north beach
Originally San Francisco’s northeast shoreline before the development of the waterfront and piers you know today, North Beach feels like the true heartbeat of San Francisco to me. Her timeless charm, iconic architecture, vibrant energy, and rich immigrant history define this quintessential San Francisco neighborhood. Steeped in the Beat Generation history, North Beach became a haven to intellectuals, writers, and artists alike, with iconic spots like the must visit City Lights Bookstore embodying its literary legacy.
Today, her lively streets are home to a mix of traditional Italian eateries, jazz clubs, nightlife, and boutiques that create a homage to the past while embracing the pulse of present day. Let North Beach tempt you to get lost strolling through her quaint alleys, sip classic cocktails or espressos in historic cafes, and indulge in some of the best eateries in town that call North Beach their home.
Must Try Restaurants in North Beach
Bodega
Wine bar | $$
My most frequented spot in all of San Francisco, Bodega will lure you in with their it girl vibes and incredible natural wine selections but they keep you coming back with their snacks and playful staff. The seasonal burrata and thick cut garlic bread always satisfy a craving and the chicken nuggies are a non-negotiable order. The wine list focuses on natural made, zero intervention wines ranging from funky new pet nats to some old world classics. Surprising bonus to this spot are their Saturday morning breakfast burritos. Get out of bed and wait in line, it’s worth every bite.
best for: post-work drinks, small bites, good vibes
Butter & Crumble
Bakery | $
New girl on the block, Butter & Crumble, is the cutest bakery to move into North Beach. Owned and operated by a team of female bakers, they’re rolling out elevated laminated pastries, chewy cookies, and layered cakes baked fresh daily. The menu changes monthly to offer seasonal flavors but the savory croissant options are always a crowd favorite and whatever the cruffin happens to be when you visit a must order. Get up early, be prepared to wait but know every minute you stand in line is absolutely worth it for the flakey goodness!
best for: breakfast, flaky light bites, carb cravings
Cafe Jacqueline
French | $$$ | Michelin Guide
The epitome of Parisian charm located on a quiet block of San Francisco, Cafe Jacquline is like stepping into another time. Their intimate setting adorned with floral accents and pale blue walls sets the scene for charming, romantic dinners over exquisite soufflés. The menu is almost exclusively made up of decadent savory and sweet soufflés that each serve at least two people and are handmade by their 82 year old chef, Jacqueline Margulis. This adorable cafe seamlessly combines elegance with an approachable warmth, a must-try spot for French cuisine in SF.
best for: date nights, timeless vibes
Chicken Box
Fried Chicken | $
Chicken box is the ultimate comfort food spot for take out and casual lunches. Their fried chicken is perfectly crispy, juicy, and Halal and their honey mustard sauce is tangy, liquid gold. Grab a chicken box, seasoned fries, and mac salad then walk to Washington Square Park for a picnic with pals or grab a fried chicken sandwich for a solo lunch when you need a break from the office. You can also get bites from their Clement St. farmer’s market stand on Sundays.
best for: picnic bites, casual lunch
Comstock Saloon
American | $$
Opened in 1907 and restored in 2010, Comstock Saloon has become one of my favorite haunts with their timeless aesthetic, chill but lively ambience, and classic cocktails. Nightly live jazz from the mezzanine above brings the energy while people watching from the windows in the corner room will keep you entertained for hours. The drinks menu features crafted cocktails and fine spirits and the food menu offers classic American dishes like steak frites, oysters on the half, chicken liver mousse and charcuterie boards. Comstock stands as a must-visit place to unwind and enjoy a taste of San Francisco's past.
best for: unwinding with pals, classic cocktails
Cotogna
Italian | $$$ | Michelin Guide
Wander just off of Columbus Street to find Cotogna, a rustic-meets-elegant Italian restaurant of my dreams! From the same group behind three Michelin-starred Quince, the menu at Cotogna is rich with quality while celebrating the flavors of Italy and seasonality of California. You can’t go wrong with any of their house-made pastas, but the pappardelle with braised rabbit will transport you straight to Tuscany and, when available, the roasted quail may change your life. The inviting ambiance and thoughtfully crafted dishes make Cotogna a must-visit dining experience in the city but plan ahead, reservations are hard to come by!
best for: romantic date nights, impressing out of towners
Flour + Water Pizzeria
Italian | $$
Sibling to the acclaimed Flour + Water, this new arrival to North Beach brings the same dedication to quality in their pizzas! Settle into the bright, modern dining room with a cacio e pepe white pie and mozzarella sticks or curb a meat craving with ricotta meatballs and the meatza red pie. The brussels sprouts are a must and you’d be a fool to skip their cocktail program. If you’re just in the mood for a quick bite, enter the back door on Stockton St. for a slice or two to go or pop in for a spin on some classic arcade games and a bottle of wine to take home!
best for: a night out with the friends, a playful date
Molinari Delicatessen
Italian Deli | $$
Molinari Deli is the place for imported Italian pantry staples, house cured meats, and deli sandwiches you’ll crave again and again. Located right on Columbus, this old-school deli has been around since 1896 and is the last family-owned Italian Salame producer in San Francisco. The menu is loaded with an array of mouthwatering sandwiches with the Luciano special and Molinari special Italian combo being crowd favorites. They also offer a wide selection of imported artisanal olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, Italian cheeses, filled fresh pastas, and premade dishes. Come for the sandwiches and leave with the flavors of Italy right in the heart of San Francisco.
best for: sandwiches for a hike, imported pantry goods
Quince
Californian | $$$$ | 3 Star Michelin
Recently reopened after an extensive and beautiful remodel, Quince is a noteworthy celebration of contemporary Californian cuisine. Their nightly four and ten course menus highlight exceptional, seasonal ingredients from the best of Northern Californian purveyors and from their farm up North in Bolinas where they grow 40 types of organic fruits, vegetables, and florals for their restaurants. Their dedication to excellent food and the alluring ambience is the perfect, elegant experience for special occasion celebrations.
best for: an extra elevated evening, special occasions
Trattoria Contadina
Italian | $$
Tucked away on a quiet corner of North Beach, Trattoria Contadina feels like having dinner in your grandpa’s kitchen...if your grandpa was an Italian who cooks. This family-owned gem has been a neighborhood staple since the 80s and feels like nothing has changed since they opened. The ambience is charming, the walls are lined with photos of celebrities who have dined there, and the pasta portions will fill you up for a couple days. Bring a couple friends and go family style on the burrata & 24 month black label prosciutto, carlesimo, seasonal risotto, and saltimbocca for a delicious evening in this nostalgic spot!
best for: dinner with pals, date night leftovers
Bonus: Golden Sardine
Wine Bar | $
Another new girl on the block in North Beach, Golden Sardine is a wine lover’s dream come true. Known for their impressive selection of riesling and affordable organic wines, the menu is a delight for both connoisseurs and those dipping their toes into the world of wine. The food menu features tinned fish, sausages and charcuterie selections, the perfect accouterments to their wine menu. Golden Sardine offers many wine bottles to-go, poetry books for purchase, and hosts poetry nights as well as pop-up wine tastings. Pop in for a glass and cozy up in the upstairs windows for optimal people watching!
best for: a post work glass of wine, writer vibes
