Italian Restaurants in San Francisco (2025)

A serene Nob Hill landmark in a former chapel, Acquerello sets the city’s modern Italian benchmark with seasonal tasting menus and a vaunted cellar. Celebrated by the Michelin Guide and awarded Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for its deep Italian list.

The Quince team’s rustic sibling anchors Jackson Square with hand‑rolled pastas, wood‑fire cooking, and a lively daytime scene. Frequently featured by Eater SF and praised by local critics for showcasing California farms through Italian tradition.

Mission District pasta pioneers since 2009, the team keeps things fresh with daily shapes and thoughtful sauces in a buzzy, craft‑driven room. Spotlighted by Resy and Time Out for shaping how San Franciscans eat Italian today.

From the Flour + Water team, Penny Roma channels trattoria warmth with a pasta‑centric menu, a relaxed courtyard, and a playlist‑driven vibe. Covered by Eater SF and praised by local writers for classic flavors made with Bay Area produce.

Cal‑Italian cooking with Roman roots meets California produce, from handmade pasta to Jewish‑Roman classics. A fixture in local roundups and Eater SF coverage; its Alimentari space folded into the main operation while the flagship continues to thrive.

Chef Matthew Accarrino’s Fillmore stalwart explores Italian technique through a Northern California lens, offering a la carte, tasting menus, and a thoughtful wine list. A past Michelin star recipient and regular subject of coverage by respected outlets.

Shelley Lindgren’s Marina original celebrates Southern Italy with wood‑fired pizzas, pastas, and a standout Southern Italian wine program. Recognized by the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand and frequently cited by the San Francisco Chronicle.

A downtown favorite focused on Piemonte and Liguria, Perbacco turns out silken agnolotti, house salumi, and smart secondi in an elegant room. Featured by Eater SF and long respected by local critics for regional depth and consistency.

From the Acquerello team, this stylish aperitivo‑friendly ristorante brings cicchetti, smart cocktails, and pastas to the crest of Polk. Recognized by Michelin inspectors and covered by local editors for its modern take on Italian hospitality.

A Mission original pairing crudo and handmade pasta with contemporary finesse. Added to the Michelin Guide’s discoveries and highlighted by SFGATE and Eater SF, it offers both tasting menus and à la carte in a sleek neighborhood space.

North Beach history since 1935, famed for the West Coast’s first wood‑fired brick oven, lasagna, and classic red‑sauce comfort. Still operating under new stewardship, as reported by Eater SF and SFGATE, with the same beloved spirit and menu.

Tony Gemignani’s flagship draws global acclaim for its many regional styles, from Neapolitan to Detroit. Cited by international guides and recently ranked among the nation’s best by editors at Axios covering 50 Top Pizza’s list.