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478 Green Street (at the corner of Grant Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 981 2044 http://boccecafe.com/ |
The decor is upscale rustic Italian with an expansive, flower-filled patio that has covered seating for those dining on delicious, authentically prepared pastas, veal, and seafood dishes. Vegetarians are easily accommodated here with either the vegetarian version of the hearty house lasagna or the toothsome pastas topped with meat-free sauces. The service is quick and personable for the crowd of upscale regulars and tourists. Live music plays nightly from 7p on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The wine list features Italian imports and a few California vintages with a good bottle starting at $9. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Isabell Schulz  |
 Photo: Andrew Ng |
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A pleasant dining experience |
373 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 393 9000 http://www.coirestaurant.com/ |
Owner and Chef Daniel Patterson's culinary masterpieces and the Zen-like atmosphere have made Coi a favorite—with those who can afford it, of course! Clean, refined interiors in muted colors, simple artwork and subtle background music create a relaxed ambience. If the dining room gets too crowded, fear not; you can sit in the casual lounge. Diners can opt for a four- or ten-course meal of French-Californian fusion cuisine. Try favorites like the Suckling Pig, Carrot Soup and the Beet Carpaccio; note though, that the menus are subject to change. Although a bit pricey, Coi is an ideal venue to celebrate a special occasion. Go ahead, indulge! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vanessa DellaPasqua |
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Local Italian favorite |
2299 Powell Street (at the corner of Bay and Powell) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 989 6000 http://www.themenupage.com/cae... |
This old-fashioned Italian restaurant with the motto 'Where the Italians eat' is a North Beach institution. Since 1956, this family friendly establishment has been serving traditional cuisine like homemade ravioli, Veal Parmesan, steak and pork chops. Not much has changed here since the 50s. You will enjoy an old-fashioned meal in an old-fashioned atmosphere. For dessert both the Tiramisu and the Cheesecake is divine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Souffle for Two |
1454 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 981 5565 http://www.cafe-istanbul.net/h... |
The color palette in the 12-table Cafe Jacqeline is soft and creamy, not entirely unlike the only dish on the menu: souffle. There are delicious house-made soups and simple crisp salads to start with, and to pass the time as your souffle rises to the occasion in the oven. Souffle choices include cheese, garlic and lobster, among others. For dessert, chocolate, strawberry and seasonal specials take center stage. The service is warm and efficient for the upscale clientele here, and the wine list has a good selection of imported and domestic vintages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Live opera and espresso |
609 Vallejo Street (at the corner of Grant Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 6739 http://www.caffetrieste.com |
The Giotta family opened this charming cafe in the 1950s, making it the first espresso bar on the West Coast. Now, it is a North Beach staple with its polished wood surfaces and celebrity-photograph-lined walls. You will get the feeling that if Chris Isaac, Bill Cosby and Tony Bennett are loyal customers, you should be too. Along with excellent coffee and homemade cuisine, you get live music, as several family members and a boatload of regulars are professional singers. Saturdays, your coffee comes accompanied by traditional Italian songs, ballads, or even opera. Cash only. See website for history, brewing tips, race team info, recording studio details, locations throughout the Bay Area, and much more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donald Mason |
 Photo: chowen |
 Photo: Brandon Ivey |
 Photo: Peijin Chen |
 Photo: molly mundt |
 Photo: Tom Purves |
 Photo: Michael Mattioli |
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International mix |
1 Union Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 291 0808 http://www.nilusdesigns.com/de... |
Post-industrial chic describes the decor and the cuisine at this trendy spot at the foot of Telegraph Hill. The brick walls are covered with ultra-modern art and the tables and chairs themselves seemed to have been inspired by a Miro painting. The food is innovative, mixing the cuisines of several countries to offer Chicken Kabobs, fresh pastas that change daily, and for breakfast you will find hearty granola, huge waffles, or eggs. The wait staff is hip and personable to the mix of Financial District denizens and other upscale locals who share the space with tourists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura A. |
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Classic North Beach |
1600 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133-3316 United States +1 415 391 1290 |
