Best Trendy Italian Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Acquerello
Two-star technique and cellar depth in an intimate, serene room.
Essential Picks
#1
Acquerello
9.2
Since 1989, this Nob Hill landmark delivers refined, contemporary Italian through polished tasting menus and an award-winning cellar. Service is choreographed yet warm, making it a destination for milestone dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal tasting menu progression, Aged Parmigiano risotto, Petit fours & mignardises
What Makes it Special: Two-star technique and cellar depth in an intimate, serene room.
Notable Picks
8.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Flagship of world champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani (since 2009) serving multiple regional styles—from VPN-leaning Neapolitan to Detroit and Sicilian—baked in dedicated ovens. Families come for reliable pacing, shareable pies, and a buzzy North Beach setting that still feels neighborly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Napoletana, Detroit Red Top, Tony’s Sicilian
What Makes it Special: Multi-oven, multi-style program led by Tony Gemignani since 2009.
#3
Sorrel
8.8
Michelin-starred, seasonally driven Italian with handmade pastas and a calm, polished vibe. A terrace and refined service make it a strong pick for al fresco special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta gnudi with sage, Strascinati with ’nduja, Madai crudo
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN-starred pastas and terrace dining led by a Quince-trained chef.
#4
Bosco
8.7
New wood-fired Italian from The Absinthe Group (opened Sept 2025) with chefs Ryan McIlwraith and Kaili Hill. Handmade pastas, hearth-kissed mains, and a polished room deliver a modern, upscale SoMa date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Spaghetti with Sungold Tomato, Chicken Tortellini in Parmesan Cream, Wood-Fired Pork Ribs (agrodolce)
What Makes it Special: A wood-fired kitchen and handmade pasta program by a veteran SF team.
8.7
Modern Italian pastas made with NorCal ingredients, executed with precision in a lively Mission dining room. The tight, seasonally shifting menu rewards pasta-first ordering and a glass from the savvy list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Agnolotti del plin, Tagliatelle bolognese
What Makes it Special: Pasta craftsmanship backed by a deep seasonal pantry.
8.7
Tight Glen Park spot known for thin, crisp-edged pies baked with a light touch and seasonal toppings. Locals line up for the signature Atomica and potato-pancetta pizzas, plus a focused salad list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Atomica (tomato, Calabrian chilies, mushrooms, red onion, mozzarella), Margherita with Gioia mozzarella, Potato & pancetta pizza (often with farm egg)
What Makes it Special: Crisp, wood-fired pies with dialed-in seasonal toppings.
#7
A16
8.6
Southern Italian cooking anchored by a serious wine program and wood-fired pies. Marina regulars come for burrata, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and seasonal pastas in a lively room with a parklet for casual al fresco meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Burrata with olive oil, Cavatelli with sausage
What Makes it Special: Award-winning Southern Italian cooking with a deep, thoughtful wine list.
8.6
Roman-leaning thin-crust pizzas and serious cocktails anchor this Mission stalwart. Locals slide in late for crisp pies, efficient service, and a buzzy Valencia Street vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Funghi, Calabrese
What Makes it Special: Late-running kitchen turning out crackly Roman-style pies with strong cocktails.
#9
Che Fico
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Destination Italian taverna (since 2018) from chef David Nayfeld that pairs seasonal pastas and sourdough-crust pizzas with polished service. While upscale, the lively dining room and shareable dishes work for special family nights.
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.
#10
Del Popolo
8.6
Wood-fired pizzas and antipasti served around a centerpiece oven in a sleek, brick-and-mortar off Bush. Bib Gourmand-recognized pies and seasonal starters draw steady crowds from Union Square and Nob Hill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (mozzarella di bufala, basil), Roasted squash & mascarpone pizza (seasonal), Meatballs with tomato
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib-Gourmand pizzas fired in a showpiece oven.
#11
La Ciccia
8.6
Sardinian stalwart where seasonal Bay Area seafood and produce meet bottarga-kissed pastas and bold island flavors. Attentive, informed service and a deep Italy-focused wine list make it a reliable pick for intimate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with bottarga, Malloreddus with spicy sausage, Octopus stew
What Makes it Special: Singular Sardinian menu with meticulous sourcing and serious wine pairings.
#12
Locanda Wine Bar
8.6
Stylish downtown wine bar and cucina pairing house pastas with a deep Italian and local wine list. It’s the dress-up option on First Street—ambience, service cadence, and plating suit date nights and celebratory dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al Ragù, Burrata with Seasonal Garnishes, Branzino al Limone
What Makes it Special: Refined pastas and a serious wine program in a polished room.
