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Best Italian Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

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116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perbacco restaurant
1. Perbacco
4.7
Exceptional(7049)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 17 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.
A photo of Orafo at Four Seasons Embarcadero restaurant
2. Orafo at Four Seasons Embarcadero
3.9
Excellent(53)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 3 times today
Orafo at Four Seasons Embarcadero offers an exquisite Californian dining experience that seamlessly blends Italian craftsmanship with the rich bounty of California's local farmers. Nestled in San Francisco's vibrant Financial District, this restaurant captures the essence of Californian cuisine by prioritizing fresh-made pastas and locally sourced seafood. Diners rave about the "delicious food and amazing service," highlighting the "outstanding food and top-notch experience." The inviting atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from business lunches to special celebrations. Orafo truly stands out by marrying traditional Italian flavors with the fresh, innovative spirit of Californian culinary artistry.
A photo of Cafe Tiramisu restaurant
3. Cafe Tiramisu
4.9
Exceptional(1570)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 3 times today
Cafe Tiramisu in San Francisco's Financial District is a seafood lover's paradise, offering an authentic Italian dining experience with a focus on quality and freshness. The restaurant's standout seafood dishes, such as the "mouthwatering Branzino fillet" and "phenomenal braised rabbit," have garnered rave reviews. Diners are particularly impressed by the "best Cioppino in years," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The warm, inviting ambiance, combined with exceptional service from attentive staff like Antonio and owners Giuseppe and Pino, ensures that every visit is memorable. Cafe Tiramisu's seafood offerings are truly a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Italian flavors.
A photo of Palio restaurant
4. Palio
4.8
Exceptional(1503)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Financial District / Embarcadero
Nestled in San Francisco's bustling Financial District, Palio stands out as a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts seeking top-tier experiences. Praised for its "spectacular service" and "deliciously crafted appetizers," Palio’s cocktail bar offers a blend of historic and contemporary techniques, overseen by the attentive owner, Martino Di Grande. The full bar complements the culinary tour of Italy, with a Wine Spectator award-winning selection that includes exceptional Italian varietals. Guests rave about the ambiance, noting it as "quietly elegant" and perfect for both intimate conversations and lively gatherings. Whether you're sealing a deal or celebrating with friends, Palio’s cocktail bar guarantees a memorable experience.
A photo of Caffe Macaroni restaurant
5. Caffe Macaroni
5.0
Exceptional(718)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 2 times today
Caffe Macaroni in North Beach, San Francisco, is a delightful haven for genuine Sicilian cuisine enthusiasts. This charming spot, co-owned by Chef Mario and his wife Stephanie, offers a warm and personal dining experience, making every guest feel like family. The daily-changing menu ensures that every dish is fresh and infused with authentic flavors reminiscent of Southern Italy. Diners rave about the “outstanding and authentic” Italian food, with some proclaiming it as their “go-to” spot for decades. The welcoming atmosphere, coupled with the delectable menu, truly embodies the essence of Sicily, making it a must-visit for any Italian food lover.
A photo of Original Joe's - San Francisco restaurant
6. Original Joe's - San Francisco
4.7
Exceptional(4287)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Beach
Booked 139 times today
Original Joe's in North Beach, San Francisco, is a beacon of authentic American cuisine blended with rich Italian-American flavors. As a culinary institution for over 80 years, Original Joe’s offers a unique dining experience with its signature red leather booths and legendary smooth cocktails. Reviewers rave about its "fantastic drinks" and "great food," highlighting dishes like the Veal Marsala and house-made ravioli. The ambiance is described as "festive and friendly," making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Original Joe's promises a classic American experience that "never disappoints," truly making it a San Francisco landmark.
A photo of Che Fico San Francisco restaurant
7. Che Fico San Francisco
4.6
Exceptional(1954)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 67 times today
Che Fico San Francisco offers an extraordinary Californian culinary experience, seamlessly blending Italian roots with local ingredients. Located in the vibrant NOPA neighborhood, this restaurant is a "beloved San Francisco institution" praised for its inventive and delicious menu. Diners rave about its "outstanding food," highlighting handmade pasta, pizzas, and unique dishes from Jewish-Roman heritage. The lively atmosphere and "warm hospitality" make it a perfect spot for gatherings. With a beverage program featuring both Italian and Californian wines, Che Fico captures the essence of Californian cuisine through its market-driven, rustic approach. This is the place for an unforgettable dining experience!
A photo of Seven Hills restaurant
8. Seven Hills
4.9
Exceptional(2488)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Russian Hill
Booked 34 times today
Seven Hills, nestled in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, is a hidden gem for seafood enthusiasts. This cozy bistro delights diners with its perfectly crafted seafood dishes, such as the "special squid ink linguine with tender calamari" that has left patrons raving about its unique flavor and freshness. Known for its genuine Italian charm, the restaurant consistently delivers "outstanding food and service," creating a memorable dining experience. With a menu that highlights the finest seafood, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list, Seven Hills promises an authentic taste of the ocean, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Little Original Joe's -- Marina restaurant
9. Little Original Joe's -- Marina
4.8
Exceptional(79)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 47 times today
Welcome to Little Original Joe's -- an Italian-American neighborhood eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and parmigiana in San Francisco's Marina neighborhood! Limited reservations are available for up to 6 guests -- we look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of La Connessa restaurant
10. La Connessa
4.6
Exceptional(360)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Bay / South Beach
Booked 52 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