A bit of authentic North Beach ambiance is what you will find at this unpretentious spot. The decor is classic Italian restaurant, down to the checkered tablecloths, and so is the food which includes carefully prepared spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna as well as Osso Bucco and Scampi that is served up by a quick wait staff to tourists, yuppies and locals who have been coming here for more than twenty years. A substantial breakfast is served all day. The house coffee is made from beans roasted in-house and makes the visit worthwhile by itself. Sip some over an Italian pastry while you watch the passing parade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sandwiches on the strip |
411 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 989 7033 |
This North Beach cafe is named after legendary Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini (Tosca, Madame Butterfly)who shares the same Italian hometown, Lucca, with the cafe's owner, Graziano Lucchese. The decor reflects the owner's admiration for this great composer and the business cards on the walls reflect local admiration for the cafe. Get food to go, eat inside, or enjoy your meal outside on the cafe's sidewalk seating. It is an affordable spot for a gourmet lunch with specialty sandwiches like Soppressata, a house-style salami. For dessert, the Italian Cheesecake is delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Burns |
 Photo: laura jessup |
 Photo: Sarah M |
 Photo: Jeneen Johnston |
 North Beach coffee |
526 Columbus Avenue (at Union Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 296 7662 http://www.cafferoma.com/ |
This family-owned coffee shop roasts premium coffee beans and concocts rich, aromatic blends. The dark roasts are famous, but the medium and light roasts also make for a delicious experience. With its traditional Italian coffee hosue decor and friendly service, it's the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing, sip an expertly made espresso and watch the ever-fascinating North Beach scene. The shop is located in North Beach near plenty of shopping and dining areas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unforgettable Sicilian ambiance |
574 Green Street (between Grant and Stockton streets) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 981 1251 http://caffesport.ypguides.net/ |
This cafe is a popular North Beach establishment patronized by celebrities, tourists and locals. The restaurant is vibrant and artistic. Majolica tiles and brightly colored paint cover tables, benches and walls. Folklore-inspired knick-knacks hang to the left and to the right. It specializes in Sicilian cuisine with a variety of pasta and seafood dishes. The pasta is topped with gourmet goodies like Italian cheeses, shrimp, scallops, lobster, zucchini and garlic. With seafood stew, steamed mussels and chilled crab salad available, fish lovers will have a hard time deciding what to order. Cash payment only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: boubo |
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Great pizza place |
430 Columbus Avenue (Between Green and Vallejo Streets) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 397 3600 http://www.calzonesf.com/ |
From an inside or outside table, guests here can monitor goings-on in wild North Beach while dining on wood-fired pizzas or creative crepes. The atmosphere is relaxed, loud and happy. The crowd is made up of locals coming back for a great time and tourists wishing that this was their local trattoria. Signature items include (of course) enormous calzones, Wood-Fired Pizza, and Angel-Hair Pasta with assorted Shellfish. Dinner entrees cost $15-20. The wait staff is personable and quick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Chang |
 Photo: J.Ruth |
 Photo: Neil Burns |
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Indo-French fusion! |
Pier 33 The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 593 0159 http://www.crossingthebar.net/ |
While it is rather unusual for Indian and French cuisine to be served in the same restaurant, Crossing the Bar manages to pull off this fusion with much success. You will see dishes like Kashmiri Curried Lamb, Tandoori Style Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Pan Seared Muscovy Duck Breasts, and Filet Mignon side by side on the menu - and you may see them together on the same table as well, for people surprisingly like to mix and match the items. The interior of the restaurant is another plus point - with orange pillars, a glass-topped stainless steel bar, and even a dance floor, it is quite plush and trendy-looking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A pleasant mix |
1624 Powell Street (at the corner of Union Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 0144 http://www.curlysbar.com.au/ |
This North Beach landmark must be what diners are like in Yokohama. The classic decor features a chrome counter, stools, a few tables, and things you do not usually find in such a place, such as soy sauce on the tables and deliciously flavorful 'donburis' on the menu next to the juicy hamburgers and all-American breakfasts of bacon and eggs. It is an odd but welcome combination to find in Italian North Beach. The counter staff is cheerful and efficient whether you are a regular or a tourist visiting North Beach for the first time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jared Hanson |
