SF Downtown – February 2001 - Leslie Harlib

"Jianna…is what I wish many restaurants would be: small enough to feel intimate, even when crowded, and unfussy in terms of décor, thanks to the restrained yet dramatic vision of designer Nancy Irish." 

"There are simple candles on the table, a few unusual copper fixtures providing the subtle lighting, comfortably padded wall-sided benches for some of the tables, and cozy chairs."

"Flowers are reserved for a discreet arrangement at the host’s check-in station. And this lack of fussy details in décor translates to less expensive prices on the menu."

"Despite the culinary jollies you will find at this North Beach restaurant, at night Jianna is a moody place. It feels like a smoky jazz tune. Like a sparely written poem. Chalk it up to the blue-gray walls and slightly underdone lighting, the atmosphere is smooth and hip, urbane yet comfortable too."