A chilly, dark evening without plans in a strangely quiet city had me craving the buzz and chatter of a social Italian restaurant. I showed up at La Ciccia (Sardinian) in Noe Valley as they opened and got a spot at the bar. And what a dinner!

Out of respect for their “no cameras” sign:

Tender, creamy burrata (the best I’ve had) on arugula, with very good olive oil.

Freshly-made fettucini (perfect) with tomato ragu, sausage, veal, and olives.

A gelato sampler (my favorite included figs and ricotta).

And an espresso while I digested and sketched in a notebook.

A+.