We first heard about Seven Hills from one of chef/owner Alexander Alioto's distant relatives, none other than Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya. Distant because Chuck resides in the 50th and because he has the same blood quantum with the Alioto's as I do. None. However since Chuck has officiated the wedding ceremonies for a number of Aliotos and is as close to a brother to fellow Master Sommelier Nunzio Alioto as it gets, I guess that does qualify as familia. And Chuck's name even appears on the menu.
We started the evening with an amuse bouche of Potato Frittata
Then progressed to one of the evening's specials, a Fig, Bleu Cheese and Toasted Pistacchio Salad. Though the figs simply looked halved, a little heat was applied so that they softened. A nice balance of sweet (figs and Balsamico), salty (cheese), savory (cheese), crunchy (pistacchio) and sour (Balsamico).
We also sampled the Steak and Eggs which was a poached egg on fried polenta in a Parmesan creme sprinkled with shaved beef. The shaved beef added a savory salt to the rich egg yolk and we couldn't stop soppin' the bread in the Parmesan creme.
We then tried two different pastas, the Ravioli Uovo which was a spinach and homemade ricotta stuffed ravioli served with an egg yolk on truffled brown butter. After popping the yolk and letting that goodness mix with the brown butter, it was another sauce we couldn't stop soppin' with bread.
The Pappardelle with Niman Ranch Braised Pork was also a very good dish with shreds of very tender pork and mixed figs interspersed with perfectly al dente pasta.
The Mrs selected the Fresh Catch of the Day which was walu on this day. It was served on tomatoes, favas and zucchini and topped with crispy fried leeks.
I chose the Herb Marinated & Grilled Quail served roasted cauliflower and accompanied by a chicken liver polenta which was rich and flavorful on its own.
For the first time on this trip, I actually had room for dessert so I ordered the House Made Ricotta Cheese served with candied pistacchios, orange segments and dizzled with Marin County Honey. Vino NEEDS to put this dessert on their menu!
The Mrs finished with the Tcho Chocolate Bavarese which had rich chocolate flavor in a very light vehicle so that it was easy to finish (especially when her spouse kept reaching for another spoonful).
Along with Bottega, this was one of my favorite meals on the trip but alas, all good things must come to an end and tomorrow is our last day. But we'll be back!
Seven Hills
1550 Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 775-1550
Tuesday - Thursday 5:30pm to 9:30pmFriday - Saturday 5:30pm to 10:00pmSunday 5:30pm to 9:30pm Closed Mondays
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