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Best Italian Restaurants in The Castro

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101 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cafe Mystique restaurant
1. Cafe Mystique
4.6
Exceptional(36)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • The Castro
Booked 8 times today
Cafe Mystique in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco is a haven of Contemporary American cuisine, praised for its exquisite and hearty dishes. Known for using fair-trade products sourced from local markets, the restaurant ensures each dish is bursting with authentic flavors. Patrons rave about the "delicious and fresh gourmet food," with standout dishes like the spicy chicken pasta and the perfectly seasoned steak. The consistent high praise extends to the atmosphere and service, described as "immaculate" and "always welcoming." It's no wonder locals deem Cafe Mystique a favorite, with a reviewer exclaiming it's the "best food I have had so far in the Castro." This gem of a restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
2. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1880)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 39 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(973)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission District
Booked 26 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
4.7
Exceptional(315)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Bay / South Beach
Booked 25 times today
## La Connessa: A Modern Italian Gem in San Francisco Step into La Connessa and be transported to a world of culinary delight. This modern Italian trattoria, nestled in the heart of Potrero Hill, offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The space is a feast for the eyes, boasting a stunning slate blue and metallic gold palette, an expansive illuminated bar, and exceptional art deco design. High ceilings and a beautiful, elevated vibe create a perfect setting for both special occasions and casual meals. The menu, crafted with the finest hand-selected ingredients, features a range of classic dishes reimagined with modern influences. From expertly blistered wood-fired pizzas to hearty secondi selections, including hand-made pastas, bistecca, and local seafood, La Connessa promises an unforgettable dining experience. Start your journey with delectable antipasti like roasted jimmy nardello peppers and roasted artichokes. Then, indulge in the signature Spaghettino al Limone, a symphony of flavors with fresh lemon, garlic, and parmesan. For a truly special occasion, savor the succulent bistecca, grilled to perfection and served with seasonal vegetables. No Italian meal is complete without a touch
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
5. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4203)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 62 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 The Tailor's Son restaurant
6. The Tailor's Son
4.7
Exceptional(217)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Pacific Heights
Booked 41 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 Beretta Divisadero restaurant
7. Beretta Divisadero
4.4
Awesome(33)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 44 times today
Beretta Divisadero in San Francisco's vibrant North Panhandle neighborhood is a gem for those seeking exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. Known for its "super fun vibe" and "excellent cocktails," this hotspot stands out with its innovative mixology and premium bottle service that perfectly complements their thin-crust pizzas and Italian comfort food. Patrons rave about the Diablo cocktail and the happy hour specials, noting that Beretta is "definitely will return when I'm back in SF." The lively atmosphere coupled with a "huge shelf of liquor" ensures a memorable experience, making Beretta Divisadero the go-to destination for those who appreciate quality drinks and a great ambience in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Uva Enoteca restaurant
8. Uva Enoteca
4.9
Exceptional(883)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Haight
Booked 5 times today
Uva Enoteca in San Francisco's vibrant Haight neighborhood offers a delightful taste of Puglia, Italy. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of dishes like the "stellar" Orecchiette Cime di Rapa and the light, digestible Apulian pizzas, crafted from durum wheat sourced directly from Altamura. The new ownership has infused the menu with passion and tradition, with many diners noting the "wonderful refresh" and the "fantastic" burrata and prosciutto. An all-Italian wine list complements the culinary experience, featuring selections from small Italian producers. As one reviewer puts it, this place is a "neighborhood gem" for anyone seeking genuine Italian cuisine, making Uva Enoteca a must-visit destination.
A photo of Fiorella Noe Valley restaurant
9. Fiorella Noe Valley
4.5
Awesome(78)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Noe Valley
Booked 17 times today
Fiorella Noe Valley, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Noe Valley, San Francisco, is celebrated for its exceptional wood-fired pizzas that capture the authentic essence of Pizzeria cuisine. Patrons rave about the “out of this world” Neapolitan Pie and commend the restaurant for its “clean and new” pizza oven that ensures perfectly cooked pizzas without any burns. The ambiance is complemented by a unique selection of spritz cocktails, making Fiorella a standout in the area. Reviewers consistently highlight the quality and freshness of the food, with one noting, “If you're craving that real Italian flavor, seriously look no further!” Fiorella Noe Valley is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Pizzeria experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Itria restaurant
10. Itria
4.7
Exceptional(117)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission District
Booked 13 times today
Itria, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, is a culinary gem that showcases the best of Californian cuisine with a modern twist. Known for its innovative dishes, Itria has earned glowing accolades from diners who rave about the quality and creativity of its offerings. One patron exclaimed, "The food here is outstanding. I've never had better crudo, and the pasta was amazing," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to freshness and excellence. The ambiance and service match the high standards of the menu, making Itria a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and exquisite Californian dining experience. Whether it's the "crispy garlic salad" or the "spaghetti with anchovy sauce," each dish is a testament to the skilled culinary artistry at play, making every visit memorable.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brewster
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent food especially the truffle fries and braised short ribs! Crab cake was only ok. Drinks were good. Noisy but we got a table in the bar area. Overall great time!
    More info
    Original Joe's - San FranciscoPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Francisco
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was great waiter was nice and awesome and place was real nice
    More info
    La ConnessaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Mission Bay / South Beach
    •
    4.7
  • PamelaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •61 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a wonderful dinner at Delfina Restaurant last night. We ordered a lot of items and loved every one of them (except the gelato which seemed a bit freezer burned... but the pavlova made up for it!). The whole fish, the ragu, all of the sides (chard, Brussels sprouts, etc.), the pizza, etc. Everything had the best of ingredients and unusual (and very tasty) preparations. The service was attentive and friendly... overall, it was a great experience. We'll absolutely return.
    More info
    Delfina RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission District
    •
    4.8
  • MelanieVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Regardless of whether you eat with your eyes or with your stomach, you won’t be disappointed. My husband and I had dinner here last night and we couldn’t be more thrilled. The restaurant itself is absolutely gorgeous and the food is outstanding in every way. The menu is interesting and innovative. We enjoyed appetizers of Carne Crudo and Insalata Tritata which were absolutely delicious. Our entrees of rockfish and lasagne verde were perfect. We sat at the bar which was lively and festive considering it’s the holiday season. The staff is super friendly and the vibe is lively and fun. A definite must try if you haven’t already!
    More info
    Che Fico San FranciscoPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
    •
    4.7
  • Truth
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I LOVE this place for special occasions or whenever! Food is great! Drinks are delicious and reasonable!
    More info
    Cafe MystiquePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• The Castro
    •
    4.6

Discover best Italian restaurants in The Castro

Discover the essence of Italian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Castro district. This area, known for its dynamic dining scene, offers a variety of Italian restaurants that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Each establishment in The Castro specializes in delivering authentic Italian dishes, from classic pastas to innovative Italian fusions, all crafted with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Patrons can expect a warm, inviting atmosphere coupled with exemplary service, making each dining experience truly memorable. As you explore the culinary delights of The Castro, you'll find that these restaurants consistently emphasize the importance of a great dining experience, reflecting the lively spirit and diversity of San Francisco. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to savor genuine Italian flavors, the Italian eateries in The Castro are sure to enrich your gastronomic journey.

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