Italian Restaurants

Hidden away in San Francisco’s North Beach, L’Osteria del Forno offers an authentic Italian setting and traditional menu. L’Osteria’s provides a lovely venue decorated with traditional Italian décor. Family and friends alike, enjoy their quaint establishment, allowing diners to have an intimate dining experience. L’Osteria’s secret to success is fresh daily ingredients. Their focaccine bread is made freshly in their kitchen and served piping hot right when guest order their meals. L’Osteria has a vast list of food-friendly wine that pairs well with many of their dishes.

Dell’uva, meaning “of the grape” in Italian, serves casual food and wine at an affordable price. Located at two locations, one in North Beach and the other in Mission, Dell’uva has a wide variety of wine options at a starting price as low as $6 a glass Also they serve a small assortment of beers and cocktails. To go along with their wide variety of wine and alcohol, Dell’uva serves fabulous finger foods that ranges from a cheese platter to delicious pizzas like Quatrro Formaggio, handmade dough topped with mozzarella, ricotta, shaved parmesan and feta cheese. To end the weekend …

Filled with culinary passion, Panta Rei creates dishes that are not found in the routinely Americanized concept of how an Italian restaurant should operate. Panta Rei brings freshness to every dish they create. Every pasta dish is made-to-order specifically for the guest and they have a daily changing menu that features handmade Gnocci and risotto. Panta Rei interior is modern and fresh compared against most of the Italian Restaurants in town. Also their full bar is light with a vibrate color scheme brings youth and a new direction to Italian restaurants.

Trattoria Pinocchio offers diners an authentic taste of Italy on one of the busiest corners in North Beach. Heated sidewalk seating allows patrons to enjoy open air dining, even when the weather is brisk. Should guests choose to be seated inside, floor-to-ceiling windows offer the opportunity to people watch while enjoying the chic Venetian interior and sounds of Italian music. Owner and Chef Giovanni Zocca, a native of Sicily, offers a menu featuring homemade pastas, pizza, veal, seafood, and cioppino. Trattoria Pinocchio has a full bar with signature cocktails and a variety of Californian and Italian wines, so it’s not …

For close to three decades Viva Pizza has been bringing the citizens of North Beach quality Italian style food at a decent price. Located right in the heart of it all, on the bustling corner of Grant and Columbus, Viva Pizza specializes in large, gourmet pizzas designed specifically to achieve maximum mouth-waterability. From the classic Marguerita to the aptly named Favorite, there is pizza galore to satisfy even the most persnickety of pizza connoisseurs. If pizza isn’t your slice of pie, try any one of their delicious pasta dishes, ranging from Grilled Filet of Salmon to Lamb Shank in Orzo. …

Named after Unione Sportiva, a popular soccer team from Palermo, Sicily, U.S. Original Restaurant in North Beach has been serving guests for over twenty years. A favorite appetizer, the Antipasti de Mare with clams, mussels, shrimp, baby calamari, and scallops on a bed of ice cold lettuce with capers, celery, minced red onion, and tomato served with lemon wedges and a light red wine vinaigrette will whet the appetite for the main course. Daily specials abound, and the Osso Bucco, served on Saturdays, has some locals claiming it to be the best in San Francisco. Open for lunch and dinner …

Il Pollaio is renown in the North Beach neighborhood for its famous chicken, but it also serves a bevy of traditional Italian dishes. The most popular menu item is the combination salad and half chicken, but entrée choices also include Italian sausages, hamburger, pork chops, lamb chops, and rib-eye steak. Rabbit will periodically make an appearance on the menu, but call ahead to confirm, as it is not a daily item. Side dishes include soup, steak cut french fries, roasted peppers, potatoes, marinated eggplant, tomato & onion salad, and three bean salad. Should you find yourself on Columbus Ave in …

Ottimista Enoteca-Cafe brings the Italian wine bar tradition mixed in with authentic Italian-inspired cuisine to San Francisco's Cow Hollow Neighborhood. Featuring a wine list that frequently rotates around 35-40 wine selections, Ottimisita is an ideal location for all wine enthusiast in the world. In addition, Ottimista has an assortment of family style dishes, ranging from pastas and pizzas to bruschette that all pairs well with one of their local or international wines. Ottimista Enoteca-Cafe creates a wine and dine experience that guests should not skip out on.

For a slice of Windy City flavor in San Francisco’s Marina District, look no further than Patxi’s Chicago Pizza. The appetizer selection is stellar and straight forward: The Classic Bruschetta is served with roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, while the Antipasto plate features naturally cured Zoe’s Hot Coppa, Aged Prosciutto and Spanish Chorizo. Salad offerings include, butter lettuce, Greek, spinach, Caesar, and garden, all of which can be topped with any of the seven dressings in house. But let’s get down to brass tacks; the pizza is where Patxi’s Chicago Pizza shines. There are four styles of pie: …

Alobona Ristorante Istriano serves cuisine that is foreign to the West Coast. Rated high among the “The Best Ethnic Resaurants in the Bay Area”, Alobona is the first and only Istrian restaurant on the Pacific side serving authentic Istrian cuisine. Istrain cuisine has been influenced by other European cuisine like Italian, Austrian, and Hungarian. However, what makes Istrian cuisine separate from the others are their recipes consisting of ingredients like cumin, pasta strudels, and sauerkraut like their entrée Involtin de Porco. Albona cozy dining room is bathed in a rosy glow, accented by mahogany woodwork. Their dining hall is has …

Located in Cow Hollow, The Matterhorn Swiss Restaurant brings the best of Switzerland right in their establishment. Matterhorn Swiss serves a beautifully crafted menu that features Fondue and an extensive wine selection for wine lovers to enjoy. Their interior is designed with handcrafted wood panel décor that is elegant yet cozy that transports you to a large log cabin in the Swiss Alps. With impeccable service, The Matterhorn Swiss Restaurant is a great eatery that people will have fun and enjoy Swiss cuisine.

