Figaro, Ristorante Italiano - San Francisco - TravBuddy

Here in North Beach, an area considered by many to be the most European neighborhood in all of the United States, you find a "Little Italy."  And though there is no shortage of Italian Restaurants in this area of San Francisco, some are more authenic than others, and it pays off to find the best.

Figaro, self-billed as the "The House of Gnocchi," is a great place to go for amazing Italian cusine.  The staff are all Italian, and the majority grew up in Italy.  They are very helpful, especially with wine recommendations.  The large dining room has high vaulted frescoed ceiling depicting Botticelli-like angels with loaves of bread and intricate chocolate cakes, which was the original fresco from when the restaurant was a bakery back in the 1920's.  There is no shortage of a romantic Italian flair here!

There is also a heated patio garden for dining as well, named after the patron saint of San Francisco, St. Francis of Assisi.  This clear covered and enclosed patio can seat up to 70, and its a great place for any occation in the city.

The menu has a large variety of affordable salads, starters, pastas, gnocchi (!), second piatti, pizzas, desserts and a great wines to pair.  While there are no bad options, my favorite from the menu would be the gnocchi radicchio.  These are gnocchi with a sauce of walnuts and fontina in a red wine and cream sauce and are a bargin at only $14.  The gnocchi here are honestly some of the best gnocchi I have ever had, and I lived in Italy for 6 months!  It is by far the best I have had State side, and dare I say even better than half of the gnocchi I ate in Italy.  They are UNBELIEVEABLE and well worth any journey to North Beach!!!    With such reasonable prices and delicious food, it is a must-eat!  Manga! Manga!