50 Best Italian Restaurants near Larkspur

“Great service and menu. I had a difficult time deciding what to order because there were so many things that looked good. The sommelier was extremely helpful in assisting me in choosing a wine that everyone would enjoy. Our service was excellent.“

“"5/5 stars! Picco is hands down the best Italian spot in town! The pasta dishes are cooked to perfection, and the pizzas are crispy and flavorful. The service is top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff. Cozy atmosphere and great prices. Highly recommend the Devinci pizza and Brownie for dessert. We'll be back!"“

“Red boy has long been our favorite pizza place around Southern Marin. The sausage they use is particularly good. Unfortunately, lately who's ever making the crust is not evening it out properly. The crust under the fillings is way too thin and most of the bread has been pushed out to the rim which is now way too fat. Hopefully it's just a temporary problem with a new pizza maker learning the craft, but we did not enjoy eating big gobs of bread the last two times.“

“Great leisurely lunch with girlfriends. Staff was friendly attentive. The butternut squash ravioli was to die for! Nice ambiance (we sat outside). Enjoyed!“

“Amazing service and food!!!!“

“I honestly don’t even know where to begin. From start to finish, it was the most mind-blowing experience I’ve ever had.

We met this beautiful, joyful woman named Luka, who was so kind. She sat us down at the bar, where we enjoyed some lovely drinks. They also gave us happy hour oysters, which were, of course, delicious.

Then we were seated at our table, where we got to meet the whole team. Each person individually welcomed us and attended to all our needs. Even the head chef came out personally, greeted us, and offered us items from the menu as a gesture of kindness—which, honestly, I don’t feel we even deserved.

The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was so delicious, and the flavors never clashed. I truly don’t have a single bad word to say. I can’t wait for them to receive their first Michelin star—they all deserve it.

I will definitely be coming back. Thank you to all the wonderful people for the hard work they put in—not just in bringing the food out quickly, but in doing so with love and care.

Thank you again.“

“Had a luncheon @ Perbacco with my 9 coworkers and Manager to say “goodbye & farewell” to a retiring coworker and “welcome” to a new coworker. Started with a round of hors d'oeuvre’s. The thin sliced veal with a sauce and capers was delicious! The fried shrimp, veggies and olives/anchovies…also with a sauce was awesome as well. For my main, I had CRESTE DI GALLO - semolina pasta - wild mushroom ragu - spinach - ricotta salata. Our waiter was the best! I saved one of the sugar cookies from my deserts…Burnt Carmel Gelato. Mentioned it to our waiter and as we were leaving, I heard “Sir! Sir!” He brought me one of their meringue cookies to also share with my partner! I thought that was just awesome! Top notch food and customer service. We’ll be back!“

“Amazing service and food!!!!“

“Lovely friendly Italian wine bar and delicious restaurant. Fresh innovative salads, pastas and main courses. Highly recommended.“

“Excellent service and great food!“

“Excellent food and service. My friends from NYC enjoyed their dinners as well. Will definitely be back!“

“We had such a wonderful experience celebrating my mom’s birthday here! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, elegant, and perfect for a special occasion.

Every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious. The pasta was rich and flavorful, the steak was cooked perfectly and paired beautifully with the cheese and sauce, and the seafood dish was fresh and well-balanced. Even the sides like the vegetables and polenta were done so well. And the desserts — especially the tiramisu and cheesecake — were the perfect ending to the meal!

What really stood out was the presentation and attention to detail. Every plate looked beautiful and tasted just as good as it looked.

The service was also excellent — attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and special without being rushed.

Overall, this was the perfect place for a family celebration. My mom had a great birthday, and we’ll definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend!“

“I’m here for business from Canada. Was taken here for supper by a coworker. The quaintest little restaurant, the owner and his wife are just awesome. The food is gorgeous! And his limoncello is the best I’ve ever had. Will be going back before I head home. ❤️❤️❤️“

“We’re visiting from out of town, and I came here with a friend who drove in from San Jose to spend the day with. We went on a Saturday for brunch, and we got the breakfast pizza to share with a side of bacon and roasted potatoes. The pizza and bacon were delicious, but the potatoes I would pass. I think they were over cooked and bland.

Also got a cafe au lait, and it was served in bowl! Super cute.“

“The owner and staff are amazing. They are actively walking around and making you feel welcome and like a regular. We showed up without a reservation and some regulars were happy to scoot over and make room at the bar. Food was great and we had a really great time.“

“(Make a reservation)
We arrived at Capo’s around 7:20 pm on a Saturday and were told we would have to wait 40 minutes for a table.
As hungry travelers, we said thank you and as we were about to leave, the hostess finds a nook and sat us down outside. I appreciate the fact that she did us that favor.
There were no patio heaters, so if sitting outside or walking in during busy hours, expect to dine outside in the cold with no heat (during winter).

(The Staff)
It was a very busy night, but the staff did a spectacular job in checking in on us.

