Die-hard Italian food lovers in San Francisco know the North Beach neighborhood is the closest thing the city has to a Little Italy. Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and delis are common sights throughout North Beach, and signs of Italian heritage are stamped all over the neighborhood—you can get a glimpse for yourself just by strolling along Columbus Avenue, the main thoroughfare of this historical neighborhood. If your most enjoyable pastime is eating (and let’s face it, whose isn’t?), you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in this neighborhood. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best Italian eateries in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood.

San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood

Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood

If you’ve never been to Sotto Mare Oysteria & Seafood, a must-order dish is their “Best Damn Cioppino.” Reviewers on Yelp agree that this dish really lives up to its name, with a smooth and aromatic broth that’s filled to the brim with fresh crab, tasty mussels, and tender scallops. For an authentically San Franciscan dish, try the clam chowder, which comes with generous amounts of clam, as well as bacon bits sprinkled over the top. The wait can be long, but the authentic food and friendly staff make it well worth the wait. Plus, the atmosphere feels elegant without being too stuffy, so it’s a great place for a company lunch or even a romantic dinner date. 

Albona Ristorante Istriano

At first glance, you might wonder whether Albona Ristorante Istriano is authentically Italian. After all, sauerkraut isn’t something you often see in an Italian dish. But take a look at the back of the menu for a brief history of the restaurant, and you’ll discover that this restaurant’s offerings are rooted in the cuisine of the Croatian peninsula. This means the Italian food you’re enjoying will have a bit of a Croatian twist, with strong flavors and hearty portions that are difficult to resist. Try the pork loin stuffed with sauerkraut, the risotto con funghi, or the veal shank for a delicious meal you won’t forget. No meal is complete without something sweet at the end, so order the tiramisu or panna cotta for a decadent treat.

Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar

Sometimes, the best meal is the simplest one. And if a simple, delicious pizza is what you’re in the mood for, there are few Italian places in San Francisco better than Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar. As the name suggests, this place serves up some top-notch cheese (Il Casaro is Italian for “cheesemaker”). The thin crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and the cheese is perfectly melted. The pizzas also include generous portions of toppings, so whether you’re in the mood for arugula and prosciutto, or just lots of cheese, this restaurant has what you’re looking for. 

Photo courtesy of Baonecci Ristorante

Baonecci Ristorante

While this family-run restaurant doesn’t have the bells and whistles of fancier, more expensive establishments, you’ll find that simple, classic Italian food is this restaurant’s specialty. The tagliatelle alla bolognese is a solid, comforting dish, and the lobster ravioli is also a go-to order among regulars. The cozy, intimate feel of this restaurant makes it a great spot to visit for a family dinner, and you can order the truffle salame pizza, bruschetta, or burrata to share. Visit Baonecci Ristorante when you want a simple, delicious Italian meal that’s guaranteed to please your palate.

Franchino

If comfort food is what you’re after, there’s nothing better than a warm, heaping bowl of pasta. And Franchino makes some of the best that North Beach has to offer. The family-run atmosphere and delicious home-cooked food make this a place you’ll want to come back to over and over again. The seafood in the pasta pescatore tastes remarkably fresh, and the meat lasagna offers layer upon layer of meaty, tomato-y goodness. The eggplant parmesan is perfect for vegetarians, and the ricotta-stuffed gnocchi is a savory option for cheese lovers.

Firenze by Night

If a special occasion is coming up, why not make a reservation at this classy Italian joint? Firenze by Night is a small but intimate restaurant, making it a cozy place to catch up with friends over dinner or meet a special someone for a romantic evening. The pappardelle with rabbit sauce is a popular choice among Yelp reviewers, and regulars also love the gnocchi, which is described as fluffy and light. Pasta lovers may also enjoy the linguine alla paolo, which is served with garlic, anchovies, and red chili flakes, and everyone can get in on the fresh focaccia bread served with olive oil as a delicious start to the meal.