If you’ve never experienced the volume levels that would exist at a Taylor Swift concert if Harry Styles arrived as a surprise guest, now you can. Just go to dinner at Beretta.

But despite the noise levels and constant scene, it’s still one of the spots we end up at over and over again when in the Mission. If you do it right—share a bunch of the very good Italian small plates, down probably four cocktails, skip the pizza, and try to get one of the outdoor tables on a nice night—you’re in for a good time.

The kitchen turns out really good pastas and small plates, often with a nice spin—the burrata comes on walnut bread, the arancini has Dungeness crab, and the requisite little gem salad is charred. Get a bunch of these to share.

Just don’t get tempted by the pizzas—they’re a disappointment. The toppings? All good. Sauce? Solid. Crust? On par with a semi-defrosted Kirkland frozen pizza prepared by an eight-year-old. You can get enough other things to have an excellent meal without succumbing to this weak crust.

But we forgive Beretta for this sin, because the loud, dark space, strong cocktails, and (with a few exceptions) enjoyable food make for a good time. Definitely better than a hot dog and a side of earplugs at a concert full of screaming Taylor Swift fans.

Food Rundown

Walnut Bread, Burrata, Mushroom-Truffle Honey

Yup, they Inceptioned into your food dream and created it on a plate. This combo is super good and you should order at least two for the table.

Dungeness Crab Arancini

Bold statement: These might be the best arancini we’ve ever consumed. Usually arancini taste like rice and cheese, regardless of the filling. Not these puppies, which are full of meaty crab and are incredible.

Eggplant Caponatina

Eggplant roasted with tomatoes, basil, and pine nuts. Take advantage of the opportunity to consume more cheese and add the burrata, because it makes everything better.

Meatballs

Just OK meatballs. Not bad, but a little boring. We’d say pass on this dish.

Squid Ink With Calamari Risotto

Usually on our order list—not too squidy with a healthy helping of calamari. Very good.

Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza

Top notch prosciutto that the crust can’t make up for. Why do we keep doing this to ourselves?

photo credit: Aubrie Pick

Margherita Pizza With Burrata

The best of the bunch, since fewer toppings means the crust doesn’t melt into damp sadness. Again, the buratta is the way to our hearts.