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Spirited dining |
701 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133-2701 United States +1 415 981 4664 |
Venetian-style cuisine is the specialty here and the decor reflects that city's Carnival festivities. Inside there is a cornucopia of colorful Italian art pieces that liven up the bright dining room tended by a personable and efficient wait staff. The menu is small, usually featuring fish and meat that are offered along with the antipasta, rich soups and crispy salads. The preparation of everything is vibrant, and the house-made breads and desserts are some of the finest to be found in the city. The wine list is small but select with Italian and California vintages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grape Escape |
565 Green Street (Between Columbus Avenue & Jasper Place) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 393 9930 http://www.delluvasf.com/ |
Dell'Uva is a cozy wine bar in North Beach that won't skimp on the glasses or hurt your wallet. This bar does not force you to buy wine by the bottle, offering a selection of wines from around the world by the glass. If indecision is your thing, order The Dell'Uva Flight and try a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Champagne. To go with your wine, Dell'Uva has a Tapas menu with a good choice of small finger food including Flatbread Pizza and Bruschetta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Argentine Steak & Barbecue |
510 Union Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 291 0991 http://www.elraigon.com |
This is one of the popular restaurants in San Francisco that serves juicy grilled steaks. The menu is mainly Argentine with influences from the Spanish and Italian Cuisine. The restaurant's inspiration is a 17000-acre ranch, Estancia El Raigon (Big tree root ranch) owned by one of the three partners of this place. The bar has an impressive wine list that compliments the spicy beef offerings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Family style |
1570 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 8321 www.fazcatering.com/sun.htm |
The owner/chef of this delightful restaurant has been feeding the North Beach community for more than 35 years. He has made his own menu consisting of northern Italian classic recipes prepared fresh daily. A warm and inviting atmosphere complements the family-style cuisine. The decor is unfussy and the staff is delightful. House favorites include a Half-Chicken sauteed in White wine, seasonings and mushrooms, Fettuccine and Clams, Fettuccine with Prosciutto in a garlic cream sauce; and a mouth-watering Veal Parmesan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nipsy331 |
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A classic choice |
414 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 398 1300 / +1 415 398 0751 http://www.figaroristorante.com/ |
You will find that this North Beach restaurant is a solid choice for a weekday lunch and dinner or a weekend brunch. This is quite a cozy, pleasant place to dine with elegant chandeliers giving off soft, romantic lighting. The menu includes Antipasti, Bruschetta and Calamari Fritta for starters. Pasta is home made daily in dishes like Penne in a spicy tomato sauce, Angel Hair with Arugula, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, hot pepper, and virgin olive oil, and Fettuccine with Porcini mushrooms in a cream sauce. The wine list features California and Italian selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the oldest traditions |
2237 Mason St San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 986 1886 http://www.fior.com/ |
This North Beach restaurant boasts that it is America's oldest Italian restaurant, established in 1886. The history is that it used to cater to brothel customers during the Gold Rush. Today, serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. The service is impeccable. Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster over Linguine, Broiled Swordfish with Sautéed Peppers, and Sautéed striped Bass with Sage and Pine nuts are just a small example of its seafood combinations. Rack of lamb, New York Steak, Veal Chops, Ravioli Stuffed with Pumpkin in Sage Sauce or Prosciutto in Meat Sauce; there are so many gourmet entrees that you might have a hard time deciding. The wine list is also extensive, with almost 100 selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authentic award-winning Italian |
1429 Stockton Street (At the corner of Columbus Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 8485 |
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Herb Caen loved this restaurant, restaurant critics love it and chances are, you will, too. The award winning pastas, delicious antipastos and succulent meat and fish dishes inspire visitors to come back again and again. The gnocchi, served with a variety of toppings, constantly wins awards from local publications. Other house specialties include Capon Stuffed with Fontina and Prosciutto and the wonderful Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The perfect place to share a milkshake |
