Il Borgo

I grew up in northern Italy and Il Borgo is my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in SF. Its homey vibe reminds me of the little trattorias in Italy. The menu has something for everyone - primi, secondi, salads, desserts. I've been going to Il Borgo for years now and the waitress always makes me feel at home. The pastas are homemade and delicious. I've tasted a number of things on the menu and my favorites are the gnocchi, spaghetti carbonara (the most authentic I've found in SF), the insalata al'Borgo, and the chicken saltimbocca. Order a glass of the house wine, relax, and pretend you're in a cozy trattoria on a quiet side street in Venice. Note: It is cash only, but there's an ATM in the restaurant. Pros: amazing food, cozy atmosphere more

This place is not much to look at from the outside, but inside, it has murals on each wall and is filled with the warm smell of authentic Italian food. I haven't ordered too many different dishes, but I can definitely vouch for the pesto gnocchi, which is amazing. The bread is also great, and the wine is cheap (now served by the glass). Know before you go: Cash only. Pros: Great Food Cons: Uninviting outside area more

This place is pretty mediocre, not sure why the other reviews are so glowing. The pizza crust, homemade bread and sauce is good but the pizza as a whole was just OK and the pasta was a little undercooked.. overall nothing to write home about. It's pretty cheap but still at that price there are better options. Pros: Decent ambience Cons: Parking more

I bought my friend to this tiny jewel of a restaurant after reading about this place. The food reminded me of my travel to Italy. The antipasto misto is highly recommended. I had the penne with mushroom and sausage with red sauce and it lived up to my expectation. My friend had the artichoke ravioli which he really loved. We will surely be back for more! Pros: Food, Service Cons: Parking, Cash Only more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Although it is often overlooked by many italian- seeking diners, it should not be. It is one of the best in the city - rising about the average North Beach fare. They have only home-made fresh pasta (dry pasta is cheaper, but lacks much in flavor and texture), which the pair w. exquisite sauces and fillings. The decor reminds me of the Italian scene from the disney cartoon ""Lady and the Tramp"" - but in a good way! It embodies that New York Italian ambiance, which we don't get much of here on the west coast. With the candles that have melted all over themselves for years, and the red and white checkered table clothes and fake brick facade, its charming - and you feel right at home when you walk in. I highly recommend this place! go now! Pros: Wonderful Food, Charming waitress, Rustic feel Cons: location more

Returning to Il Borgo each week is like returning home to the embrace of your family. The homemade pasta melts in your mouth and the service is genuinely warm and friendly. It's owned and run by an Italian family who takes care and pride in their food and its presentation. Become a regular, and they make you feel you're a member. Pros: Tasty, romantic, reasonably priced more

After searching and searching for yummy reasonably priced place to eat before heading out the opera, I finally stumbled upon this great place! I grew up in Sopranos neighborhood eateries, and I've been disappointed with the flavor in a lot of the Italian food in the bay area. This place, however, definitely compares with the best of them!! Remember to bring cash, but if you forget, there's an ATM in the back. more

This is a really, really tasty little place in Hayes Valley. Great service, excellent food and very charming. As perfect a date restaurant as it is a casual meal with friends. Go, get the lasagnette. Oh yeah, homemade bread and one of the best sauces in town. more

When you can have it. Start with romantic ambience, add unique imported organic wine, to compliment one of the many delicious dishes and who could ask for anything more?those homemade pastas and specialty sauces? Thanks Il Borgo for making our evening; one to never forget! Pros: affordable, unique Cons: saterday reservations more

Amazing pizza, lasagnetta was also amazing. very highly recommended, my favorite restaurant in hayes valley. reasonably priced for hayes valley, especially if 2 ppl share a pizza. more

Delicious food, great service and very nice people. The only drawback is that they only take cash, but they have an ATM in the restaurant if you are short. The penne puttenesca is wonderful! Pros: Food is wonderful, Great Atmosphere Cons: Only take cash, Limited seating more

Best Italian food in the City - wonderful service every time and pleasant people. Pros: Inexpensive, Wonderful Food, Friendly Service more

In a city full of good Italian choices (and we've tried many of them), Il Borgo stands out. Flavorful, authentic cuisine; a warm, quiet atmosphere; and friendly, professional service all combine to offer you and your's a perfect dining experience. We've been looking for a new, permanent destination since an old favorite haunt closed last year -- after months of sampling the City's best, we've finally found it. Pros: Great Atmosphere, Excellent Cuisine, Attentive Staff more