If trendy is what you want, this is your place. If good food and service are what you're after, go elsewhere. We were seated 30 minutes after our reservation time, with nothing but attitude from the hostess. Mealy shrimp, burnt short ribs, and soggy pizza all appeared on our table at the recommendation of the waiter. Glasses were constantly empty, service with an attitude, and no apologies - in fact they seemed surprised that we were displeased.
Went there for the fried egg pizza–and although our waiter stressed that they aren't a pizza place–it was easily the best thing we ordered and one of the best Neapolitan pizzas I've had (and I studied in Italy for 5 months once).
Now I have been twice and given them 2 chances - service is still only okay; music is too loud. But the food is the disappointment - really not that great. The portions are small so the price adds up, but we still did not finish most of the plates.
"Atmosphere is everything" seems to be the coda for restaurants like this -- that means a cool decor, small (and reasonably-priced) plates, a deep wine list (with California vineyards poorly represented and, mainly only at the high end with no 1/2 bottles), plenty of beers, fair food, eccentric service and noise almost beyond belief. Apparently, you're supposed to stare at the crowd 'cause you certainly can't converse.
Small plates of rather well-prepared food, nice decor, excellent service (if a little slow). The big downer is the boom-boom "music" (reminiscent of the now defunct Red Light), which makes conversation impossible. We won't go back.
Mar. 2001