Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown

116 restaurants available nearby

1. Tosca Café

4.6

Exceptional(149)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 22 times today

Tosca Café, nestled in the historic North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, is not just a restaurant but a legendary cocktail bar that has captivated locals and celebrities alike since 1919. Renowned for its unique Tosca House Cappuccinos and a vibrant atmosphere that has hosted icons from Bono to Francis Ford Coppola, Tosca Café offers an authentic Cocktail Bar experience that's rich in history and flavor. Patrons rave about the "delicious cocktails and wine" which perfectly complement its Italian cuisine. As one reviewer puts it, the drinks are "phenomenal," making Tosca not just a dining venue but a cornerstone of San Francisco's cocktail culture. This iconic establishment promises an unforgettable evening where every sip tells a story.

2. Cafe Zoetrope

4.6

Exceptional(296)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 1 time today

Café Zoetrope in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach neighborhood is a treasure trove of authentic Italian cuisine that delights diners with its deep roots in Italian culinary traditions. Esteemed for its connection to legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the restaurant offers a menu that shines with Italian classics, from "SUPER LEGIT" Carbonara, hailed as good as any in Rome, to homemade cannoli filled with "clearly homemade creamed ricotta." The ambiance, steeped in history, pairs perfectly with dishes like Spaghetti Alla Carbonaro Classico and the local favorite, Spaghetti Pomodoro Basilico. Complemented by Coppola's own wines, every meal here is "a fantastic meal," making Café Zoetrope a must-visit for anyone seeking the best Italian fare outside of Italy.

3. Palio

4.7

Exceptional(1492)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 8 times today

Nestled in the bustling Financial District of San Francisco, Palio stands out as a beacon of authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Winner of the "2018 Best Overall Restaurant" by SF Bay Guardian readers, Palio garners praise for its wood-fired pizzas that are "perfect, never scorched." Diners rave about the "homemade pasta dishes and individually sized pizzas," highlighting the Mortadella with ricotta and mushroom pizzas as must-tries. A reviewer passionately noted, "Best pizza in town!" reinforcing the restaurant's reputation for quality and authenticity. With its commitment to using organic and sustainable ingredients, Palio not only promises an exceptional dining experience but also a delightful journey through the flavors of Italy, right in the heart of San Francisco.

4. Ideale

4.7

Exceptional(1552)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 16 times today

Ideale in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach neighborhood offers a Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service that stands out for its authenticity and quality. Celebrated for creating a Roman holiday vibe right in the heart of the city, Ideale has been recognized with the prestigious "Gambero Rosso" award, marking it as one of the best Italian spots in America. The bar not only provides a lively, boisterous atmosphere but also boasts a solid wine list that includes exquisite dessert wines. Patrons rave about the "excellent service" and the "knowledgeable" staff, making each visit a delightful experience. Whether you're enjoying a casual drink or indulging in a full Italian feast, Ideale's bar service ensures a memorable evening with every visit.

A photo of Mona Lisa Mare e Monti restaurant

5. Mona Lisa Mare e Monti

4.7

Exceptional(146)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 10 times today

Mona Lisa Mare e Monti in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach is a gem for seafood lovers, boasting an authentic Italian flair that captivates its diners. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, the restaurant receives daily seafood deliveries from local fishermen, ensuring each dish serves up freshness and quality. Patrons rave about specialties such as the Zuppa Di Pesce and the Whole Dungeness Crab, with one reviewer exclaiming, "The seafood quantity in the tonarelli was excellent. A fair amount of scallops and crab. Everything was excellent!" The charming ambiance, coupled with the genuine Italian hospitality, makes Mona Lisa Mare e Monti a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch seafood experience in San Francisco. It's no surprise that visitors leave feeling "part of the family," a testament to the restaurant's commitment to exceptional food and service.

6. Caffe Macaroni

4.8

Exceptional(715)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco, Caffe Macaroni stands out as a beacon of authentic Sicilian cuisine. Owners Mario and Stephanie bring the warmth of Sicily to every dish, making patrons feel like family. This charming nook offers a daily-changing menu to ensure freshness, with dishes like the tender baby octopus spaghetti and mouthwatering pappardelle with wild boar, earning rave reviews for their perfect execution. Guests consistently praise the "amazing authentic food" and the personal touch Mario and Stephanie provide, making every dining experience special. As one diner puts it, it's like "being in Italy" with the added delight of a cozy San Francisco vibe.