Luisa’s Italian Restaurant in Cow Hollow, with its scores of Chianti bottles decorating the ceiling, has a cozy and quiet Italian atmosphere. Luisa’s has a full bar, so one can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine should they desire. The kitchen offers traditional Italian dishes such as Osso Buco, Gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce, Crab Ravioli, and Rigatone Pollo Pesto, all crafted with authenticity in mind. An outdoor courtyard allows seating for large parties or for patrons wishing for the serene open air dining experience afforded on beautiful San Francisco days. Luisa’s Italian Restaurant is a superb choice for …

Amongst all the contemporary, forward thinking restaurants on Union, all the establishments might seem a copy of a copy of a copy. However, La Cucina on Union is breaking the mold by basically offering great, home style Breakfast and Brunch options. La Cucina entrees speak for themselves, creating traditional dishes that guests grew up enjoying. Try from a wealth of delicious options like the Tuna Salad Sandwich or Breakfast Tostada. Guests can take it easy in the dining room that seeps cozy nodes and relaxing vibes from their floral wallpaper and calming colors that will settle anyone's aching eyes.

Trattoria Volare off of Columbus Avenue in North Beach offers diners in search of Italian fare a taste of Sicily. Outdoor seating is available, should open air dining be a preference. Patrons are treated to complimentary olives, a nice addition to the traditional table bread provided by the kitchen. The dining room features a projector and retractable screen, and when evening falls, the restaurant plays classic titles of Italian cinema, for what is called “dinner and a movie”. The homemade quality of popular entrees such as the gnocchi and lasagna are the reason patrons return time and again to Trattoria …

Ristorante Parma invites guests into a warm, comfortable family-run restaurant serving up Southern Italian comfort cuisine. Located in the Marina District for around 30 years, Ristorante Parma is the one of the oldest establishments on Steiner Street. Dive into Parma's hearty entrees, relieving the greatest of appetites. The entree selection is endless. From traditional Italian dishes, carb-watching entrees, and vegetarian friendly options, Ristorante Parma serves to please anyone. Ristorante transports guest right to homeland Italy with their Roman style walls adorned with murals and an impressive wine rack seen from the dining room.

Aperto in Potrero Hill dedicates their establishment to serve the best seasonal, local, and organic products that they can find. Aperto offers delicious Italian cuisine using only featuring Fulton Valley Poultry and Safe Harbor Certified local and wild caught fish. Like the seasons, Aperto changes their menu to provide dishes with the freshest ingredients that are in season. Each dish can be pair with one of Aperto wines from Italy or you may bring in a bottle of your own. Every Saturday and Sunday, Brunch is served at Aperto. Mimosa and Breakfast dishes are made fresh in their kitchen like …

Located in the heart of Glenview district in Oakland, Bellanico is a continuation of Chris Shepherd and Elizabeth Frumusa’s legacy of opening fantastic restaurants in North California. Derived from their daughter’s name, Bellancio serves rustic Italian cuisine. By keeping everything fresh and inventive, Bellancio changes their menu every season and is dedicated to serve the best seasonal, local, sustainable, and organic food possible. Inside their establishment, Bellancio has a small wine bar offering Old World wines emphasizing the Italy region. Bellanico is a local gem waiting to serve you when you are in the neighborhood.

Pasta Moon has made it their main priority to source out the most fresh and seasonal ingredients possible using local farmers to create delicious Italian cuisine for their guests. Their sustainable outlook is hard to achieve, yet Pasta Moon creates pleasing flavor combinations nonetheless. Pasta Moon has ongoing events and live music by local musicians and artists. They strive to consistently provide an enjoyable environment while construction Italian cuisine using their sustainable and fresh philosophy.

A San Francisco favorite since 1937, Original Joe’s new North Beach location offers an expansive selection of Italian cuisine, steak, and seafood. Whether the stomach yearns for a Rib Eye Steak, Veal Parmigiana, or brothy Steamed Mussels, Original Joe’s has it all. Salad lovers can expect their own place on the menu as well, with an entire section dedicated to the leafy delights. The Italian influence is not lost in the abundant menu, carb loaders can indulge in various Spaghetti, Ravioli and Linguini dishes with meat, pesto or carbonara sauces smothered on top. During the week Original Joe’s provides diners …

At Globe in the Financial District, they offer exquisite new American cuisine to hungry patrons from lunch until the wee hours of the night. The menu features delicious fare that will make any diner’s stomach growl for a taste, such as Pan Roasted Halibut complemented with artichokes, zucchini and cannellini beans and the Grilled Bone-in 28oz. New York Steak for two with grilled onions and potato gratin. Guests can satiate their appetites with Globe’s house made pizzas as well, like Gamboni Mushrooms with White Truffle Oil and Lamb Sausage and Kalamata Olives. Calming and soothing, Globe’s atmosphere will create a …