Bar Bambino

(Mission)
2931 16th Street  
415-701-8466 Map it
www.barbambino.com

$$
Italian
bar scene, brunch, dine at the bar, late-night dining, lunch, notable wine list, open 7 days, outdoor dining

SCENE: On a grotty strip of 16th street steps from the BART station, an Italianate caffè has set up shop. The white marble bar is accented by dark wood, and two communal tables (one in the front, the other in the back) are designed for casual, convivial dining. Elegant light fixtures crafted from wine bottles cast a warm light, and a small back patio is the place to while away a warm Mission evening.

EATS: Rustic Italian food streams from the Bar Bambino kitchen, with an emphasis on simple flavors and top-notch ingredients. A long list of bruschette and panini gives way to a few hearty pasta dishes and entrées such as meatballs in a tomato, onion and chard sauce. For those looking for a simple bite to accompany a glass of wine off the all-Italian list, plates of cheese and salumi can be ordered up.