1300 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 982 2000 http://www.fogcitydiner.com/ |
The diner scene has always been about good conversations over hearty plates of food. This New York-style diner, complete with brass railings and display dessert cases, happily keeps that tradition as it caters to a yuppie and tourist clientele. It offers up American favorites with contemporary twists that date back to its original chef, Cindy Pawlcyn. The grill continuously flips hamburgers and lamburgers with grilled fennel and tomato-mint chutney. A variety of salads such as Oakleaf Lettuce with Maytag Blue Cheese and Currants is available. The service is great, and with comfy black leather booths to dine in, there is no need to make haste! And don't forget the malted milkshakes! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: R.Henry Goins |
 Photo: surfiñg sløvak |
 Photo: Mary Lynn Masek |
 Photo: Jack French |
 Photo: Sara Jo |
 Photo: David Rietdorf |
 Photo: Barbara Haven |
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Famous roasted chicken! |
659 Union Street (between Powell and Stockton streets) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 434 4472 |
Equally enjoyable to families, single individuals, or couples seeking a romantic meal this tiny, intimate little place has ambience created by soft lighting, lovely paintings on the walls, small tables pushed close together, and the pleasant din of contented diners. Locals, transplants, and visitors alike are found here. Gira's take-out and delivery services are as popular as dining in the restaurant itself and is probably the only thing that keeps the line to eat here from stretching around the block. Yes, the chicken is that good. There are several lovely starters. The Carciotie Pepe Rosso is a favorite consisting of a huge platter of fresh artichokes, roasted peppers, basil, toasted pine nuts and gorgonzola cheese. Available wines and chiantis make nice partners to any meal and start at $8. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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North Beach favorite |
542 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94133-3921 United States +1 415 982 9738 |
There is no relation to the film starring William Holden and Barbara Stanwyck, though the no-frills atmosphere is not incompatible with the classic film about boxing. A few tables, a counter and pizza is all you will find here. Italian-speaking locals mix with people from all over who come here for slices or whole pies made with focaccia dough, thick and dripping with olive oil that makes a napkin required with every bite. The toppings are piled just as thick and are similarly, no frills. No goat cheese here, but you will find the classics, such as pepperoni, mushrooms and even pesto! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tara Holland |
 Photo: Yutai |
 Photo: Mike&Libby Stauch |
 Photo: micah |
 Three-alarm tastiness |
924 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 956 7727 http://www.henryshunanrestaura... |
Hunan cuisine is characterized by its spice - the predominately red color scheme at this restaurant could be a tribute to that fiery tradition. Food can be ordered in a milder version, but for a three-alarm dining experience, this is the place. Items include classic Kung Pao Chicken, delicious Salt and Pepper Prawns, as well as some of the hottest Pot Stickers in the city. The service is quick, which is good for the financial district types on a tight schedule, who drop in for a quick bite. You will also find Chinese ex-pats homesick for a taste of the Old Country, and tourists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tasty chicken, great location |
555 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 362 7727 |
Jose, the Italian-Argentinian owner of this local landmark, has dedicated himself to cooking chicken perfectly. Marinated in an ever-so-slightly tangy marinade and then grilled over heated rocks, not charcoal, the result is juicy and flavorful enough to keep the modest dining area crowded pretty much all the time. The chicken comes with a crisp green salad with Italian dressing, but you will also find homemade soups, usually lentil and split pea, as well as Italian sausage if you are craving a little red meat with your poultry. Try to get a table by the large picture windows for a great view of North Beach as you dig in. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bask in the Basque glory! |
701 Union Street (Powell Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 402 0011 http://www.ilunabasque.com/ |
This restaurant specializes in Basque cuisine, typical to the southwestern and northwestern regions of France and Spain respectively. The tapas or small plates offer a tantalizing fusion of the two cuisines, which has proved to be a refreshing and welcome change to the San Francisco North Beach area. Young chef, Mattin Noblia, a native of the Basque country, comes up with scrumptious delicacies using the local available products in the most imaginative way and experimenting with new ones, which may be imported. Mâche Salad with walnuts, dressing, and feta cheese, Seared Tuna with Bleu des Basque sauce, Spanish Tortilla with baby spinach and goat cheese are some of the dishes you can try. To end the meal with something as delicious, choose from the limited yet toothsome list of desserts. Bon Appétit! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Juice that heals |
