True Tuscan style food with real Tuscan ambiance. When it comes to Italian restaurants, I prefer places that feel like they’ve been around for awhile. This doesn’t just feel like that; it has been a staple of the North Beach area since 1970. It’s a place in which it just feels natural to use whatever Italian language skills you have.
The top of the menu lists 18 antipasti. There are half a dozen soups, 28 pasta dishes, 14 seafood entrees, and 21 meat and poultry entrees. On a recent visit I started with a very good gnocchi in marinara followed by a heaping portion of excellent veal sweetbreads. Jennifer went for her favorite – buratta – and then the fillet of sole.
The wine list is outstanding. It includes California’s first true brunello, which is produced by owner Lorenzo Petroni’s own Napa Valley winery. It’s an excellent offering and they will pour it by the glass.
When I find a truly good Italian restaurant, I tend to go back and back and back. I will be back at North Beach Restaurant many times.
