Cherylynn N.
Yelp
3.5 STARS
If you're looking for a GNO or date night spot in the city, Back to Back is it!
But, I'm only speaking for their outdoor seating.
Situated on a hill, our table had a picturesque a view of the Bay Bridge which is a vibe in itself. And, unlike the indoor dining area, it was quiet with little foot traffic.
But, ladies...you may want to leave the heels at home.
Nob Hill is notoriously hard to find parking and you'll be walking like a baby giraffe on roller skates after schlepping up all the hills to get there.
Team Slob Hill = dress comfortably.
Opening in October 2022, Back to Back is a family-owned resto from unicorns (SF natives) serving wood-fired pizzas and natural wines with vinyl records spinning. They're open for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and outdoor dining.
It was a last-minute decision to dine here while looking for a dog-friendly resto after drinking on Polk. While they were busy, we were able to be seated without rezzies on a weeknight (around 7 pm). Highly recommend making rezzies on the weekends (OpenTable).
M E N U
Cal-Italian Fare. Small menu with apps, salads, wood-fired pizzas, and several entrée options (burger, steak, fish). GF pizza available (+$6). Full bar.
When checking in for a table, I was asked if we wanted still or sparkling (no tap). A standard practice for fine dining but as a casual neighborhood resto, I wish they would mention "tap" as an option. We went with sparkling which was $9/bottle.
F O O D
* Golden Potato Yaki w/ garlic confit aioli, wild salmon roe, katsuobushi ($21) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/4hj5zu3e
The spin on okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) sounded great on paper but these were just expensive fancy fries. The fries were topped with creamy aioli, several small dallops of salty salmon roe, and bonito flakes. It was ok but IMO needed sweet+tangy okonomiyaki sauce to offset the saltiness.
For the same price, we should have ordered the carpaccio.
* Salsiccia w/ mozzarella, tomato sauce, kale, housemade roasted garlic sausage, pickled onions, pecorino ($25) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/3cxecxvf
++ Add hot honey (+$3)
As a resto that specializes in wood-fired pizzas, I was disappointed with this one. Nice, blistered crust but the placement of the pickled onions in the middle of the pie created a soggy, wet center. And, the tomato sauce and garlic sausage didn't have much flavor. I was hoping the hot honey would help but it tasted like plain honey with no heat. Maybe it was an off day, or we choose the wrong pizza?
* B2B Wagyu Burger w/ sharp cheddar, onion, tomato, shishito aioli, fries ($26) // 3.5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/3s2prak4
--Requested medium rare
They nailed the wagyu patty - it was perfectly pink and juicy crowned with melty cheese. But, did someone give the bun CPR?! It was untoasted and smushed so there was no structural integrity. Upon biting into, the burger fell apart. Loved the hot and crunchy fries served with a creamy, slightly citrusy shishito aioli.
S E R V I C E
Positive vibes all around. Our server, Ferris was super friendly and upbeat. He even brought out pepperoni for my dog.
Prompt food service and they coursed out our meal so the dishes would fit on the small table. We were the only ones outside and they were busy so we did have to go inside to ask for our bill and a takeout box.
A M B I A N C E
Formerly Venticello Ristorante, the space is minimalist and trendy with moody vibes, high ceiling, and a mezzanine area. Indoor seating looked to be cramped with loud acoustics. There's several outdoor tables which is awesome on a warm night. Heat lamps available.
P A R K I N G
Take an Uber or Lyft. Don't recommend driving here but if you have to, allot at least 20-30 minutes for parking.
Overall, the food we tried was underwhelming but I can tell the quality was there. Great vibes tho and loved how dog-friendly they are. Giving the benefit of a doubt that we went on an off night so would still recommend for GNO or date night....if you live around the area.