703 Columbus Avenue (at the corner of Filbert Street by Washington Square Park) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 786 1285 http://www.juiceylucy.com/ |
This spot is possibly the only juice bar in San Francisco serving strictly organic juice and food. But it is easy to pass by it if you are not aware it exists. Don't worry; you're not the only one. This place has survived in North Beach purely by word of mouth. The ambience reminds one more of Haight-Ashbury than North Beach. Instrumental music fills the air, incense burns and patrons speak of yoga positions. It's a very peaceful atmosphere and the staff encourages you to slowly enjoy your juice. There are no to-go orders and no plastic cups, so it's not the best place for on-the-go types. If you want to relax, meditate and slow down the pace, this is definitely the place to be. Everything is organic. There are all sorts of interesting smoothies like Apple Mint Ginger, Orange Beet Ginger Mint and Almond Milk Banana with Rice or Soy Milk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hansi Lebrecht |
 Photo: Hansi Lebrecht |
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The other Telegraph Hill landmark |
1541 Montgomery Street At Union Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 2222 http://www.juliuscastle.com/ |
Built in 1922, this fanciful castle-as-restaurant was designed, not surprisingly, by an architect who moonlighted as a cartoonist, Louis Mastropasqua of La Vita Italiana. This crenellated edifice seems to hang like magic from its vantage point just below Telegraph Hill's other famous landmark, Coit Tower. It boasts one of the best views in The City. Enjoy Northern Italian cuisinse such as Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto followed by Pancetta Crusted Ahi Tuna and Seared Foie Gras with Asian-Pears and Oloroso Glaze. Everything is prepared with care and the service is impeccable in the elegant and romantic dining room that evokes the 1920s. The wine list is extensive and includes many imported and domestic vintages (prices vary). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert or you can call me Bob |
 Photo: John Shappell |
 Photo: Marcel Moré |
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Italian staple |
1700 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 421 3786 |
This is a genuine North Beach institution. Generations of locals have stopped by the vintage counter to buy the generous authentic slices of focaccia topped with tomato or onion to eat right away or save for a hearty and tasty lunch. The place is not fancy, but that has not stopped the steady stream of tourists who have joined the line of locals that forms daily as soon as the doors open. Only focaccia is sold here and when the day's freshly baked stock runs out, the doors close for the day. Arrive early so that you will not be disappointed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Have fun at Mangarosa! |
1548 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 956 3211 http://www.mangarosasf.com/ |
Large-scale canvases, brightly coloured walls, and Prussian-blue banquettes all contribute to the setting at Mangarosa. Specialising in Italian and Brazilian cuisines, this place serves you the best of both - try the famous Brazilian drink, Caipirinha, it goes particularly well with the Braised Short Rib, and the Polenta Souffle. You can also take your pick from delightful wines and champagnes. The staff is quick and efficient too, and you will savor both your food and your overall experience at this restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Efren Bose |
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Relax and enjoy! |
566 Columbus Avenue (at the corner of Union Street) San Francisco, CA 94133-2802 United States +1 415 362 0536 |
This is an ideal place to kick back and enjoy an afternoon. It is small, cozy, and a neighborhood favorite. Excellent coffee, beer, and wine are offered along with some of the best foccacia sandwiches on Earth. Arrange yourself near a window and look out on Washington Square Park and the passing parade that includes tourists with their cameras and maps as well as longtime locals at at bocce ball game. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Artistic North Beach eatery |
579 Columbus Avenue (between Green and Union streets) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 986 4058 |
The food is good and the people who run it treat everybody who walks through the door as though they were their favorite customers. If you are in the mood for just a cup of cappuccino and biscotti, the best seat in the house may be at the table in the very acute angle of the establishments northernmost corner. From there, you can survey the always interesting goings on in North Beach, enjoy the original artwork by local artists on the cafes walls, and during the day, even catch a few rays. Dinner runs about $20; coffee and a nosh, about $5. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Upscale burgers |