8.6
Tuscan-leaning landmark dating to 1970 with white-tablecloth service and a deep cellar. Handmade pastas and classic veal preparations make it a refined choice for a dress-up dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle Bolognese, Veal Scaloppine, Prosciutto & Melon
What Makes it Special: White-tablecloth Tuscan fare with old-San-Francisco elegance.
#14
Perbacco
8.6
Piedmont-leaning downtown standby known for refined pastas and a textbook Lasagna Bolognese layered with besciamella and Parmigiano. Locals use it for polished business lunches and special-occasion dinners with reliable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese (besciamella, Parmigiano), Agnolotti del Plin, Cioppino/Ligurian Ciupin
What Makes it Special: House Lasagna Bolognese executed in classic Northern Italian style.
#15
Seven Hills
8.6
A Russian Hill staple for handmade pastas and market-driven plates in a cozy room. Locals book ahead for rich ragus, warm hospitality, and a neighborhood date-night feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle al ragù, Raviolo al uovo, Burrata with seasonal produce
What Makes it Special: Hand-rolled pastas and tight nightly specials from a seasoned team.
#16
AltoVino
8.5
Wine-driven Italian dining on the Nob Hill/North Beach slope with seasonal pastas and thoughtful pairings. Intimate room and a list that roams Italy’s regions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle al Ragù, Spaghettoni all’Amatriciana, Stuffed Fried Olives
What Makes it Special: Region-hopping Italian menu anchored by a serious wine list.
#17
Fiorella
8.5
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies, seasonal pastas, and a lively sidewalk parklet. Locals book it for dependable execution, smart wines by the glass, and an outdoor setup that actually stays comfortable on foggy evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola wood-fired pizza, Cacio e pepe, Burrata with seasonal vegetables
What Makes it Special: Serious wood-fire program with outdoor seating that’s actually comfortable.
#18
Frascati
8.5
Russian Hill bistro blending Mediterranean-leaning Italian plates with polished neighborhood hospitality. Handmade pastas and a thoughtful wine list make it a reliable date-night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade pappardelle, Seared scallops, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments
What Makes it Special: Mediterranean-accented Italian cooking with intimate, cable-car-adjacent charm.
#19
Heroic Italian
8.5
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Castro outpost of the LA-born sandwich shop serving crusty baguettes stacked with high-quality Italian meats, cheeses, and veggie combos. The tight menu centers on composed cold and hot sandwiches with bold flavors and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
OMG Italian Sandwich, Polpette Meatball, Marinetti (Vegetarian)
What Makes it Special: Signature Italian deli builds on artisan bread with premium imports.
Neapolitan pies fired hot with blistered, tender crusts and a mozzarella bar to match. Casual energy and fair pricing make it a reliable sit-down option in the heart of North Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C., Diavola, Burrata e Prosciutto
What Makes it Special: Wood-blistered Neapolitan pies with a full mozzarella program.
#21
Orafo
8.5
Four Seasons Embarcadero’s Italian dining room focuses on house-made pastas and California seafood with polished hotel service. Locals use it for power lunches and refined dinners when FiDi calls for something upscale without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Fettuccine (squid ink, clams, local catch), Whole Grilled Branzino, Prosciutto & Melon
What Makes it Special: Polished Italian cooking in a serene Four Seasons setting.
8.5
Mission anchor for blistered, Neapolitan-inspired pies with efficient takeout late into the evening. The kitchen’s precision shows in clean flavors and crisp leoparding.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Salsiccia, Funghi
What Makes it Special: Benchmark Neapolitan-style pies with late-evening takeout flow.
#23
Serafina
8.5
Cozy hillside Italian with city views and a focused menu from Executive Chef Umberto Cannarsa. The signature Lasagna Serafina leans rich and homey, complemented by gnocchi, seafood pastas, and a compact but quality wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Serafina, Gnocchi di Patate con Spuntature, Spaghetti alle Vongole
What Makes it Special: House-special lasagna and handmade pastas with scenic Nob/Russian Hill perch.
8.4
Roman trattoria on Mint Plaza with house-made pastas and a steady sidewalk patio. Locals come for cacio e pepe, grilled octopus, and a civilized glass of Italian wine before shows or downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, Bucatini all’Amatriciana
What Makes it Special: Authentic Roman cooking with a true plaza patio setup since 2009.
#25
a Mano
8.4
Handmade pastas and Italian small plates served on a lively Hayes Valley corner with plenty of al fresco seating. Locals line up for fresh, seasonal dishes and an upbeat patio scene that works for dates or friends.
