Fior d'Italia
According to Fior d'Italia's website, it is America's oldest Italian restaurant, and has been serving hungry people from their San Francisco location since 1886. In the time since its establishment, the restaurant has survived two fires, an earthquake and operated out of seven different buildings, including a tent. They serve traditional Northern Italian food and claim customers rate their gnocchi and osso buco dishes the best in the city. Fior d'Italia says it makes all of its sauces and most of the pastas in house. Sticking to old world traditions, the chefs try to prepare everything on site using the freshest ingredients. Even the pickiest eater will be able to find something to enjoy at Fior d'Italia, as the menu boasts over 90 choices.
Fior d'Italia
2237 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 986-1886
fior.com
Sotto Mare
Sotto Mare's home at 552 Green Street is over 100 years old and was restored to its 1919 appearance when owner and chef Gigi Fiorucci acquired the building. Sotto Mare specializes in seafood, touting delicacies like sea scallop saute and linguine with Manila clams. The narrow walls are covered in memorabilia from old world Italy and pictures and mementos celebrating a seafaring lifestyle, making the restaurant seem cozier and not claustrophobic. Sotto Mare offers a daily selection of fresh fish and will sell it to you raw if you're brave enough to go home and attempt the family recipes yourself. There is minimal seating out front, so if you get there at the right time, or you're willing to wait and hover, you can enjoy your authentic Italian cuisine while taking in the hubbub on Green Street.
Sotto Mare
552 Green St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 398-3181
sottomaresf.com
Capp's Corner
Capp's Corner is the meeting place for two strong cultures, with Irish bartenders serving up drinks in the front, and steamy piles of authentic Italian spaghetti tantalizing taste buds in the back. Family style dinner packages come in categories of $18 or $20.50 and provide you with a list of over a dozen different choices. Each family style meal starts out with bread and butter, a tureen of Minestrone soup and a giant bowl of salad. If you have any room left after the starters, you can sink your teeth into dishes like veal tortellini in sun-dried tomato cream sauce or the grilled pork chop with mushroom sauce.
Capp's Corner
1600 Powell St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-989-2589
cappscorner.com
