If you are a tourist, you might refer to this vibrant section of town as Little Italy, but San Franciscans call it North Beach. Tucked between Chinatown and the Financial District, North Beach surely has something to do with San Francisco's 2009 ranking as the top U.S. city to visit, according to readers of Conde Nast Traveler. The Los Angeles Times points out that San Francisco has won the distinction 17 years in a row, as of 2009. The city's highest ranking comes in the restaurant area. North Beach is a culinary mecca.
Columbus Avenue is the main drag through North Beach. If you did not know it existed, you might walk right by Italian eatery L'Osteria del Forno, which means "the tavern of the oven" in English. There is a chance, though, that you will bump into people waiting to eat at L'Osteria del Forno, as the line to get in is often long. Part of the reason, as Zagat's notes, is that the restaurant is "smaller than a bedroom." Zagat gives the restaurant's food a 23 (out of 30) rating, which ranks it right in the middle of the very good to excellent category. While L'Osteria del Forno's menu can vary, staples include baked penne pasta in a bolognese-bechamel sauce, a roast of the day with roasted potatoes or mixed salad, thin crust pizzas and flatbread Italian sandwiches, such as prosciutto with eggplant, fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes and lettuce.
L'Osteria del Forno
519 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-982-1124
losteriadelforno.com
Yes, Pomodoro is the chain formerly known as Pasta Pomodoro. It started in San Francisco in 1994 before expanding throughout Northern and Southern California. The North Beach location is ideal for several reasons. First, Zagat's lists Pomodoro North Beach as a top "child friendly" pick. If you have ever spent time in North Beach, you have undoubtedly seen families walking from storefront to storefront, wondering if they should take a chance with little ones. Pomodoro is safe. Indoor and outdoor seating both offer fantastic views of North Beach's vibrant street life. The portions are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, at $22 for an entree, drink and tip, reports Zagat's. The food is serviceable, though not outstanding, according to Zagat's, who labels Pomodoro as an "IHOP for pasta." Menu options range from standard Italian offerings, such as spaghetti and lasagna, to chicken parmigiana and grilled skirt steak. One choice on Pomodoro's kids menu allows you to build your own pasta dish by picking noodle type followed by sauce style.
Pomodoro
655 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-399-0300
pastapomodoro.com
Giordano Bros. is inspired by Pittsburgh's now famous chain, Primanti Brothers. Giordano Bros. serves sandwiches on Italian bread that include French fries and cole slaw--on the sandwich. Meat choices include Italian sausage and cheese-steak. This is the perfect place for Pittsburgh transplants, as that city's sports teams take precedence on Giordano's several TV screens. You can sit at the bar, but Giordano's is also suitable for families with adequate table seating. Zagat's gives it a 22 rating for food, noting that it uses fresh ingredients, apparently not available in Pittsburgh. A meal at Giordano Bros. will set you back about 17 bucks.
Giordano Bros.
303 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-397-2767
giordanobros.com
If you are looking to sample some pizza in North Beach and have a "quick" meal, Golden Boy Pizza is a sound choice. "Quick" is somewhat misleading, though. While it won't take long to devour a slice and you most often order at a window and walk away munching, lines at Golden Boy Pizza can extend down the block. Golden Boy Pizza is a tourist destination, but not a trap. Locals eat there as well and, as of March 2010, you can still get a huge slice of Sicilian-style pizza for less than $3. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, toppings include pepperoni, garlic and clams. The option to eat-in does exist, though the place is small and usually crowded. If you do stick around, beer and wine is available.
Golden Boy Pizza
542 Green St
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-982-9738
goldenboypizza.com