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.
#26
Bella Trattoria
8.4
Neighborhood trattoria known for house-made pastas and warm, bustling service—ideal for a cozy two-top. Reservations help, but the energy stays relaxed enough for conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Cozy trattoria feel with reliably excellent fresh pasta.
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Speakeasy-styled room focused on Chicago traditions—deep-dish, stuffed, and cracker-thin—with an American whiskey program. Pies arrive with sturdy crusts, layered cheese, and slow-simmered sauces that reward a patient bake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Deep Dish Sausage, Cracker-Thin Pepperoni, Stuffed Spinach & Ricotta
What Makes it Special: Dedicated Chicago-style program with multiple crust formats.
8.4
Lively Mission Bay pizzeria from the Che Fico team serving airy, well-fermented pies with crisp-chewy bite plus antipasti and Italian drinks. Easy pre- or post-event choice with friendly service and plenty of seating around Chase Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola, Funghi pie
What Makes it Special: Polished, kid-welcoming pizzeria with event-night energy and great dough.
8.4
Bi-level neighborhood Italian with wood-fired pies, house-made pastas, and a cozy bar that reads grown-up without being stuffy. The heated rooftop and steady cocktail/wine program make it a reliable Inner Sunset date night pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chitarra Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoncini al Bolognese, Squid Ink Reginette with Gulf Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a stylish, rooftop-equipped space.
8.4
Wood-fired pies and housemade pastas in a lively, design-forward room with a pizza bar for counter-side action. Families come early for spritzes and shared pies; later turns skew date-night and buzzy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (wood-fired), Diavola/pepperoni piccante, Seasonal vegetable antipasti
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired crusts with balanced toppings and a lively neighborhood vibe.
8.4
Roman-style pinsa with a light, airy crust baked crisp and topped with high-quality ingredients. Locals come for balanced flavors and a dough that stays digestible even with hearty toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pinsa, Diavola Pinsa, Prosciutto e Funghi Pinsa
What Makes it Special: True Roman pinsa technique with long-fermented, airy dough.
8.4
Italian–Mexican mashup in the Transit Center corridor known for a rich birria lasagna layered with slow-stewed beef and stretchy mozzarella. Lively room, cocktails, and a pasta-leaning menu make it a post-work or date-night standby in SoMa/East Cut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Lasagna, Paccheri with Wild Boar, Churro Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Fusion birria lasagna that actually balances Italian technique with Mexican depth.
8.4
The city’s pioneer of Roman pinsa—an airy, crisp oval pie—with charcuterie and Italian aperitivi in a brick-walled room. Mid-Market location stays consistent for casual dates or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pinsa Matriciana, Burrata with anchovy, Tiramisù
What Makes it Special: Authentic Roman pinsa with careful dough fermentation and toppings.
#34
Sorella
8.4
A polished Polk Street room for modern Italian plates, house pastas, and a strong cocktail and wine program. It draws a stylish crowd and works for celebratory nights without going full white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Seasonal crudo, Tagliatelle with ragù bianco
What Makes it Special: Modern Italian flavors with cocktail bar energy on Polk.
#35
Beretta
8.3
The Divisadero outpost of the Mission original brings crisp Roman-style pies, pastas, and a solid kids-appropriate brunch menu. Friendly service and big tables make it easy for groups without feeling fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Lasagna ferrarese, Saffron risotto
What Makes it Special: Well-executed pizzas and pastas with spacious seating on Divis.
#36
Cafe Tiramisu
8.3
Belden Place standby for handmade pastas, seafood, and old-school hospitality that reads intimate without being fussy. Outdoor alley seating, warm service, and a deep Italian wine list make it a reliable FiDi date-night choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Gnocchi al Pesto, Tuscan-Style Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Long-running Belden Place Italian with hand-made pasta and patio ambiance since the early ’90s.
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Roman-inspired pizzas and pastas anchor this downtown staple, but the baked Lasagna di Verdure stands out for balanced layers, clean flavors, and a satisfying bake. It’s a go-to pre-show and business-lunch stop steps from Moscone with smooth pacing for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna di Verdure, Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, Polpette (meatballs)
What Makes it Special: Vegetable-forward lasagna baked to order with precise layering.
#38
Fiorella (Polk)
8.3
Wood-fired pies with blistered crusts alongside Italian antipasti and wine in a lively room. The team keeps toppings focused and seasonal, with precise bakes that balance chew and char.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola, Funghi with fontina & herbs
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired crusts with clean toppings and steady execution.
