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Best Date Night Italian Restaurants in Haight Ashbury (94117)

5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

8.8
$$$$ NoPa
Cal-Italian tavern known for wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a lively upstairs dining room. Reservations are competitive, but the kitchen delivers deeply flavored, seasonal cooking with polished service.
Must-Try Dishes: Spaghetti pomodoro, Pepperoni pizza (sourdough crust), Chopped salad
What makes it special: Seasonal, NorCal-leaning Italian with a James Beard-recognized chef.
$$$ Lower Haight
Lower Haight trattoria (since 2008) doing straightforward antipasti, pizzas, and pastas with a tight Italian wine list. Calm room and shareable plates work well for families who like to split and sample.
Must-Try Dishes: Meatballs al sugo, Margherita pizza, Cacio e pepe
What makes it special: Neighborhood Italian with dependable pastas and low-key energy.
8.1
$$$ NoPa
Cocktail-forward Italian spot with thin-crust pizzas, antipasti, and a bustling room that plays well for a lively date. The Divisadero outpost brings polished service and a strong beverage program to NoPa nights.
Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, Lasagna ferrarese, Saffron risotto
What makes it special: Well-executed pizzas and pastas with spacious seating on Divis.
8.0
$$ Cole Valley
Cole Valley wine bar with an all-Italian list and a compact menu of seasonal antipasti, pastas, and crostini. Candlelit corners and knowledgeable pours make it a snug, conversation-first date night.
Must-Try Dishes: Tagliatelle al Ragù, Burrata with Crostini, Arancini
What makes it special: All-Italian wine program with thoughtful, small-kitchen cooking.

Worthy Picks

$$ Cole Valley
Neighborhood Italian mainstay (since 1980) offering classic pastas, chicken piccata, and seafood in a warmly lit room. It’s dependable, friendly, and relaxed enough for a casual, unhurried date.
Must-Try Dishes: Linguine alle Vongole, Chicken Piccata, Eggplant Parmigiana
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood classic with welcoming service and steady plates.