Any insider tips for Zingari Ristorante?

Request lounge seating for dinner with music.

What should I order at Zingari Ristorante?

Osso buco; tagliatelle; bistecca

When should I visit Zingari Ristorante?

Prime time Friday–Saturday; book ahead

Who should go to Zingari Ristorante?

Date-night and celebration diners

Any insider tips for a Mano?

Join the waitlist before arriving; patio tables turn fastest.

What should I order at a Mano?

Short rib pappardelle, cacio e pepe, seasonal burrata

When should I visit a Mano?

Early evening to avoid the longest waits

Any insider tips for Doppio Zero?

Patio seating available - request when less busy

What should I order at Doppio Zero?

Mortadella pizza, lobster ravioli, any wood-fired pie

When should I visit Doppio Zero?

Early dinner to avoid symphony crowds

Who should go to Doppio Zero?

Pre-theater diners and Italian food enthusiasts

Any insider tips for Cesario’s?

Parking is easier at the Sutter-Stockton Garage a few blocks away.

What should I order at Cesario’s?

Meat lasagna, polenta lasagna, tiramisu

When should I visit Cesario’s?

Early evening for walk-in tables

Any insider tips for Tratto?

Check the mid-week aperitivo hour for drink-and-snack deals.

What should I order at Tratto?

Eggplant lasagna, pappardelle, a spritz

When should I visit Tratto?

Pre-show 5–6:30pm or late evening

Who should go to Tratto?

Pre-theater and cocktail-first diners

Best Italian Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)

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

Notable Picks

#1 Zingari Ristorante

8.5

$$$$ Union Square / Lower Nob Hill

Vibes: Date Night Magic Luxury Dining Elite Instagram Worthy Wonders Live Music Showtime

Classic downtown ristorante with white-tablecloth service, a steakhouse tilt, and pasta made in-house. A go-to for celebratory dinners near Union Square, often with live jazz in the lounge.

Must-Try Dishes: Osso buco, Tagliatelle bolognese, Bistecca alla Fiorentina

What makes it special: Elegant Italian dining with live-music energy steps from Union Square.

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#2 a Mano

8.3

$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Outdoor Dining Oasis Trendy Table Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Date Night Magic

Hayes Valley’s hand-made pasta hub turning out seasonal antipasti, pizzas, and pastas with brisk pacing. Locals queue for silky tagliatelle and wood-fired pies before shows at SFJAZZ and the Opera House.

Must-Try Dishes: Pappardelle with short rib sugo, Cacio e pepe, Burrata with seasonal accoutrements

What makes it special: Fresh, handmade pastas with a high-energy patio scene.

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#3 Doppio Zero

8.1

$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Date Night Magic Business Lunch Power Players Instagram Worthy Wonders Group Dining Gatherings

Neapolitan-focused spot in Hayes Valley serving VPN-style pizzas and Southern Italian plates. Popular with symphony and ballet crowds for reliable pies, squash ravioli, and a lively bar.

Must-Try Dishes: Margherita Pizza, Mortadella & Pistachio Pizza, Doppio Zero House Special

What makes it special: Authentic Neapolitan pizza certified by Vera Pizza Napoletana association

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#4 Cesario’s

8.0

$$$$ Lower Nob Hill / Union Square

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven Family Friendly Favorites

Old-school Northern Italian stalwart near Union Square serving classics since 1991. Expect warm, theater-district hospitality and hearty plates like veal scaloppine and house lasagna.

Must-Try Dishes: Meat Lasagna (ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, spinach), Polenta Lasagna (spinach & ricotta), Chicken Parmigiana

What makes it special: Two distinct lasagnas, including a lighter polenta-based version.

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Worthy Picks

#5 Tratto

7.9

$$$ Union Square / Theater District

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players Girls Night Out Approved Happy Hour Hotspots

Union Square trattoria known for shareable antipasti, house pastas, and Italian-leaning cocktails. A flexible choice for business lunches and theater nights with friendly service and extended hours.

Must-Try Dishes: Roasted Eggplant Lasagna (ricotta, tomato, almond pesto), Pappardelle al Ragù, Fritto Misto

What makes it special: Polished setting for a seasonal, roasted-eggplant lasagna and cocktails.

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