8.3
Cozy Roman-leaning trattoria in the heart of North Beach known for silky pastas and a lively, intimate room. House-made sauces and a deep Italian wine list make it a reliable pick for an unrushed dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Lasagna alla Bolognese, Saltimbocca alla Romana
What Makes it Special: Roman-style pastas and a snug, softly lit dining room.
#40
La Connessa
8.3
Modern Potrero Hill trattoria from Bacchus Management Group offering handmade pastas and classic Italian mains in a lively, comfortable room. Families can share generous plates and enjoy attentive service at earlier dinner hours and weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Chicken parmigiana, Seasonal risotto
What Makes it Special: Handmade pastas and shareable Italian classics in an upbeat setting.
#41
Original Joe's
8.3
Italian-American institution across from Washington Square with a full ‘Steaks & Chops’ section and business-friendly pacing at lunch. Reliable execution and white-jacket service make it an easy choice for executive meet-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
14oz New York, 25oz Bone-In Ribeye, Prime Rib Dip (lunch)
What Makes it Special: Steaks-and-chops heritage with polished, swift lunch service.
#42
Palio
8.3
FiDi institution (est. 1990) serving wood-oven Roman-style pizzas alongside pastas in a polished dining room. Families appreciate the roomy seating, shareable pies, and kid-friendly classics at lunch or early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Funghi (wild mushrooms, fontina), Siciliana (fennel sausage)
What Makes it Special: Wood-oven pies in a spacious FiDi classic dating to 1990.
#43
Piccino
8.3
Dogpatch’s design-forward cornerstone (since 2006) turns out a polished, produce-driven weekend brunch on a sun-splashed plaza. Expect beautiful plates, espresso, and wood-oven offerings that photograph as well as they eat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polpette (Meatballs), Salsiccia Pizza, Burrata Pugliese
What Makes it Special: Seasonal Italian-leaning brunch with striking indoor-outdoor design.
#44
Pie Punks
8.3
Casual counter-and-bar turning out round East Coast pies, Detroit-style squares, and thin, crispy Grandma slices. Since 2022, it’s been a reliable downtown stop with late hours, quick service, and a lively drinks program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni Grandma (square), Mauro's Molto Meat (round), Cheese Grandma
What Makes it Special: Multiple pizza styles done well under one roof since 2022.
Neighborhood standby for thin, lightly blistered pies and seasonal antipasti that work for kids and adults alike. Quick service, sidewalk seating, and shareable salads make it an easy family dinner play.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Burrata with Seasonal Toppings
What Makes it Special: Craig & Annie Stoll’s Pac Heights outpost (since 2008) for crisp, Neapolitan-inspired pies.
8.3
Calabrian-leaning osteria upstairs in a Victorian with a real patio and nightly happy hour. Handmade pastas and warm service make it a Castro standby since 2008; outdoor tables feel especially relaxed at golden hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agnolotti del Plin, House Focaccia, Calabrian-style Grilled Octopus
What Makes it Special: Handmade pasta and a true patio under a classic Castro Victorian.
#47
The Tailor's Son
8.3
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
A bright Milanese-leaning trattoria from Adriano Paganini with risotti, verdure, and cocktails. Heated sidewalk seating keeps the energy high without sacrificing comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Risotto alla Milanese, Vitello tonnato, Tagliatelle al ragù
What Makes it Special: Lively Milanese classics with well-heated patio tables on Fillmore.
#48
Barberio Osteria
8.2
A modern osteria cooking by region and season, with weekly menu shifts and a cozy Valencia Street setting. Expect handmade pastas, skillfully cooked seafood, and a wine list that rewards exploration.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliolini with seasonal ragù, Grilled whole fish, Burrata with seasonal vegetables
What Makes it Special: Region-hopping menu that changes with the market.
#49
DAMNFiNE
8.2
Outer Sunset hangout pairing wood-oven pizzas with cocktails, natural-leaning wines, and gallery-style art shows. Crusts land blistered and chewy, with modern toppings and a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Honey Pepperoni, Margherita, Seasonal Veggie Pie
What Makes it Special: Wood-oven pies with a cocktail program and art-driven space.
#50
Fable
8.2
Garden-patio favorite with a compact, seasonal brunch menu and calm mid-morning pacing. The all-weather terrace is the draw for relaxed, lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shakshuka, Lemon ricotta pancakes, Smoked salmon Benedict
What Makes it Special: Heated multi-deck garden patio with seasonal brunch plates.