anywhere in the country. The food is exceptional and the atmosphere is friendly and cozy. My favorite dish has to be the Spaghittusu cun Allu Ollu e Bottariga which is truly wonderful. I have taken my wife on more that one special occasion and it is always a hit. Good food, good atmosphere and good people. Go visit Max & Lorella (the owners are always working) and you will not be disappointed.

Overall, quite good. A smallish neighborhood place serving Sardinian food. Limited menu and most everything was delicious although not always a WOW. Simple decoration. Cool service that didn't seem too eager to help.

WOW!!! We had a outstanding dinner here the other night...=) The food was so tasty and good. Service was outstanding and very friendly It feels like a locals restaurant and not a tourist place. We had such a great time dining and drinking wine. Try this restaurant you wont be disappointed you did.... A+ restaurant

La Ciccia is one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, and there are many from which to pick. The food is Sardinian, the menu is unique and each selection an experience. The Italian owners are warm and welcoming and are always there to ensure your visit is excellent. They have amazing consistency with their staff, which also helps to ensure your service first rate. It is not a large restaurant, making securing a reservation challenging, so if you wish to visit this restaurant plan ahead. It will be worth the effort.

Lovely, intimate Sardinian restaurant tucked away in Noe Valley. We went for a birthday dinner and it was every bit the celebration we wanted. Every course was simply outstanding. The service is spot on without being too formal or overbearing. A true gem!

Amazing dinner at La Ciccia on the back patio. The food was amazing, the service was attentive, warm and professional. I am still thinking about the squid and gnocchi we ate. I highly recommend La Ciccia if you are in San Francisco!!

On our recent visit to San Francisco, our daughter had made reservations at this Sardinia restaurant. WARNING--you must make these well in advance, but they will only make them a month in advance of you visit. You need both luck, persistence, and flexibility. The dining experience was worth it. Our group of 4 ordered the seafood soup and baby calamari as apprtizers--there was plenty enough to share for 4. We split 2 pasta dishes as a first course, and each of ordered a main course. A roast lamb tenderloin dish was done exactly right. A pork medallion with caramelized onions was very good as was the roasted sea bream. A ricotta saffron cake with honey and almonds topped off the meal. Note: the menu names are all in Sardinia dialect, but they all have English subtitles. The cost per couple with a nice Sardinia red wine blend was about 150 including tip.

Excellent food and service and a lot of fun--BUT, parking was a nightmare. There's only street parking and the night we were there I dropped off the rest of our party and drove around and around and couldn't find a place to park within 1/2 mile of the restaurant. Finally, I called my son and he got a waitress to move her car so I could park. Other than that, we had a great time. We asked our waiter for suggestions and everything was delicious. We shared appetizers, pasta, main courses, and dessert. Crowded and noisy but a lively, fun atmosphere. Be warned--on our way back to the highway for our return to San Francisco, we had to go through a police sobriety check point.

Just returned from 2 weeks eating pasta in northern Italy, and this meal stood up to any we had there. Baby octopus and calamari starters were superb, and the pasta and sauces were excellent. Very rich, and the Sardinian flavors were interesting. Great wine list. Would definitely recommend and return.

I loved this place. Nice small location. Friendly staff. The food was delicious. The Sandinian Bread is a must!

Some good friends recommended this charming place on 30th street near Church St. Note the street address carefully, it's unclear that 291 30th is even a restaurant when you look directly at it. There is little or no signage. My theory is that this intersection may be SF's version of the "Bermuda Triangle" as there is something magical here. A historic muni-trolley car rumbles by every so often -- making the wide turn up Church Street. Stand at this broad intersection for a few minutes and see if you have the same sensation. Step inside the door of La Ciccia and you will encounter a heavy red drape. Push the drape aside to find an intimate dining room and small bar. The ambience is so romantic I began to wonder how many marriage proposals occurred here. Hidden away as it was, the restaurant was completely full on a cold December evening. Those who have found this place clearly become repeat customers. Check out the menu on their web site to see their menu. Everything our party of five ordered was delicious. The waiter was extremely helpful in making wine recommendations and you will find they have a very extensive selection. A couple owns and operates the restaurant and the wife came up to personally see that we were satisfied. It was clear that she knew most of the patrons that evening -- our party being somewhat of an outlier. I'd strongly recommend reservations for your visit given La Ciccia's obviously popularity. If you a ready to pop the question to someone special, this may be your venue!

LaCiccia is best described as a culinary event. Tucked away in a Noe Valley residential neighborhood, this wonderful restaurant proved to be a great introduction to Sardinian cuisine. Based on the waiter's recommendation we ordered their pasta, fish and lamb signature dishes as "pass around's" for the table which proved to be the way to go. All dishes we well presented with incredibly fresh local ingredients and wonderful flavors. We paired the meal with Kanai Carignano Del Sulcis, a reasonably priced Sardinian red wine that that drank as well as a high end Sangiovese. This restaurant is a real gem. Make reservations early and respect the "no cell phone" request.