1322 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133-3904 United States +1 415 788 3779 http://themenupage.com/mos.html |
There may be a picture of The Three Stooges on the wall, but the burgers here are serious business. They are big, juicy and cooked to order with toppings that include the classics like cheese, mushroom, and jalapeno pepper. The fries are great, too, crunchy and served in quantity by a counter staff that knows its way around a grill and a clientele made up of tourists and locals. The place is still laid out like the ice cream parlor it used to be, making the small space more utilitarian than cozy, but the food, including deer and buffalo burgers as well as chicken kabobs, is terrific, so who cares? Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A North Beach favorite |
1652 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 989 7800 http://www.mooses.com |
Contemporary California Cuisine is the bill of fare here. The restaurant is all polished wood floors and shining crystal. A jazz pianist plays mellow classics. Chilean Sea Bass with roast garlic mashed potatoes is a favorite fish dish here, and Braised Lamb Shank is a choice for red-meat lovers. Do not miss the divine desserts that change nightly. The service is terrific. The wine list is as exclusive as the clientele, with good bottles starting at $25. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: santa barbarian |
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Great pizza, funky outlets |
1499 Grant Avenue Union Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 433 2444 / +1 650 344 5000 http://www.northbeachpizza.com/ |
The atmosphere at this casual spot could be described as comfortable funky, and the service as indifferent, but then again it is not exactly the Four Seasons. It is a pizza joint. Garlic is the topping of choice here, and one North Beach knows how to work into a slice or whole pizza to delight a garlic lover. The Coit Tower and the North Beach are both great specialty pizzas which use garlic to great effect. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ellessudotnet |
 Photo: erick wong |
 Photo: Frank Mercurio |
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Famous Italian eatery |
1512 Stockton Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 392 1700 / +1 866 860 0013 http://northbeachrestaurant.com/ |
The famous North Beach Restaurant has been a San Francisco tradition for more than 25 years. It features a majestic, newly renovated decor, fine Northern Italian cuisine and a prime location in the heart of North Beach. It features Florentine tiles, domed ceilings, two dining rooms plus a wine cellar dining room, a prosciutto room where the staff cures the meats in-house, a full bar and a cigar room. The Tuscan menu is extensive as is the wine list. It offers more than 300 domestic and imported vintages. Some house specialties are Sea Scallops sauteed in a White Wine Mushroom Sauce and Petrale Portofino stuffed with Shrimp and Crab alla Mugnaia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mariam Hosseini |
 Photo: Mariam Hosseini |
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Smiling Irish eyes |
622 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 989 6222 http://www.oreillysirish.com/ |
One of North Beachs favorite Irish bars, this spot features a full bar, patio seating and authentic Irish cuisine. The weekend brunch is a popular event during which happy customers enjoy Irish coffees and corned beef hash. A friendly and casual place, the place is structured more like a pub than a restaurant with its long mahogany bar and iron tables on the patio. The menu is vast, not short of meat and potato dishes and Irish style pub grub like Celtic nachos and chicken wings. Sit and snack at the long mahogany bar with a pint of Guinness alone or with friends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Goff |
 Photo: Matt Goff |
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Tiny place, great pizza |
519 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133-2801 United States +1 415 982 1124 www.losteriadelforno.com |
One of the smallest of the many small Italian places in North Beach, this cozy and inviting place stands out by virtue of its pastas (changing daily) and thin-crusted pizza. The pizza, with traditional Italian toppings, is a Bay Area favorite of those who favor thin and toothsome crusts. This is a real matchbox of a place, with maybe 12 tables, and you will feel right at home with the warm and hospitable service. The wine list is limited. Only cash is accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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From the owner of Fringale |
1015 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 391 2555 http://www.piperade.com/ |
Gerald Hirigoyen, the restaurateur who created Fringale, which is one of the most popular restaurants in San Francisco, scores another win with this French-Basque (a region that borders Spain) bistro located in the Financial District. The concept is the same. It offers top-quality food in a charming atmosphere at reasonable prices. People flock to this attractive restaurant to enjoy Caramelized Quail, Stuffed Chicken Breast, and Marinated Rack of Lamb. Enjoy a fabulous meal that will not destroy your budget! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: roddy_magallanes |
