- north beach
- good for dates
- pepper appetizer
- bruschetta
- daily specials
- (15 more)
- Popular
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- This is by far the best Italian restaurant in the city. Not only the food is delicious, but the friendly staff makes you feel at home every time. No matter what your order you will not be disappointed
- Wonderful local Italian restaurant in the North Beach area. Small restaurant, make a reservation ahead of time.Get the Carlesimo pasta, so delicious! Bruschetta was extremely fresh as well.
- Daniel PearsonJanuary 5, 2015Great atmosphere for an intimate date, but it isn't the best Italian I've had (even in the neighborhood). If you're happy with good ambience and good wine over perfect food, this is your spot!
- Small neighborhood gem away from North Beach. Make a reservation because the place is small. Great food! Love the intamacy of a small place.
- Caroline YanceyFebruary 12, 2017This place is cozy & scrumptious. My bf and I didn't have reservation, but we got to eat at the bar & chat with Casey (whose family owns the restaurant). Get the Carlesimo you won't regret it.
- This is definitely my favorite restaurant in SF. Kevin is awesome! Go hang out at the bar with him sometime. He knows his liquor! Be sure to order something with tomato cream sauce!
- Nick ContiSeptember 20, 2014Awesome!!! Owners were just the friendliest, food, wine selection was terrific and the huckleberry cheesecake was the best cheesecake I've ever had!!! I'll be back when in San Francisco !!
- andraSeptember 11, 2013Stroller accessible but you have to fold it once inside the restaurant. They have high chairs and crayons. The food is very good! The service is very friendly. Great spot for dinner. A little noisy.
- John EMarch 13, 2015Fantastic authentic Italian with delicious homemade pasta. Surprised by the cocktail selection as well. Make a reservation because walk-ins seem to endure lengthy waits.
- Carmen IbarraOctober 16, 2014Ordered the baked red pepper appetizer, pasta alla Pavarotti, the lamb chops. Recommend all... Tip: arrive early or make a reservation.
- MattNovember 10, 2018Ravioli in the cheese sauce were beautiful—deep, rich cheesy goodness. Antipasti platter was well put together. Olive oil was buttery and fresh. Solid, local Italian joint.
- Mike Ottavi-BrannonJanuary 25, 2015Chopped salad is a great way to start a meal. The tortellini with chicken is a bit bland IMO but friendly service and a great atmosphere make for a terrific date night.
- Mayor in the house!! Best Italian in the city and the best owners Gina and Kevin. Have been coming here for years and am a regular weekly consumer of the Carlissimo.
- Kelsey KotzebueJanuary 24, 2017When you make a reservation, make sure you ask for the main room. We got stuck upstairs and didn't get the best service. Food is worth it though.
- MARY REYNOLDSSeptember 22, 2012If you do not order the cheese ravioli with pesto sauce...then you are an idiot. just sayin! Seriously though...it is to die for.
- Jukka MäenpääOctober 6, 2018Classic Italian with specials. Delicious meals. Good atmosphere and vast wine list. Reserve a table ahead of time.
- James KellyFebruary 5, 2012This place rocks. The decor is not much to look at but don't let that fool you. The food is outstanding and the staff fabulous. Enjoy. Book first they are always rammed!
- H HSeptember 22, 2014By far the best Italian I've had in NB. Gnocchi is bomb, order the carlesimo with spaghetti instead of the rigatoncetti.
- Simon TschinkelJune 27, 2015Ate at the bar. Great, friendly and professional service. Ordered the pasta Amattrciana it was delicious.
- Evan HofbergDecember 21, 2014Classic neighborhood Italian. Some of the best SF has to offer. Great food, wine and ambience
- The Salvatore and carlesimo are top of the pops. Also you must have the meatballs and the roasted pepper appetizers.
- Alexandra de BuhrOctober 22, 2016Everything is fresh and delicious. The meatballs and burrata are outstanding!
- christina leigh morganMay 7, 2014This is non-negotiably the best Italian meal I have ever consumed. Saltimbacco, peppers, meatballs, spumoni. Eat. It. All. 😍
- Crystal AdamsMay 30, 2011Best Italian in the city! There is not a bad thing on the menu and atmosphere is great! They also accommodate gluten free!
- Heather Z.May 11, 2013A hidden gem from the decor to the excellent wait staff to the phenomenal food!
- The Taste SheriffFebruary 24, 20199.1 for this place? You’ve got to be kidding me. It perfectly sums up the SF food scene: below average and expensive. Pasta full of heavy cream, inattentive service, AC turned on when its 40 degrees.
- Geoffrey SpenceNovember 29, 2015Cozy Italian off the main strip. Good was ok - I ordered the Pavarotti pasta and the chicken was dry, sauce was bland. Stay away from that dish and you'll be good ;)
- Dika M.May 13, 2013Don't skip dessert! The blackberry Cabernet sorbet was delicious and topped off a fantastic meal.
- Yup Carlesimo is all that and then some. One of their longtime classics.