Chef and co-owner Gino Assaf, formerly of Gondola in North Beach, serves up rustic northern Italian cuisine in a decidedly non-rustic setting. Think industrial chic, with mannequins, movie projections and more.

The vibe: There’s a certain cool factor at work here, from the minimalist concrete walls and floors to the clever ceiling art and old-school movies projected above the kitchen.

The crowd: Young Mission-ites, large parties and overflow from the neighborhood’s many bars and clubs.

Best seat: Just past the bar is a single high table – made of concrete, naturally – that’s the perfect perch for sipping and crowd-watching. Otherwise, the bar itself gets the best ventilation, the back tables the best view of the big screen.

Killer app: House-made pappardelle with wild boar bolognese ($14) and pizzas ($12-$15) are great for sharing, while the rock cod with garlic and capers ($17) makes for a simple and satisfying entree.

Signature drink: If you like spice, the Tequila-based Bomba ($9) will tickle your throat, thanks to a hefty dose of serrano pepper. Meanwhile, the Blood Orange Negroni ($9) is a lighter, sweeter take on the classic Negroni, with Aperol standing in for Campari.

Also on tap: Wine, as evidenced by the impressive display of bottles near the bar. Italian varietals dominate, and there’s even Barolo by the glass.

Bonus: A four-course prix fixe menu is available for $34.95 and includes an appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert.

Specchio: 2331 Mission St., S.F. (415) 956-5528. www.ristorantespecchio.com. 5:30-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., until 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Reservations and credit cards accepted.

- Janny Hu, jhu@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G – 12 of the San Francisco Chronicle

KOFY TV host Celeste Perry shares her great experience at Specchio-Ristorante Enoteca. It was so good she says “I am still dreaming about”.

We are pleased to announce that Specchio will now be  serving the award-winning Italian Merlot Alto Vanto. Specchio is the only restaurant outside of Italy serving this exquisite wine which name translates into “Big Pride”.  Created by Federico Aldrovandi, this rare red wine has a velvety texture and is packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure.

For more information on this incredibly unique wine visit: http://www.altovanto.it/

+Make a reservation at Specchio and try Alto Vanto today

Fresh off a stellar win over the Miami Heat, the streaking Los Angeles Clippers dined at Specchio last week during a visit to play the Golden State Warriors.  A wonderful evening of food and fun was had by all including amazing rookie Blake Griffin, who along with his teammates spent the evening enjoying some of Chef Gino Assaf’s specially prepared dishes.

Did Blake Griffin Dunk at Specchio

L.A. Clippers rookie dunking phenom Blake Griffin (in blue sweater) with teammates at Specchio. In town last week to play Golden State, the L.A. Clippers ― including human highlight reel and latest cheap-shot target Blake Griffin ― slipped into Specchio for dinner (not the first NBA team to do so, incidentally, which makes us wonder about the reputation of Mission Street dining among ballers). What they ate, according to chef/owner Gino Assaf: spaghetti di farro all`amatriciana, beef filet with radicchio, other stuff. Desserts reportedly included tiramisu, pancotto, cannoli and flourless chocolate cake. No word if Griffin actually dunked any of them in his Moscato d’Asti.

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Via SF Weekly