4 Stars

Friendly servers and classic décor take guests of Capannina through a tour of Italy during their dinner at this ristorante Italiano. Two menus serve to entice diners in this cozy atmosphere: a three-course prix fixe menu and an a la carte menu. Both feature well thought out dishes that are heavily influenced by Italian traditions. The prix fixe menu starts diners off with either the Soup of the Day or the House Salad before they dive into their choice of entrees from a list featuring options such as the Pappardelle with Mushrooms and Wild Boar Ragu and the Grilled Salmon. …

Checkered floors and quaint, indoor flower boxes set the stage for traditional northern Italian cuisine in a comfortable, family-like atmosphere at Ristorante Milano of Nob Hill. Brightly painted walls capture light from the large windows to help create a bright and welcoming space. With an owner and executive chef that was born and raised in Rome, it is no wonder that this restaurant has gotten a reputation for the authenticity of its dishes. Ristorante Milano is particularly hailed for its Tiramisu dessert and Gnocchi con Salsa Aurora, a dish that consists of fresh, homemade gnocchi with fresh tomatoes. Many of …

Gourmet French cuisine can often come with many rules of decorum that don't always make for a straightforward dining experience. At Isa in the Marina district, diners can experience a variety of expertly prepared Cal French dishes that are as simple and to the point as the restaurant itself. Founded by prodigious Chef Luke Sung, Isa displays the cook's knowledge of traditional French cuisine by utilizing fresh and simple ingredients to create meals that don't struggle to impress. Whether it is seafood, poultry, vegetables, or even broth, Isa creates culinary masterpieces that will tantalize the taste buds without incorporating outlandish …

In winter of 2009, Baker & Banker made its debut in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco on the corner of Octavia and Bush Street. Baker & Banker is a follower of the growing farm-to-table movement that has captivated the San Francisco dining scene. Virtually all of the ingredients found in Baker & Banker’s kitchen have been obtained from local producers. This restaurant is the manifestation of the owners’ dreams to provide their clientele with artisan-made, high quality food in a hospitable and warm atmosphere. For a quick breakfast, pay a visit to the adjacent bakery where you can …

Jitlada Thai Cuisine is a gem hidden away in Pacific Heights, where diners can experience truly traditional Thai cuisines. A clean and crisp white interior offers the setting for diners to begin their culinary journey. A long a la carte menu offers diners a wide array of salads, soups, noodles, and curry, all with unique flavors and unusual names. Guests will enjoy the Shrimp in Sleeping Bags, an appetizer featuring shrimp wrapped in rice paper, and the Evil Princess Curry, a spicy entrée in red curry sauce. Although many of the entrees come packed with flavorful meats, Jitlada is happy …

Don’t let the size fool you, the intimate space of Trattoria La Siciliana really hums. Resembling more an authentic Sicilian kitchen than a bustling Berkeley eatery, this tiny restaurant buzzes with conversation and huge portions of Italian cuisine. In a world full of just restaurants, it’s nice to find a place where one can feel at home. Saucy, garlic-laden comfort food is the order of the day in this cash only establishment, but make sure there is room for dessert… tira misu is not a dish to be avoided lightly.

Embracing the term “Local” and running with it, the folks at Gather excel in sourcing locally grown and raised ingredients for their menu that boasts it’s 50% vegetarian. Located in the David Brower center, the greenest building in the East Bay-- Gather possesses a casual yet elegant atmosphere to cater to just about anyone. The interior consists of mostly reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, accenting their open kitchen. Boasting an ever-changing seasonal menu, Gather offers everything from vegan “charcuterie” to a grilled half chicken. Open for brunch on the weekends and lunch and dinner nightly, Gather sources up good …

Postino of the East Bay is an Italian restaurant located in a picturesque and historic building covered in ivy vines. The interior features classic brick walls and high ceilings, filled with traditional wooden dining tables set up in different dining areas. These smaller dining rooms contribute to the feeling of intimacy when dining in this family-oriented restaurant. Guests can also take advantage of the patio that comes equipped with a fire pit that is ideal for nighttime or chillier days. This Italian restaurant is known for its pasta as well as its other entrée options, such as the Coda Di …

Chevalier is named after its owner and chef, who was born, raised, and trained in France. The French influence is evident in every dish that finds its way from the kitchen to your table. A three-course prix fixe menu gives diners the option of trying their choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert from a select list, while the a la carte menu offers a little more wiggle room. Specials are available nightly in addition to the varied list of Plat Principaux, which includes selections such as classic Boeuf Bourguignon and Magret de Canette a l’Orange, a roasted young duck hen …

Located in one of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley area, Bottega serves its guests fine Italian dishes to complement the classic interior. This restaurant features two dining rooms where cold diners may take refuge by a warm fire in the winter, as well as an outdoor patio for warmer days. A bar completes this large space. The search for fresh ingredients from local sources results in a changing menu, however patrons can expect to see a wide variety of traditional pastas, including selections such as Pan Roasted Potato Gnocchi and Red Wheat Tagliarini. This dinner menu also offers …

