Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown

117 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Zoetrope

4.6

Exceptional(297)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 9 times 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.

2. Tosca Café

4.7

Exceptional(152)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 15 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.

3. Ideale

4.7

Exceptional(1557)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 10 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.

4. Palio

4.7

Exceptional(1496)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 7 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.

A photo of Mona Lisa Mare e Monti restaurant

5. Mona Lisa Mare e Monti

4.7

Exceptional(151)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

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(714)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

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(175)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 13 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(4197)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 57 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.

9. Perbacco

4.7

Exceptional(7013)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 36 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

10. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1875)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 70 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.

‘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

D
Debbie
California Central Coast •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I’ve been going to Palio for nearly 20 years and the food is consistently excellent. I have never, NEVER had a bad meal here. The service is attentive, warm, personable…you feel as if you are a valued guest every time you dine there. This is a place where you can actually have a dinner conversation without screaming at the top of your lungs. Wait staff have been there for years which makes Palio fee like a close knit family. Favorite dishes: Fritto misto (can’t go wrong!), branzino, spaghetti with Dungeness crab, any of the pizzas!
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PalioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
E
EmilyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Tosca remains one of my absolute favorites in San Francisco. The space, food, service all excellent. The night we went was Santa Con (ooops) + a huge private birthday party in the back room so it was bonkers, but the team did everything they could to keep it going! Will go back soon.
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Tosca CaféPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
D
DenaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •66 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I had been to this restaurant years ago and went back last night and I thought the food was great, very good value and service was very friendly,
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IdealePrice: Expensive• Italian• North Beach
•
4.7
M
MiltonVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 11, 2024
The only thing disappointing was that the fish was overcooked. Other than that it was really good
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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 on Dec 1, 2024
Best restaurant in San Francisco!!! Outstanding service, tasty food, beautiful atmosphere.
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Cafe ZoetropePrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.6

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Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown

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117 restaurants available nearby

1. Cafe Zoetrope

2. Tosca Café

3. Ideale

4. Palio

5. Mona Lisa Mare e Monti

6. Caffe Macaroni

7. Barbara Pinseria

8. Original Joe's - San Francisco

9. Perbacco

10. Che Fico San Francisco

See what locals rave about

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