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • nancyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •64 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Elegant and comfortable. Fine dining, yet something for everyone. On our Saturday night, most tables were celebrating something—somebody’s dessert came with a candle. Everything for our party of four was excellent: cioppino, eggplant parmesan, grilled branzino, and seafood & fettucini alfredo. Tirimisu and lemon sorbetto for dessert. Lovely montepulciano with dinner. So glad we came.
    More info
    PalioPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.8
  • JulieVIP
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The best Italian food in San Francisco! I highly recommend this restaurant. Great people and great food!
    More info
    Caffe MacaroniPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Beach
    •
    5
  • Jill
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Very nice restaurant to see old friends. We really appreciated that the noise level was very reasonable on a Friday night. The food was delicious!
    More info
    PerbaccoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.7
  • PATRICKVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Cafe Titamiu is a lovely dining experience. The Italian menu is authentic and features house made pastas plus a number of non pasta entries. Every dish we have tried on our two recent visits has been wonderful. Service is warm and professional. Portions are generous but not overly so. Full bar with excellent prices ($14 for premium vodka martinis in traditional full-size glasses). An award-winning wine list is on the expensive side, but given the quality offerings, the markups appear reasonable. The least expensive red wine by the glass is $19, but it's a full half glass pour. Based on our two recent visits, here are a few of the not-to-be missed items: The garlic bread is truly special. We love the arugula/apple salad, which is perfect for two to share . If the crab fritters are on the menu, they are a must-have, as is the cioppino and the ravioli. And, if you still have room for dessert, the signature tiramisu is wonderful.
    More info
    Cafe TiramisuPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.9
  • Cynthia
    Utah •16 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Service was very slow. I had to ask for a water refill and my coffee order was incorrect. They seemed short-staffed and it didn’t make sense to seat tables all over the restaurant when there was only one server. The server was running all around the restaurant trying to keep up. I ordered in-room dining my second morning because I didn’t want to tolerate slow service again.
    More info
    Orafo at Four Seasons EmbarcaderoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    3.9

Discover best Italian restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

Discover the essence of Italian cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District/Embarcadero area. This thriving culinary hotspot is home to a selection of Italian restaurants that pride themselves on authenticity, exceptional quality, and a true Italian dining experience. Each establishment offers a unique interpretation of classic Italian dishes, from perfectly crafted pastas and pizzas to traditional desserts like tiramisu, all curated to satisfy the discerning palate. The dining scene in this locale is vibrant and diverse, catering not only to traditional tastes but also to those seeking innovative Italian fare with a Northern California twist. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and impeccable service, these restaurants ensure a memorable gastronomic journey. Whether you're in search of a casual dining spot or a sophisticated ambiance, the Financial District/Embarcadero area promises an Italian culinary adventure that resonates with both authenticity and creativity. Delight in the rich flavors and refined atmospheres as you explore the best Italian dining that San Francisco has to offer.

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