Awesome Sardinian items. If you are not familiar with Sardinian cuisine, make sure to ask for guidance, you might miss opportunities for amazing dishes. Among others, excellent tripes and pasta with squid ink and lemon zest. Only downsides: tables tend to be small and close to each other, and they do not carry a license for spirits (which means mirto is not available...).

This small unpretentious restaurant iin Noe Valley specializes in dishes from Sardinia, and you won't be disappointed in what they serve. Everything we had was wonderfully flavorful and expertly prepared. It's wine and beer only, so be prepared. Service is polished and pleasant, and the prices are not outrageous for such a superb meal.

best place in san francisco for a wonderful authentic Sardinian meal!! We always order the baby octopus stew and the squid ink pasta!! to die for... We love their selection of Vermintino!!! The wait staff is cute,fun,exciting and very knowledgeable!! Make reservations way in advance and good luck!! We live close by and ofcourse it would be easy to walk up without a reservation and wait...but well worth the time!!! Bravo La Ciccia!!!

Ive been here several times and I actually think it was better years before. I'm not sure if ownership (or kitchen staff) has changed but the food is not as good as it was in the past.......flavors are off and seem "Americanized". Too bad because authentic Italian restaurants are getting harder and harder to find.

Been there several times. The food compares to best places in New York and Italy. The octopus, langoustine and spicy marinara were just as I remembered. Flew from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl just to eat here. :) Will be back!!! JC

I meant to say that the wine list is exTensive (you can judge for yourself if it is exPensive - I did not think so) with many wines coming from Sardinia. Sorry about the typo.

La Ciccia is my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Massimiliano's creations are delicious and he always surprise me with new recipes. Reserve in advance (but if you come from Sardinia he always find a table for you)

The food is consistently good, especially the calamari in spicy tomato sauce and the home made spaghetti with bottarga. The space is cozy like being in someone's living room

This is the place. Thoughtful, Caring, Authentic food. Spectacular wine list! People in America are beginning to understand the value of "authentic" in their dining experiences. If you want to know what it is like to eat in Sardinia, GO EAT HERE.

OMG... If I lived in this town, is be at this Sardinian restaurant at least twice a week every week! Without question the very best Italian/Sardinian food I've EVER had in my life. The octopus stew was divine, the baked calamari divine, the squid ink pasta so perfect in its texture, so balanced in its favors, so amazing when it hit your pallet and do absolutely heavenly a memory. There is NO WAY you would not finish the entire plate of pasta no matter how full you are... I was stuffed and used bread to soak up the little sauce left on the plate. Thank you for such an amazing meal... Going back tomorrow with a client and sadly won't be back in SF for about a month... I'll miss this place BIG TIME!!! Wow...what amazing cuisine! 👏👏👏👍👍👍😀😀

We were looking forward to dining at this much praised restaurant and were oh so disappointed. The overall descrition would be heavy handed. The first course, Roasted Monterey Calamari Basil Oil Greens was swimming in an oil emulsion. The rigatoni with reggiano & truffles was thick and bland, no flavor of cheese or truffles. The lamb was drowned in herbs & balsamic sauce--so much so that the flavor of the lamb barely came through, and the cauliflower was spicy without being notified in advance. The room was stuffy and loud. On top of the food misses, it was overpriced. With so many perfect, unpretentious, Italian restaurants in San Francisco, like Tony's, Pazzia, Perbacco, Delfina, The Italian Homemade Company, and a slew of others, we had hoped for a Sardinian restaurant.

Truly outstanding cuisine and ambiance. Portions were quite generous.Our server was amazing very friendly and nice couldn't have had a better time

La Ciccia was a weekly regular for us until they became so popular that we couldn't get reservations! Massimo and Lorella really know how to make magic happen, and we were thrilled to be back this week taking friends from New York. We are Italian (from Italy) and are very picky about pseudo Italian food you find in the US, but La Ciccia is authentic Sardinian. Don't miss the pasta with black squid ink, the octopus appetizer and the grilled calamari! We also love the pasta with shaved tuna roe (bottarga), and of course the crispy Sardinian bread (pane gattau). And, don't miss pairing it all with one of their fantastic Sardinian wines. So nice to be back!!

Although you expect great food and service in San Francisco, there are restaurants that are stunning. La Ciccia, an Italian eateries located on the edge of Glen Park, is one such restaurant. The restaurant is far from North Beach but it is well worth a Uber ride if you are a tourist. Founded ten years ago by an Italian couple, the small dining room boasts food that exceeds 99 per cent of Italian restaurant. The chef owner is Sardinian so the restaurant carried the seafood and terrain emphasis of his native cuisine. The pastas are mostly homemade and the portions always ample the fish is extremely fresh and usually simply prepared. The wine list is surimi fly large, perhaps 200 offerings including Sardinian vintages, for a restaurant this small. Reservations are a must. But it is worth a trip

If you see the location: do not give up. If you see the facade: do not give up. If you see the interior: do not give up. Just choose anything (no not what what you already know) from the menu, close your eyes and enjoy! They have true original Italian/Sardinien dishes and extensive Italian/Sardinien wine list so be open for new gastronomical experiences. No not fancy, show off place to be, pure come for a tasteful evening out. You better reserve a table as its small and mostly fully booked.

