Cotogna, 490 Pacific Ave, Financial District (BDYW)

After New York, Rosalie and I had to wean ourselves off fancy fare and get back to the world of  "More is less Mula.......fab food that's easy on the pocketbook".  We decided Cotogna was a good half-way house, between Minnie's BBQ and Sardi's. 
It was a gorgeous Wednesday afternoon and the temperature in the city was in the 70's  We lucked out and got one of the 4 outside tables, had a glass of wine (Rosalie had presecco) and indulged. 
Cotogna is located right next door to the very elegant "Quince" and is owned by the same famous chefs.  Cotogna's interior is very cool, modern and chic, clearly catering to the young San Francisco professional.  The menu is modest, but offers brick-oven pizza's, pastas and the meats are cooked over open flames.
Rosalie had a pizza, topped with butternut squash, ricotta and sage, while I dined on organic beets in olive oil, topped with creme fraiche and focaccia that was absolutely delish!
This casual (compared to Quince) Italian restaurant is not "easy on the pocketbook" ($$$), but certainly provides a fab dining experience.
Rosalie and I were back from New York, but somehow found ourselves in Italy.  Salute!