Your Guide to Capannina: The Best Italian Restaurant in San Francisco

I often poke fun at myself on IG stories that I should change my name from Kelsey Kaplan Fashion, to Kelsey Kaplan’s Food! While it’s true that all day I dream about clothes, I am also always dreaming drooling over my next meal. I am not exaggerating when I say, “I workout to satisfy my sweet tooth!” Luckily for me, San Francisco is the Mecca of food. With nearly every cuisine an Uber ride away, one should never leave the city unsatisfied with the food and beverage industry.

 

With that being said, it is my goal to amp up the Food section on my blog with an emphasis on the attire! I’ll begin with one of my all-time favorites. Tucked away along Union Street in Cow Hollow sits Capannina – my go-to Italian restaurant. If you’re looking for spaghetti and meatballs doused in parm cheese, this joint is not for you. Rather, this neighborhood gem features a menu inspired by delicious flavors straight from the Amalfi Coast! The food is a five plus plus, but the service is in a league of its own.

 

The service

Michele Di Ruocco is the friendly face behind the establishment. Most of the time he meets and greets, but don’t let it surprise you when he steps in to serve you! Whether you’re a proud regular or an out of state guest, Michele will make you feel at home. We frequent the restaurant regularly but as much as we enjoy the provisions, we equally enjoy the company! In fact, when I’m away on blogging business, I find comfort in knowing that Jonathan and GG can dine al fresco and visit with the Capannina crew.

 

 

Antipasti

I’ll put it to you this way. Every single time we are finished eating at Capannina, we wish we could rewind the evening and start all over again. This is why I suggest stretching it out and beginning with a salad! My fav is the Insalata Mista. The baby greens are fresh and crisp, the goat cheese is delectably creamy and it’s perfectly dressed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Jonathan prefers the Mozzarella di Bufala and shares the prosciutto with GG.

 

Primi

Next on deck is PASTA…my favorite part of the meal. The ravioli is the best in the business. Stuffed with mozzarella and fine ground prosciutto, never have I ever consistently enjoyed a pasta dish so much. Topped with a light homemade tomato sauce and fresh “garlic chips,” you’ll wish it was socially acceptable to lick the bowl clean. My stomach is growling just thinking about it and I ate there last night!

 

 

Secondi

On to the heavier stuff…I’m not sure how they do it, but I’m here to tell you that the chicken is the juiciest most generous portion you’ll find in the city. We’ve been to Zuni. We tried Mary’s “famous” chicken…Mary who?! It seriously does not compare to this. I’m a creature of habit but Jonathan has also indulged in the tuna, salmon, and sea bass. He claims the tuna (served over risotto – I kid you not) is the best seared Ahi he’s ever eaten. No wonder it doesn’t last more than three minutes on his plate.

 

Dolci

Now it wouldn’t be a night out in true Kelsey Kaplan fashion without dessert. Alejandro makes a mean cappuccino but the chocolate cake and cannoli are ridiculous…ridiculously delicious. The chocolate literally melts in your mouth – I could bathe in it. The hazelnut gelato is the perfect accompaniment and reminds me of the gelato we ate straight off of the street in Italy.

 

 

While I cannot attest to all of the dishes, I’ll leave you with this: I have personally witnessed a man order and devour a half dozen oysters, another half dozen oysters, followed by the lobster and shellfish entree. This my friend is why we continually introduce new people to Capannina. They all leave the place with the same appreciation and affection for the food as we do and we get SO much pleasure out of it! Salute!

 

Reservations: Yes
Heated Patio: Yes
Dog-Friendly: VERY
Bar: Wine and beer only.

 

Capannina, your neighborhood Italian restaurant is located at 1809 Union Street San Francisco. Click here for your guide to the appropriate attire.