It's at La Ciccia and it's Sardinian, as is the co-owner and chef, Massimilliano Conti. His co-owner and wife, the vivacious Lorella Degan is from Padua and does everything else, including selecting their wonderful Italian wines. Everything's fresh, carefully seasoned and carefully prepared, lots of seafood, wonderful pastas, lovely attentive wait staff. What more could one want? But wait! There is more. They've just opened another restaurant a few doors down the street on Church, La Nebbia, which serves Italian supper items, small plates if you will. Tasty little plates of various Italian meats, cheeses, delicious pizzas, even lasagna! Great wines, too. It's the drop-in enjoy yourself destination for neighbors and out-of-towners. Both restaurants are accessible riding the "J" line on SF's erratic and undependable municipal railroad system, which runs all the way from the Embarcadero to La Ciccia's and La Nebbia's front doors. If you want the scenic route, take the surface "F" car along Market, then switch to the surface "J" at Church. And there are always taxis and the alternatives: SideCar, Lyft, Uber and RelayRides. Get to either restaurant any way you can when you visit San Francisco.

The welcoming and cozy atmosphere compliments the stunningly delicious food. The warm and attentive service makes this a very special place. The prices are quite reasonable for the quality of the food- however the Sardinian beers are very expensive.

Come to this place for amazing homemade pasta and delicious Sardinian wine. Great ambiance and attentive service.

It is probably a great thing for locals this place has a #99 ranking in SF. It is hand-down one of top Italian SF has to offer. First off the proprietors are lovely. They consistently put out amazing food and it is a consistent go-to place for us for any special occasion or any reason at all if we want a perfect dining experience soup to nuts. Have been there 20+ times over last 10 years and it never disappoints. The lamb chops are always sublime, the squid in red sauce with just the right amount of cumin is always amazing. Pastas whatever lorella is making is always amazing. the bread is just like in Sardegna. The wine program will knock your socks off. If you are normally someone who brings wine to restaurants because you have a fantastic cellar - would highly recommend letting Lorella or Massimo select something fun and different from Sardenia given the wine program is extensive and has something for everyone. The location is near the MIssion and parking is a nightmare - definitely recommend public transport of sorts (as anywhere in Sf these days). Decor is simple but enjoyable, service is always spot on. Have taken numerous friends here over the year and everyone walks away with a big smile on their face and La Ciccia then becomes one of their favorite sf Italian restaurants.

A delightful couple owns La Ciccia and they know how to make you feel at someone's home in Sardinia. Delicious pastas, seafood & wine.

I love this restaurant that serves authentic sardinian food. Simple yet full of unusual flavors combined with a great sardinian wine selection. Warm and delightfull owners. It is a place where you take your time and reach for your wallet but it is all well worth it.

Small intimate Noe Valley restaurant with some of the best food anywhere. Many unique Sardinian wines (the Nepente de Oliena Riserva 2001 Cannonau is a knockout) ans special dishes. Friendly personal service. Comfortable quiet dining...try the flatbread, the burrata special, the pork medallions, the special cheese and orange zest filled ravioli. Moderately priced and delicious. Worth every penny. Be sure to reserve, it's small!

We live in the Bay Area and La Ciccia is one of our favorite restaurants in San Francisco. They do a beautiful delicate calamari just right. Their spaghetti with bottarga is not to be missed. Lorella will make you feel so at home whether she knows you or it's your first visit. The food is local and sustainable. The staff all friendly and well versed in the food and wine. A real neighborhood gem!

Food was beyond excellent ! That said, restaurant is cramped and noisy, hard to hear your table mates. Service somewhat slow, and the bill came with an extra bottle of wine added to it. Easily corrected after some apologies, they add a 5% surcharge for using a credit card. Probably one and done.

A neighborhood gem, just blocks from my home. Delicious food and gracious service. My friend visiting from Manhattan was duly impressed. The server was from Ukraine I think and she was quite knowledgeable about Sardinian cuisine and wine. A lovely evening.

La Ciccia is great, authentic Sardinian food. But you shouldn't go there. It is getting very popular and reservations are now getting scarce, and it is my favorite restaurant in my neighborhood. So you see why this can be troubling for me. But seriously, it is some really amazing food. And Lorella is an amazing host with a keen eye for quality Sardinian wine. If you go there, just trust me, get the pork gnochetti, you won't be sorry.

I am thinking of a birthday gift for my wife and I feel that dining out in one of the best restaurants is a good idea. So I made a reservation to La Ciccia which was recommended to me by my friend. Together with my children and my wife we dine at this restaurant and we had an experience that we will never forget. The food was really great and the service, two thumbs up! I tried their Camberonisi Arrustiusu which is an oven roasted whole wild prawns garlic parsley pepperoncino. Their chef really cooks well. The staff were really warm, from greeter to the waiteress/waiters. All I can say is “Thank you and till next time.” I will bring my loved ones again here.

