Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Mission District | Upscale Italian Food

16 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Mission District | Upscale Italian Food

• Beretta — Italian · rated 5/5: Beretta pulses with a chic, urban energy where the air is fragrant with toasted house focaccia and the savory depth of slow-simmered meatballs. The experience centers on a vibrant mosaic of shared plates, ranging from the golden crunch of crab arancini to the delicate notes of octopus carpaccio and velvety swirls of ricotta fresca. It is a spirited destination where the clatter of small plates and the warmth of communal dining transform every meal into a lively, Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• Bottega — Italian · rated 4/5: Bottega invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rustic charm of an Italian workshop meets modern culinary elegance. Hand-rolled pastas and vibrant, seasonal plates celebrate the purity of artisanal ingredients, served amidst an atmosphere of lively conversation and the warm, inviting glow of an open kitchen.
• 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.
• Arizmendi Bakery — Italian · rated 3/5: The air here is thick with the comforting perfume of toasted yeast and caramelized flour, drawing a steady stream of locals into a space defined by its bustling, cooperative energy. Golden-crust sourdough loaves and buttery, fruit-studded scones line the shelves, while the daily vegetarian pizza emerges from the oven bubbling with artisanal cheeses and farm-fresh toppings. It is a vibrant neighborhood cornerstone where the simple joy of a warm, flour-dusted treat captures the essence of community-driven craft.
• Delfina — Italian: This iconic neighborhood institution pulses with the kinetic energy of an open kitchen, where the aroma of toasted garlic and wood-fired specialties fills a space that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply welcoming. Plates of vibrant, farm-forward Italian fare celebrate the purity of seasonal ingredients, from legendary bowls of simple, perfect pasta to rustic roasts that anchor a lively evening of shared wine and spirited conversation.
• Flour + Water — Italian: The rhythmic dusting of flour and the aroma of simmering ragu fill this lively space, where the ancient craft of pasta-making is treated with the reverence of fine art. Guests embark on a sensory journey through a signature tasting menu that highlights the incredible versatility of dough, from silken hand-folded parcels to perfectly al dente dried strands, while the intimate Test Kitchen offers a rare glimpse into the kitchen's most creative and experimental inspirations.
• La Traviata — Italian: Stepping into La Traviata feels like entering a grand operatic stage, where deep velvet accents and soft candlelight set a dramatic backdrop for an evening of refined Italian indulgence. The air carries the rich, savory perfume of slow-simmered sauces and hand-rolled pastas, creating a sensory experience that blends old-world tradition with a touch of theatrical flair. Every meal unfolds with the grace and passion of a classic performance, making it a timeless destination for those seeking a truly romantic escape.
• Supreme Pizza — Italian: Supreme Pizza serves as a lively neighborhood hub where the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough and melting mozzarella invites guests into a space bursting with local character. The kitchen masters the art of the eclectic pie, topping golden, crisp crusts with everything from the briny zest of a Clam Bake to the bold, savory layers of the Mission and Soma pizzas. Each slice offers a vibrant journey through a diverse landscape of flavors, making it an essential destination for those seeking both classic comfort and inventive culinary flair.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fiore Caffè — Italian: Sun-drenched and blooming with botanical charm, this inviting escape wraps guests in the comforting aroma of freshly ground espresso and the delicate fragrance of seasonal florals. Artfully plated pastries and vibrant, garden-inspired plates take center stage, offering a sensory journey that feels like a leisurely afternoon spent in a hidden European courtyard.
• Joyride Pizza — Italian: Joyride Pizza invites diners on a flavor-packed journey where the nostalgic charm of a neighborhood pizzeria meets a bold, modern culinary spirit. Thick, airy crusts serve as the canvas for vibrant combinations, ranging from the fiery kick of sweet-heat pineapple to the herbaceous brightness of pesto and garden-fresh greens. Every slice offers a playful explosion of textures and tastes, turning a casual meal into a spirited celebration of creative comfort food.
• Limoncello — Italian: Limoncello captures the bustling charm of an authentic Italian deli, where the air is perfumed with the savory aroma of premium cured meats and the satisfying crunch of crusty artisanal bread. Towering creations like the bold Spicy Mortadella and the legendary Godfather take center stage, offering a symphony of robust flavors that are perfectly complemented by a crisp glass of wine or a refreshing chilled drink in this vibrant neighborhood gem.
• Valencia Pizza & Pasta — Italian: The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella at this inviting neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic toss of dough and the clink of wine glasses set a lively, convivial tone. Golden, blistered pizzas emerge from the heat alongside bowls of silk-smooth pasta tossed in rich, slow-simmered sauces, creating a soulful dining experience rooted in the warmth of Italian-inspired comfort.
• Deja Vu Pizza & Pasta — Italian: This inviting neighborhood haunt wraps guests in the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and slow-simmered sauces, evoking a sense of culinary nostalgia from the moment you step through the door. Hand-tossed pizzas emerge from the oven with perfectly charred crusts, while bowls of al dente pasta are tossed in vibrant, herb-flecked oils and rich creams that taste like a cherished memory. It is a space where the familiar flavors of Italy are celebrated with warmth, making every visit feel like a welcome return to a favorite home-cooked meal.
• Penny Roma — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of a perpetual dinner party, Penny Roma invites guests into a lively space where the rhythmic toss of hand-rolled pasta and the crackle of the wood-fire set the stage for a soulful communal feast. Shimmering fish crudi and vibrant, vegetable-forward antipasti transition seamlessly into rustic mains and seasonal sides, all perfectly paired with a curated selection of Italian and Californian wines that flow as freely as the conversation.