Terzo

(Cow Hollow)
3011 Steiner St.  
415-441-3200 Map it
www.terzosf.com

Dinner only
$$-$$$
Mediterranean
bar scene, dine at the bar, good for groups, notable wine list, outdoor dining, romantic

SCENE: This small space exudes warmth—hanging Edison bulbs, a central fireplace—as well as sophistication, with a long zinc bar and a wall of wine bottles. Here, you won’t find the frat boys that pound beer at the neighborhood’s bars; instead, smartly dressed 30-somethings mingle over glasses of Nebbiolo and an array of pan-Mediterranean small plates.

EATS: When we say “small plates,” we mean small; four people can easily polish off the entire menu, which sticks to classic combinations, such as mozzarella di bufala with confit of tuna and ciccoli beans. Steer toward the heartier dishes for more punch: House-made Italian sausage is served on a bed of creamy polenta and the beef marrow, scooped with a tiny spoon from three roasted bones, might be the most luxurious spread for toast you’ll ever try.