This restaurant is one of the best little hidden gems in San Francisco. The Battarga Pasta is amazing and so is the Octopus and the Grilled Calamari. Excellent Seafood all around. Amazing place and will always go back. I have eaten there about 6-7 times and it is always excellent. Mario

First time to have sardinian food - very Italian like and AMAZING! Met two friends here who has been trying to get reservations for a long time, so worth the wait! Tried a couple of dishes, calamari and artichoke salad is a must, although doubt that any dish would be a let down

The best dinner we had over a week in SF. Exceptional no compromise Sardinian restaurant - e.g. calamari in red wine, rosemary, cloves! Deserves the plaudits on the wine list. Staff all very knowledgeable, friendly, discreet timely. Lovely to have the Italian proprietor couple there. Intimate, informal, not noisy, neighbourhood place - lucky Bernal Heights. Portions are very generous, we noticed the local couple on the table next to us shared one starter, one pasta and one main course, we'd do that next time especially to leave room for the trio of ice cream (particularly loved the goat cheese and fig ice cream).

Mar 13, 2014 We had a memorable dinner with my brother-and sister-law, who had never been here either. Though I made advance reservations about a month ago, the owner, Massimiliano Conti, could not find my reservation. Despite that, we were seated; we were so looking forward to dining here. We had an array of starters, octopus stew, marinated calmari, and roasted sardines. All were divine. Our entree, squid ink pasta, was very different--the pasta was cut into short lengths that it almost resembled a blackened risotto. Their wine list is very extension. We ordered a $30 Tuscan melot-cab that was correct and full-bodied. Their food seems authentic, from Sardinian origins, and totally worth it. Once you have found parking, you're enjoy the evening.

Came here during a visit from NY, thanks to Trip Advisor reviews. Excellent food. The owner himself took our order and advised us on selections and wine. Gracious and personal service; robust and unusual renderings of iconic Mediteranean food. The food is Sardinian, rather than "Italian."

This is one of SF's gems. Husband and wife team serve incredible food from Sardinia. Don't miss the octopus stew, the roasted calamari or the risotto with sea urchin. The flavors are truly Italian in their simplicity and focus on flavors. The is truly one of the best Italian restaurants in the city.

It's been a few years since I been back ( live an hour away) but this place still rocks! Sevice, food, wine hasn't change a bit!

I met up with a good friend for dinner at La Ciccia ... an absolutely perfect mid week treat. Top service and absolutely delicious cuisine. The sardines were fantastic ... and the spaghetti? Perhaps the best I've had in San Francisco. But you MUST order the flat bread ... wow! I'll be back!

The woman owner/hostess was very accommodating. First, I screwed up the automated reservation and when I arrived at 5:30 pm , the reservation was not in their computer. Turns out somehow, it was made for the next month. But she seated us anyway. I Was very thankful for that bc the restaurant is filled later on. We ordered flatbread and when we saw regular bread came with the dinner, we asked the waiter if we should cancel the flatbread. He said no bc the flatbread was different and was really good. I'm glad I listened to him; thin, crisp, with hint of cheese and rosemary on top--5 Stars. Stewed baby octopus in spicy tomato sauce-tender-4stars. Baked calamari- tender but not as much taste-3 stars. Wife had pasta with pork and a slight sweet tomato sauce- don't know what else was in the sauce but was terrific-5 stars. I had squid ink pasta for the first time. It surprised me bc the pasta were little pin head pasta balls and sauce had a lemon taste- was so different and very good-5 stars. Relied on the waiter to recommend glass of wine to go with meal- perfect choice by waiter. Service and Food were wonderful. However, if you are looking for pasta, menu only had 4 choices. This is Sardinian restaurant and more heavy on seafood rather than pasta. If you want pasta, would go to Parma.

I can honestly say this was one of my best meals and I have dined all over the world. Sardinian has much more flavor with much less sauce then typical Italian Each dish unique and surprising. Like the prawns.. very good but THE SMOKED Swiss chard underneath was soo soooo special.. The service was fine... Our waiter from Genoa was good but after he took our order we mostly saw the kitchen staff.. They were great. Two things... the bread is cold (I like warm bread to soak up my sauces )and our dinner including two glasses of wine was 160 dollars before gratuity.... I wish I could dine here once a week but 90 dollars a piece would make this a special occasion place.. Also.. if you are not a local.. The 24th st BART is a good 20 minute walk... This is a must try restaurant.. I would have a glass of wine at home and save my dollars for an extra first or second course! Buon Apettito

Known for their “pulpi” stewed octopus, we also ordered the spaghetti with shaved tuna heart. These are their two premier dishes, which seem to be the things to order, which the restaurant is best known for. With reservations booked up a month in advance, we learned that it may be possible to sit at the counter without a reservation in between the busy seatings at 7 and 9.

Five of us each ordered different plates, including appetisers and dolches and all were exceptional. To nitpick a little, the bread is not up to San Fransisco standards so order the flatbread. Good wine list but we mistakenly let the waiter pick Our wine. Bad mistake!. We ended up paying over $70 for two bottles of Sardinian wine that retail for $10 each. Maybe they don't allow use of cellphones because they don't want people to google their overpriced wines. And this place is very, very noisy and elbow to elbow. Back on a positive note, their baked calamari is the best ever, their ice cream assortment is spectacular, the baked sardines are to die for and the service is above exceptional. Simply can not beat their food. The chef is a genius! An easy drive from the airport if you stick to the interstates. Ate there twice this past week and tasted almost everything on the menu.

