Where to Eat and Drink in North Beach

North Beach is one of San Francisco’s most treasured and colorful neighborhoods.  For many, the neighborhood acted as a first stop in San Francisco, whether here seeking gold in 1849 or settling as an Italian immigrant at the turn of the century.  It's rich history and culture lends the neighborhood to having some of San Francisco's best culinary experiences at all price levels and appetites.  

Dine-In

Original Joe's

Part of the fabric of San Francisco for more than 75 years, Original Joe's serves classic Italian-American fare, the restaurant prepares dishes in an open kitchen for all to see, providing hearty portions at reasonable prices. The crowd is eclectic, the cocktails are traditional and the meatballs, chicken parmesan and ravioli are must-haves on any occasion. 

Tony's Pizza Napoletana

Tony Gemignani is a well-known name for his expertise with all kinds and styles of pizza, with a variety any pizza lover would enjoy. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is wildly popular and doesn't take reservations so put your name down and spend some time people watching in Washington Square Park while you wait. 

Firenze By Night

Family owned and operated since 1987, Firenze By Night is a staple of the North Beach dining scene. Known for their award-winning Gnocchi, Firenze's menu features a wide variety of pastas, meats, seafood and more. Hard to find a better experience in San Francisco than Firenze By Night.

Sotto Mare 

Sotto Mare Restaurant provides an authentic Italian North Beach experience with fresh fish and shellfish sourced daily.  Grab a spot at the counter and watch the chefs work their magic on what some argue is the best cioppino in the City.

Cassava

You might not expect to find French-Californian fusion in North Beach, but that's exactly what's being served at Cassava. Offering a three-course prix fixe menu, a la carte selections, and terrific beer, wine, and sake, Cassava is certainly worth a visit.

Take-Out

Molinari Delicatessen

This is one of the city’s most authentic Italian delis. People line up all day for their sandwiches, including the famous Renzo special (try it on focaccia). Grab your bread from the bin before you place your order and take your sandwich for a picnic in Washington Square Park.

Liguria Bakery

Liguria has been making some of the city’s most beloved focaccia since 1911. You’ll definitely want to come by for a slab (the pizza focaccia with tomato is a favorite). They’ll cut it up for you before they wrap it up, just be sure to ask when you order it. It’s brisk business here and they sell out early (sometimes as soon as 10 a.m. on the weekend), so don’t come after 11 a.m. expecting to find any. Cash only. 

Italian Homemade 

This very casual spot makes excellent house-made pasta, from tortellini in bolognese to lasagna. They are also one of the only places in San Francisco to serve piadine, a type of sandwich from Emilia-Romagna made with warm flatbread (try a classic version with stracchino cheese, prosciutto and arugula).

Victoria Pastry

Established in 1911 by Italian immigrants, Victoria Pastry is still serving some of the most delicious Italian pastries and cakes in San Francisco.  Whatever you order, don't forget to add a couple of their renown Cannoli's to the list.

Golden Boy

This is the spot to hit after a long night of drinking in North Beach--their Sicilian-style pizza is the cure. Open late, and draws a tipsy but grateful crowd.

Drinks

Gino and Carlo

A quintessential San Francisco old-school bar where the bartenders remember your order and your name after your first visit.  Family owned and operated since 1942, Gino and Carlo is a great place to catch a game and a good time but remember, it's cash only. 

Northstar Cafe

The Northstar, as the local's call it, is one of North Beach's best bars.  The bartenders are great and it's a perfect melting pot of San Franciscans and those that have left (or are leaving) their heart here.  Perfect place to play a game of pool while enjoying a strong cocktail or cold beer.  

Comstock Saloon

For an authentic San Francisco saloon experience (here since 1907), come by for a cocktail, but stay for the vittles, which include all kinds of fantastic bar snacks (the crispy chicken livers and Scotch eggs are great), plus larger dishes too (pot pie, a burger, roast chicken), served until midnight nightly (except Sunday, when the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.).

Mr. Bing's

A favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, Mr. Bing's is a place for characters. Unpretentious from the outside, you'll find some of the most entertaining and knowledgeable bartenders in the City here. Don't come here to be seen, just enjoy the atmosphere and have a good time. 

Tony Nik's

You might walk by Tony Nik's and notice the old sign hanging above, which is original to it opening in 1933.  What looks like a classic dive bar on the outside, opens to a beautiful candlelit bar and lounge serving amazing cocktails and even better service.