Cafe Divine is a rare example of popular eateries that infuses its food with the warm and friendly personalities of its employees. The creative and passionate nature of the cafe's employees and customers has created a unique bohemian oasis ideal for the delicious meals served there. Diners will find a selection of scrumptious Italian-inspired dishes like oven-fired pizzettas, salads, pasta dishes, an even a Roasted Chicken dinner. Breakfast is also a popular time of day at Cafe Divine, with visitors returning again and again for breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, egg dishes, and delicious waffles. A great way to begin your …

Of course, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is located in San Francisco’s famed Little Italy and it only makes sense that the restaurant’s owner and chef, Tony Gemignani, would be a nine-time world pizza champion. Everything about Tony’s Pizza is authentic, from the ingredients that are imported from where else but Napoli to the down-to-earth, inviting atmosphere of the dining room. The Napoletana-style pies are baked in a 900-degree, wood burning oven while the menu’s list of Classic American Pizzas bake in a gas oven. Sicilian, Californian, Detroit-style, and even St. Louis-style pizzas are represented at Tony’s along with a number of …

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then why not start yours off with a delicious M'Omelette from Mama's on Washington Square? This family eatery and bakery has been satisfying the appetites of hungry San Franciscans for over 50 years, and a frequently evolving menu ensures that they'll return as long as the Mama's doors are open. Mama's on Washington Square is known around the neighborhood for its delicious omelets, but also serves up a diverse selection of fresh breakfast favorites from around the world. Stop in to sample the Eggs Florentine, Banana Pancakes, a flavorful low-fat …

Most pubs in San Francisco offer finger foods to entice customers into purchasing more alcoholic beverages. At the Rogue Public House in North Beach, it's hard to tell what brings in more guests: the beer or the food. In addition to a full selection of the popular Rogue brand of beers, this modern pub has a full menu of extravagant and mouth-watering dishes that go above and beyond ordinary pub food. While customers can expect to find familiar bar food like hamburgers and chicken wings, Rogue Public House adds gourmet touches to all of their dishes, and a few even …

Open since 1942, Gino and Carlo is probably the one of the unpretentious bars that graces its presents in North Beach, San Francisco. One of the few bars that are open at 6:00 am in the morning, a popular time for people to get a drink that are getting off the night owl shift, Gino and Carlo is a traditional Italian bar that offers great drinks all day long. For all the pool sharks, Gino and Carlo have a 64-player eight-ball pool tournament from time to time. In addition, Gino and Carlo doesn’t want to end up becoming a complete …

For fifteen years, Rose Pistola has been treating diners to a fabulous selection of fresh and seasonal Italian dishes, as well as an incredible selection of Italian wines. Located near Washington Square, Rose Pistola prides itself on using seasonal ingredients from local farms and markets to ensure the full flavor that comes with these untouched foods. Besides the great taste of fresh meats, vegetables, and cheeses, this level of seasonality prompts the restaurant to regularly change the menu and gives customers a wide variety of delectable dishes like Spaghetti with Clams, Broccoli di Cicco & Lobster Butter and Butternut Squash …

Hana Zen preserves the tradition of sushi by using the freshest and widest variety of fish. Also they continue the Japanese traditional by serving Yakitori, grilled skewers featuring meats and vegetables by chefs trained in the art of Yakitori grilling. By using only imported charcoal, Bincontan, from Japan, Hana Zen provides the most authentic Yakitori possible here stateside. Located in Union Square and Pier 39, Hana Zen is walking distances away from many of the tourist locations, shops, major hotels, and nightlife San Francisco offers.

Located in the restored Omni San Francisco, Bob’s Steak and Chop House offers patrons a great steakhouse experience. Bob’s provides traditional American cuisine combining that with an elegant and lively atmosphere for diners visiting San Francisco for a vacation getaway or locals enjoying the day in the city. The stars of the show on their menu are their Prime Steaks. Aged for 28 days and broiled to perfection, these decadent steaks are paired with a choice of baked potato, mashed potatoes, or skillet fried potatoes. While enjoying their food, guests are treated to a spectacular view of the Financial District …

Red means stop, green means go…and bring me more meat while you’re at it. At Espetus Churrascaria, an authentic Brazilian steakhouse, you get to unleash your inner carnivore. With two locations, one in San Mateo and the original just east of Hayes Valley, patrons get to enjoy fresh cuts of meat prepared over an open flame and carved tableside. Options like Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast, Pork Loin crusted with Parmesan, Filet Mignon and Sirloin keep you seeing red (meat). A 20-item salad bar with traditional and exotic roughage along with side dishes like rice, black beans and fish stew will …

Locally owned and operated, Izzy’s Steaks and Chops offer San Franciscans the very best Midwestern steaks and chops. All the beef Izzy’s serves are corn fed and their New York Steaks are aged for at least 21 days to produce a one of a kind flavor that other restaurants cannot mimic. Izzy’s also offers the freshest local fish if beef isn’t the type of protein you prefer. Izzy’s Steaks and Chops offers steaks that are prepared in ways that the best steak houses in America have been for hundreds of years. They continue that tradition so guest can indulge in …