A friend recommended La Ciccia, a slightly out-of-way Sardinian Italian restaurant (30th & Church St), and we were most impressed by the cuisine and wine selection. It's a smallish restaurant that does three seatings nightly. We were allocated the 5.30, while the last is 9.30pm. That doesn't seem to matter in Sanfran. A family atmosphere and authentic, original menu for that special occasion... I could go on!

Although a little far from the hotel I stayed in, going to this restaurant was an amazing experience. Try the sea food and pair it with some Sardinian wine sugested by the owners and you won't regret.

Almost mist the restaurant located right in a T intersection. Parking might be difficult? I was lucky to find a spot within a few minutes. It is a small tight place, you will feel right back on vacation in Italy or France with your neighbors table in elbow reach and your waiters "derrières" just as close when serving the table next to you. We had a reservation with a preference for wall / window, but we're seated in the middle, and no acknowledgement. After asking however the very nice owner was able to accommodate is once a window table opened up. Nice Italian, Sardinian wine selection, we ordered a very nice 09 Barrula. Starters - Salumi, special otd -was actually a prosciutto cotto (cocked ham), not bad, not extraordinary. 2nd starter - their baby octopus stew, spicy and good, very tender little octopus in a tomato stew, good, specially with the white very typical Italian style bread, but not a "ahhhh" moment. Portions are quite large for the starters- and good sized for the primi, -the pasta dishes. We had spaghetti Aglio e Olio- with a twist, fish roe ", tasty, but a bit to much of the olio. I had the best dish of the evening - tagliatelle with seafood ( mostly calemari) with lemon and squid ink! Very, very nice, loved it! We tried a secondi, shrimp- dish with tomato and cabbage, nice but I had hoped for a bit more flavor, spice/ herb. We ended our meal with a semifredo, which unfortunately was not fresh made, but frozen. To cold and the sprinkled chocolate and nuts didn't look appealing. All in all a good experience, we will likely go back, if in the area! I would however not make another reservation on OT, 6 weeks in advance.

This is an ideal quaint "off the downtown jaunt" wonderful Sardinian cafe. Fits in perfectly with the idyllic San Francisco ambiance in suburban type setting. Servers all wonderful. We met the chef near end of night. He has innumerable ways he prepares his dishes. All excellent. Full of flavor and zest. The octopus hands down the best. We wished we had saved it for last, as we were unconsciously comparing all else served that evening to it. We will be back yearly. Hats off

La ciccia is one of my favorite places in san francisco. From the pizza to all the seafood dishes. it reminds me of my travels in italy. love it.

Located at the tail end of 30th street, in Noe Valley, this once little know restaurant has become a prized dining venue. We have been there several times, in parties of 2 to 6. Service is attentive. The cuisine is consistently well executed and typical of Sardinia (southern Italian): squid in ink, octopus, fish,... among other dishes. We love the place and will most certainly return. Note that the restaurant is "smallish" so reservations are strongly advised.

La Ciccia is a small Italian restaurant in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. Both the food and the service were very good. We stayed within walking distance, so parking was not an issue. It looked like people were bringing their own bottles, but you'll need to check on that. Although the food is not overpriced, you could save a lot bringing your own wine. Definitely recommend but make reservations.

I had been waiting patiently for the owners of the restaurant to return from their annual holiday after reading several great reviews. I arrived at 6pm and was seated at a quiet table while I waited for my date. This table is one of the few that are not ganged together. Make your reservation early to get one of these tables, unless you like to share your private conversations with those around you. The owner met me at the door and she could not have been more accommodating. I could immediately feel the warmth and personal attention that other reviewers noted. As I waited, I talked easily with a couple of the waiters and again with the owner. The bartender suggested a great Rose' to sip on while I examined the menu. When my date arrived, we were given time to talk and make a decision on beverages and our meal. We never felt rushed. We are both on low carbohydrate diets (don't do this to yourself if you go to this restaurant!), but the pasta was something we could not do without as a starter, and tried to offset by ordering fish for our entrée. Don't be as stupid as I was; go there to dive into what just has to be the best homemade pasta anywhere! Amazing. Really. Our waiter suggested a fabulous Scacillian red wine, sold by the glass. If we had come on a weekend, I certainty would have ordered a bottle, as their wine list is extensive and very well priced for rare Italian wines. What more could you ask?!? If I returned to this restaurant, I would not order the fish; it was dry and tasteless. However, I cannot recommend highly enough any of the pasta and various fish soup meals. These are their strong dishes. You will be rewarded with profound tastes and textures if you stick to these. Overall it was a very good experience. I look forward to coming back AFTER I'm done with my diet! Highly recommended.

