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Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Corzetti restaurant
1. Corzetti
4.5
Awesome(335)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 37 times today
Dive into the heart of San Francisco's Union Square where Corzetti shines as a beacon of superb seafood cuisine. This glamorous Ligurian-inspired restaurant captures the essence of coastal Italian dining, offering a menu teeming with fresh, locally-sourced seafood that mirrors the day's catch along the Italian Riviera. Diners rave about the authenticity and quality, with one patron exclaiming, "The Branzino was the best I'd ever had." The commitment to sustainability and peak-season produce is evident in every dish, from the stuffed focaccia to the delectable calamari, which is "perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside." At Corzetti, every meal is a celebration of refined tastes and sustainable gastronomy, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers in San Francisco.
A photo of Cesario's restaurant
2. Cesario's
4.6
Exceptional(1491)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
Cesario's, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Francisco near Union Square, has been a bastion of superb Northern Italian and comfort food since 1991. Renowned for its authentic flavors and heartwarming dishes, Cesario’s consistently impresses with its “absolutely incredible food and service,” as one diner raved. The restaurant's cozy ambiance complements its extensive global wine list, perfect for pairing with signature dishes like the “best chicken picatta I have ever had” or the highly recommended veal marsala. Patrons frequently praise the restaurant for its excellent service and delightful dining experience, making it a top destination for both locals and visitors seeking genuine comfort food in a charming setting.
A photo of Tratto - San Francisco restaurant
3. Tratto - San Francisco
4.3
Awesome(824)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 24 times today
Re-Opening June 2, 2021A spirited, bar-driven restaurant serving rustic Italian fare with modern sensibilities. Tratto means the stroke of a pen or a mark in Italian, nodding to both the neighborhood’s artistic history and the name of The Marker, the boutique hotel next door. Tratto’s flavorful menu of simple, delicious and shareable dishes coupled with casual, communal-style dining creates a neighborhood bar experience inspired by the Italian tradition of “aperitivo,” or happy hour.Guests can enjoy playful twists on classic Italian cocktails, boozy Italian sodas, and beer and wine from California and Italy, including a jug of house wine from the taps.Choose from a wide selection of traditional small-plate antipasti, house-made pastas and pizzas, entrees served family-style, seasonal side dishes, and classic Italian desserts including ice creams, gelatos and sorbets.
A photo of Delarosa - Yerba Buena restaurant
4. Delarosa - Yerba Buena
4.5
Awesome(33)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 47 times today
Delarosa - Yerba Buena in SOMA, San Francisco, stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian pizzeria excellence. Diners rave about their "fantastic" pizzas, highlighting the "amazing" spicy fennel sausage pizza as a must-try. With a commitment to fresh ingredients, the restaurant delivers a memorable culinary experience, complemented by a vibrant atmosphere and exemplary service. A guest praised, "This is one of the best pizzas I have had in a long time! Highly recommend it if you are in SF." Whether you're craving the classic margherita or something more adventurous, Delarosa offers a slice of Italy in the heart of downtown San Francisco, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
A photo of Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar restaurant
5. Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar
4.3
Awesome(2672)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 11 times today
Zingari Ristorante + Jazz Bar in the heart of Downtown Union Square, San Francisco, offers an unparalleled Modern European dining experience. Known for its exquisite blend of traditional and innovative dishes, Zingari delivers "every bite as a delight," making it a haven for food lovers. Patrons rave about the "exceptional fine dining" and the "perfect blend of authenticity and innovation" in their menu. The live jazz music adds a layer of sophistication, creating a warm, inviting ambiance that complements the culinary excellence. Highly recommended are their Pappardelle, Ossobuco, and a classic Negroni, which together promise a memorable dining experience that is authentically European and distinctly San Franciscan.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
6. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4169)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 110 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 Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
7. Che Fico San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(1860)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 105 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 54 Mint restaurant
8. 54 Mint
4.8
Exceptional(3397)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 36 times today
Nestled in the bustling SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, 54 Mint stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine. This gem, situated opposite the historic US Mint Building, is celebrated for its dedication to Roman culinary traditions, using only fresh, seasonal ingredients. Patrons rave about the "out-of-this-world linguine with clams" and proclaim it the "best Italian in the city," with accolades like "the pasta was fresh and flavorful" underscoring the quality of their homemade dishes. The cozy atmosphere is matched by impeccable service, making every visit feel like "a quick trip to Rome." Whether it's their acclaimed carbonara or the delightful tiramisu, 54 Mint delivers an exquisite slice of Italy right in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Montesacro SOMA restaurant
9. Montesacro SOMA
4.8
Exceptional(2254)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • SOMA
Booked 23 times today
Montesacro SOMA in San Francisco's vibrant SOMA neighborhood offers a slice of Italy with its authentic and innovative Italian cuisine. As the first "Pinseria" in the United States, Montesacro stands out by serving unique Roman Pinsas, described by a delighted guest as "the best crust I have ever had in my life." These artisanal flatbreads are made from a special blend of rice, soy, and wheat flour, making them a healthy choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in their use of GMO-free ingredients imported directly from Rome. Diners rave about the "fresh, excellent, authentic" food and the "warm and attentive service," making Montesacro a must-visit for anyone craving a true Italian experience. Whether it's the Pinsa, the perfectly paired wines, or the cozy atmosphere, Montesacro SOMA delivers an exceptional dining adventure reminiscent of old Roman "Fraschette."
A photo of Perbacco restaurant
10. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(6992)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 86 times today
Sleek and modern with one foot firmly in the Old World is the feeling at Perbacco. The restaurant boasts a brick wall original to the historic 1913 Hind building, with other touches such as a bar top and floor tiles made from white Carrara marble. With 16 seats at the bar and 7 more intimate tables, Perbacco creates an atmosphere for a glass of wine or a light bite. Perbacco also features 2 dining rooms, one on the main floor and a smaller one on the Mezzanine, which has the added allure of serving as "theater", with windows to watch all the action in the kitchen below. Chef Staffan Terje strives to cook the finest food reflecting the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria. Handcrafted, house-made salumi, prosciutto and other charcuterie are not to be missed. Seasonal pastas, a tradition in Piemonte, range from the traditional ravioli to the more exotic agnolotti. Main courses feature dishes such as stuffed quail breast, a selection of seafood dishes, and vegetarian options.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Discover the essence of Italian dining in the heart of San Francisco's Downtown/Union Square area, where a variety of restaurants offer an authentic Italian culinary experience. From the freshest seafood dishes reminiscent of coastal Italy to robust Northern Italian flavors, each establishment showcases a unique interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine. Patrons can expect to find menus filled with delicacies such as house-made pastas, finely roasted meats, and artisanal wines, all served in settings that range from the elegantly casual to the intimately upscale. The dining scene in this vibrant area is characterized by its high-quality food and exceptional service, where each restaurant strives to create a memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking a lively spot with live music or a quiet corner for a romantic dinner, the Italian restaurants in Downtown/Union Union Square cater to a diverse array of tastes and preferences, ensuring a delightful culinary journey right in the bustling heart of San Francisco.

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