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

Price: Moderate (231)Price: Expensive (188)Price: Very Expensive (64)

103 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant

1. Che Fico San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(1823)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 71 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.

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant

2. Original Joe's - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(4119)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 87 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.

3. La Connessa

4.8

Exceptional(267)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Bay / South Beach

Booked 34 times today

A modern take on the classic trattoria. The menu celebrates traditional Italian cuisine with an array of classic dishes with contemporary influences. Antipasti and pastas dishes feature the finest hand-selected ingredients, the Marra Forni wood-fired pizzas with expertly blistered crusts are perfect for sharing, and the hearty secondi offerings include hand-made pastas, bistecca and local seafood. The beverage program highlights wines from California and Italy, with a focus on small, family-owned producers. A full bar boasts a wide array of cocktails and spirits, including a large collection of vintage Italian apertivi and digestivi.

A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant

4. Little Original Joe's -- Marina

4.8

Exceptional(28)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 22 times today

Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!

5. The Tailor's Son

4.7

Exceptional(185)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Pacific Heights

Booked 56 times today

The Tailor's Son in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, is not just a haven for fans of Northern Italian cuisine but also a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Guests rave about the "world class cocktails" and the "creative & unique" mixes that complement the restaurant's savory dishes. Reviewers highlight the "Nice Negronis" alongside an array of other expertly curated beverages, making it clear that the bar at The Tailor's Son is a craft in its own right. With a vibrant atmosphere and consistent praise for its innovative drinks, it’s no wonder that patrons describe their experiences as "wonderful," emphasizing the bar's integral role in their delightful dining adventures. Whether you're a local or a visitor, The Tailor's Son offers a cocktail experience that is both authentic and memorable.

A photo of Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf restaurant

6. Scoma's Fisherman's Wharf

4.7

Exceptional(5535)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Beach

Booked 115 times today

Scoma’s Fisherman’s Wharf in North Beach, San Francisco, is a gem for those seeking top-notch Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Known for its stellar seafood, Scoma’s also excels in creating an inviting bar atmosphere where every cocktail is crafted with precision. Patrons rave about the "amazing drinks" and the "brilliant evening with friends," highlighting the lounge’s vibrant yet cozy vibe. The service is consistently lauded, with visitors impressed by the attentive and friendly staff, making it not just a meal but an experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Scoma’s offers the quintessential San Francisco dining and lounging experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for quality and comfort in a glass.

A photo of Delfina Restaurant restaurant

7. Delfina Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(913)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission

Booked 45 times today

Delfina Restaurant, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, is a beacon of Italian culinary excellence, as evidenced by its James Beard Award. This neighborhood trattoria has been enchanting diners with its "consistently exceptional" Italian fare and "superb" ambience. Guests rave about the authentic dishes, from the "best steak in San Francisco" to the "smashingly good" braised veal cheek pasta and "succulent" whole fish. Delfina's dedication to quality shines through in their menu, described by a patron as having "casual elegance." The glowing testimonials underscore the restaurant's appeal, with one diner proclaiming, "Best service we’ve had in years. Food was incredible." This praise solidifies Delfina's status as not just a meal destination but a culinary experience rooted in Italian tradition and innovation.

8. Perbacco

4.8

Exceptional(6966)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 49 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.

9. Sorella

4.8

Exceptional(715)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Russian Hill

Booked 26 times today

Meet Sorella, a spirited new Italian restaurant from the team behind Acquerello. Grounded in tradition but contemporary in style, Sorella is a convivial restaurant and bar from a group of deeply passionate hospitality professionals that value warmth and gracious hospitality. With a dynamic kitchen led by Seth Turiansky, overseen by our esteemed Executive Chef Suzette Gresham and an innovative cocktail program highlighting many of the unique spirits of Italy, Sorella is an exciting addition to the Bay Area culinary scene. Located at the crest of Polk, Sorella incorporates the history and legacy of Italy into a vibrant, modern-day bar and restaurant.Please note: A 6% surcharge will be added to all food and beverage sales.

10. Collina

4.8

Exceptional(168)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Russian Hill

Booked 2 times today

At Collina, nestled in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exquisite culinary experience. This cozy establishment, highly praised for its atmosphere and service, consistently delivers exceptional seafood dishes. Patrons rave about the pan-seared scallops and the tagliatelle with smoked prosciutto, praising both the freshness and the masterful preparation. As one diner exclaimed, "The scallops were perfection... I can't wait to dine here again!!" Collina's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and superbly crafted seafood cuisine.

How is content generated

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

Explore the vibrant Italian dining scene in San Francisco's Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness area, where a rich tapestry of flavors awaits. This neighborhood is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian cuisine, crafted with passion and a deep respect for culinary traditions. Each restaurant in the area offers a unique twist on classic Italian dishes, utilizing locally-sourced ingredients to create a fresh and delightful dining experience. From expertly prepared pastas and cheeses to beautifully plated traditional meals, these establishments cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. The atmosphere in these eateries is often described as warm and inviting, with attentive service that enhances the dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Italian restaurants in this part of San Francisco promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey, making them a must-visit for anyone craving the true essence of Italian dining.

Explore OpenTable

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Italian