North Beach | A guide to exploring San Francisco’s neighborhoods
North Beach has always felt like the heartbeat of San Francisco to me. Long before the current waterfront and piers existed, this was the city’s original shoreline and it still carries that sense of history. Its mix of old-world charm, colorful facades, and layered immigrant history gives this pocket of town that unmistakable SF character. You feel it in the chaos and buzz of the late-night crowd, the clinking of glasses, and the steady rhythm of people who’ve been going about life here for decades.
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 in my favorite bars or espressos in historic cafes, and indulge in some of the best bakeries and restaurants in town that call North Beach their home.
Must try restaurants in North Beach
Bix | American $$$
Bix is pure old-school glamour vibes with a San Francisco twist. Stepping inside feels like landing in the 1930s with live jazz, low lighting, and a dining room that makes you want to dress up just a little more than San Francisco seems willing to do. Order the crispy potato pillows topped with caviar, steak tartare, a rich glass of red, and settle in for a date night that feels decadent in the best way. It’s swanky, romantic, and made for lingering.
best for: nicer date nights & jazzy feels
Butter & Crumble | Bakery $
The cutest bakery to move into North Beach. Owned and operated by a team of female bakers, they’re rolling out elevated laminated pastries, chewy cookies, and layered cakes baked fresh daily. The menu changes monthly to offer seasonal flavors but the savory croissant options are always a crowd favorite and whatever the cruffin happens to be when you visit a must order. Get up early, be prepared to wait but know every minute you stand in line is worth it for the flakey goodness!
best for: breakfast, flaky light bites, carb cravings
Cotogna | Italian $$$ | 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 $$
Sibling to the acclaimed Flour + Water, this new arrival to North Beach brings the same dedication to quality in their pizzas! Settle into the bright, modern dining room with a cacio e pepe white pie and mozzarella sticks or curb a meat craving with ricotta meatballs and the meatza red pie. The brussels sprouts are a must and you’d be a fool to skip their cocktail program. If you’re just in the mood for a quick bite, enter the back door on Stockton St. for a slice of Detroit style pizza to go or pop in for a spin on some classic arcade games and a bottle of wine to take home!
best for: a night out with the friends, a playful date
Molinari Delicatessen | Italian Deli $$
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
Original Joe’s | Italian American $$
Original Joe’s is a time capsule in the best way possible. Red leather booths, big plates of comfort food, and the kind of buzzy energy that reminds you why this place has lasted for generations. Come for the classics, stay for the old-school service and a martini at the bar. It’s the type of spot that feels just as right on a random Tuesday as it does for a celebration.
best for: no-fuss dinners, soaking in classic SF energy
Quince | Californian $$$$ | 3 Star Michelin
Recently reopened after an extensive and beautiful remodel, Quince is a noteworthy celebration of contemporary Californian cuisine. Their nightly four and ten course menus highlight exceptional, seasonal ingredients from the best of Northern Californian purveyors and from their farm up North in Bolinas where they grow 40 types of organic fruits, vegetables, and florals for their restaurants. Their dedication to excellent food and the alluring ambience is the perfect, elegant experience for special occasion celebrations.
best for: an extra elevated evening, special occasions
Slice House | Pizza $
For a proper New York–style slice, Slice House gets it right. Thin, foldable crust, the right amount of grease, and crispy cup pepperoni that hits every single time. It’s the perfect quick bite when you’re hungry now and I consider myself lucky to live dangerously close to their Haight Street location.
best for: late lunches, post-drinks pizza & NYC slice cravings
Trattoria Contadina | Italian $$
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
The best bars for yapping & nightcaps
Bar April Jean | Craft Cocktails $$
April Jean is cute, cool, and just the right amount of buzzy. The mid-century modern space sets the tone for inventive cocktails, while the crowd brings that young-professionals–happy-hour energy. It’s an easy yes for a casual drink that might turn into a late night.
best for: after-work hangs & a solid cocktail moment
Bodega | Wine bar $$
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
Comstock Saloon | American $$
Opened in 1907 and restored in 2010, Comstock Saloon has become one of my favorite haunts with their timeless aesthetic, chill but lively ambience, and classic cocktails. Nightly live jazz from the mezzanine above brings the energy while people watching from the windows in the corner room will keep you entertained for hours. The drinks menu features crafted cocktails and fine spirits and the food menu offers classic American dishes like steak frites, oysters on the half, chicken liver mousse and charcuterie boards. Comstock stands as a must-visit place to unwind and enjoy a taste of San Francisco's past.
best for: unwinding with pals, classic cocktails
Golden Sardine | Wine Bar $
Another new girl on the block in North Beach, Golden Sardine is a wine lover’s dream come true. Known for their impressive selection of riesling and affordable organic wines, the menu is a delight for both connoisseurs and those dipping their toes into the world of wine. The food menu features tinned fish, sausages and charcuterie selections, the perfect accouterments to their wine menu. Golden Sardine offers many wine bottles to-go, poetry books for purchase, and hosts poetry nights as well as pop-up wine tastings. Pop in for a glass and cozy up in the upstairs windows for optimal people watching!
best for: a post work glass of wine, writer vibes
Verjus | French Wine Bar $$
From the team behind Quince, this French bar tucked across the street from the Transamerica park is my definition of the perfect wine bar. The wine list is predictably impeccable and the charcuterie is reason enough to go alone. It’s polished but never stuffy, the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned with one more glass than intended.
best for: wine dates & slow evenings that accidentally turn into late nights
Coffee, treats & little shops
Caffe Trieste — old school cafe vibes
Reveille Coffee — great spot for a quick cup and casual breakfast
City Lights Books — a must see bookstore and SF landmark
Friend of a Friend — great shop for small-batch natural wines and spirits from around the world
Luke’s Local — one of my favorite little grocers in town
Lush Gelato — my favorite spot for a scoop (or two) of gelato
On my radar…
Cafe Jacqueline French — Michelin guide spot known for their soufflés and timeless Parisian charm
Hilda & Jesse — one star Michelin tasting menu brunch and dinner
Liguria Bakery — famous focacceria, get in line early
Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe — focaccia sandwiches, I’m aftet the meatball situation
Sam’s — I need to know about one of Anthony Bourdain’s top three favorite burgers in the world
