In San Francisco, we take Italian food seriously. So although we're a relatively young city, it's really no surprise that the self-proclaimed oldest Italian restaurant in America has been right here in SF. That is, until today.
On Monday night, after 126 years of business, Fior D'Italia served its last meal in San Francisco. Citing financial strain, the restaurant finally shuttered.
"It just came to a halt, financially," said partner Trudy Audieri to the San Francisco Chronicle. "We couldn’t put one step in front of the other. Everyone here is heartbroken.”
Loyal patrons who took to Twitter appeared heartbroken, as well.
"Sad day in the bay," wrote one patron.
"SF loses another landmark restaurant," wrote another.
Fior D'Italia first opened its doors on May 1, 1886, serving sauteed veal with minestrone soup, salad and dessert for five cents. Since then, locals and tourists alike have visited the restaurant for prosciutto and fresh pasta, ice-cold Manhattans and a hearty slice of nostalgia.
According to the Chronicle, there may be a silver lining: Fior D'Italia's owners hope to reopen somewhere down the line. Until then, get your food fix at our editors' favorite Italian restaurants in San Francisco below. Don't see your favorite? Add it in the comments section.
Ciao Fior!
