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Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown

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114 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cafe Zoetrope restaurant
1. Cafe Zoetrope
4.6
Exceptional(305)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 2 times today
Café Zoetrope offers an authentic Pizzeria experience that is a must-visit for Italian cuisine enthusiasts in North Beach, San Francisco. Nestled in the iconic Sentinel Building, this charming café brings a taste of Italy with its delectable pizza and calzone offerings. The ambiance exudes a rich and welcoming vibe, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying the "best Italian" flavors in town. Guests rave about the "fantastic service and food," with standout dishes like the Spaghetti and Meatballs receiving high praise. Whether you're enjoying a slice or savoring a glass of Coppola's wine, Café Zoetrope promises a delightful dining experience.
A photo of Tosca Café restaurant
2. Tosca Café
4.7
Exceptional(156)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 23 times today
Nestled in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach, Tosca Café offers a cocktail bar experience that is both legendary and unparalleled. Since 1919, Tosca has been the go-to spot for celebrities and locals alike, creating a rich tapestry of history and charm. Guests rave about the "delicious cocktails and wine," highlighting the bar's exquisite offerings that complement its classic Italian vibe. The ambiance is cozy yet lively, with "warm lighting and elegant decor" creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons. Whether savoring a Tosca House Cappuccino or a beautifully crafted cocktail, Tosca Café promises an authentic and memorable experience for all cocktail lovers.
A photo of Caffe Macaroni restaurant
3. Caffe Macaroni
5.0
Exceptional(717)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 1 time today
Caffe Macaroni in North Beach, San Francisco, is a delightful haven for genuine Sicilian cuisine enthusiasts. This charming spot, co-owned by Chef Mario and his wife Stephanie, offers a warm and personal dining experience, making every guest feel like family. The daily-changing menu ensures that every dish is fresh and infused with authentic flavors reminiscent of Southern Italy. Diners rave about the “outstanding and authentic” Italian food, with some proclaiming it as their “go-to” spot for decades. The welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the delectable menu, truly embodies the essence of Sicily, making it a must-visit for any Italian food lover.
A photo of Palio restaurant
4. Palio
4.8
Exceptional(1500)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Palio stands out as a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts seeking top-tier experiences. Praised for its "spectacular service" and "deliciously crafted appetizers," Palio’s cocktail bar offers a blend of historic and contemporary techniques, overseen by the attentive owner, Martino Di Grande. The full bar complements the culinary tour of Italy, with a Wine Spectator award-winning selection that includes exceptional Italian varietals. Guests rave about the ambiance, noting it as "quietly elegant" and perfect for both intimate conversations and lively gatherings. Whether you're sealing a deal or celebrating with friends, Palio’s cocktail bar guarantees a memorable experience.
A photo of Mona Lisa Mare e Monti restaurant
5. Mona Lisa Mare e Monti
4.4
Awesome(173)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 7 times today
Mona Lisa Mare e Monti in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach offers a seafood experience that is both authentic and delectable. With seafood sourced daily from local fishermen, dishes like the Zuppa Di Pesce and Whole Dungeness Crab showcase the freshness and quality that diners rave about. Guests describe the seafood as “absolutely phenomenal,” with flavors that transport you directly to the coast of Italy. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients is evident in every bite, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers. The delightful ambiance and attentive service further elevate this culinary gem, ensuring an unforgettable dining journey.
A photo of Ideale restaurant
6. Ideale
4.7
Exceptional(1561)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 10 times today
Ideale in North Beach, San Francisco, is a shining star in the realm of authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Recently awarded the prestigious "Gambero Rosso," this vibrant Italian eatery captures the essence of Rome with its traditional trattoria charm. The "Italian fare is the real deal," as Zagat praises, highlighting the excellence of their pizza and pasta. Maurizio Bruschi, a chef with Roman roots, ensures every dish is a masterpiece, utilizing hand-picked ingredients and homemade pastas and breads. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked" pizzas and the warm, familial service that makes every visit "a delightful experience."
