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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Beretta Divisadero restaurant
1. Beretta Divisadero
4.5
Awesome(23)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 22 times today
Beretta Divisadero in San Francisco's vibrant North Panhandle neighborhood is a gem for those seeking exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Known for its "super fun vibe" and "excellent cocktails," this hotspot stands out with its innovative mixology and premium bottle service that perfectly complements their thin-crust pizzas and Italian comfort food. Patrons rave about the Diablo cocktail and the happy hour specials, noting that Beretta is "definitely will return when I'm back in SF." The lively atmosphere coupled with a "huge shelf of liquor" ensures a memorable experience, making Beretta Divisadero the go-to destination for those who appreciate quality drinks and a great ambience in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Back to Back restaurant
2. Back to Back
4.7
Exceptional(50)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill
Booked 15 times today
Back to Back in Nob Hill, San Francisco, offers an exceptional Pizzeria experience where Italian flair meets Californian vibrancy. Guests rave about the wood-fired pizzas, describing them as “absolute must-try’s” with a crust that is "perfectly fired.” The flavor of each pie, from the "hot honey pizza" to the "Salsiccia pizza," is consistently praised for being "distinct and well balanced." Diners are not only enchanted by the food but also the ambiance, highlighted by a collection of vinyl records that add a unique, creative touch to the dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that each pizza not only tastes authentic but also celebrates California’s rich produce. This culinary gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Pizzeria in San Francisco.
A photo of Bocconcino restaurant
3. Bocconcino
4.7
Exceptional(88)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Beach
Booked 15 times today
Bocconcino, nestled in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco, offers an authentic Italian dining experience that delights locals and visitors alike. With its blend of traditional and innovative Italian dishes, Bocconcino stands out for its use of high-quality local ingredients, creating mouthwatering handmade pastas and gourmet entrées. Patrons rave about the "best pasta I've ever had" and commend the "charming and fresh" atmosphere, highlighting the cozy and intimate setting. The engaging owner, often mentioned in glowing reviews, adds a personal touch that enhances the dining experience, making guests feel like family. Whether it’s the "perfectly al dente" risotto or the "utterly sophisticated" lasagna, Bocconcino consistently impresses with its exceptional cuisine and vibrant ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine taste of Italy in San Francisco.
A photo of The Fly Trap restaurant
4. The Fly Trap
4.6
Exceptional(1426)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • SOMA
Booked 3 times today
At The Fly Trap in SOMA, San Francisco, guests are treated to an exemplary Californian cuisine experience, making it the ideal spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant's proximity to the Moscone Center and its vibrant atmosphere are complemented by a menu that highlights the freshness and innovation synonymous with Californian culinary artistry. Reviews rave about the quality of dishes like the "crisp apple cider and super tasty burger with fresh fries" and the "decadent mushroom soup," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its eclectic decor and warm hospitality, The Fly Trap stands out as a jewel in Californian cuisine, offering a "fantastic experience" that guests eagerly recommend.
A photo of Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959 restaurant
5. Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959
4.7
Exceptional(270)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • North Beach
Booked 4 times today
Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar, nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco since 1959, offers a slice of Italy with its authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Renowned for its thin-crust pizzas, each dish is a testament to traditional Italian flavors, earning glowing reviews like it's "the best Italian food I've ever had" and a "hidden gem" of the area. Guests rave about the homemade style and genuine taste, with one diner exclaiming, “The pizza and gnocchi paired with a Chianti reserve... had a real great experience, food was really good." Luisa’s commitment to quality and her presence ensures every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Join the many who have found a piece of Italy in San Francisco at Luisa’s.
A photo of Caffe Fiore - San Francisco restaurant
6. Caffe Fiore - San Francisco
4.9
Exceptional(389)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission District
Booked 5 times today
Caffe Fiore in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District is a standout destination for Wine Bar enthusiasts. Praised for its "authentic and quality" Italian offerings, this cozy spot offers a meticulously curated wine selection that complements its delicious cuisine. Guests frequently celebrate the "great wine" and how it pairs seamlessly with dishes like the "TORTELLONI ALLO ZAFFERANO" and homemade ravioli. The ambiance, described as "classy and casual," creates the perfect setting for enjoying a glass of Fiano or a robust red. With glowing reviews highlighting the "lovely ambience" and "excellent service," Caffe Fiore ensures each visit is both delightful and memorable, making it a must-visit for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
A photo of Cafe Mystique restaurant
7. Cafe Mystique
4.6
Exceptional(32)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • The Castro
Booked 3 times today
Cafe Mystique in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco is a haven of Contemporary American cuisine, praised for its exquisite and hearty dishes. Known for using fair-trade products sourced from local markets, the restaurant ensures each dish is bursting with authentic flavors. Patrons rave about the "delicious and fresh gourmet food," with standout dishes like the spicy chicken pasta and the perfectly seasoned steak. The consistent high praise extends to the atmosphere and service, described as "immaculate" and "always welcoming." It's no wonder locals deem Cafe Mystique a favorite, with a reviewer exclaiming it's the "best food I have had so far in the Castro." This gem of a restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Luisa's On Guerrero restaurant
8. Luisa's On Guerrero
4.9
Exceptional(39)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Mission District
At Luisa's On Guerrero, located in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine comes alive with each dish served. Renowned for its authenticity and rich culinary heritage, Luisa's has become a beacon of Italian gastronomy since 1959. Patrons rave about the "best marinara sauce I’ve ever had" and the "perfectly executed lasagna," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to traditional flavors infused with modern flair. The ambiance, described as "cozy and inviting," complements the exquisite food and stellar wine selection, making Luisa's a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. Celebrated for its homemade pastas and exceptional service, Luisa's stands out as a "gem" where the "food is delicious, so flavorful!" and the experience is consistently "5-star."
