Delarosa Marina
Restaurant · Marina District
2175 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Highlights
Roman pizzas, antipasti, creative cocktails & communal tables
Roman pizzas, antipasti, creative cocktails & communal tables
"Delarosa is at this point a neighborhood institution in the Marina. The place looks like a European chain bistro, so it’s not exactly a classic California vibe. But what is classic SF are the hordes of people waiting around for an outdoor table on nice days and off the clock tech workers throwing back drinks inside. Outside, you’ll find puppies, strollers, and the humans who own them spending their time watch-judging the other stroller moms during the day and the drunk people passing by at night. Suffice it to say, Delarosa is pretty much always “happening.” The food, while not quite up to the initial greatness from its opening days back in 2009, is reliable enough to keep us coming back on the regular, and sometimes we are even rendered silent when eating something that involves burrata. Dishes comes out very, very quickly, and if anything, the service can be a little bit “Hurry the eff up and order because the drunk girls waiting for this table are getting feisty.” But the place has a fun energy and generally lively bar scene that’s worth experiencing - or at least observing. Tall communal tables run down the front of the restaurant, while lower benches and two-tops fill out the back. None of them are comfortable, so back we are with those Euro bistro vibes. This, and the typical thirty minute minimum wait, help explain the Serious Take Out Operation status of Delarosa. And best of all, you can still get a good slice of the Chestnut Street biota when you run in to grab your stuff to go. RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Kale & Romaine Caesar Blah. Not enough dressing or massaging of kale so it's super chewy. Burrata Bruschetta The burrata comes topped with hazelnuts and honey, which is a chance to eat some sweets pre-dessert. You should appreciate this. Interesting flavors and fantastic cheese. Meatballs with Spicy Marinara Baseball-sized meatballs, tender and spicy if a little on the dense side. Good. Fava Bean Bruschetta with Pecorino Generous on the bean puree and the pecorino, these are awesome. Spiedini Not Italian for spiders. Weren’t you paying attention to Muzzy? Spiedini are skewers, and Delarosa dedicates a whole menu header to the three options. Unfortunately, none of them are very good. The meat and veggies tend to be a little dry and lacking in flavor. Margherita Pizza With Burrata The burrata is amazing, and the crust is thin and does the trick, but can get a little soggy. Just have to eat faster. Prosciutto Arugula Pizza Generous on all the toppings. Always in the rotation. Bartender’s Special You know what else is very San Francisco these days? Feeling like you’re an insider at an exclusive club. We’re looking at you, Battery. Anyways, we’ll gladly share this off-the-menu pizza tip: order the Bartender’s Special. Red sauce, sausage, olives and spicy peppers. Meaty delight." - Taylor Abrams
"The patio at Delarosa is in a quiet plaza where you can eat outside without the sound of traffic. It’s also where you should go for big group meals in the area. Grab a seat on the heated patio and share a bunch of Roman-style pizzas and other Italian small plates like crab arancini and pappardelle with pork sugo. The food ranges from solid to pretty good—so even though it won’t blow your mind, keep this place in your back pocket anytime you spontaneously need a patio." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"The number one reason to go to Delarosa is for the prime people-watching—the casual Italian spot is right in the heart of Chestnut Street, and is always swamped with folks on dates and friends having some kind of big night out. Generally, it has a lot going on and is kind of a scene, but the food is great, like the pasta, small plates, and pizzas (we like the one with prosciutto and arugula). Whatever you get, the burrata bruschetta should be on the table." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"One of your friends is going through a breakup, so all bets are off. But not so much that you’re not going to get something to eat before hitting the Marina bars hard. Head to Delarosa - there will likely be around a half hour wait, but the communal tables are large and the food usually comes out pretty fast, which makes it more reliable than your friend’s ex." - will kamensky
"Delarosa (which holds two SF locations, in the Marina at 2175 Chestnut Street and at 37 Yerba Buena Lane downtown), offers a gluten-free crust for any of its Roman-style pizzas for an extra $3. Those who aren’t in a pizza mood can also dine from their gluten-free pasta menu, which includes items made with GF pappardelle, paccheri, or casareccia." - Paolo Bicchieri