A photo of Barbara Pinseria restaurant
7. Barbara Pinseria
4.5
Awesome(180)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in San Francisco's historic North Beach, Barbara Pinseria offers an authentic taste of Italian cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rustic heart of Roman pizzerie. The lively atmosphere and "incredible experience" are complemented by an energetic open kitchen that crafts fresh takes on classics with seasonal, local ingredients. Diners rave about the "unbelievably wonderful" pizza crust and "outstanding" pastas, making it a beloved neighborhood destination. With a selection of Italian and Californian wines, craft cocktails, and a warm, friendly ambiance, Barbara Pinseria is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine slice of Italy in the heart of the city.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
8. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4284)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 111 times today
Original Joe's in North Beach, San Francisco, is a beacon of authentic American cuisine blended with rich Italian-American flavors. As a culinary institution for over 80 years, Original Joe’s offers a unique dining experience with its signature red leather booths and legendary smooth cocktails. Reviewers rave about its "fantastic drinks" and "great food," highlighting dishes like the Veal Marsala and house-made ravioli. The ambiance is described as "festive and friendly," making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Original Joe's promises a classic American experience that "never disappoints," truly making it a San Francisco landmark.
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
9. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(7047)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 52 times today
Sleek and modern with one foot firmly in the Old World is the feeling at Perbacco. The restaurant boasts a brick wall original to the historic 1913 Hind building, with other touches such as a bar top and floor tiles made from white Carrara marble. With 16 seats at the bar and 7 more intimate tables, Perbacco creates an atmosphere for a glass of wine or a light bite. Perbacco also features 2 dining rooms, one on the main floor and a smaller one on the Mezzanine, which has the added allure of serving as "theater", with windows to watch all the action in the kitchen below. Chef Staffan Terje strives to cook the finest food reflecting the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria. Handcrafted, house-made salumi, prosciutto and other charcuterie are not to be missed. Seasonal pastas, a tradition in Piemonte, range from the traditional ravioli to the more exotic agnolotti. Main courses feature dishes such as stuffed quail breast, a selection of seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.
A photo of Seven Hills restaurant
10. Seven Hills
4.9
Exceptional(2486)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Russian Hill
Booked 40 times today
Seven Hills, nestled in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, is a hidden gem for seafood enthusiasts. This cozy bistro delights diners with its perfectly crafted seafood dishes, such as the "special squid ink linguine with tender calamari" that has left patrons raving about its unique flavor and freshness. Known for its genuine Italian charm, the restaurant consistently delivers "outstanding food and service," creating a memorable dining experience. With a menu that highlights the finest seafood, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list, Seven Hills promises an authentic taste of the ocean, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Deirdre
    San Francisco Bay Area •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We went for late lunch on a Saturday ..  lovely old world, but upgraded, ambience, terrific food, perfect atmosphere for deep conversation with friend.
    More info
    Cafe ZoetropePrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.6
  • Vince
    Tampa / Central Florida West •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    ////i think this is the best Italian restaurant in San Francisco
    More info
    Caffe MacaroniPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    5
  • Michael
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 16, 2025
    50th Anniversary. There were 12 of us. They handled us flawlessly on a very busy night. Service and food were excellent. Watching the fast paced staff was entertaining. High recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Mona Lisa Mare e MontiPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.4
  • JimVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •269 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 16, 2025
    This is for the night of the Chinese New Year parade, so it was very quiet inside an Italian restaurant adjacent to Chinatown. The servers were very attentive. The food was delicious. The desserts looked fabulous, but we were too full. We enjoyed our drinks, thought the complimentary bread was tasty, and devoured our 2 entrees: steak with lobster ravioli and branzino. Would love a whole fish option, but still, delicious food in a nice, spacious room.
    More info
    PalioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.8
  • Morgan
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2025
    Great service, location, and ambience. A little loud. Food was delicious with good portions but the Valentine’s Day limited menu was a bit pricey. Can’t speak to the regular menu prices/value
    More info
    Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7

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