Back in March, I heard word that Ruggero Gadaldi was potentially selling his restaurant on Russian Hill, ANTICA TRATTORIA. After months of waiting for an official update, yesterday he called to let me know the restaurant is now in escrow, and if the deal goes through, the potential new owners are Klaus and Albert Rainer of Downtown’s Cafe Metropol. (Since the ABC is moving like molasses these days, it could be at least another 60 days before Gadaldi decides to close up shop.)
Gadaldi is sad to think of ending his 15-year run at the restaurant, since he was one of the few to focus on regional Italian cuisine at that time in San Francisco, and it helped establish him in the local dining scene. He said it was becoming difficult to dedicate the time he wants to at his other establishments (hotspots Beretta and Delarosa, and Pesce, also on Polk) since Antica was set up to really demand his full attention. As far as what the Rainers have in store, Gadaldi tells me they want to focus on Alpine cuisine, with a variety of beers. Inside Scoop mentions the working name is “Leopold’s” (subject to change), and a communal table and casual atmosphere are what’s to come. 2400 Polk St. at Union, 415-928-5797.
Flickr photo from doortoriver.
