A quintessential neighborhood during the day, and an electric strip at night – San Francisco’s North Beach is a must see when your searching for Italian soul. It is best to approach North Beach in courses, the first, is where tourists and locals flock to enjoy the authentic-style cafés, and savor a favorite cappuccino or shot of espresso. The Vesuvio Café is the mecca for rich Italian coffee and conversations.
Surrounded by the cafes are the aromas of Sodini’s, a perfect second course, and an all around favorite for rich lasagna. Il Pollaio is another favored ristorante with a casual check-clothed ambiance. It specializes in Italian sausage, fresh and steamy Foccasia bread and a tasty rosemary and garlic tapenade to top off your taste buds.
Aside from the worthy bustle of Italian cuisine, tourists travel to see the historic classics. There are various sites: the beloved Washington Square, the Saint Peter and Paul Church, the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, the Beat Museum, and City Lights Bookstore. The true San Franciscan’s would also recommend jumping on the No. 39 bus to the top of Telegraph Hill. There you’ll find Coit Tower- home to thirty or so local artists who painted murals on the ground floors of the tower in 1933. It is also a spectacular view at night.
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Nightlife in North Beach lights up with the humdrums of live music and flashy dance clubs that line the streets. There is an all around upbeat vibe that is infectious and the entertainment is more than enough to keep the merrymaking going.
For the last course, it’s dessert and it is incredible. Try either Gelato Classico for a cup of creamy chocolate goodness or Victoria’s Bakery for a delicatessen that comes with a sign warning all customers of plate licking and a temptation to order seconds. By all means do both, and take in the flavor and tang of a few more Italian sweets.
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As you take in the last few moment of San Francisco’s treasured Little Italy, you can feel a bit at ease that another heartwarming Italian family is close by with more sweet Italian treats. Dolce Sera (Sweet Summer Evening) is just around the corner and it features a café-style evening with Zighi Baci’s popular renditions of Italian melodies for a lighthearted trip down memory lane.
Details:
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. , Concert: 7 p.m.
Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma
$20 includes desserts and coffee.
