Fior d'Italia

Fior d'Italia

2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
San Francisco
Open

Influencer Reviews1

About

Founded in 1886, Fior d'Italia is widely recognized as the oldest Italian restaurant in America. Located in San Francisco, it has survived earthquakes, fires, and relocations, maintaining its legacy for nearly 140 years. The restaurant is known for classic Italian-American dishes and has become a culinary landmark in the city.

The Visit

The reviewer visited Fior d'Italia, intrigued by its reputation as the oldest Italian restaurant in the USA. While the gnocchi was described as one of the worst ever tasted, the experience was redeemed by a flavorful minestrone and an outstanding osso bucco. The osso bucco, especially the marrow, left a lasting impression, making the visit memorable despite some inconsistencies in the meal.

What They Ate

Gnocchi
Minestrone
Osso bucco with marrow
Polenta

Quotes

"(Osso Bucco) Mm. Mm. Mm, that is so good, that is so tender. Literally falls apart in your mouth."
"Like it is so incredibly tender, oh my goodness. And the sauce too, like what they braise it in, the sauce is just so, I mean, oh my goodness, it's just perfectly balanced, it's not too sweet."
"That was one of the most amazing like natural fats I've ever had, like I've had like wagyu fat, I've had all sorts of delicious fatty, meaty things. That bite was one of the top, one of the top I've had ever, really."
"That gnocchi, honestly, was terrible. I'm just being honest, one of the worst gnocchi that I've had in my life."
"That minestrone really, really improved things, and that osso bucco, even weeks later, I'm still thinking about it, that was delicious, and especially that marrow in the osso bucco was just incredible, so."

Our Reflection

The reviewer's journey at Fior d'Italia is a testament to the unpredictable nature of dining at historic establishments. While the gnocchi disappointed, the osso bucco soared, delivering a transcendent experience that lingered long after the meal. The marrow, in particular, was described with reverence, standing out among even the most luxurious fats the reviewer has tried. This contrast between dishes highlights the enduring charm and occasional inconsistency of a restaurant steeped in tradition. Fior d'Italia remains a living piece of culinary history, offering moments of brilliance that connect past and present.

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