Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Bruno

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

PeninsulaSan Francisco

Neighborhoods

BurlingameDowntown / Union SquareHalf Moon BayMission DistrictNob HillNorth Beach

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Pausa Bar & Cookery restaurant

1. Pausa Bar & Cookery

4.7

Exceptional(2034)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • San Mateo

Booked 36 times today

Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo is the epitome of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. With a menu that features house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and house-cured meats, every dish is crafted with precision and passion. Guests rave about the "creative and delicious" offerings, with the squid ink spaghetti and lamb porchetta being standout choices. The restaurant's commitment to Italian authenticity extends to its "exclusively and properly Italian" wine list, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts. Coupled with "impeccable service" and a "vibrant atmosphere," Pausa promises a memorable pause from the everyday hustle.

2. La Connessa

4.7

Exceptional(609)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Potrero Hill

Booked 45 times today

La Connessa is a modern Italian trattoria in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill that brings together bold design, vibrant energy, and a contemporary approach to Italian dining.The space is striking yet welcoming, defined by a slate blue and gold palette, an expansive illuminated bar, and refined art deco-inspired details. High ceilings and layered lighting create an elevated atmosphere that feels equally suited for celebratory evenings and casual meals.The menu highlights Italian cuisine through a modern California lens, using carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients. Piping hot pizzas arrive blistered and crisp, while house-made pastas, bistecca, and local seafood reflect a balance of tradition and innovation. Each dish is crafted to feel familiar yet thoughtfully reimagined, with a focus on simplicity, quality, and depth of flavor.La Connessa is a neighborhood gathering place where design, hospitality, and food come together in a confident, contemporary expression of Italian dining.

3. Bocconcino

4.6

Exceptional(246)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • North Beach

Booked 27 times today

Bocconcino in North Beach, San Francisco, offers an exquisite taste of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where traditional flavors meet modern creativity. Guests rave about its "authentic and well-made Italian cuisine" and appreciate the inviting atmosphere that feels like dining in a friend's home. With standout dishes like the "fantastic gnocchi, like little clouds," and perfectly crafted homemade ravioli, every meal promises culinary delight. The restaurant's attentive staff, led by the charming owner Rosario, ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Bocconcino’s commitment to quality, from handmade pastas to a thoughtfully curated wine list, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian fare.

A photo of Beretta Divisadero restaurant

4. Beretta Divisadero

4.3

Awesome(149)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 13 times today

Beretta Divisadero is a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts in San Francisco's vibrant NoPa neighborhood. Renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar, patrons rave about the "great cocktails and talented bartenders" that elevate every visit. The bar's diverse selection of mixed drinks, available at good prices, has left many guests impressed with its creativity and quality. Whether you're meeting friends for a fun night out or enjoying a happy hour, Beretta’s vibrant atmosphere and delightful cocktails are sure to impress. With glowing reviews highlighting "awesome drinks" and a "wonderful happy hour," Beretta Divisadero promises an unforgettable cocktail experience.

5. Back to Back

4.7

Exceptional(191)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill

Booked 25 times today

Back to Back in Nob Hill, San Francisco, is a standout destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine, artfully blending Italian and Californian flavors. Known for its "incredibly tasty and balanced" wood-fired pizzas, which are among the best in the city, this vibrant eatery brings authentic Italian tastes with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" and "amazing" shared plates, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. The curated selection of natural wines and creative cocktails enhances the culinary experience, while the ambiance, complete with a live DJ spinning vinyl, makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

6. Pasta Moon

4.7

Exceptional(5553)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Half Moon Bay

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in the picturesque Half Moon Bay, Pasta Moon is a shining beacon of Farm-to-table cuisine, celebrated for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With over 30 years of culinary excellence, this beloved restaurant has earned a reputation for offering "the best Italian dining experience on the coast" without breaking the bank. Guests rave about the exceptional seasonal dishes like the pumpkin tempura and homemade pasta, which highlight the vibrant flavors of local produce. The cozy ambiance, attentive service, and beautifully restored setting create a memorable dining experience that "exceeds expectations." Pasta Moon truly embodies the essence of authentic Farm-to-table dining.