This is the neighborhood restaurant you would like to find. A nice cozy dining spot personnally run by the owners. Ambieance is friendly, professional and just a little cozier and closed in than I prefer. Food is great. This is my first experience with Sardinian cuisine, perhaps quite similar to Italian or Sicilian, with the emphasis on foods influenced by the sea. We shared the day's pasta as our 1st course which was a fettuccini tossed in a sliced artichocke sauce....excellent. One of us had the large grilled prawns, the other had the thinly sliced /breaded pork a la schnitzel. Both were very good. The flavors of the sauces again were excellent. We shared the riccotta cake for desert, nice, but not as memorable as the rest of the meal. This is a place I want to come back to to try other dishes offerred on the menu and to find the best they have to offer.

Loved the intimate atmosphere in La Ciccia. Our server was great with recommendations-- he suggested a great wine and we ended up getting two dishes from the specials menu as well as the squid ink pasta (which was amazing). We loved it! Be pretty to drop some money, but it is worth it!

We started with the grilled Baby Calamari which was so fresh and tasty and cooked perfectly. Then we shared a pasta dish which was al dente made to perfection. I had the whole giant prawns which were cooked in olive oil with many fresh spices. My wife had seabass which was fresh and seasoned perfectly

We made reservations five weeks in advance, which is what it takes to get a table for two at this small, family-run restaurant. The effort is absolutely worth it. Chef Massimiliano Conti is uncompromising in re-creating the food of his native Sardinia. We sat at the bar, which offers a view of the kitchen and a chance to have a bit of conversation with the staff. When we asked the chef where he got the sea urchin and cured tuna heart served with fregola, he answered "From Sardinia!" Seafood is the big draw here. We also had the octopus stew, made with tomato and smoky peppers. Our friends in SF who steered us to the place said we'd leave with the taste of the ocean in our mouths, they weren't exaggerating. After oohing and ahhing over our third course, the chef came out and gave us some of his freshly made head cheese to try. It was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. There are some more conventional items on the menu, but for us the reason to eat at La Ciccia is to enjoy food we knew we were unlikely to find anywhere else. The wine list is phenomenal, with bottles from many small Sardinian producers. Lots of vermentino, cannonau (the Sardinian name for grenache) and Carignano. Our server was friendly and very knowledgeable.

Was told about this place by a friend, and it was nothing short of amazing. Local couple, originally from Sardinia, and it felt like I was in their kitchen! Great food, great wine, great service. No complaints at all.

We shared a calamari salad, then gnochetti, then pork medallions, then a semifreddo. The cooking was excellent, the quality of the ingredients was best in class, and the portions were just enough for two. I'd definitely want to return. The one minor off-note was that the check was brought before I asked for it.

This place was attractively located so we took a chance . The food was good . A bit overpriced but it is SF after all . Service was OK . Great location . Decent sized portions .

They serve Sardinian food. They only used quality ingredients. We loved their octopus stew, its very yummy and a little bit spicy and their beef lamb shank is perfectly cooked. Reservation in advance is a must.

From start to finish, this cuisine is notable. Not a place for those searching for Americanized Italian food, but more for the sophisticated palate. Family owned and it shows. Great Italian wine list. Only caveat, decor is lacking and cramped quarters. Food quality makes up for it. Can't wait to go return. One of the most memorable meals in ages. Not often can I say that.

This place was really buzzing, and I can see why. Our table was not the best - at the very back - where it was dark and near the washrooms. But we went for the food and not the table location. From the starters we especially enjoyed the octopus which was literally swimming in a hearty and spicy tomato sauce. The bread that soaked up the sauce was a must. From the mains, the thick spaghetti with fish roe was outstanding. Perfectly al dente and spiced enough to provoke the senses. The remaining dishes were not memorable, but who cares, when two of them were so good... Accompanied by red Sardinian wine - do not recall which one, but the waiter chose wisely.

This is one of those restaurants that you hear a lot about and wonder if it really lives up to the hype -- it does. The food is phenomenal. I've never been Sardinia but after this meal, it's at the top of my list. Octopus stew was amazing and spicy -- as were both pasta dishes we had (the spaghetti and fettuccini with sea urchin -- both cooked perfectly and well spiced). The highlight for me was definitely the lamb -- perfectly medium-rare -- perhaps the best lamb dish I've had in the city. My only regret is that we didn't have room for dessert. The service is also phenomenal -- the staff is very warm and welcoming, and knowledgeable but disarming. They led my wife and I to a fantastic Sardinian wine for the evening, and also were very pleasant and prompt the entire night. All in all, a fabulous experience that made you feel that maybe you really were in Sardinia for just a few hours. We hope to try it again soon.

My son made reservations at La Ciccia the night we arrived in SF and we could not have been more pleased. The ambiance, the wine, and of course the food was perfect even at 9:30 pm. Both the Bolognese and lamb meals were well recommended and did not disappoint. The restaurant is in Noe Valley in the middle if what looked to be a quiet neighborhood. I would highly suggest making this a can't miss destination when in SF.

