Craving some creamy cacio e pepe or a good old-fashioned margherita pizza? Lucky for you, the Bay’s Italian food scene has tons of terrific spots that’ll do the trick, ranging from trendy Cal-Italian eateries to traditional trattorias. Here’s our list of the best places to grab a meal that’s molto bene.
Last Updated: October 6, 2025
San Francisco
Via Flour + Water
(2401 Harrison St // Mission)
If you only visit one Italian spot in SF, make it this one. Pricey but worth every penny, Flour + Water’s pastas are nothing short of divine — seriously, treat yourself to the pasta tasting menu and thank us later. If you’re looking to visit, make sure to secure a reservation! There’s a loooong wait for walk-ins, even on weekdays.
(3000 20th St // Mission)
No, you’re not having deja vu: Penny Roma is from the same team as Flour + Water, and their offerings are just as delicious. You really can’t go wrong with anything here, but our personal fave is the cacio e pepe.
Via Che Fico
(838 Divisadero St // NoPa)
Two words: Sourdough pizza. If you’re celebrating something or just in the mood to splurge on a meal, Che Fico’s handmade pies and pillowy pastas (paired with a great glass of wine, of course) are the move.
(3251 Pierce St // Marina)
Another testament to SF’s love affair with “Cal-Ital,” Norcina’s ever-changing menu is worth gushing about. Whether you opt for the “Funky Funghi” pizza or the mouthwatering meatballs, there’s something to please every palette here.
Via Itria
(3266 24th St // Mission)
Located literal steps away from the 24th Street and Mission BART station, Itria serves up some of the tastiest modern Italian food in the city. The cozy, intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect option for date night.
(291 30th St // Noe Valley)
For us pasta enthusiasts, this small Sicilian eatery is a not-so-hidden gem. Their menu — which centers seafood dishes — features top-notch ingredients and stunning flavors. The warm, friendly service doesn’t hurt either!
Via Cotogna
(490 Pacific Ave // North Beach)
Not gonna lie, we’re going to be dreaming about Cotogna’s raviolo di ricotta for the rest of our lives. From fresh pastas to wood-fired pizzas to expertly mixed cocktails, it’s easy to see why Cotogna is one of the city’s most adored Italian spots.
(1132 Valencia St // Mission)
Don’t let the Instagram-worthy interior fool you! The food here tastes just as good as it looks. Bottega’s menu is chock-full of Italian classics like lasagna, margherita pizza, and cannolis, all prepared to perfection. Pro tip: they don’t take reservations, so arrive early to avoid a wait!
Via Tony's
(1570 Stockton St // North Beach)
Listen, it’s a classic for a reason! How many other places can say they’re home to a 13-time World Pizza Champion? For our money, there’s no better way to spend a sunny day than grabbing a slice (or a whole pie) from Tony’s and enjoying it in the grass on Washington Square Park.
(Multiple Locations)
There’s a reason this “neighborhood Italian” spot now spans multiple neighborhoods: it’s just that good. Fiorella’s pizzas are perfect for splitting with friends after work; they also offer takeout if you need someone to cater your night in!
Via Piccino
(845 22nd St // Dogpatch)
Dinner here is always mouthwatering, of course, but don’t sleep on Piccino’s brunch menu! If we could wake up with their savory bread pudding and in-house baked goods every day, we would.
(1429 Stockton St // North Beach)
No unnecessary frills here — just old-fashioned, traditional Italian cooking. Their award-winning signature dish, the Gnocchi Firenze, is a must, but we’ve got a soft spot for their homemade tiramisu.
Via Fior d'Italia
(2237 Mason St // North Beach)
There’s no shortage of storied Italian eateries in North Beach, but this one is a true institution. Opened in 1886, Fior d’Italia is America’s oldest Italian restaurant, and its menu of Northern Italian classics is still just as delizioso as it was over 100 years ago.
(800 Taraval St // Parkside)
You might not want to look at any mirrors after you’re done with your meal, because you’ll be bloated from all of the goodness they serve here. Rich racks of lamb, oven-roasted sea bass, creamy fettuccine … need we go on?
Via Sotto Mare
(552 Green St // North Beach)
You know it, you love it: the “best damn crab cioppino” is served up here, and it lives up to its name. Seriously, it’s no secret that Sotto Mare’s Italian-style seafood is the city’s best. You’re not truly a local unless you’ve been at least once.
(1800 Mason St // Russian Hill)
The plates at Trattorio Contadina are overflowing — literally, the portions are huge — with staples like bruschetta, gnocchi, ravioli, risotto, and more. If you want scrumptious leftovers for days, roll through!
East Bay
Via Italian Homemade Company
(2905 College Ave // Berkeley)
You can always count on Italian Homemade Company to be there for you in your hour of need. This Bay Area staple's customizable fresh pastas and traditional piadinas truly can’t be beat.
(2519 Durant Ave // Berkeley)
Every Berkeley student knows that late-night Gypsy’s just hits different. But you don’t have to be a broke college student to enjoy this hole-in-the-wall institution: their rich pastas and hefty calzones are the definition of comfort food.
