Baia

Baia is a big and fancy vegan Italian restaurant in Hayes Valley that’s perfect for when you want to dress up and not feel dumb. A beautiful, sparkling string light fixture hangs at the center of the two-story space. People in suits and cocktail dresses are everywhere (thank the proximity to the symphony, opera, theater, and ballet for that). Just be careful about getting your suit or $400 cocktail dress dirty—this place serves sauced-up pastas (go for the spicy spaghetti or fresh fava bean radiatore), solid pizzas, and excellent finger-food starters like crispy mozzarella sticks and spicy maitake n’duja with crisp puccia bread. If you’re dining with someone who enjoys music and theater, and are into simple, beautifully plated Italian meals, this is the spot.