Though this restaurant has been around for more than 5 years, this was our first visit with friends. Not only is this Sardinian restaurant "authentic", both in the menu, but the preparation, and extensive wine list. You could say this is a "Mom and Pop" restaurant as the couple who own and run the restaurant are intimately involved with all aspects, from greeting, to serving, and food preparation. It's laid back in a good way, with the waiters relaxed enough to actually chat with you, and for the owners to pop out of the kitchen or from in front to ask how everything is. We really enjoyed the whole calamari, the pastas, and salads, as well as fresh fish. We look forward to returning for a night out soon.

La Ciccia never fails to satisfy on all counts. Lorella always welcomes everyone as an honored guest (the first time) or a family member (every time after the first!). Massimiliano manages to make wonderful authentic Sardinian dishes with the freshest ingredients and a postage stamp sized kitchen. And the staff is a happy bunch - especially Petra. It is just quite simply a slice of Sardinia transplanted to the end of Church Street - a treasure for all who experience it.

After reading such wonderful things online about this restaurant I decided to visit it last night during my stay in San Fran. It definitely did not disappoint and was well worth the $20 cab fare from union Square! We had the octopus stew and calamari to start followed by the squid ink tagliatelle and pork gnocceti, all of which we fabulous! Portion sizes are very generous, had we realised this, we would probably have shared a starter and saved room for dessert! This is definitely a local restaurant but the owners were so welcoming! The lady even hailed us a cab after the one we had ordered did not turn up!

This is one of those typical small restaurants you find in SF. The tables are close together and it can be a bit noisy. They specialize in Sardinian food, which is mainly from the sea. We ordered a good variety of dishes and shared them "family style". They had no problem accommodating us on that. Everything we got was very good. I particularly recommend the pasta with squid ink.

This is not what Americans expect of an Italian restaurant. This is truly Sardinian, from the language of the menu, through the wine list, to the food itself. The service is helpful ( something absolutely necessary to those of us who have not spent any length of time in Sardinia) and perfectly timed, the wine list is extensive ( and reasonable), and the food is perfectly prepared. If you think this place is expensive, price a trip to Sardinia. If you're in the mood for something deliciously different, make a reservation, skip lunch, and go.

Make a reservation! The place feels up quickly, but if its just two of you you might be able to sit at the counter.. Seafood lover paradise! Great octopus stew app, olive oil drizzled calamary, sardines...Amazing pasta , all is great, tuna heart one is my fav, but can be too fishy for some.. Good wines and decent prices. Nothing too fancy, but nice romantic ambiance, friendly staff, family owned...Chef is very talented but humble , and if you sit at the counter you might get a chance to chat with him before it gets crazy bisy. If I could, i would eat there every day.. Deserts are just ok, so need to save space for it...:) Parking can be found somewhere around the area...we usually are able to find a space.

This place is a real find, cute neighborhood place, quiet so you can have a conversation, friendly personal service. But best of all were the perfect dishes served. Everything delicious, perfectly prepared. Best of all was the daily fish special. Beware, prices are high, but that's the story in San Francisco these days.

I saw a review of the restaurant on a local TV show and since the food is based out of Sardinia, I had to try it. My family in Italy camps on the island of Sardinia every year and I wanted to check out the food. We started with the calamari. Divine. That is all I can say. Cooked perfectly and the sauce was amazing; we didn't let them take our plate away until we could finish every drop of that delicious sauce. My husband asked what the base was for the sauce and they replied "basil oil." It was so good, I won't even try to duplicate it. Then we had the fregola with sea urchin and cured tuna heart. Not our favorite as it was a bit too briny. We were glad we tried it, but we wouldn't order it again. I had a pizza bianca with sopressata and I think I might have eaten almost of all of it and it was big - the crust was just the right amount of chewy and puffiness and the sopressata had the perfect saltiness. My husband had the Hawaiian swordfish and although it was good, he didn't think it paired well with the beet greens also on the plate and the saffron flavor was a bit overpowering. We ended with the three gelati - goat cheese & fig, chocolate hazelnut and marsala wine & raisin (that was the best!). All in all, it was a very nice dining experience and the staff was friendly and helpful.

This Sardinian gem of a restaurant is located at the very end of Church Street and 30th street. The restaurant is small and housed in an actual brown-reddish brick house. You can't miss it. One thing I love about this place. They ask people to turn off their mobile phones. Finally some owners with common sense. We started off with marinated White anchovies and the octopus stew which was spicy and had a bit of a bite to it. Both were delicious. Since my ex-wife is Japanese she went with the spaghetti with fish roe (fish eggs) and she loved it. I don't like fish roe so I refused to taste it lol. I played it safe with the seared prawns with tomato sauce which were fresh and busrting with flavor. For dessert we had the ricotta and saffron cake with honey and almonds which was one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. Absolutely delicious. Enjoy the great food, atmosphere and turn of that noisy mobile phone before you walk through the door.

Four of us ate here for dinner and there were three highlights: the Sardinian Flat Bread, the Octopus in a spicy red sauce and the artisan gelato. I would definitely order these three things if you eat here. The restaurant is small and run by a couple I believe. They are very "hands on", from cheerfully taking our reservation to seating us. Our waiter was wonderful, friendly and informative. We ordered three pastas and fourth dish with sea urchin. My fettuccine was good, the spaghetti in oil was good but I am not a fan of the third pasta, squid-ink spaghetti, I would not recommend it. One dish with the sea urchin had a very strong sea flavor and we did not finish it. I wasn't inspired by fhe dessert menu but then I saw the waiter serving the gelato. It was a plate with three small servings and they looked like they would be good-and they were! One of the gelatos so was goat milk based and was so delicious. I am so glad we ordered it.

