Skip to main contentWith soccer paraphernalia and fake frescos, flirtatious waiters and classic Italian-American cooking, the authentically pleasing Piazza Italia is a lively little piece of San Francisco's North Beach in the Pearl District. Dig into a hunk of fresh, chewy bread while you peruse the menu: an assortment of pasta dishes, like a rich spaghetti mare e monti with succulent shrimp and mushrooms in a creamy pesto, are balanced by lighter dishes like salads and antipasto. Entrees are reasonably priced, but salads run a bit high for what they are. Nothing's groundbreaking, but the traditional fare comforts and satisfies. The service is friendly and attentive; a handful of servers buzz about the room making sure everyone is taken care of, rather than taking a per-table approach. Don't miss the luscious old-world desserts, like a rich marzipan roll cake. They're in a pastry case in the corner, but not on the menu.
WWeek 2015