(The Food)
The appetizers come in a reasonably sized portion, we ordered the garlic bread with mozzarella and was given a complimentary dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
My partner ordered the meat lasagne and I ordered the rigatoni alla vodka with smoked pancetta. The food was really good, it’s unlike anything I have ever had.
Take in mind that the dishes do serve up to 2 people, on busy nights it make take a bit to get your food, and regular pizzas take up to 20 minutes to bake, deep dish pizzas take up to 45 minutes to bake (but they look like they are worth the time!)

(Conclusion)
I would have loved to sit inside, the vibe is really nice. If you are looking for authentic Italian food with a nice atmosphere and friendly staff, book a reservation at Capo’s.“

“The best Italian I’ve ever had. Great service great drinks as well.“

“The food and wine are fantastic!“

“Awesome food and outstanding service“

“Perfect Italian authentic restaurant when enjoying North Beach neighborhood for my friends birthday! I got us tickets to dear San Francisco, which is a wonderful show at Club Fugazi just 3 blocks away from this great restaurant! Paolo took wonderful care of us. His wine, suggestions and appetizer and entrée tips were the best! The pasta is homemade and very delicious and special. We tried the gnocchi with pesto, as well as a delicious braised meat, red sauce over fresh linguine. We also enjoyed the grilled (not fried) octopus. The tiramisu for dessert was perfect! I’ve been here before, and I will go back again and again for the service and authentic delicious Italian cuisine.“

“The Tonnarelli al Nero di Seppia con Polpo was simply exceptional—easily one of the best pasta dishes I've had in San Francisco. The squid ink tonnarelli was perfectly cooked, with a wonderful texture and depth of flavor, while the octopus was tender, fresh, and expertly prepared.

Every bite reflected authentic Italian craftsmanship and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. The balance of flavors was outstanding, allowing the seafood to shine while complementing the richness of the pasta.

Beyond the incredible food, the service was warm, attentive, and professional. From start to finish, the entire dining experience was memorable.

If you're looking for outstanding Italian cuisine in San Francisco, the Tonnarelli al Nero di Seppia con Polpo is an absolute must-order. I'll definitely be back.“

“Exceptionally helpful & friendly staff cooking superb food in a very chill environment. A must visit in the city.“

“Food is incredible and the service is second to none. Best place in the marina.“

“A wonderful first time experience at Luna Blu with my sisterfriend Betty on Wednesday, June 29th. Excellent, friendly service by Chrissie and she was kind enough to make suggestions since I am a Vegan. THANK YOU Chrissie. The owner took a moment to come to our table and we expressed our satisfaction and delight with her. Plan to visit again. Smiles from Baltimore.“

“Fresh, delicious. Some of the best brown butter & sage sauce I’ve had in a while.“

“Exceptional food, memorable staff, with warm music“

“Great atmosphere, very friendly servers and of course Delicious Italian pizza😋“

“Finally, an Italian restaurant in North Beach that serves excellent food and is not a tourist trap. We had the seared halibut and the spinach and ricotta gnudi. Both were super tasty. My son and I also ordered a butter leaf salad with strawberries and toasted almonds. The salad was nice as well. We were glad we ordered the Gorgonzola dressing on the side since it was relatively strong. The woman who served us was professional, discreet, and knew how to interact with customers. The other waitstaff were attentive throughout the meal. I really liked the atmosphere of the place, which had an old time parlor feel about it. We got to sit by a large window and watch the people walk up and down Columbus Street.“

“While visiting San Francisco for work, I had the pleasure of dining at Cafe Tiramisu, and it quickly became a highlight of my trip! From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly welcoming – Giuseppe and Christian went above and beyond to make me feel right at home. Christian, my server, recommended the lobster escargot, and I have to say, it’s one of the best dishes I’ve ever had! The Spaghetti Nero with house-made pasta and local seafood was equally outstanding. This family-owned restaurant prides itself on creating as much as possible in-house, and it truly shows in the quality and freshness of the food. As the name would suggest, the tiramisu was also top notch. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with both cozy indoor and charming outdoor seating. Whether you're looking for an intimate meal or a great spot to relax after a long day, Cafe Tiramisu is a must-visit. You won’t be disappointed! I will absolutely return anytime I’m in San Francisco.“

“The food was amazing, home cooking at its best! My whole family, including my picky eaters, loved the food!😋“

“Great Service and food. The waiter was amazing and recommended great wine and food“

“When I can’t sleep, I remember the time I had dinner here and I miss the taste of this place.“

“A Hidden Gem That Transported Me Straight to Italy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where do I even begin? We came here to celebrate my birthday and left with a new favorite restaurant — the kind of place you want to keep a secret but simply have to tell everyone about.

From the moment we arrived, the ambiance was pure magic. Their patio seating is absolutely charming — the kind of setting that makes you slow down, breathe in, and just be. We even brought our dog Simba, and without a moment’s hesitation, the team welcomed him warmly and cooked him a chicken breast. That alone tells you everything about the kind of people running this place.

