Perbacco

(Financial District)
230 California St.  
415-955-0663 Map it
www.perbaccosf.com

$$$
Italian
business lunch, dine at the bar, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic

SCENE: If you can’t imagine another business dinner at one of the old Financial District stalwarts, give Italian newcomer Perbacco a try. This gorgeous restaurant—housed in the old Gold Coast space and decked out with the building’s original exposed brick, long mirrors and marble floors—is classy enough to impress your clients, but still inviting enough for a more intimate experience. The front bar, which features a refrigerator to hang house-cured salami, is hopping after work.

EATS: Instead of focusing on one region of the boot, chef Staffan Terje combines influences from Piedmont and Liguria for rustic yet refined dishes. His richer dishes shine: An update of the Caesar features sharp radicchio, fresh basil, white anchovy, sieved egg and crunchy crutons. Agnolotti pasta filled with cream and cheese is uplifted to heavenly status with a topping of shaved truffles and melted butter, while thick pappardelle noodles are dressed with a chunky braised short-rib ragừ. Though it’s not exactly pretty, the milk-braised pork shoulder is a meaty, savory treat.