The 7 Best Restaurants in North Beach, San Francisco

Though North Beach is more known for its Italian food, Mexican restaurant Don Pistos is definitely worth a visit. The unmarked brick building is easy to overlook; keep an eye out for the red lamps above the windows and the animated crowd inside feasting on tacos and flavorful Mexican sashimi. Call to make a reservation and you’ll soon find yourself sipping on margaritas made with agave wine – Don Pistos only serves wine and beer. The hero at this bustling spot is the whole Maine lobster flash-fried in house-rendered and seasoned pork fat and served with rice, beans and to-die-for house-made griddled tortillas.

Molinari has been around since 1896, making it the oldest deli west of the Rockies. It’s also one of San Francisco’s most popular, which is evident by the constant crowds waiting to order one of the 35 loaded Italian sandwiches served on eight different kinds of bread. The Italian Combo, featuring a range of cold cuts and provolone cheese, is a classic. Order it on dutch crunch and then take it up the street to enjoy in Washington Square Park.

This small neighborhood spot with a nautical vibe offers excellent seafood and enormous portions. Everything at Sotto Mare is incredibly fresh, and much of it is wild caught. The oysters make an indulgent starter, but the highlight of the menu is what’s known as the Best Damn Crab Cioppino. This is a dish you won’t want to share, despite the fact that it’s more than big enough for two. A penne pasta bowl brimming with shrimp, clams, mussels, crab and scallops, it features a sauce so delicious you’ll be asking for extra sourdough to sop it up.