A photo of Trabocco restaurant
9. Trabocco
4.8
Exceptional(3488)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Alameda
Booked 29 times today
At Trabocco in Alameda, the Pizzeria cuisine is nothing short of spectacular, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and quality offerings. Chef-owner Giuseppe Naccarelli expertly crafts pizzas that are both classic and imaginative, ensuring every slice is a bite of heaven. As one glowing review puts it, "Get the pizza. Any pizza. They're all fabulous!" The favorite among many is the 'Rapini e Salsiccia', which features spicy Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and fior di latte, all atop a perfect tomato sauce base. The ambiance complements the dining experience, with a warm, welcoming yet modern setting inspired by the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, Trabocco offers a consistently delightful Pizzeria experience that makes it a beloved gem in Alameda.
A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant
10. Creekwood Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(967)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Berkeley
Booked 13 times today
Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is an exemplary showcase of American cuisine, delivering a menu filled with heart and soul. Diners rave about the "excellent Beef Short Rib and Crab Ravioli" and the "delicious, unique choices" that keep the local community coming back for more. The thoughtful use of "seasonal ingredients" in dishes like the praised "corn and asparagus pizza" and "brussel sprouts with a very light sweet praline crust" highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Reviews consistently highlight the "attentive and friendly" service, making Creekwood not just a meal, but an experience. As one review puts it, this is a "wonderful neighborhood spot" where every dish is "beautifully prepared," making it a must-visit for those seeking the best of American dining in Berkeley.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Gloriavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •76 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lovely setting and very good food. Good service but they need more help It got busy and there wasn’t enough wait staff
    More info
    Luisa's On GuerreroPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Mission District
    •
    4.9
  • Stephen
    Alabama •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Phenomenal food, nothing we ate was bad & we thoroughly enjoyed every dish
    More info
    Back to BackPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Nob Hill
    •
    4.7
  • Chitty
    San Francisco Bay Area •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I was planning a bday dinner for 8 & had chosen the restaurant strictly based on online reviews. Felt a tad apprehensive as the date approaches but concerns I may hv had soon diminished the minute I entered the res. Lovely ambience and Eduardo the owner was warm & welcoming and most attentive. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. My favorites were clam sauced pasta n that with eggplant. The consensus - this restaurant is truly a neighborhood gem. We will be back.
    More info
    Caffe Fiore - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Mission District
    •
    4.9
  • Mark
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Had a wonderful dinner at Luisa’s. Food, atmosphere and service were all great.
    More info
    Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959Price: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Sandy
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    I visited this restaurant with my girlfriends, and we ate so much that I had to order an entire meal for two to take home for tomorrow night. The food was delicious, and I loved the atmosphere. It was casual, relaxed, and unpretentious. The young woman who served us tonight knew her food and her drinks so well, and the server guy was very attentive. Every dish was carefully designed and cooked with a lot of joy and attention to details. All the desserts were made in house and to their perfection. What a great modern Italian restaurant that we discovered tonight!
    More info
    BocconcinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness neighborhood. This locale serves as a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse range of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Each establishment reflects a commitment to quality, showcasing handmade pastas, artisan pizzas, and innovative takes on classic Italian dishes, all crafted with the freshest local ingredients. Patrons can expect a dynamic dining experience, where each meal is not just eaten but celebrated amidst a vibrant, culturally rich atmosphere. The area is particularly noted for its charming ambiance and attentive service, ensuring a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor to the Bay Area, exploring these contemporary Italian eateries provides a taste of Italy with a unique San Francisco twist. Join the many who have enjoyed these culinary gems, where every dish tells a story of tradition and innovation.

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