A Walk through San Francisco's Culinary Little Italy
San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in the country as far as authentic Ethnic cuisine representation is concerned. The Bay Area is home to a farrago of restaurants representing a plethora of cultures including Chinese, Italian, French, Indian, and Japanese to name just a few. Many of the City's ethnic restaurants are concentrated in a specific neighborhood. For example, a majority of Italian restaurants and specialty food shops are located in North Beach, a historic district near San Francisco's Waterfront and Financial District.
North Beach's Italian restaurants and bakeries serve some of the most delicious and authentic Italian delicacies in Northern California. Here are a few tips on where to eat during your next walk through one of San Francisco's most beloved neighborhoods.
Italian Restaurants and Other Epicurean Inducements of North Beach
If you're starting out in the afternoon, a great place for an espresso and handmade biscotti is the Steps of Rome Caffe on Columbus Avenue, North Beach's main artery that extends from downtown San Francisco toward the Marina.
Across from Steps of Rome you'll find the Molinari Delicatessen, an Italian specialty store that sells a variety of Italian cheeses, cured meats, pastas and cakes. Around the winter holidays Molinari stocks its shelves with some of the most beautifully wrapped and great tasting panettone I've ever encountered.
Of course, a trip to North Beach wouldn't be complete without a visit to Golden Boy Pizza on Green Street, a stamp-sized hipster hang out that serves what many locals regard as the best pizza restaurant in town.
If you're looking for something more sophisticated, try the Rose Pistola on Columbus Avenue. This relatively new addition to North Beach's upscale restaurant establishment offers traditional favorites as well as new twists to classic dishes.
These are just a handful of the many wonderful tastes you'll find in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. Beyond dining at great Italian restaurants, you'll also enjoy North Beach for its interesting architecture, quaint parks, old cathedrals, and various other tourist attractions.
About the Author
Sally Clark is a freelance writer and consultant with several years of experience in the field of corporate social responsibility. Sally has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and Central America and has lived in Paris, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., where she is working on a master's in International Affairs at The George Washington University.
