Cotogna

"Cotogna in Jackson Square has simple, fresh, and consistently delicious food. This place is perfect for date night, special occasions, or lunches when you call in “sick”/decide to abuse the unlimited time-off policy at work. Maybe it’s the dim lights, the brick walls, the wood oven firing away in the back, or the perfect pasta—or the whole package—but Cotogna has the kind of romantic feeling a lot of places try to fake, but can’t. Reservations are released 30 days in advance on SevenRooms. Or you can walk up and try to go for a seat at the bar. If you want to avoid the dinner rush, come during lunch when it’s less busy—they serve mostly the same menu." - julia chen 1, lani conway

"Most bad situations can feel less tragic with the raviolo from Cotogna—yes, even recovering from the purchase of a final-sale couch that doesn’t fit through your door. The Italian spot in Jackson Square is an olive tree-filled escape from the consequences of your actions. Snag a seat at the bar for a last-minute solo meal with gnocco fritto, seasonal pastas, and simple yet satisfying thin-crust pies. And wine. Lots of wine. Reservations are released 30 days in advance on SevenRooms. Or you can walk up and try to go for a seat at the bar. If you want to avoid the dinner rush, come during lunch when it’s less busy—they serve mostly the same menu." - julia chen 1, patrick wong

"Just where North Beach starts to dip down into charming Jackson Square diners find Cotogna, a warmer and more casual restaurant from the same group behind Michelin-starred Quince. A woodfire oven and grill under an open hearth produce spit-roasted pork, rabbit, and quail, fresh pasta, and market vegetables. It’s known for its raviolo, a single large filled pasta with fresh ricotta and golden egg yolk inside." - Dianne de Guzman

"Verdict: This Italian restaurant in Jackson Square has been around for years, and is still holding it down in the housemade pasta department. Their face-sized raviolo filled with ricotta and egg yolk is the best version you can find in the city. And seasonally changing dishes, like corn triangoli or tomato and Romano bean bruschetta, are perfectly executed every time. If you’ve never been or are overdue for a revisit, consider this your sign to get here. Reservations are released 30 days in advance on SevenRooms. Or you can walk up and try to go for a seat at the bar. If you want to avoid the dinner rush, come during lunch when it’s less busy—they serve mostly the same menu." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Need to impress a client or have a serious talk with your boss or stuff your face silently after a particularly painful meeting? Time for a sit-down, professional, and excellent lunch at Cotogna. The pasta and pizzas are superb, as are the starters. Definitely not an all-the-time spot to hit, but a place to keep in mind when you have time for a fancy lunch that also happens to be one of the best in the city. Reservations are released 30 days in advance on SevenRooms. Or you can walk up and try to go for a seat at the bar. If you want to avoid the dinner rush, come during lunch when it’s less busy—they serve mostly the same menu." - taylor abrams, jess basser sanders, will kamensky