A photo of Tratto - San Francisco restaurant

7. Tratto - San Francisco

4.3

Awesome(920)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 7 times today

A spirited, bar-driven restaurant serving rustic Italian fare with modern sensibilities, Tratto takes its name from the Italian word for “stroke,” a nod to the neighborhood’s artistic roots and The Marker Hotel next door.The menu features simple, flavorful, shareable dishes paired with a lively, communal dining experience inspired by Italy’s aperitivo tradition. Guests can enjoy playful twists on classic Italian cocktails, boozy sodas, and a curated selection of beer and wine from California and Italy—including house wine on tap. Join us for our new spring menu with Tratto's take on traditional classics. From antipasti and house-made pastas to pizzas, family-style entrées, seasonal sides, and classic desserts, Tratto offers something for every occasion.Stopping by for a quick bite or after work drink? Aperitivo Hour delivers expertly crafted cocktails, premium wines, and elevated small plates in a warm, stylish setting. Offered Daily from 4-6PM.

8. Bosco

4.4

Awesome(67)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • SOMA

Booked 2 times today

Bosco, which means “woods” or “forest” in Italian, is the newest restaurant from The Absinthe Group. A glowing wood-fired hearth anchors the open kitchen, where the culinary team, led by chefs Ryan McIlwraith and Kaili Hill, prepares roasted meats and vegetables, handmade pastas, and house-baked breads. A selection of vibrant full-proof and N/A cocktails from rising star bartender Ammiel Holder and fine wines from The Absinthe Group's beverage director, Michael Goss, round out the experience, offered in a warm setting that feels at once transportive and distinctly San Francisco.

A photo of Jackson Fillmore Trattoria restaurant

9. Jackson Fillmore Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(1315)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Pacific Heights

Booked 6 times today

Jackson Fillmore Trattoria is a local favorite for a casual, neighborhood meal. Jack has been cooking up great Roman and Southern Italian food at Jackson Fillmore since 1985. We have a small dining room to accomodate reservations for parties of 3 or more and a dining counter for parties of 2 or those who just drop by. Our wine list is primarily Italian, representing all of the great regions in Italy. Our Bombolotti Sugo de Carne, Carpaccio di Zucchini and Tiramisu are legendary. Check out our website to view samples of the menu and wine list, or for more information about us.

10. Clementina

4.4

Awesome(75)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Richmond District

Booked 40 times today

Clementina is a neighborhood Italian restaurant created by the Montesacro family - inspired by their family’s journey with celiac disease and years of rethinking how Italian food can be made with care and intention. What began as a personal exploration at home evolved into a deeper culinary practice, where the team piloted techniques, ingredients, and kitchen protocols to reimagine Italian cuisine without losing its soul. Clementina celebrates regional Italian flavors made with thoughtful technique, high-quality ingredients, and a deep respect for tradition. Designed as a welcoming space for families, friends, and the community, Clementina offers a trusted dining experience where guests can gather and enjoy Italian cuisine without boundaries.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Anastasia
Vermont •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was excellent!! The service outstanding. Our waitress Jada was excellent. She was friendly competent and timely!! We will definitely be back!
More info
Bocconcino$$$$• Italian• North Beach
•
4.6
C
Colin
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Staff were so accommodating with our party getting stuck in traffic, and were super attentive even offering to store a gift box of cookies we had with us. Food was great too - particularly the pizza and bombalini
More info
Pausa Bar & Cookery$$$$• Italian• San Mateo
•
4.7
M
Mary
Atlanta •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 2, 2026
Had a great time! Meal quality good. Happy hours options were great. We ordered all of them.
More info
Tratto - San Francisco$$$$• Italian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.3
S
susan eGold
Orange County •25 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 17, 2026
Food is Fantastic!! Service perfection. My go to place when I first get into the city.
More info
Back to Back$$$$• Pizzeria• Nob Hill
•
4.7
J
JenniferGold
San Francisco Bay Area •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 27, 2026
This is the best under-the-radar gem in the city right now. Beautiful space, lovely staff, and the food is fantastic. The focaccia is an indulgent way to start. Can’t stop thinking about the crisp tangle of greens and tangy dressing on the house salad. The smoked chicken for two comes with unctuous sauce and tender beans. Order the polenta as a side and thank me later. Should be (will be) packed!
More info
Bosco$$$$• Italian• SOMA
•
4.4

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