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

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105 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
1. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4162)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 81 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.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
2. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1850)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 81 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 Delfina Restaurant restaurant
3. Delfina Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(948)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission District
Booked 39 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.
A photo of La Connessa restaurant
4. La Connessa
4.8
Exceptional(290)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Bay / South Beach
Booked 46 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
5. Little Original Joe's -- Marina
4.8
Exceptional(47)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 28 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!
A photo of The Tailor's Son restaurant
6. The Tailor's Son
4.7
Exceptional(205)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pacific Heights
Booked 52 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 Seven Hills restaurant
7. Seven Hills
4.8
Exceptional(2435)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Russian Hill
Booked 31 times today
Welcome to Seven Hills, a celebrated gem nestled in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, renowned for its exceptional Seafood offerings alongside its signature Italian cuisine. Diners are consistently captivated by dishes such as the "sublime" special jawbone of striped bass and the "perfectly seasoned" halibut, which spotlight the freshest oceanic flavors. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with reviews raving about the seafood's freshness and expert preparation. As one diner put it, the seafood here makes you "put down your fork and knife and say, 'Wow, this is SO GOOD'." With its cozy ambiance and meticulous service, Seven Hills isn't just a meal; it's a premier culinary adventure that celebrates the best of coastal fare in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
8. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(6987)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 17 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 54 Mint restaurant
9. 54 Mint
4.8
Exceptional(3392)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 18 times today
Nestled in the bustling SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, 54 Mint stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. This gem, situated opposite the historic US Mint Building, is celebrated for its dedication to Roman culinary traditions, using only fresh, seasonal ingredients. Patrons rave about the "out-of-this-world linguine with clams" and proclaim it the "best Italian in the city," with accolades like "the pasta was fresh and flavorful" underscoring the quality of their homemade dishes. The cozy atmosphere is matched by impeccable service, making every visit feel like "a quick trip to Rome." Whether it's their acclaimed carbonara or the delightful tiramisu, 54 Mint delivers an exquisite slice of Italy right in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Montesacro SOMA restaurant
10. Montesacro SOMA
4.8
Exceptional(2250)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 14 times today
Montesacro SOMA in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA neighborhood offers a slice of Italy with its authentic and innovative Italian cuisine. As the first "Pinseria" in the United States, Montesacro stands out by serving unique Roman Pinsas, described by a delighted guest as "the best crust I have ever had in my life." These artisanal flatbreads are made from a special blend of rice, soy, and wheat flour, making them a healthy choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in their use of GMO-free ingredients imported directly from Rome. Diners rave about the "fresh, excellent, authentic" food and the "warm and attentive service," making Montesacro a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. Whether it's the Pinsa, the perfectly paired wines, or the cozy atmosphere, Montesacro SOMA delivers an exceptional dining adventure reminiscent of old Roman "Fraschette."

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • normavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The space is very smart and elegant, and the wait staff was lovely. The food was excellent from the aperitivos through the dolce. La Connessa is a definite keeper.
    More info
    La ConnessaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Bay / South Beach
    •
    4.8
  • StevenBvip
    Portland / Oregon •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The house made ravioli was the best ever. The veal was good as well.
    More info
    Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Charlesvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My first time here and can't wait to come back. Beautiful looking restaurant. I went with 2 of my clients for lunch. The 3 appetizers were perfect. Zucchini Fries , Nancy's Caprese , and Beef Carpaccio .... all delicious . I had Black Truffle Cavatelli w/ Toasted bread crumbs , I seriously thought I was back in Italy ! The Lemon Bowtie pasta with Shrimp was another incredible dish . Another dish , Johns House made Raviolis was another super dish . Service was above Parr .... Ben our server ,went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and well served. don't miss this neighborhood Gem !
    More info
    Little Original Joe's -- MarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    •
    4.8
  • John
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We really enjoyed the anniversary menu at Delfina. Every bite was exceptional! The service was stellar and we were treated like family. Thank you for an incredible evening!
    More info
    Delfina RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission District
    •
    4.8
  • Douglasvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •206 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    While the noise level is very high, the food and service is excellent!! The beet salad was possibly the best either of us have ever eaten, the agnolotti is exceptional, and the chocolate desert was rich without over doing it! What a fantastic evening we were able to share at a truly exceptional restaurant in SF. Thanks for making it special.
    More info
    Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
    •
    4.7

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.

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