San Francisco's culinary landscape is about to get a whole lot more inclusive and delicious with the opening of Clementina, a new Italian restaurant that caters to those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. This restaurant is a testament to the creativity and dedication of its founders, Gianluca Legrottaglie and Viviana Devoto, who have taken their passion for Italian cuisine and adapted it to accommodate dietary restrictions. The story behind Clementina is both personal and inspiring. Legrottaglie and Devoto's daughter, Alice, was diagnosed with celiac disease, leading them to create a pop-up restaurant serving gluten-free Italian dishes. This pop-up was such a success that they decided to expand it into a full-time restaurant, now located on Clement Street. The restaurant's head chef, Giorgio Brunella, shares a similar personal connection to the cause, as his own daughters have celiac disease. Together, they've crafted a menu that is both classic and innovative, ensuring that Italian flavors and textures are not compromised.
The menu at Clementina is a celebration of Italian cuisine, with dishes that are both familiar and exciting. One standout dish is the tagliatelle, made with chickpea and brown rice flours, which provides a satisfying elasticity. It's served with wine- and tomato-braised calamari, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The pesto lasagna is another masterpiece, layered with just the right amount of cheese and bechamel, and the saffron risotto, dressed with bone marrow, is a classic dish that naturally lacks gluten. For pizza lovers, the crust is made with rice flour, giving it a crisp texture, and the options range from a simple Margherita to the more robust Clementina pie, topped with broccolini, Calabrian chili, and pork sausage.
The restaurant also offers a variety of gluten-free starters, such as butter-poached asparagus with buffalo mozzarella and a classic vitello tonnato, as well as baked mussels with gorgonzola cheese. The attention to detail extends to the bakery, where Mariposa produces gluten-free focaccia and baguette slices for dipping in sauces. This level of inclusivity is a breath of fresh air in the dining scene, allowing families with gluten-intolerant members to enjoy a worry-free meal.
What makes Clementina truly special is its ability to cater to a niche market while still offering a diverse and delectable menu. The founders' personal experiences have driven them to create a space where everyone can enjoy Italian cuisine without compromise. This restaurant is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in the food industry, and it's a welcome addition to San Francisco's culinary offerings. So, if you're in the area, be sure to give Clementina a try and indulge in a meal that is both delicious and accommodating.
Clementina is located at 343 Clement Street and is open for lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm, extending to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Reservations can be made through OpenTable, ensuring a seamless dining experience. Clementina is a shining example of how restaurants can evolve to meet the needs of their customers, and it's a development that many will find both fascinating and beneficial.
