Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

9 restaurants available nearby

1. Bocconcino

4.8

Exceptional(95)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Beach

Booked 20 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.

2. Back to Back

4.8

Exceptional(59)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill

Booked 14 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 Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959 restaurant

3. Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959

4.8

Exceptional(273)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Beach

Booked 11 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 Beretta Divisadero restaurant

4. Beretta Divisadero

4.4

Awesome(34)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 47 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.

5. The Fly Trap

4.7

Exceptional(1431)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • SOMA

Booked 15 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 Creekwood Restaurant restaurant

6. Creekwood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(979)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Berkeley

Booked 25 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.

A photo of Caffe Fiore - San Francisco restaurant

7. Caffe Fiore - San Francisco

4.9

Exceptional(391)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission District

Booked 3 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.

8. Cafe Mystique

4.6

Exceptional(36)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • The Castro

Booked 4 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

9. Luisa's On Guerrero

4.8

Exceptional(41)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission District

Booked 7 times today

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."

‘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
DonaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As always - Trabocco is great for frequent visitors as well as newbies. Every meal we have had there is great!! When we have guests in from out of town - Trabocco is our Go-To place!!
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TraboccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Alameda
•
4.7
A
Ardath
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food is inventive and delicious . It has a bistro vibe and is very cosy. Service was attentive but since the space is small it felt a bit rushed. The shared plates are generous. Don’t miss the oven fired bread with tapenade and the arancini.
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Back to BackPrice: Expensive• Pizzeria• Nob Hill
•
4.8
L
lisa
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful! Service was exceptional! Definitely will return and recommend
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BocconcinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.8
A
AnneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
From before the meal through the end, our experience at new-to-us Creekwood was excellent. When we called to say we’d be late because of the weather and traffic, he was extremely gracious and accommodating. The meal was delicious, but an equal highlight was the service; our waiter cheerfully dealt with requests (lots) from our party of three, and our bus-person was lovely as well. THIS is what post-Covid dining should look like! We will return soon. Anne Marshall
More info
Creekwood RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Berkeley
•
4.6
S
Shaunna
Las Vegas •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
Absolutely DELICIOUS!!! Can’t wait to go back! Best pasta (Cannelloni with vodka sauce) and Tiramisu ever!!!
More info
Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959Price: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.8

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Bocconcino

2. Back to Back

3. Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959

4. Beretta Divisadero

5. The Fly Trap

6. Creekwood Restaurant

7. Caffe Fiore - San Francisco

8. Cafe Mystique

9. Luisa's On Guerrero

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