Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Hayes Valley | Upscale Italian Food

20 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Hayes Valley | Upscale Italian Food

• Festa Wine & Cocktail Lounge — Italian · rated 5/5: Festa Wine & Cocktail Lounge invites guests into a chic, dimly lit sanctuary where the clinking of crystal and a vibrant energy set the stage for an evening of refined indulgence. The bar artfully blends East and West through sophisticated libations, ranging from the delicate floral sweetness of a Lychee Martini to the crisp, effervescent snap of a Toki Highball. Every pour, from the velvety Strawberry Saketini to the refreshing Yuzu Shochu, celebrates the artistry of the cocktail within a modern, polished social haven.
• Little Star Pizza — Italian · rated 3/5: Bathed in a warm, amber glow, this neighborhood gem draws diners in with the irresistible aroma of golden cornmeal crusts crisping in the oven. Each deep-dish masterpiece arrives at the table with a crown of tangy tomato sauce and molten cheese, offering a signature crunch that elevates the classic pizza experience into something truly artisanal and soul-warming.
• Tavola Rustica — Italian · rated 3/5: Tavola Rustica transports guests to a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape where the glow of a wood-burning oven and the scent of freshly torn basil create an atmosphere of effortless warmth. The kitchen honors the beauty of simple, raw ingredients through hand-stretched doughs and slow-simmered ragus, offering a soulful dining experience that feels like a shared feast in a welcoming family home.
• Metro Caffe — Italian: Metro Caffe serves as a vibrant neighborhood anchor where the irresistible aroma of sizzling beef and golden-fried appetizers creates an immediate sense of comfort. Friends gather around tables laden with crispy, hand-breaded zucchini and zesty wings, while the kitchen crafts towering, juice-dripping burgers that anchor a menu built for indulgence. It is a welcoming retreat where the casual energy of a local haunt meets the soul-satisfying crunch of perfectly seasoned comfort food.
• Giola Pizzeria — Italian: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic toss of dough and the crackle of a blazing oven set the stage for an authentic Italian escape. Each hand-stretched pie emerges with a perfectly blistered crust, topped with bright, sun-ripened tomatoes and molten cheese that capture the essence of artisanal craft. It is a place where laughter flows as freely as the wine, inviting guests to linger over savory slices in a space that feels both effortlessly modern and warmly familiar.
• Pink Onion — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood gem pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of golden garlic knots and the convivial clinking of glasses from a rotating craft tap. Hand-tossed pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts take center stage alongside bowls of rich, slow-simmered bolognese that offer a soulful embrace in every bite. It is a place where casual sophistication meets the timeless comfort of a shared meal, making every visit feel like a spirited local celebration.
• Baiano Pizzeria — Italian: Baiano Pizzeria invites diners into a vibrant space where the scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred dough fills the air, setting the stage for a masterclass in artisanal pies. The kitchen balances bold, savory classics with inventive pairings, drizzling spicy sausage with golden honey and topping crisp crusts with clouds of indulgent, creamy burrata. Whether sharing a zesty, feta-laden Greek salad or a vibrant pesto-swirled pie, guests find a welcoming retreat that celebrates the soulful art of the perfect slice.
• Bageletto — Italian: Sunlight dances across the minimalist counters of this bright neighborhood gem, where the irresistible aroma of toasted seeds and warm, chewy dough invites a lingering morning visit. Artisanal, hand-rolled bagels take center stage, topped with velvety house-made schmears and vibrant, locally sourced ingredients that transform the humble breakfast staple into a sophisticated culinary event.
• Patxi's Pizza — Italian: This lively neighborhood haunt hums with a welcoming energy, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted garlic and savory sausage rolls emerging hot from the kitchen. The experience centers on communal indulgence, featuring everything from the decadent, molten layers of their signature "SMMC" mac to vibrant, crisp salads and zesty artichoke dip perfect for sharing. It is a place where bold, comforting flavors meet a relaxed atmosphere, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of classic pizzeria fare.
• Una Pizza Napoletana — Italian: The air hums with the radiant warmth of a wood-burning oven in this minimalist sanctuary, where the ancient art of the Neapolitan pie is elevated to a singular, focused craft. Pillowy, charred crusts serve as a canvas for vibrant tomatoes and pools of molten cheese, accented by the sharp complexity of 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano and the lingering, bright heat of Neapolitan cornetto peppers. It is a space of intentional simplicity, where every salt-kissed Bianca and classic Margherita celebrates the primal harmony of fire, dough, and tradition.
