Family Seeks Italian Restaurant in SF

[rrosen526]

We are looking for a cozy casual neighborhood joint--we have two kids 8 and 11, who love pizza but their parents don't.

[petergreen]

I just returned from a family vacation in SF. Thanks to all who recommended Cafe Bocce. It was great for kids, and the food was great as well, along with live music.

We also liked Pomodoro in North Beach, (nr. washington Park) and Fuzio near the Exploratorium.

[Munching Mark]

Sodini's in North Beach is good, and I have had good meals at Cafe Bocce (same street as Sodini's), but others have different opinions on that place I've read...

[sfoperalover]

with kids, i'd second bocci cafe. i second robert's comment above re l'osteria. a great place, but i've always had a long wait. it's also a small place that leaves no room for wriggly little ones.

[Mel]

i had a great experience at Cafe Bocce... it is fun and lively, with live music on friday and saturday night. Lots of great options for kids and adults.

[Chris Rising]

Pantarei in North Beach would be fun. It's a little on the loud side vs. cozy, but North Beach is a great neighborhood to explore.

[Robert Lauriston]

Second on La Ciccia. Reservations required.

L'Osteria del Forno's good and very inexpensive but sometimes there's a wait and it's not the best place to go if you're in the mood for pasta (typically they have only canelloni or lasagne). If they're too full, check out Cinecitta around the corner on Union.

Pazzia on Third St.

[Windy]

Sounds like Il Borgo would fit the bill. Decent pizza, delicious fresh pastas, big portions, and old-fashioned interior. Cash only.

La Ciccia does have pizza in addition to its regular menu. Wonderful Sardinian food. Popular though, so you need a reservation.

Many previous posts on both.

[Concetta]

Tommaso's has great pizza, but I don't know how good their non-pizza entrees are...

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Tommaso Ristorante Italiano
1042 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133

[Robert Lauriston]

Tommaso's is one of my favorite pizza places but their pastas are overcooked and gross.

[whiner]

For great, high quality, pizza (try the porcini), go to L'Osteia del Forno. GREAT pork roast, too (although they don't always have it). One of the best values in town, but they don't take reservations.

Pane e Vino in Cow Hollow would fit your bill.

Also, if they can handle pasta, Ristorante Milano in Russian Hill. Ditto Trattoria Contadina in North Beach. Better than either is probaly Antica Trottoria in Russian Hill -- also lots of pasta, no pizza. Casual, but a young crowd. (ie. late teens, 20's and 30's... don't know if many young kids wind up there.)

None of these restauants are among the best Italians in San Francisco, nor among the best even in their price range, nor the best in their price range (other than L'Osteria) that offer both pizza (pasta) and non-pizza items. However, they are all good, quite casual, and seem pretty young-kid friendly (again, with the question mark on Antica).