North Beach is a charming San Francisco neighborhood with a rich Italian history. It features great restaurants and cafes  and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Exploring different neighborhoods in San Francisco is like taking mini vacations. Each neighborhood has different characteristics that make it special. North Beach is a relatively new neighborhood to me, so I thought it would be perfect to explore and share my finds with you. To make sure I hit all the right spots, I enlisted my girls at The Violet Fog, a new San Francisco-based online publication. My friends at Noosa Yoghurt also made sure that we were well-stocked with healthy snacks for our adventure.
My day always starts with coffee, so Italian cafe Caffe Trieste was the perfect first stop. They’ve been serving real Italian espresso to the neighborhood for over 50 years (talk about the original hipsters). They also frequently have live music.
You must eat breakfast at Caffe DeLuchi. Don’t be deterred by the decor that hasn’t been updated in decades. Their breakfast is on point and everything on the menu is delicious. My favorite is the breakfast pizza (hello, yolk porn).
In addition to having an absolutely gorgeous historic space, Goorin Brothers in North Beach is a treasure trove of beautiful hats. Even if you think you’re not a ‘hat person’, the friendly staff will help you pick out the perfect chapeau. Each hat is beautifully-made and makes a perfect keepsake, or souvenir if you’re visiting from outside of San Francisco.
Coit Tower offers one of the best views in San Francisco. Perched on the top of Telegraph Hill, the tower offers views of both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges and 360 degrees of the city.
From Coit Tower, head down the lovely Filbert steps. The steps run three blocks down Telegraph Hill and are lined with charming Victorian cottages and lush gardens. The stairs are also protected by one of my favorite nonprofits, The Trust for Public Land.
After all those stairs, you’re probably hungry. Molinari Delicatessan is a magical place that transports you to Italy. Lined with treasures from floor to ceiling, you’ll find everything from wine to fresh pasta. It’s also a great place to get made-to-order sandwiches. Bonus points if you befriend one of the old Italian regulars that frequent the place and are happy to share stories from the ‘good old days’.
We made sure to stop for an afternoon snack in Washington Square Park. It’s a great place to sit outside and people watch. Truly the heart of the North Beach Neighborhood, Washington Square is lined with places to eat and places to shop. It’s always a busy place, be it personal trainers conducting an outdoor workout, or residents of nearby Chinatown doing Tai Chi.
Noosa yoghurt was perfect in honor of our exploration of this ‘Noo’ neighborhood. As I mentioned before in this recipe for frozen yogurt dots, I just can’t get enough of Noosa’s creamy richness. And all of their fun flavors, like strawberry rhubarb. It’s the best! Even though it’s Australian-style, it’s made in good old Colorado, USA.
By this time, I’m about ready for my second cup of coffee. Hole in the Wall coffee is a little nook off of Washington Square Park. What it lacks in space, it more than makes up for with good coffee and a sassy attitude. If coffee isn’t your thing, they also have fresh coconut juice, served in right in the coconut.
North Beach has a couple of great high-end clothing shops. AB Fits is decorated as beautifully as the premium denim it stocks. The employees really know their stuff and are happy to help. Another great option is Al’s Attire for custom clothing and shoes.
A trip to North Beach isn’t complete without a stop to Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Tony Gemignani is the 11 time winner of the World Pizza Championships. He’s also the official ambassador of Neapolitan Pizza for the city of Naples, a title given to only three people in the world. He’s also only in his early forties, can you believe it?! I can’t help but imagine an old Italian man when I think of a pizza champion. Anyway, Tony’s is not to be missed!
Photography by Melissa De Mata for A Side of Sweet. Thanks to Noosa Yoghurt for sponsoring this post. All opinions and adventures are always my own.
North Beach Neighborhood Recommendations
Where to Eat in North Beach:
Molinari Delicatessen
373 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.421.2337
Caffee Trieste
609 Vallejo St
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.550.1107
http://coffee.caffetrieste.com/
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
1570 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.835.9888
http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/
Park Tavern
1652 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.989.7300
http://parktavernsf.com
Hole in the Wall Coffee
524 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94133<
415.810.2092
Website
Beacon Coffee & Pantry
805 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.814.2551
http://beacon-sf.com
XOX Truffles
754 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
tel: 415 421 4814
www.xoxtruffles.com
Where to Shop in North Beach:
AB Fits
1519 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.982.5726
http://www.abfits.com/
Goorin Brothers
1612 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.402.0454
http://www.goorin.com/
Studio Patró (Linens & Towels)
1821 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.775.3432
http://studiopatro.com/
Mashka (Jewelry)
1400 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.273.9330
www.mashka.com
Aria Antiques
1522 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.433.0219
Al’s Attire (Bespoke Apparel & Shoes)
1300 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.693.9900
www.alsattire.com
Where to Stay in North Beach:
Washington Square Inn
1660 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 981-4220
http://www.wsisf.com/
Hotel Boheme
444 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.433.9111
What to See in North Beach:
Filbert Steps
Filbert St & Sansome St
San Francisco, CA 94111
Washington Square Park
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.274.0291
Website
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94133
415.249.0995
Website
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What a great post! It is funny how in SF, you get “stuck” in your district. The Marina is right by North Beach, yet we never venture out – however, everytime we do, it is all so on point! Tony’s is INCREDIBLE and I need to have that brunch pizza in my life! I pass by Molinari’s everyday on my way in to work, so there is no reason for me not to stop in! Thanks for sharing!! xx SS
It’s true! It was great to have an excuse to check somewhere new out. Let me know if you discover any new North Beach finds, or if you have a neighborhood I should do a guide on.
Honestly – anything outside the Marina! I know that sounds so lame, but I rarely venture out (half laziness not even going to lie / half no idea where to go). Would LOVE to see some a Mission and Tenderloin one! There are just so many good places there! xx
Ooo, the Tenderloin would be an adventure! I’ll definitely keep it in mind!
Awesome post! Amazing pictures! I have always wanted to visit San Francisco and this makes me want to make the trip even more! I love seeing a city/area through the locals eyes!
Thanks so much Missy! You ABSOLUTELY should! 🙂
I’ve been to CA but not San Fransico yet, but it is on my list. This looks like an awesome way to spend a day with friends! I’ll have to remember to try Tony’s Pizza Thanks for sharing 🙂
We had the best day! I hope you get to check out some of the spots too!
What a wonderful informative post! Great job – I love love all the wonderful visuals and love all the websites and info of places to go! I am far far away from San Francisco (I’m in Florida) but who knows!!!???? Maybe one day I’ll get to visit – you sure inspired me to want to visit! Thanks!
I hear you! I have a Pinterest board where I save posts like this just in case I ever end up visiting!
Looks like it would be a great place to visit! Nice little shops ..and FOOD!!!!
Exactly! A little bit of everything, all of it done well!
I am in North Beach a lot and you hit all the best places, just about! I pinned this for a future reminder when I’m there in the new year.
Awesome, that’s great! Thanks Carol!
Beautiful photos and so many fun and unique places to stop, visit and eat. That breakfast food looked so good! I’ll have to put North Beach on my travel list. It looks like an interesting place to spend the day. Thanks!
Awesome. I hope you do get a chance to visit Carol!
I love San Fran and this neighbourhood is one of my faves. I really like the cute, boho feel. Great guide!
Yay! Me too! Thanks so much for stopping by!