Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

9 restaurants available nearby

1. Bocconcino

4.8

Exceptional(98)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Beach

Booked 7 times today

Bocconcino in North Beach, San Francisco, offers an exquisite taste of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where traditional flavors meet modern creativity. Guests rave about its "authentic and well-made Italian cuisine" and appreciate the inviting atmosphere that feels like dining in a friend's home. With standout dishes like the "fantastic gnocchi, like little clouds," and perfectly crafted homemade ravioli, every meal promises culinary delight. The restaurant's attentive staff, led by the charming owner Rosario, ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Bocconcino’s commitment to quality, from handmade pastas to a thoughtfully curated wine list, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian fare.

2. Back to Back

4.8

Exceptional(59)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill

Booked 11 times today

Back to Back in Nob Hill, San Francisco, is a standout destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine, artfully blending Italian and Californian flavors. Known for its "incredibly tasty and balanced" wood-fired pizzas, which are among the best in the city, this vibrant eatery brings authentic Italian tastes with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" and "amazing" shared plates, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. The curated selection of natural wines and creative cocktails enhances the culinary experience, while the ambiance, complete with a live DJ spinning vinyl, makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

A photo of Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959 restaurant

3. Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959

4.8

Exceptional(274)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Beach

Booked 4 times today

Luisa's Restaurant Wine Bar, nestled in San Francisco's charming North Beach neighborhood, offers an unparalleled Contemporary Italian dining experience. Known for "the most authentic Italian food in San Francisco," Luisa's combines family recipes with innovative twists to create a menu featuring handmade pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and exquisite gnocchi. Diners rave about the "incredible food and phenomenal service," while the cozy, Italian-style ambiance adds to the charm. With standout dishes like Pollo Piamontese and Cannelloni with vodka sauce, Luisa's ensures every meal feels both special and familiar. Experience "one of the best Italian restaurants" that leaves you eager to return.

A photo of Beretta Divisadero restaurant

4. Beretta Divisadero

4.4

Awesome(38)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 28 times today

Beretta Divisadero is a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts in San Francisco's vibrant NoPa neighborhood. Renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar, patrons rave about the "great cocktails and talented bartenders" that elevate every visit. The bar's diverse selection of mixed drinks, available at good prices, has left many guests impressed with its creativity and quality. Whether you're meeting friends for a fun night out or enjoying a happy hour, Beretta’s vibrant atmosphere and delightful cocktails are sure to impress. With glowing reviews highlighting "awesome drinks" and a "wonderful happy hour," Beretta Divisadero promises an unforgettable cocktail experience.

5. The Fly Trap

4.7

Exceptional(1434)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • SOMA

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, The Fly Trap is a must-visit for lovers of Italian cuisine. Renowned for its "delicious as always" food and "amazing" atmosphere, this charming spot artfully blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. Diners rave about the expertly crafted rigatoni, which is a standout on the menu. The restaurant's "fantastic" happy hour and eclectic wine list add to its allure, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. With a reputation for "outstanding" service and a cozy, welcoming ambiance, The Fly Trap promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience.

A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant

6. Creekwood Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(988)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Berkeley

Booked 18 times today

Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is a delightful gem that specializes in exquisite American cuisine, artfully intertwined with California-Italian influences. Known for its warm and cozy atmosphere, Creekwood has become a beloved neighborhood spot, celebrated for its "excellent wood-fired pizzas" and "innovative, freshly delicious" dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing" pastas and "exceptional" service, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s commitment to using seasonal ingredients ensures that every meal is a fresh and flavorful experience. Whether you're indulging in their "fantastic" brunch or a delightful dinner, Creekwood guarantees a culinary experience that will leave you coming back for more.

A photo of Caffe Fiore - San Francisco restaurant

7. Caffe Fiore - San Francisco

4.9

Exceptional(392)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission District

Booked 2 times today

Caffe Fiore in San Francisco's Mission District is a delightful haven for Contemporary Italian cuisine lovers. This neighborhood gem beautifully marries European café culture with authentic Italian flavors, offering a menu that evolves with a variety of specials. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food and such a pleasant atmosphere," making it a cherished spot for cozy meals and gatherings. The passionate owner and staff create a welcoming vibe that feels like home. With homemade dishes that highlight the best of Neapolitan and contemporary Italian cuisine, Caffe Fiore promises an unforgettable dining experience that "never disappoints" and leaves patrons eager to return.

8. Cafe Mystique

4.6

Exceptional(37)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • The Castro

Booked 5 times today

Cafe Mystique in the vibrant Castro district of San Francisco is a shining star in the realm of Contemporary American cuisine. Known for its "exceptional dining experience," this restaurant effortlessly combines traditional American flavors with a modern twist, creating dishes that are both "expertly prepared and presented." Diners rave about the "fantastic service and great food," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and delightful culinary offerings, Cafe Mystique is a "true gem not to be missed" for anyone seeking a taste of innovative American cuisine crafted from fair-trade and locally sourced ingredients.

A photo of Luisa's On Guerrero restaurant

9. Luisa's On Guerrero

4.8

Exceptional(41)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Mission District

Luisa's On Guerrero in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District offers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience that perfectly marries authenticity with modern flair. Renowned for its "excellent food," Luisa's crafts each dish with the finest ingredients, from "light pillows" of gnocchi to "silky smooth" carbonara, creating flavors that transport you straight to Italy. Diners rave about the "superb pasta dishes" and the expertly prepared sauces that make every bite unforgettable. The warm ambiance and "genuinely nice" service add a personal touch to each visit. Experience the "quintessential Italian dining" at Luisa's On Guerrero, where every meal is a celebration of Italy's rich culinary heritage.

‘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

M
Martha
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
As always, my partner and I had a fantastic date night at Creekwood. Our first date restaurant has become our every date restaurant. It’s warm and cozy. Waiters are attentive and helpful. And the food. The food! Never had anything here that wasn’t fantastic. Our bill came in at under $100 for both of us, including two of the pricier glasses of wine (consumed by me; excellent Bordeaux blend). Love this place!
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Creekwood RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Berkeley
•
4.6
L
LaurenVIP
Houston •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 29, 2024
Great little restaurant in North Beach. We had the meatballs and the special which was osso bucco and it was delish! The wines they offer are great value as well. We will be back the next time we are in San Francisco.
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Luisa's Restaurant Wine bar since 1959Price: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
•
4.8
D
DonaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 27, 2024
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 on Dec 27, 2024
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 on Dec 25, 2024
Wonderful! Service was exceptional! Definitely will return and recommend
More info
BocconcinoPrice: 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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