11 must-try restaurants in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood
Don't miss Cafe Zoetrope inside the historic Sentinel Building owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Photo courtesy of Cafe Zoetrope.
It’s hard to talk about North Beach (also known as "Little Italy") without mentioning the neighborhood’s culinary scene. San Francisco’s Little Italy sits just blocks from the Montgomery St Station. It has revered pizza establishments, classic Italian restaurants, cafes, delis and coffee shops. Here's our list of the top places to visit on any foodie tour through North Beach.
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Pizza (and more)
Enjoy award-winning pizza in North Beach. Photo courtesy of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana | 1570 Stockton St.
Simply put, Tony Gemignani is the king of pizza. He’s won numerous awards for world’s best pizza, including Best Pizza Margherita in the world at the World Cup in Naples, Italy and Best Pizza Romana at the World Championship of Pizza Makers in 2011. His restaurant, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, is a full-service eatery with seven different ovens cooking numerous styles of pizzas, which include everything from Neapolitan to Classic American. Patrons can also delight in antipasti, insalata, pasta and dolci in addition to cocktails from a full bar that includes Italian and Californian wines. They use the finest ingredients, including fresh herbs and locally sourced honey, and import authentic Neapolitan and Italian products weekly. Right next door is the Slice House for those craving a quick bite and prefer a slice on the go.
For a square slice in North Beach, you can't beat Golden Boy. Photo courtesy of The Infatuation (Erin Ng).
Golden Boy Pizza | 542 Green St.
This North Beach eatery dishes out thick, Sicilian-style slices worth waiting in line for. At the age of 19, creator Peter Sodini envisioned the perfect pizza as a freshly baked, delicious focaccia with fresh pizza toppings. Peter opened the first Golden Boy Pizza on Green Street in San Francisco’s North Beach in 1978, and it's been a hit ever since. Golden Boy is takeout only. Grab a slice and enjoy a pizza picnic at Washington Square Park or devour it as a late-night snack. The clam and garlic pie is especially popular.
Try wood-fired pizza at Tommaso's in North Beach. Photo courtesy of Tommaso's.
Tommaso’s | 1042 Kearny St.
With the oldest wood-burning oven west of the Mississippi, Tommaso’s certainly has old-school charm. A beloved restaurant since 1935, Tommaso’s began when the Naples-born Cantalupo family opened the restaurant in North Beach. Their family’s Neapolitan recipes have been passed down for generations. After decades of success, the Crotti family took over Tommaso’s, promising to continue the culinary tradition of delicious food and warm Italian hospitality. Whether you’re diving into their wood-fired pizzas or enjoying a calzone, fresh antipasto or homemade lasagna, you’ll get a taste of Tommaso’s deep history.
Savor pizza at Flour + Water. Photo courtesy of SF Eater (Patricia Chang).
Flour + Water Pizzeria | 532 Columbus Ave.
A newer addition to San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, Flour + Water Pizzeria is a popular spot on Columbus Ave. Co-Chefs Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow’s menu showcases flavors from Italy with a Northern California influence. The pizza dough is naturally leavened, made from local organic wheat, and fermented for at least three days. Toppings are sourced from Northern California producers and farmers. While Flour + Water is a full-service restaurant, there’s also a Pizza Shop for takeout and casual service on the Stockton Street side. Whether you’re popping in for a weekday meal or a first date, this North Beach eatery won’t disappoint. Don’t miss the behind-the-scenes peek at dough-making in the dough room.
Classic Italian Eats
Sotto Mare's Cioppino is something truly special. Photo courtesy of Doordash.
Sotto Mare | 552 Green St.
Sotto Mare is a beloved Italian seafood restaurant located in the North Beach neighborhood. Known for its fresh seafood and old-school charm, the atmosphere is lively and the portions are large. Family-owned and operated, Sotto Mare offers classic menu items like the world-famous “Best Damn Crab Cioppino,” oysters, clam chowder and pasta with seafood. Expect quality ingredients in a casual setting, perfect for any occasion.
