The story
The name says it all: collina means "little hill" in Italian, a quiet nod to the San Francisco neighborhood where this restaurant has made itself at home. Collina sits on Hyde Street in Nob Hill, where the city's iconic cable cars pass right outside the window — a detail that feels less like a postcard and more like the natural rhythm of the place.
Collina comes from the same team behind Seven Hills, the well-regarded Italian restaurant nearby, and carries a similar spirit with its own distinct personality. Where Seven Hills is the elder sibling, Collina is the more relaxed, neighborhood-facing counterpart — a spot equally suited to a Tuesday night dinner and a proper celebration.
Executive Chef Anthony Florian and Chef de Cuisine Dennis Díaz anchor the culinary program. Díaz's path to Collina is a San Francisco story: culinary training in the city, followed by stints at Scala's Bistro, Cotogna, and Pizza Antica, before rising through the ranks at Seven Hills from sous chef to chef de cuisine. That foundation in Italian cooking runs deep, and it shows in a menu built around handmade pastas and rustic Italian favorites that change with the seasons.
Both chefs make regular trips to the farmers market, letting the best of what's available shape what lands on the plate. The result is a menu that feels grounded and alive rather than fixed — approachable enough for a weeknight, considered enough for a special occasion.
The interior is warm and cozy, designed for the kind of meal where the conversation flows as easily as the wine. And the wine list is worth attention: it leans into lesser-known Italian varietals, making it a genuine companion to the food rather than an afterthought. Gambero Rosso, the authoritative Italian food and wine guide, recognized Collina with a Fork award in 2024 — a mark of credibility that resonates particularly given the restaurant's Italian roots.
Private dining is available for those looking to host an event, and the outdoor seating adds another dimension when the San Francisco weather cooperates.
Recognition
Ambience
Location