Dec 27 2008
Bar Norcini - Restaurant Review
Photo courtesy of www.thrillist.com
It was a cold gray day in San Francisco and I knew it would be packed with shoppers in the Union Square district of the city but my friend and I wanted to meet for some holiday cheer and a bite to eat. She mentioned Bar Norcini which neither had I ever heard of or seen but she has great taste so I thought why not?
Tucked inside the Villa Florence Hotel on Powell Street in the heart of Union Square this casual but chic bar is a hidden gem. It is located in the lobby of the hotel and right next door to Kuleto’s. The lobby was dressed for the holidays and the bar and seating area are focused at the front windows so you can experience the taste of San Francisco while dining. The venue can hold about a couple of dozen people. The Powell & Hyde street cable cars wind their way up and down Powell right outside the windows.
There are also seats outside which on a clear, warm day I’m sure can be very inviting. A lively yet intimate atmosphere, Bar Norcini hosts a full scale bar along with paninis, salads, pizzas and luscious pastries. We ordered a cheese, tomato and basil pizza which was truly delectable. The pizza was light yet rich in flavor. The crust baked to perfection - neither hard nor chewy but light, thin and flavorful. The waitress was accommodating and friendly. They were generous with their water which many restaurants these days are not. My friend bought me a chocolate chip cookie which in addition to being almost the size of a mini pie was absolutely to die for. It was thick, rich and filling. They serve many types of desserts and pastries as well as hosting over three dozen types of wines.
While Kuleto’s is right next door and is most popular with diners, Bar Norcini is a great little spot if you are in the area shopping or sightseeing and just want something light yet filling. This is the place to dine and experience the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. For more information visit Bar Norcini website.
Sounds like a great spot -though I rarely get to downtown San
Francisco. I’ve eaten once at Kuleto’s and even spent a night at the Villa Florence. Would love to try it one of these days.
Carmen - We will have a bite there soon. Thanks.