We started with house-made limoncello and an Aperol spritz — both perfect — and let the evening unfold. On our server Jennifer’s recommendation, we ordered the crostini, and what a call that was. Creamy stracciatella, roasted zucchini for brightness, and a satisfying crunch that made it borderline impossible to stop eating. Jennifer also brought us a side of Calabrian chiles (a thoughtful off-menu touch), and we ended up adding them to everything — the crostini, the pastas, even tucked into the focaccia. That heat and depth elevated every single bite.

Speaking of pasta — all of it is house-made, and you can taste it in every forkful. The ravioli and tagliatelle were silky, perfectly sauced, and genuinely transported me. For a fleeting moment, I forgot I wasn’t sitting in a little trattoria in the Italian countryside. The focaccia alongside it was pillowy and golden, and the olive oil that came with it was so exceptional it actually deserves a mention — which is saying something.

The owner came by our table to chat about the fresh ingredients and the origin of the Calabrian chiles, and it was one of those lovely, unhurried moments that reminded me why great restaurants are about so much more than food. He gave the whole evening a warm, personal feel that you just can’t manufacture.

Then came dessert — and if you think you’re full, you’re wrong. The strawberry dessert paired with house-made vanilla gelato was delicate, not overly sweet, and absolutely heavenly. The flourless chocolate cake was something else entirely — rich, deeply decadent, and so intensely chocolatey that I genuinely ran out of words mid-bite. And because we were celebrating, they surprised us with a panna cotta that was impossibly light and perfectly set. It was the most gracious, generous finish to an already flawless meal.

This restaurant is a gem — a real one. The kind that makes every other Italian restaurant feel like it’s trying too hard. I’m already planning my next celebration here.“

“I went for my birthday with a group of friends last night, and everything was amazing! Our waiter Edgardo was attentive and gave great recommendations on what we should have for dinner. They even brought me a piece of the best tiramisu I’ve ever had and sang birthday happy birthday to me ❤️ I believe all of their pastas are handmade in house and you can tell. I had gnocchi with Gorgonzola and sausage. For appetizers, we had the calamari and shrimp, Caprese salad, & bruschetta. All delicious. Highly recommend this place! They also have a very nice outside area for sunny days in the city.“

“Wonderful food and service. Highly recommend!“

“What a place! Totally magic! OMG the house salad ….that dressing was nectar from the Gods! The entrees were delicious and perfect for sharing. Highly recommended. Come for the table wine, stay for the vibes! Mark the owner is a total cutie!!“

“Very nice portions and very friendly! Enjoyed the people and the food!“

“marvelous! Everything was superb. The brussel sprout salad was delicious. the main courses fantastic. I had the clams they were delicate and perfectly cooked. service was super friendly. prices are very reasonable. I would frequent this place if I lived here. you should go!!“

“Great place to have a delicious dinner, friendly staff and amazing food.“

“This place was one of the best highlights of our trip!! Real Italian food. The owners were real gentlemen. The way that they worked that restaurant was amazing. I was amazed by their food and service, both authentic. My friend and I had the best time. We would go again and again!“

“In a city full of over-priced and marginal slop restaurants, Il Pollaio stands out for consistency, quality and reliable eating. Not the fanciest, but that's fine as well, but welcoming and always on point. Lamb chops are my personal favorite, although everything is solid. Minestrone soup excellent when available.“

“Absolutely incredible food and service. This is true Italian cuisine of the highest order- it’s hard to find this level of authenticity outside of Italy. The porchetta and faro were perfectly cooked, as was the spaghetti and gnocchi.

I am sure this place is going to have a Michelin star someday - we feel so lucky to have discovered it serendipitously while trying to grab a quick and affordable bite around Fairfax.

Also, the owner and servers were such wonderful hosts. Fairfax is lucky to have a gem like this. We can’t wait to come back soon!!“

“A wonderful, warm welcome by Massimo. The restaurant was bustling but we had time to chat and review the menu.

A well prepared Manhattan was our appetizer.

Salmon and halibut were the specials

The food and portions were just right.“

“This is a classic Italian restaurant with a lively atmosphere and excellent service. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. We ordered the classic pepperoni pizza, the classic cheese and bacon pizza, as well as the lasagna and carbonara. The pizzas were cooked to perfection, with a crispy and delicious crust. The pasta was cheesy and filling.“

“Great Italian cuisine on the west coast! Service is top notch!“

“A friendly, convivial spot for cocktails, lunch/brunch/dinner, expertly-prepared Italian fare, exceptional service & reasonable prices,“

“pretty good food will try again“

“I wish I could leave more stars!!!

My boyfriend and I were walking by and walked in because he was craving a sandwich, they told us they were sold out :( I'm guessing that's how good it is!!!

We end up having a tomatoe soup and a foccacia. I didn't even have the chance to take a picture of it, because my boyfriend said it's the best foccacia he's had in a veery long time.
I really liked the tomatoes soup.

Thanks to Derrik we tried the Caesar salad. Which was yummy, yummy.
The place was a great vibe, I love that is clean and the music was good.

Thanks to Derrik and the staff for being so nice :) we will definitely come back :)“

“I once ate here with my family .“

“Food was really good and the wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Cute place. Good idea for decorations“