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Meet the Chef |
1015 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 United States +1 415 391 2555 http://www.piperade.com |
In a city that demands absolute excellence for a restaurant to survive, this Embarcadero neighborhood gem is creating quite a stir with critics and customers alike. Led by chef Gerald Hirigoyen, the author of The Basque Kitchen, the restaurant delivers magical takes on such items as marinated lamb chops and sautéed Monterey squid. Each night of the week features special dishes, including braised veal sweetbreads on Mondays. Expect to be greeted by Chef Hirigoyen, for he makes it a point to regularly wander about the restaurant introducing himself to diners. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claudine RL Co |
 Photo: Claudine RL Co |
 Photo: Claudine RL Co |
 Photo: roddy_magallanes |
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Beef it down |
510 Union Street San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 291 0991 / +1 415 291 0927 http://www.elraigon.com/ |
If you're in the mood for some authentic Argentine steak, then haunt this place. The specialty is Estancia style Raised Beef, cooked on a charcoal grill. El Raigón also offers an individual menu of traditional dishes. The desserts are equally exciting and the wine list is intoxicating. So if you are planning a visit to Argentina in the near future, try out this place first. You'll know what to expect when you get there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Rich Italian |
1309 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94109 United States +1 415 391 4129 |
The tiles of this trendy eatery are Tuscan red. The food, too, hails from Northern Italy by way of California. Equally popular with locals and tourists looking to soak up North Beach ambience, the menu is not large, but there is not a bad choice on it. The pasta is made in-house and is always cooked to a highly appealing al dente. Try the fettuccine with lobster in a light cream sauce with a hint of tomato for an example of how terrific simple, expert preparation can be. From the racks of wine lining the walls is a good selection of choices on the wine list. There are domestic and imported items chosen with care and starting at $13 a bottle. The desserts include the now-classic tiramisu as well as gelato in flavors that change daily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aron Danburg |
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Chic, urbane, rustic Italian |
532 Columbus Avenue (between Green & Union Streets) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 399 0499 http://www.rosepistolasf.com/b... |
This place features some of the most distinctive Italian cuisine in San Francisco in a pleasantly sophisticated setting. Fresh, seasonal seafood is a highlight here, as is the Cioppino (Italian fish stew). But first try the antipasti, which are given special attention here. The service is professional and there is a full bar where you can munch antipasti while you are waiting for your table. It also has an extensive wine list featuring Italian and California wines for the most part. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: evilmidori |
 Photo: tangobaby |
 Photo: Full Circle Fund |
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Wharf favorite |
Pier 47 on Al Scoma Way San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 771 4383 http://www.scomas.com/ |
This restaurant prepares some of the best seafood dishes on Fisherman's Wharf, which is no small feat considering the competition. The dining room is a bit old-fashioned, yet also contemporary and not very unusual. The menu focuses on fresh seafood that is either sauteed or broiled. Enjoy Dungeness Crab, prawns, scallops, calamari, abalone, swordfish, salmon, oysters and clams. House specialties include a Spicy Cioppino (seafood stew) and a Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail combo. The wine list is adequate, featuring domestic and imported wines with the average price of $30. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sébastien Bertrand |
 Photo: Justin Simonsen |
 Photo: Eddie Malone |
 Photo: Henrik Rost |
 Photo: AlphaDelta |
 Photo: Monte Faber |
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Boisterous gluttony |
348 Columbus Avenue (Between Vallejo Street and Broadway) San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 397 0435 http://www.stepsofrome.com/ |
Boisterous, waiters caterwauling with dramatic bits of opera make up only a bit of the background noise at this North Beach meeting spot. Come here to sip a cappuccino, get a huge plate of pasta or drink a beer and try your pick-up skills. The pasta is house-made, inexpensive, and filling. You will find all the classics such as lasagne and linguine. Most dishes only cost less than $10. At the adjoining trattoria, the food is a bit more expensive (about $20 for dinner), but the ambiance is a bit quieter. Note: Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex D'Aquila |
 Photo: Heather Leah Kennedy |
 Photo: LJ Monte |
 Photo: Jonathan Shipley |
 Photo: Tina Banninger |
 Photo: Kale Roseen |
 Photo: noreylee |
