Twenty years ago Delfina opened its doors on what was then a sketchy corner of the Mission. It served simple Italian cuisine prepared with fresh California ingredients, including a basic and deeply satisfying bowl of spaghetti that still packs the place today. Its winning concept has launched many similar restaurants and its location has become the city's hottest dining corridor.
The owners have since opened five pizzerias and sister restaurant Locanda. But for a classic San Francisco Italian night, this tried-and-true neighborhood anchor is still the go-to.
