Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Kensington, San Francisco Bay Area

Price

$$
$$$
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Regions

East BayMarinPeninsulaSacramentoSan FranciscoSan Jose / Silicon Valley

Neighborhoods

AlamedaBerkeleyBurlingameCampbellDowntown / Union SquareHalf Moon Bay

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

45 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Creekwood Restaurant restaurant

1. Creekwood Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1177)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Berkeley

Booked 17 times today

Creekwood Restaurant in Berkeley is a delightful gem that specializes in exquisite American cuisine, artfully intertwined with California-Italian influences. Known for its warm and cozy atmosphere, Creekwood has become a beloved neighborhood spot, celebrated for its "excellent wood-fired pizzas" and "innovative, freshly delicious" dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing" pastas and "exceptional" service, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s commitment to using seasonal ingredients ensures that every meal is a fresh and flavorful experience. Whether you're indulging in their "fantastic" brunch or a delightful dinner, Creekwood guarantees a culinary experience that will leave you coming back for more.

2. donato&co.

4.6

Exceptional(1911)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Berkeley

Booked 17 times today

At donato&co. in Berkeley, diners are treated to an authentic Farm-to-table experience that elevates rustic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant shines with its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, crafting house-made pastas and exquisitely prepared seafood and meats cooked over a live fire. This dedication to quality is echoed in numerous reviews, with patrons lauding the "exceptional food and service" and the "creative, delicious choices" that define every meal. Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner or a festive gathering, donato&co. promises a dining experience that is both genuinely Italian and innovatively fresh, making it a must-visit culinary gem.

3. La Connessa

4.7

Exceptional(615)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Potrero Hill

Booked 28 times today

La Connessa is a modern Italian trattoria in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill that brings together bold design, vibrant energy, and a contemporary approach to Italian dining.The space is striking yet welcoming, defined by a slate blue and gold palette, an expansive illuminated bar, and refined art deco-inspired details. High ceilings and layered lighting create an elevated atmosphere that feels equally suited for celebratory evenings and casual meals.The menu highlights Italian cuisine through a modern California lens, using carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients. Piping hot pizzas arrive blistered and crisp, while house-made pastas, bistecca, and local seafood reflect a balance of tradition and innovation. Each dish is crafted to feel familiar yet thoughtfully reimagined, with a focus on simplicity, quality, and depth of flavor.La Connessa is a neighborhood gathering place where design, hospitality, and food come together in a confident, contemporary expression of Italian dining.

A photo of Melo's Italian Table restaurant

4. Melo's Italian Table

4.7

Exceptional(523)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek

Booked 63 times today

Melo's Italian Table in Walnut Creek is not only a haven for authentic Italian cuisine, but it also boasts a standout Cocktail Bar that has diners raving. Patrons consistently highlight the "yummy cocktails" and the "refreshing and strong" strawberry margaritas that accompany their meals. The bartenders craft each drink with precision, ensuring that every cocktail complements the vibrant flavors of the Italian dishes. The restaurant's modern and eclectic ambiance creates the perfect setting for enjoying these delightful concoctions. With a reputation for excellent service and a lively atmosphere, Melo's Italian Table promises a memorable cocktail experience that keeps patrons coming back.

5. Back to Back

4.7

Exceptional(198)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Nob Hill

Booked 35 times today

Back to Back in Nob Hill, San Francisco, is a standout destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine, artfully blending Italian and Californian flavors. Known for its "incredibly tasty and balanced" wood-fired pizzas, which are among the best in the city, this vibrant eatery brings authentic Italian tastes with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "phenomenal food" and "amazing" shared plates, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. The curated selection of natural wines and creative cocktails enhances the culinary experience, while the ambiance, complete with a live DJ spinning vinyl, makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

6. Bocconcino

4.6

Exceptional(258)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • North Beach

Booked 27 times today

Bocconcino in North Beach, San Francisco, offers an exquisite taste of Contemporary Italian cuisine, where traditional flavors meet modern creativity. Guests rave about its "authentic and well-made Italian cuisine" and appreciate the inviting atmosphere that feels like dining in a friend's home. With standout dishes like the "fantastic gnocchi, like little clouds," and perfectly crafted homemade ravioli, every meal promises culinary delight. The restaurant's attentive staff, led by the charming owner Rosario, ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Bocconcino’s commitment to quality, from handmade pastas to a thoughtfully curated wine list, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian fare.

