Ginny Kolmar: Greco Romano

OK, so it's time to start buying Christmas or Hanukkah presents. This means saving money when we eat out. May we recommend the Greco Romano Restaurant in the Outer Richmond District, where the motto is "lots of food, well prepared." It has been serving award-winning pizza since 1988.

Nothing fancy, the small establishment seats only around 25 people. When an upstairs room is used for private parties or overflow, maybe 45 people can squeeze in. So don't all rush here the minute you read this, or the staff will be overwhelmed!

Two friends joined me for an early for dinner, recommended by a friend, since most nights the place is full by 7 p.m., with a waiting line on the sidewalk outside. We ordered from the pasta menu, although fresh-made pizza with beautiful looking ingredients was most tempting.

But we all wanted pasta that night, so we enjoyed all three orders: Spaghettini Aglia Olio, $7.50 (add $3 for soup or salad); Pasa al Forno, $8.95 and my most wonderful and plentiful Spaghettini Pesto with Pine Nuts, $8.95. Two of us decided to add a tasty salad, comprised of various baby lettuces, two tomato slices, Greek olives and a tasty and somewhat spicy vinaigrette dressing. We also received luscious homemade Italian bread.

Having tasted the other dishes besides my delicious Pesto and Pine Nuts Spaghettini, I can attest to both being just as tasty as mine was. The entire bill came to $33 plus tax and tip.

There are 10 different house pizzas or diners can create their own. Pizzas run from $13.95 (small) to $22.50 (extra large). A vegetarian pizza, for instance, has mushrooms, feta cheese, zucchini and tomatoes.

Other menu items include 12 appetizers, including Antipasto Mista della Casa ($10.95 small or $16.95 large); Hummas and Pita or Feta and Kalamata Olives, $4.75 each; Garlic Bread $2.75 (with mozzarella or pesto, $3.50.

Soup and Salads are served with the above mentioned bread. The soup was Black Bean when we ate, but changes often. Salads, besides the Mixed Seasonal Greens we had ($4.95 a la carte and a lot bigger than we suspected), include Caesar Salad, $4.95 ($2 more with chicken); Spinach Salad with oranges and red onions and their honey-mustard dressing, $5.75.

There are three desserts: Baklava, Tiramisu and Gelato Pie, each at $3.95. Beer and wine, as well as sodas, coffee and milk are also on the menu.

Gyros and sandwiches ($5.95 - $8.95) may be ordered at lunch and dinner, as can Italian and Greek entrees and, for that matter, the entire menu. There is also a takeout menu, which serves our entire district, so stop by and pick up the takeout menu so you can phone your orders in.

If you haven't experienced this wonderful, low-priced eatery, by all means step out and have a good time eating good food.

GRECO ROMANO

RESTAURANT

2448 Clement St. (at 26th Ave.)

Phone: 387-0626

Fax (for delivery): 751-1964

No reservations, Beer/wine; no wheelchairs; credit cards OK

Hours: Tuesday through Friday Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, noon - 10 p.m.

Advisory:

Atmosphere: * 1/2

Service: **

Food: *** 1/2

Price: *

Overall: ** 1/2