Salt cod fried rice
$$$, Chinese, Reservations, Full Bar, Szechuan, Two Bridges
"I've never actually set eyes on the place—we always get delivery! The rest of the food is crazy spicy in 10 different ways."
ChefCraig Stoll
San Francisco
About Craig Stoll
Craig Stoll is the chef/co-owner of Locanda and Delfina. A New York native, he has over 26 years experience in the restaurant industry. His subsequent externship, working in the kitchen of Da Delfina, a one star Michelin ristorante in the heart of Tuscany changed his life and helped him to define his cooking style. He has garnered a loyal following for preparing delicious, soulful Italian food with a commitment to local, seasonal ingredients.
My Venues
Accolades
- Best Chef: PacificJames Beard Foundation
- Rising Star ChefJames Beard Foundation
- Best New ChefsFood & Wine
- Bib Gourmand (Delfina)Michelin Guide
- ChefsFeed WinnerOne of the Best Things to Eat in SF
Where I Go Out
Combination salad
$$$, Seafood, Polk Gulch
"I get it with vinegar, oil, and the Louie dressing on the side. The counter guys put on a personal show, whisking together a made-to-order mustard vinaigrette right under your nose."
Oysters
$$$, Happy Hour, Modern, Full Bar, New American, Civic Center
"The way I eat at Zuni with my daughter, this is considered one dish. The only problem is that she eats oysters at the rate of like $125 per hour. I also love their Caesar salad and shoestring fries."
Gibraltar
$, Café, Coffee Shop, Hayes Valley
"I always get this to go, except they won't make it to go, so you have to ask for 'a really short cappuccino, kind of like the one that goes in a Gibraltar glass' and then wink at the barista. Be prepared for a big eye roll as you try to explain all of this, but it's worth it."
Wonton & egg noodle soup
$$$, Vietnamese, Lower Pacific Heights
"This place seems to fly under the radar for some reason. I find myself thinking about this soup when I should be concentrating on other things. The floating cracklings push it over the top for me."
At My Venues
Rigatoni alla carbonara
$$, Reservations, Wine Bar, Modern, Full Bar, Italian, Cocktail, Mission Dolores
"Each piece of fried but tender guanciale has an incredible amount of flavor. Locanda just executes perfectly every time."
Margherita pizza
$$, Outdoor Seating, Pizza, Full Bar, University South
"I always look forward to Delfina pizza when going to San Francisco."
Clam pie
$$, Outdoor Seating, Pizza, Full Bar, University South
"I love all of the pizzas but this one is my favorite by far. I add anchovies because I love the extra saltiness it adds. Of course, you have to add the dried chili flakes and oregano they give you on the side. I love to drink a glass of Verdicchio or a Mio Mao cocktail to pair with this pie."
Insalata di campo
$$$, Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Full Bar, American, Italian, Mission Dolores
"I've never had a meal here that I didn’t like. Get their wine pairing recommendations, too—they hit the nail on the head every time."
Chilled tripe "Tripperia style"
$$, Outdoor Seating, Pizza, Full Bar, University South
"This tripe is delicious!"
Italian ices
$$, Outdoor Seating, Pizza, Full Bar, University South
"The Italian ices at Pizzeria Delfina are so good, and they come in three flavors: chocolate, lemon and cherry. My favorite one is chocolate. Plus, they're made in-house."