Best Italian Restaurants in San Francisco

Do you enjoy dining out but find it hard to find a restaurant that serves authentic Italian food in San Francisco?

Whether it's a fine dining restaurant you are after, or you prefer a smaller cafe with a pizza oven, there are a wide variety of Italian restaurants in San Francisco to choose from. 

Let's take a look at some of the best Italian restaurants in the San Francisco area that serve up all your favorites, from fresh pasta to wood-fired pizzas.

Why Italian Food is Always a Great Option

Italian dishes have a penchant for being packed with flavor, offer a wide variety of pasta and pizza dishes, and are great for those who enjoy some good old carbs.

Whether you eat your pizza with a knife and fork, or grab a slice with your hands, there are no rules when it comes to eating pizza, and the list of toppings you can choose from is endless.

While chefs like Gordan Ramsay would more likely cut off their own hands before ordering a pineapple pizza, there are those who love them, and Italian cuisine is a number one choice for families in San Francisco.

Let's take a look at the best locations in San Francisco to find your favorite Italian cuisine.

The Best Italian Restaurant San Francisco

Choosing an eatery that is both family-friendly and serves delicious Italian food might sound like a tall order, but that's the great thing about it - it's perfect for the whole family.

We have reviewed three of the best Italian restaurants in San Francisco and looked at some of fantastic food and the meals they serve. Let's Jump straight in.

1. Acquerello Restaurant

Credit: Acquerello Restaurant

Chef Suzette Gresham and her sister restaurant Acquerello are an absolute treat for those who love Italian cuisine.

With two Michelin stars under her belt, the food and the service are out of this world. Situated in Nob Hill, this eatery serves some of San Francisco's tastiest Italian treats. 

Choose from seasonal tasting or small plates to the prix fixe menu, where you will find some great food. These include trumpet mushrooms, grilled calamari, and classic dishes like la ciccia.

Acquerello is the epitome of fine dining and is the ideal setting for that dinner date or date night.

Website: acquerellosf.com

2. Seven Hills Restaurant

Credit: Seven Hills Restaurant

Seven Hills is located in Russian Hill and is a family restaurant with a more casual setting.

Enjoy flavorful meals made with basil oil, only the freshest ingredients, and a personal touch from Chef Tony Florian. 

With many years in the industry, Chef Tony is ready to serve you farm-to-table Italian food with a difference. Check out their menu online, or pop in to try their cured meats and pasta dishes.

Website: sevenhillssf.com

3. Liguria Bakery and The Ligurian Pop-Up Restaurant

Head on down to Washington Square for a quick bite at this Italian bakery that specializes in pizza.

Using local ingredients sourced with great care, the bakery serves fresh pizza daily from their small store. 

For a full restaurant experience, visit The Ligurian Pop-Up Restaurant in the North Beach neighborhood.

Open just three days a week, this eatery serves up some of the most interesting Italian dishes and is the perfect place to visit for special occasions.

Their menu includes oysters, eggplant parmesan, and a wide variety of decadent Italian meals.

These are, of course, only a small handful of the Italian meal options available in the San Francisco area, but they are among some of the top-rated and most highly recommended eateries that you simply must visit at least once in your lifetime.

For family-friendly offerings best pasta, there are many eateries to choose from, serving up handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, grilled calamari, Cacio e Pepe, and more.

Step out of your comfort zone and try meal options like beef polpette or sea urchin, or savor a pasta dish made with care.

Although many Italian eateries in San Francisco are tourist traps, their meal options are out of this world and will have you coming back for more.

Conclusion

Choosing a fine-dining Italian restaurant in San Francisco is rather easy. With such a wide variety of options available, you can easily find the best restaurant in your area.

If you are after specialty options like gluten-free or wood-fired pizza, a quick online search will provide you with a great list of options.

Remember to check out the review section for ideas on the best meals to order, which are highly rated.