• Himalayan Pizza & Momo — Indian: This vibrant fusion hub hums with energy as the scent of toasted cumin and bubbling mozzarella wafts from a kitchen where Himalayan traditions meet modern comfort. Hand-pleated momos arrive steaming and succulent alongside inventive pizzas topped with bold, aromatic spices, creating a playful and soulful dining experience that bridges two worlds on a single plate.
• a Mano — Italian: This lively neighborhood gem celebrates the art of handmade fare, where the scent of rosemary-infused focaccia and the convivial hum of shared plates create an atmosphere of effortless Italian charm. Tables overflow with vibrant small plates, from the golden crunch of arancini and Tuscan-spiced wings to the silky indulgence of Belfiore burrata paired with paper-thin San Daniele prosciutto. Every bite reflects a commitment to rustic, soul-warming flavors, inviting guests to linger over airy zeppoli and savory meatballs in a space that feels both modern and timeless.
• The Italian Homemade Company — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the rhythmic motion of pasta being rolled by hand define this bustling, rustic eatery where the soul of a traditional Italian kitchen comes to life. Guests craft their own culinary journey, pairing silky ribbons of fresh fettuccine or plump, hand-filled tortellini with rich, slow-simmered sauces that burst with the flavors of sun-drenched tomatoes and fragrant basil. Every plate offers a comforting, unpretentious celebration of old-world craftsmanship, inviting diners to savor the simple joy of a meal made with heart and heritage.
• Cafe Altano — Italian: Bathed in natural light and adorned with lush greenery, Cafe Altano offers a serene escape where the gentle hum of the espresso machine harmonizes with the rhythmic clink of silver against ceramic. Each plate arrives as a vibrant tapestry of seasonal flavors and artisanal textures, inviting guests to slow down and savor a dining experience that feels both effortlessly sophisticated and deeply comforting.
• Uva Enoteca — Italian: This inviting enoteca captures the rustic soul of Southern Italy, drawing guests into a warm, convivial space where the aroma of wood-fired puccia bread and artisanal salumi fills the air. Vibrant platters of creamy burrata and salt-cured prosciutto share the table with earthy, roasted vegetables and house-preserved sott’oli, creating a tapestry of bold, Mediterranean flavors. It is a sanctuary for slow afternoons and spirited evenings, where the crunch of traditional taralli and the freshness of seasonal greens invite diners to linger over a perfectly paired glass of wine.
• Pizza Zone N Grill — Italian: The comforting aroma of hand-stretched dough baking to a golden crisp mingles with the savory, smoky perfume of the open flame in this lively neighborhood haunt. Guests gather around rustic tables to share bubbling, cheese-laden pizzas and succulent charred meats, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly balances casual warmth with bold, flame-kissed flavors.
• Doppio Zero — Italian: Sunlight streams through large windows into a bustling space where the rhythmic toss of pizza dough and the hiss of the wood-fired oven create a lively, authentic soundtrack. Velvety ribbons of house-made pasta and blistered Neapolitan crusts emerge from the kitchen, carrying the fragrant scents of cold-pressed olive oil, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh-torn basil. It is a vibrant gathering spot where the warmth of Italian hospitality meets a contemporary urban energy, inviting guests to linger over glasses of crisp wine and shared plates of artisanal comfort.
• Slice House by Tony Gemignani — Italian: This vibrant eatery pulses with the energy of a world-champion pizzaiolo, where the air is thick with the scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred, hand-tossed dough. Guests explore a masterclass in regional styles, from the crispy, caramelized edges of a Detroit-style square to the classic, foldable perfection of a New York slice. It’s a high-octane destination where the art of the perfect crust meets a casual, urban vibe, inviting diners to savor a legendary bite of pizza history.
• Seniore's Pizza — Italian. * Return ONLY: This bustling neighborhood staple pulses with a welcoming, high-energy vibe, drawing guests in with the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and dough crisping to golden perfection in high-heat ovens. Heaping portions of savory toppings rest atop chewy, hand-stretched crusts, all brought together by a signature zesty sauce that transforms every indulgent slice into a masterclass of casual, late-night comfort.
• Il Casaro Pizzeria — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood gem captures the spirited energy of a bustling Italian enoteca, where the aroma of wood-fired dough and savory marinara invites guests to linger over shared bottles of wine. The kitchen elevates simple, seasonal ingredients into artful small plates, from the golden crunch of tempura green beans and tender eggplant meatballs to colorful platters of artisanal salumi and charred, salt-kissed greens.