A photo of Beretta Divisadero restaurant

7. Beretta Divisadero

4.5

Awesome(151)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 14 times today

Beretta Divisadero is a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts in San Francisco's vibrant NoPa neighborhood. Renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar, patrons rave about the "great cocktails and talented bartenders" that elevate every visit. The bar's diverse selection of mixed drinks, available at good prices, has left many guests impressed with its creativity and quality. Whether you're meeting friends for a fun night out or enjoying a happy hour, Beretta’s vibrant atmosphere and delightful cocktails are sure to impress. With glowing reviews highlighting "awesome drinks" and a "wonderful happy hour," Beretta Divisadero promises an unforgettable cocktail experience.

A photo of Montesacro Walnut Creek restaurant

8. Montesacro Walnut Creek

4.6

Exceptional(671)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek

Booked 8 times today

Montesacro Walnut Creek is a true gem in the heart of Walnut Creek, offering an exquisite taste of Contemporary Italian cuisine that is second to none. Renowned for its "delicious authentic Italian food," Montesacro captures the essence of Roman culinary traditions with its standout pinsa, a lighter alternative to pizza that has diners raving. The restaurant's "homemade pasta" and mouthwatering dishes like porchetta and Cacio e Pepe transport you straight to Italy. The ambiance is "cozy and chic," with "attentive and friendly" service that enhances every dining experience. Montesacro is a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Italian flavor.

9. Trabocco

4.8

Exceptional(3669)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Alameda

Booked 29 times today

Trabocco in Alameda is a standout destination for authentic and exquisite Pizzeria cuisine. Chef-owner Giuseppe Naccarelli masterfully crafts pizzas that transport diners straight to Italy with every bite. Guests rave about the exceptional quality, asserting that "any pizza" is a must-try, with each surpassing the last in flavor. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere, highlighted by its reclaimed wood ceilings and dramatic copper fireplace, creates a perfect setting for enjoying these culinary masterpieces. The service is consistently praised as top-notch, making every visit memorable. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Trabocco promises an unparalleled dining experience.

A photo of North Italia - Walnut Creek restaurant

10. North Italia - Walnut Creek

4.3

Awesome(233)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Walnut Creek

Booked 139 times today

Using only the season’s best ingredients, our chefs create a variety of modern Italian dishes including pastas made from scratch daily, hand-tossed pizzas like the classic Margherita but make it Tie Dye, and savory lunch and dinner entrees like Prime New York Tagliata, Tortelloni al Pomodoro, and Hot Honey & Proscuitto Pizza that deliver flavors that go above and beyond the expected as well as a full-bodied wine and beer list accompanied by an array of handcrafted cocktails including a Sicilian Margarita and the Pomegranate Mule. For more information, visit northitalia.com.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patrick
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I had the absolute best dinner here. The staff were amazing. The food came out so fast. And they didn’t rush us out. It was an all around great dinner. I would absolutely come again. Hits every time. 5 stars.
More info
Back to Back$$$$• Pizzeria• Nob Hill
•
4.7
I
Izzy
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolute 10/10 in all areas. Love the food, love the people, love the atmosphere. Could not recommend more!!
More info
Bocconcino$$$$• Italian• North Beach
•
4.6
T
Trudy
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our second time here and we absolutely love everything about the place: the ambiance, the attentive servers, and of course the exceptional food. Everything we’ve tried is delicious and we will definitely be back!
More info
Creekwood Restaurant$$$$• Italian• Berkeley
•
4.8
M
Michael
San Francisco Bay Area •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Well, I don’t know where too start, because the Greater was great and seated us right on time, the service person was awesome and very friendly, out cocktails were fantastic, and our salads and Pizzas were OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS. SO SO SO GOOD!!!!! Can’t wait to our next outing to MELO’s BEST Pizza in Town!!!!
More info
Melo's Italian Table$$$$• Italian• Walnut Creek
•
4.7
B
BeatrizGold
Miami - Dade •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent & joyful service. Staff is awesome! Chef prepares a delicious menu!
More info
donato&co.$$$$• Italian• Berkeley
•
4.6

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