(5403 College Ave // Oakland)
This casual eatery has racked up an impressive roster of local accolades, and once you have one bite of the food here, you’ll see why. Their authentic menu is filled with offerings like dense gnocchi with six-meat bolognese, pillowy squash-filled pasta with brown butter, and creamy panna cotta — yum!
Via Enoteca Molinari
(5474 College Ave // Oakland)
The unique Italian wine list is the standout at this neighborhood favorite. A perfectly paired bottle + their burrata = bellissima!
(4214 Park Blvd // Oakland)
You’ll never run out of delicious things to try at Marzano, thanks to the rotating menu full of crispy pizza pies, baked rigatoni, meatballs, and more. If you love your meal (which you will), they give you the option to buy the kitchen a six pack of beer on your way out!
Via Instagram
(5356 College Ave // Rockridge)
A16 takes their pizza craft seriously, and you can tell. This award-winning restaurant and wine bar also has a location in SF, so you can snag some good eats no matter what side of the Bay Bridge you’re on.
(Various Locations)
Tomatina is a wonderful place to stop before a show or a shopping trip. They have a hefty menu filled with traditional dishes like spaghetti and meatballs — our favorite, though, is their seasonal flourless chocolate cake dessert.
Via Lo Coco's
(4270 Piedmont Ave // Oakland)
Lo Coco’s range of elite pizza toppings make this ingredient-focused spot a cut above the rest (and don’t even get us started on their pastas). Trust us, the Sicilian style cooking here will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
(5008 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
There’s no such thing as too much pizza, especially if you’re grabbing slices at Pizzaiolo. Their dishes are all wonderful, but the pies are the star. Current flavor combos include winter squash + ricotta, squid + hot pepper, and more deliciousness.
South Bay + Peninsula
Via Original Joe's Westlake
(11 Glenwood Ave // Daly City)
A Daly City institution since 1956, the expanded Original Joe’s Westlake is serving up food that’s just as appetizing as ever. Here, you’ll find perfectly executed versions of Italian-American staples, from chicken piccata to house-made ravioli.
(1319 Lincoln Ave // San Jose)
Speaking of handmade pastas, the iconic raviolis from Bertucelli’s cannot be missed! Order some of these pillowy wonders as a side for your perfectly made deli sandwich, packed with high-quality Italian cuts.
(350 West Julian St Suite 1 // San Jose)
Tiramisu, we love you. Do yourself a favor and order Paesano’s version of the dessert — but not until after you’ve enjoyed hearty helpings of tasty linguine, spaghetti, veal parmigiana, and more.
Via Vesta
(2022 Broadway // Redwood City)
You’ll always find a gaggle of hungry locals at this indoor-outdoor pizza joint, and who can blame them? Splitting one of Vesta’s artisan wood-fired pies over a few beers is a foolproof recipe for a wonderful meal.
(1165 Lincoln Ave #110 // San Jose)
This amazing cafe has cannolis for days. Focusing on Italian desserts, Dolce Sicilia sells some of the best cookies, cakes, and pastries that you can find outside of Italy. Order for local pickup or have their treats sent to you — they ship nationwide!
(14109 Winchester Blvd // Los Gatos)
It may not look like much on the outside, but Aldo’s has been a community staple for decades, largely due to the passion of the restaurant’s owner and namesake. When dining here, you can tell every plate has been cooked with love, from simple appetizers like mozzarella caprese to their exquisite pastas.
North Bay
Via Restaurant Picco
(320 Magnolia Ave // Larkspur)
With its high wood ceilings and exposed brick walls, the warm vibe at Restaurant Picco is top-tier. Chow down on small plates from eclectically labeled menu sections like “eat your veggies” and “labor of love” while you enjoy some bubbly from the bar, and you’ll be in foodie heaven in no time.
(901 A St // San Rafael)
This bougie mainstay in Marin boasts old-school ambiance and amazing food — who could ask for more? It’s right by the Smith Rafael Film Center, so keep it in mind for any upcoming “dinner and a movie” plans.
Via Bistro Don Giovanni
(4110 Howard Ln // Napa)
It’s hard for a fine dining restaurant to stand out in Napa, but the iconic Bistro Don Giovanni manages to. The bistro fare here is nothing short of exceptional, and there’s honestly nowhere we’d rather eat after getting a bit too tipsy at some wine tastings.
(625 Redwood Hwy // Mill Valley)
Piatti’s scenic, waterside setting almost overshadows the food, but not quite. It’s a truly beautiful spot to enjoy homemade focaccia or ricotta dumplings while overlooking the waves — it’s great for special occasions or date nights!
Via Angelino Restaurant
(621 Bridgeway // Sausalito)
Another lovely waterfront option, Angelino transplants the tastes of Southern Italy to Sausalito. Our advice: always order one of their daily specials!
(777 Bridgeway // Sausalito)
Tagliatelle, fettuccine, and spaghetti — oh my! You can’t go wrong with any pasta variety at this upscale trattoria, which offers a beautiful seasonal menu that changes every day.
By Grace Orriss
