Flour + Water in the Mission makes the best pasta in San Francisco.

We can always rely on Cotogna in the Financial District for an excellent upscale Italian meal.

Che Fico, on the edge of NoPa, serves excellent Italian food in an impressively designed space.

An ambitious restaurant, and a good one at that. SPQR is making a run at the San Francisco pasta crown, mostly with ingredients we can’t pronounce.

A16 turns out some of the best pizza in San Francisco. The small plates are close to perfect, and you can actually get a reservation. There’s no catch. Just go.

Sorrel is an upscale California-Italian place in Pac Heights that’s designed to impress, even if they do everything a little too by the book.

Firenze by Night is super old-school Italian in North Beach - in the very best way.

Del Popolo’s pizza is just as good at their brick and mortar Nob Hill spot as it is from their roving truck.

Locanda brings great scene and good pasta.

Pizza is the main draw at Boot & Shoe Service, but it's also a great overall eating experience.

Just another great sandwich place — don't get spoiled.

Altovino is an Italian restaurant in Nob Hill perfect for a quiet date or a business dinner.

A pasta bar in the Mission with very good food, that we wish felt a little less rushed.

A modern pizza place that’s a great addition to the Richmond.

Zero Zero is a perfectly efficient pizza factory. Bring a big group for negronis, soft serve, and quality pies.

With great water views and a firepit, Bar Bocce in Sausalito could probably get away with having average food. But the food - in particular, the pizzas - make this place worth a visit.