I recently went with some coworkers to try out Cotogna for dinner one evening in Jackson Square in SF.

SF – Cotogna (Jackson Square) – storefront

Being that we’ve walked past it but never heard of it, we decided simply to start small and see if we wanted to come back another time.  Looking at it from the outside, it seems rather unassuming and plain, to some extent.

Once inside, we were seated promptly and politely, and were surprisingly pleased with its interior decor.  It definitely had that San Francisco feel with its cement flooring, tall ceilings dressed with dark and warm colored wood treatment, tables that looked like they were cut right from a tree and stuck in the dining area, plus candles.

SF – Cotogna (Jackson Square) – dining area

Once seated, we received menus and water.  I noticed that their water container was branded by Cotogna.  That’s a little unusual, but an interesting touch.  They also served focaccia, which came served with olive oil, herbs and spices sprinkled on top.

SF – Cotogna (Jackson Square) – menu

SF – Cotogna (Jackson Square) – cotogna water

Knowing we intended to start small and see if it is worth going back again, we all gravitated towards pizza.  Seems like a safe choice, right?  Of the pizza listed, we opted for the wild mushroom, nettle, house made bacon and fontina, and the sausage, romanesco, fior di latte mozzarella.

SF – Cotogna (Jackson Square) – wild mushroom, nettle, house made bacon and fontina pizza

SF – Cotogna (Jackson Square) – sausage, romanesco, fior di latte mozzarella pizza

Before the pizzas arrived, I already thought I’d like the sausage one better, but I was wrong.  The sausage pizza was good, but I didn’t feel it was worth it.  The mushroom / nettle / bacon / fontina pizza was definitely the winner, and is the reason I would go back!  Both were the thin-crust type and it tasted & felt like it was freshly made (because it was).

Can’t wait to try what else they have!