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We reported last week that Alexander Alioto (Seven Hills) was closing the Mission's one-year-old Plin to become the more casual, neighborhood-friendly Nostra Spaghetteria and Bar Mia. Well, Alioto's been moving the switcheroo right along, ready to officially open Tuesday, September 1 (with a soft opening for some walk-ins this week), and that means there are menus ready for your viewing pleasure (below).
While the space is technically one spot, Alioto has turned it into two concepts with different menus and opening hours, separated by a low wall. Here are all the details on what Alioto thinks is a more "fun" atmosphere, which is translating to a bonkers burger topped with an egg-filled raviolo, multiple happy hours at the bar and all-day shot and beer specials.
NOSTRA SPAGHETTERIA
Just like at Plin, the focus is still heavy on fresh, handmade pasta ("It is a spaghetteria," Alioto said). There are a few Plin holdover favorites, like the egg-filled raviolo ($15) and spaghetti with Grandpa George's sausage ($16), but there's also a make-your-own pasta menu (a four-step process that includes choosing your pasta, sauce, vegetables and protein) for $12- $18.
Sticking to the fun, more casual theme, Alioto has also added colorful dishes to Nostra, like a cheeseburger topped with a raviolo, fried onion rings and truffle oil ($16) and fried chicken with mashed potatoes ($19), plus Sundays will bring a bottomless mimosa and bloody mary brunch.
Last time we spoke, Alioto was very excited about local graffiti artist Chris Lux painting a large, colorful mural on the wall, which is also done (above).
Nostra is open for dinner Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 5:30 p.m.- 10 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.- 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch is from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Bar Mia
The bar area, called Bar Mia (which means "mine" in Italian and is also Alioto's daughter's name), is where the action is at in the new space. Bar manager Adam Madigras has created an amaro-focused menu with more than 10 cocktails that feature the Italian liqueur, like the "Fernet Me Not" with Jameson whiskey, Fernet Angelico, Averna Amaro, ginger liqueur, egg whites and an orange bitter rinse ($11). There are also entire fernet flights ($15), sure to be an industry draw, in addition to $6 draft and $4 bottled beers. Come fall, Madigras plans to teach cocktail classes and host pairing dinners to educate diners on amaro.
Partiers can get excited about all-day $5 beer-and-shot combos, like the "FeRnEt aBoUt iT" (Fernet Branca & PBR). Two happy hours (one early and another late) offer specials like $6 classic cocktails, $3 Jameson and fernet shots and $2 PBR's. For those who would prefer a relaxing glass of wine, master sommelier Nunzio Alioto is overseeing the wine list with sommelier Chuck Furuya, and there's a special reserve list sourced from Alioto’s own cellar.
Bar Mia's menu is tapas-style, with finger foods like bruschetta with fava beans & Parmesan cheese, fried pickles, arancini and mushroom flatbread all being offered for $7. Diners can also order off the Nostra dinner menu if they want a bigger meal.
Bar Mia is open Tuesday to Saturday from 3 p.m.- midnight and Sunday from 3 p.m.- 10 p.m. Happy hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 3 p.m.- 7 p.m. and Tuesday to Saturday 10 p.m.- midnight.
