James Beard award-winning sommelier and A16 owner Shelley Lindgren has put together a singular wine list for the restaurant, which has two casual locations, in San Francisco and in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland established in 2004 and 2013, respectively. (There’s a Tokyo branch as well.) Focused on southern Italian wines from underrated regions like Abruzzo and Sicily, the list is an education for any wine lover, whether you’re an amateur or pro sommelier. (Abruzzo, for instance, used to be primarily known for growing grapes for mass-market bulk wines, but Lindgren’s selection showcases some exciting new developments in that region.) Don’t miss the restaurant’s new Italian wine club, with monthly bottles chosen by Lindgren. A long list of wood oven-fired Neapolitan pizzas includes traditional pies and some seasonal, California-style ones with ingredients like Jimmy Nardello peppers and corn. The udon-like maccaronara ($25), tossed in an umami-rich tomato ragu alla napoletana, is a must-order.
Dining and Cooking