We went to the Sardinian cuisine local restaurant La Ciccia last night for a fabulous dinner. We lived in San Francisco for over 20 years and moved to New Mexico about 12 years ago but always try to get to la Ciccia when we're in town. A few years ago the original owners sold the restaurant to a local fan, Sheryl, when they wanted to take life a bit easier. Sheryl has not only maintained the atmosphere, the food AND the long time staff, but has actually upped the game on welcoming hospitality! Bravo Sheryl and we'll keep coming back as often as we're in town!!! P. S. Be sure to check out not only the fabulous food (don't miss the Sardinian flatbread) but a really well curated Italian wine list.

The only Italian Sardinian restaurant in San Francisco. The owners run the restaurant with the husband as chef and his wife in the front of the house. The food is superb with daily specials often featuring seafood. Always can recommend the daily specials. The wines from Sardinia are great, reasonably price and there is an extensive selection. Ask for wine and food recommendations and you will be pleased. It’s a small space that can become too noisy with little elbow room.

My husband and I had a wonderful dinner at La Ciccia (The Belly!). My first visit, my husbands many. What a pleasure! We shared an appetizer special; shared the pasta special; we each had our own entree. It was a perfect combination. La Ciccia is a must visit when in SF.

Had a great meal there this past Saturday night. Excellent food and service. The wine list is extensive and the team at La Ciccia made really good recommendations.

Food portions are large here. Food is very simply presented but prepared with perfection. Food choices are limited, unlike the extensive wine list. This is not a very comfortable restaurant in terms of furniture or table spacing, and the service is a little bit sporadic. Don't come here for a private conversation or a quick in and out meal. Do come here for a great authentic no fuss Sardinian food and wine experience!

I had heard of the Octopus Stew at La Ciccia and decided that I had to try it out. And, not only was it worth the trip, but the rest of the meal was incredible. La Ciccia is right on the Muni J line, at the Church & 30th stop, easy to get to and find. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and right on with his recommendations. We shared three dishes - the octopus stew, which was tender and flavorful, fettuccine with wild boar and veal (truly incredible), and branzino, which was served as two tender and delightful fillets. It was a perfect combination for the two of us and our server recommended an Italian white wine which complemented the tastes and really rounded out the meal. La Ciccia is off the beaten track, but well worth finding and dining. We'll be back!

Chef Massimo is truly an artist in the kitchen!!!! It is rare to find a Chef so devoted and involved hands-on in the making of every dish that comes out of the kitchen. I have frequently travelled to Rome over the last 40 and have not found Sardinian cuisine as good as La Ciccia in San Francisco. Massimo's adorable wife, Lorella, is the perfect counterpoint to the entire experience of dining at La Ciccia --- catering to diners as if she was entertaining friends at home. A very unique and original wine list, featuring outstanding Italian wines, provides the perfect compliment to a meal you will not forget. BRAVI MASSIMO E LORELLA!!!!!!

It's a hike from downtown - 20 minutes by taxi - but it was really worth the trip. Small, noisy, tables packed together but vibrant with friendly and efficient service. Pasta courses quite big so best shared if you want a main. Wine list very Sardinian and very good value. Will certainly return.

I enjoyed this Italian adventure, having never eaten Sardinian food I was impressed. It is a bit out of the way, but worth the journey. The food was fresh and challenged me. The wine we drank complimented it well. We shared our plates 'family style' and that gave us a good mix of dishes. We all enjoyed it and left a little bit happier and more relaxed than when we arrived. That is what is meant to happen in a restaurant that gets 5*.

We have visited SF before and are definite foodies. As we ask around about spots we should hit, La Ciccia is mentioned often as the #1 spot. This most recent trip found us just up the J train from La Ciccia so we had to check it out. We lucked out with a reservation the same day (possibly one of the only two reservations left according to Open Table). The reservation was right when they opened so we found ourselves waiting outside in beautiful weather with another group before it opened. The others were locals that frequent La Ciccia and line up so they can grab the spots at the bar (only 5 stools on my count). Our table was one of the few in the front windows and the place filled completely up 30 minutes after opening with what appeared to be many patrons very familiar with the place. Our server was very knowledgeable and our food came out in fifteen minutes (first orders out of the kitchen). I ordered the pork loin and my wife ordered the lamb. We ended up sharing quite a bit, both were the best of each that we had ever had. The vegetables that came with them had a great seasoning to them, one we hope to try to replicate at home! We topped our diner off with dessert and got the gelati. The chocolate hazulnut was delicous but our favorites were the goat cheese with fig and the marsala and raisin. Took as small of bites as we could so we could get as many bites as possible. The portions were perfect, we exercised a little restraint so we had leftovers for mother who was babysitting for us. We look forward to returning to La Ciccia next time and making sure mom comes along!