Rose Pistola

Reserve

Rose Pistola Review

This busy spot is named for one of North Beach's most revered barkeeps (and fortunately the cocktails here are excellent), while the food celebrates the neighborhood's early Ligurian settlers. The menu changes daily, but a large assortment of antipasti—grilled octopus with fennel and arugula; bruschetta with figs and prosciutto—and pizzas from the wood-burning oven are favorites, as are the cioppino and the fresh fish of the day, served in various ways. A big bar area opens onto the sidewalk, and an exhibition kitchen lets you keep an eye on your order. Even though the kitchen has had trouble holding on to a good chef, the service sometimes arrives with attitude, and the tab can shoot up pretty fast, the style and sometimes-winning items on the menu seem to keep the tourist-heavy crowds coming.