Original Joe's is a classic North Beach eatery oozing with charm. Photo courtesy of Original Joe's
Original Joe's | 601 Union St.
Original Joe’s is a San Francisco institution. Blending classic Italian-American cuisine with a timeless, upscale diner vibe, this North Beach restaurant, founded in 1937, is located in the heart of North Beach across the street from Washington Square Park. Known for its hearty portions and vintage red leather booths, the restaurant has been family-owned for three generations. Try Joe’s Special (eggs scrambled with ground beef, onions and spinach and topped off with a pile of sautéed mushrooms) or choose between house-made pastas, steaks, a classic burger or fresh seafood.
Cafe Zoetrope's unique location in the Sentinel Building adds to its charm. Photo courtesy of On the Grid: City Guides.
Cafe Zoetrope | 916 Kearny St.
Cafe Zoetrope is a European-style bistro located in San Francisco’s North Beach, housed in the historic Sentinel Building owned by Francis Ford Coppola. The restaurant is nestled inside the landmark, a wedge-shaped flatiron building dating back to 1907, and is named after Coppola's production company, American Zoetrope. The café offers Italian food, Coppola family wines and a cozy, cinematic atmosphere filled with movie memorabilia. Movie buffs will love this unique spot where film and culinary culture meet. While here, order a plate of carbonara and a glass of wine and enjoy a rich blend of film, food and history. Cafe Zoetrope is the closest restaurant to BART on our list.
You'll find delicious Italian cuisine and warm hospitality at Mona Lisa. Photo courtesy of Table Agent.
Mona Lisa | 353 Columbus St
Since 1979, Mona Lisa has been a beloved San Francisco restaurant rooted in Calabrese family traditions and a love for Italian cuisine. In 1997, Filomena and Maurizio, inspired by their uncle Tony Azzolino, stepped in as owners, and today, Mona Lisa remains a warm, welcoming place where family recipes and fresh local ingredients come together. Dining at Mona Lisa is more than just a meal. It's a heartfelt invitation to enjoy life’s simple pleasures with friends and loved ones.
Molinari Delicatessen is a classic Italian Deli on Columbus Ave. Photo courtesy of Molinari Delicatessen.
Molinari Delicatessen | 373 Columbus Ave
A true favorite for locals and visitors alike, Molinari Delicatessen, a San Francisco favorite since 1896, blends old-world charm with unbeatable Italian flavor. Family-owned, the deli is known for its stacked sandwiches made with house-cured meats, fresh-baked focaccia and imported Italian specialties. Whether you’re grabbing a classic Molinari Special or picking up artisan pasta and olive oil, it's a must-visit destination on any foodie tour through North Beach.
Coffee and cannolis
The iconic Cafe Trieste is a top spot on any North Beach food tour. Photo courtesy of TimeOut (Photograph: Hans Kwiotek).
Cafe Trieste | 601 Vallejo St
Caffe Trieste is a legendary North Beach café that’s been brewing espresso since 1956. The cozy red and green painted shop is a cultural hub for artists, musicians and Beat poets like the infamous Jack Kerouac. Photos of celebrities line the walls at Cafe Trieste, including a few of Francis Ford Coppola, who is rumored to have written part of "The Godfather" at this North Beach destination. Today, visitors can sip expertly made cappuccinos at mosaic-tiled tables inside or enjoy live music outside on weekends while soaking in the creative energy and savoring every sip of coffee and every bite of their Italian pastry.
Stop by Caffe Greco for a warm drink and a tasty pastry. Photo courtesy of Table Agent.
Cafe Greco | 423 Columbus Ave
Cafe Greco has been a North Beach staple since Hanna and Sandy Suleiman opened its doors in August 1988. Widely regarded as the city’s most authentic Italian café, it serves world-famous Illy coffee alongside award-winning homemade tiramisu, cannoli and gelato. Cafe Greco is also known for its warm hospitality. This local legend is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Italy in San Francisco.
What's your favorite North Beach restaurant?
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