7. Barbara Pinseria

4.6

Exceptional(174)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 12 times today

Barbara Pinseria, nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's historic Italian district of North Beach, has quickly established itself as a top destination for authentic Roman-style pizzeria cuisine since its opening in 2018. Praised for its "amazing food, service and fun vibrant ambiance," Barbara Pinseria offers a delightful mix of traditional and innovative pizza creations. Guests rave about dishes like the "BURRATA & PESTO pizza," which are consistently described as "10/10 so delicious." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with many diners highlighting the use of "the freshest ingredients" and a menu that brings "the taste of the eternal city to San Francisco." Whether it's the lively atmosphere or the expertly crafted pizzas, Barbara Pinseria promises an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition right in the heart of North Beach.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

8. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4173)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 100 times today

Original Joe's in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach is a true emblem of authentic Italian-American cuisine, offering a dining experience that's both classic and exceptional. Established over 80 years ago, it stands as the oldest of the Joe's restaurants nationwide, pioneering the renowned "Joe's Concept." With its iconic red leather booths and a menu celebrated for its Italian American flair, Original Joe's is a bastion of comfort food crafted with a Northern Californian twist. Glowing reviews often highlight dishes like the "best lasagna I have ever tasted" and praise its "incredible customer service." Whether it's the meatballs or the linguini and clams, each dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition, making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine slice of San Francisco's culinary heritage.

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

9. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1862)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 73 times today

Che Fico in San Francisco's vibrant North Panhandle neighborhood is a gem of Italian cuisine, seamlessly blending California's bountiful produce with the rich traditions of Northern Italy. Chefs David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer craft a menu that sings with authenticity and innovation, from handmade pastas to exquisite pizzas, all rooted in Italian culinary traditions yet influenced by local Californian flavors. Critics rave about the “delicious food” and “exceptional service,” highlighting dishes like the “tagliatelle to die for” and the unique Jewish-Roman offerings. The ambiance is “lively” and “welcoming,” perfect for a celebratory meal or a cozy dinner. As one diner put it, Che Fico provides “the best Italian dining experience in San Francisco,” making it a must-visit for anyone craving top-notch Italian fare with a creative twist.

10. Perbacco

4.7

Exceptional(6993)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 76 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.

‘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

M
Mark
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had the best bruschetta … ever! Seriously, we’ve had bruschetta MANY times and Mona Lisa’s was in a class by itself! The halibut and pesto pasta were also great. Plus, the service was friendly and fantastic, and it was great to sit outside in North Beach. And (another “and,” really?) the prices were reasonable! We also loved spending time in THE city; San Francisco’s demise is far from a fait accompli (sp?). And (here we go again), the only downside was I had to park so far away that I considered getting an Uber back to our car after the meal.
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Mona Lisa Mare e MontiPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
J
Jakevip
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Best restaurant in San Francisco!!! Outstanding service, tasty food, beautiful atmosphere.
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Cafe ZoetropePrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.6
S
Shannon
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Best Italian food in SF. Been going there for years and the staff makes you feel as if you are home. From the moment you sit down to the time you leave, you are family. Pizza and pastas are amazing! Homemade everything and Maurizio purchase fresh produce daily to present a fabulous home cooked Roman Italian meal!
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IdealePrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
S
Seanvip
San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
I've always love the food at Tosca, and have been coming here for over a decade. I was more impressed than usual last night with the service. We were a table of 9 people and felt like we were being taken care of by friends who anticipated what we needed. Can't wait to return.
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Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.6
G
Gaylevip
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 13, 2024
Always a great experience at Palio. Great staff, food, service and ambiance. Wish I could walk to it from home so I could eat there every week.
More info
PalioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7

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Chinatown

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Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown

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116 restaurants available nearby

1. Tosca Café

2. Cafe Zoetrope

3. Palio

4. Ideale

5. Mona Lisa Mare e Monti

6. Caffe Macaroni

7. Barbara Pinseria

8. Original Joe's - San Francisco

9. Che Fico San Francisco

10. Perbacco

See what locals rave about

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