Photo by Che Fico on Facebook
San Francisco boasts some of the best culinary gems in the country, and Italian cuisine is definitely one of our shining highlights when it comes to global cuisine. Whether you’re craving fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, or the freshest seafood risotto, the city has some must-visit restaurants if you love Italian food.
From cozy hotspots to elegant fine dining eateries, you can savor the robust flavors of Italy and enjoy these authentic culinary experiences. With so many fantastic options on offer, here are some of the absolute best Italian restaurants in San Francisco.
By Dana Flynn for Secret SF
Renowned chef Anthony Strong helms this new culinary endeavor at two locations in San Francisco. While you can pick up some amazing artisanal ingredients to take home, it’s worth visiting during their walk-in dinner service available daily from 5-9pm. All menu items are priced under $25, and the wine selection has glasses between $13-16.
📍 Locations:
Di Lucca pizza from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in SF. Photo via @tonyspizza415 on Instagram
Locals swear by Tony’s Pizzeria Napoletana, an award-winning North Beach institution. Their seven different pizza ovens crank out all sorts of specialty pizzas, including Sicilian, American, and coal-fired. Founder Tony Gemignani is a 13-time World Pizza Champion, and he was the first American and non-Neapolitan to win Best Pizza Romana at the 2011 World Championship of Pizza Makers in Naples.
📍 Location: North Beach – 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Photo courtesy of Flour + Water
This beloved SF Italian restaurant began as a popular pasta restaurant in the Mission, but it’s since grown into a small local chain serving some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the city. Some of our favorite orders are the cacio e pepe, smoky eggplant, and burrata pizzas, but Flour + Water always serves up unique seasonal pizzas on their characteristic airy crust with the perfect amount of char.
📍 Locations:
Flour + Water Pizzeria (North Beach) – 532 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA Flour + Water Bistro (Mission District) – 702 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA Flour + Water Pizza Shop (Mission) – 1533 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 4. Acquerello 
Pork sausage cappelletti from Acquerello. Photo by @acquerellosf on Instagram
This exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco’s Polk Gulch neighborhood offers a top-notch dining experience. The dining room is elegant and sophisticated, perfect for a special occasion or memorable date night. The ultimate highlight at this hotspot is the creative and sensational Tasting Menu, showcasing outstanding Italian classics that will definitely leave a lasting impression.
📍 Location: Nob Hill – 1722 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109
5. Cotogna 
Photo by @cotogna_sf on Instagram
Cotogna is a must-visit restaurant in San Francisco’s Jackson Square for those who love Italian food. The dishes are magnificent and full of incredible flavors and textures. The Prosciutto Board is a standout appetizer, which can be paired perfectly with a delicious glass of red wine. With an extensive wine list, don’t be afraid to ask for those stellar recommendations to compliment your meal.
📍 Location: Chinatown – 490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
6. Trattoria Contadina 
Photo by Trattoria Contadina on Yelp
This long-standing Italian gem in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood is renowned for their authentically traditional Italian cuisine, as well as the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. This family-run trattoria is adored for their impressive selection of fresh and flavorful dishes, like their standout Carlesimo Pasta.
📍 Location: North Beach – 1800 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
7. Pazzia Ristorante Italiano 
Photo by @pazziasf on Instagram
Boasting an intimate atmosphere, spectacular Italian favorites, and excellent service, Pazzia Ristorante Italiano is one of San Francisco’s many culinary gems. Nestled in the bustling SoMa district, the contrasting cozy ambiance makes it an ideal spot for intimate dates, celebrations with friends and family, and even for a quick bite.
📍 Location: SoMa – 337 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
8. La Ciccia 
Photo via La Ciccia
La Ciccia is another beloved Italian restaurant in San Francisco, famous for its Sardinian-inspired cuisine. Serving up an array of delectable seafood and pasta dishes, the presentation of the drool-worthy food is worth the visit alone. So, if you’re in search of a restaurant that serves top-notch Italian cuisine, La Ciccia should be at the top of your list.
📍 Location: Noe Valley – 291 30th St, San Francisco, CA 94131
9. The Italian Homemade Company 
Photo by @italianhomemadecompany on Instagram
Get magically transported to Italy with authentic flavors and quality service at The Italian Homemade Company. The restaurant boasts a welcoming atmosphere with an impressive open kitchen concept, giving customers the ability to watch their pasta being made al dente. The wide variety of pasta and sauces is impressive, but be sure to try the tagliatelle with their awesome meatballs or the knock-out gnocchi.
📍 Locations:
Hayes Valley – 1 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Cow Hollow – 1919 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 North Beach – 716 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 10. Penny Roma 
Photo via Penny Roma
At Penny Roma, you’re guaranteed a great dining experience thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic menu of those staple dishes from Italy. Their steaks are a standout option, or order a pasta dish for an authentic taste of this delicious cuisine. While the desserts menu is limited, trying the Olive Oil-topped Panna Cotta is an absolute must.
📍 Location: Mission District – 3000 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
11. Che Fico 
Photo by @chefico on Instagram
This exciting Italian restaurant in San Francisco is second to none. You’ll find a beautiful and cozy interior that’s perfect for a romantic evening or intimate gathering with friends. We love the seafood pasta dishes here, and recommend anything that features their mouth-watering pieces of crab. Che Fico is a gem of an Italian restaurant that guarantees its guests a fantastic dining experience.
📍 Location: NoPa/Alamo Square – 838 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
12. Perbacco 
Perbacco
Perbacco is a gem of an Italian restaurant that can be found near San Francisco’s iconic Embarcadero. It offers an elegant setting for an Italian feast, with a simply outstanding array of Italian dishes on the menu. Practically perfect plates, like their Duck or brilliant Halibut, can be elevated with one of the top-notch wine recommendations from their knowledgeable staff.
📍 Location: Embarcadero – 230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
13. Ristorante Milano 
Spaghetti alle vongole. Photo by Ristorante Milano on Facebook
Ristorante Milano is a highly praised Italian restaurant based in San Francisco. The food served is delicious, beautifully presented, and made fresh each day. There are even fantastic vegetarian options available, so everyone feels welcome at the table. The ambiance is both neighborly and elegant, reminiscent of the adorable cafes seen across Europe.
📍 Location: Nob Hill – 1448 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
When it comes to knock-out Italian cuisine, San Francisco does not disappoint. From classic dishes to innovative interpretations, the city’s Italian restaurants are worth exploring. With their commitment to quality ingredients and skilled culinary techniques, take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey to Italy and sample some of the city’s best Italian eateries!
Edited by Jamie Ferrell