54 Mint – Genuine Italian hospitality in SF
I was recently invited to go to 54 Mint – a place I had been to before and was already impressed by their hospitality. But this time, it was out of this world. So much so that when Restaurant Manager Matt asked me about my favorite place in San Francisco, I genuinely promptly answered: this might be it. Read my full review of 54 Mint.
It’s somewhat rare for San Francisco to offer a dining experience like the ones we know from Europe. It’s just different here. However, I was really impressed with 54 Mint when I went there for the first time in January 2022, and my recent revisit just doubled down on that — it is that fantastic. They invited me to try their SF Restaurant Week dinner.
54 Mint
It already begins when you enter and are welcomed by the lovely waitress, Elena. She spreads so much warmth, and her eyes sparkle when she greets you. Literally, it’s like she is so excited for you to enjoy this place. But it’s not just Elena; literally, everyone working at 54 Mint is incredibly nice and welcoming, embracing you with open arms.
Once you’re inside, head straight to the bar counter right across, where they serve some of the best drinks in San Francisco. They are known for their Negroni and have been awarded for it, but they also serve fun variants of classics like the espresso martini (with whipped cream) or a Gimlet served on the rock which reminded me of a White Negroni.
After a little appetizer drink, head down to their downstairs area, which is rustic, warm-lit, and just invites you to dive deep into Italian cuisine and hospitality. We were lucky enough to be invited by 54 Mint to try their SF Restaurant Dinner Menu – and you guys, talking about a good deal! We tried everything on the menu, starting with zesty asparagus and zucchini nest topped with Stracciatella, followed by a lovely Saltimbocca variant with real veal (the velvety sauce was to die for!), and finally, peppery pork chop and truffle risotto loaded with lots of the flavorful black gold. We finished the meal with Pana Cotta featuring 20-year-old Balsamico (and a Negroni, for Finishers like me).
VERENA’S VERDICT
I genuinely want this to remain a serious, genuine, and authentic space. I know a lot of people follow me because they trust my recommendations, and I can genuinely say that 54 Mint might be one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. So, trust me when I say you should book your date night or dinner reservation during restaurant week. Please say hello to Tiziano, Nick, and last but not least, the charming Tania at the bar, who makes the best drinks at Mint Plaza and beyond! And thank me later 🙂
54 Mint Ristorante Italiano, 16 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94103
@54mintsf
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