More than a bustling neighborhood trattoria, chef-owned Delfina serves award-winning seasonal Italian fare with an emphasis on fresh-from-the-Farmers’-Market ingredients. The setting, in the increasingly gentrified Mission District, is modern, lively, and cheerful, with pale yellow walls, rotating local artwork, wood floors and chairs, and an open kitchen with a wood-fired oven. The covered rear patio provides attractive outdoor dining in warm weather months. Though the menu changes daily, the grilled fresh calamari with warm white bean salad is a house specialty. Other dishes may include gnocchi with morels and English peas or halibut with fennel, olives, and aioli. Don't leave without tasting a house-made dessert or a scoop of gelato.

Delfina Information:

• Italian menu. Dinner. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended. Outdoor seating. Credit cards accepted.