SF Eating: North Beach

La Dolce Vita it is. As the city's Italian heritage lives on, North Beach holds allure for locals and tourists alike. With its high density of ristorantes, cafes, delicatessens and lively bars and nightclubs, it is ideal for both, a leisurely afternoon or a night on the town.
The long line is worth the brunch that awaits you at Mama's on Washington Square. Don't miss the Monte Cristo, eggs Benedict, house-made jams and 10 types of French toasts made with sourdough baguettes, banana bread or wheat bread.

Combine munching on wood-fired pizzas or calzones with people watching at the upbeat bistro-cum-trattoria, Calzone. The Stinking Rose: A Garlic Restaurant is a tribute to garlic. Be ready for a dining experience with a pungent twist as you sample specialty dishes such as bagna calda and garlic ice cream. At the popular espresso bar Caffe Puccini, the pasta menu is a fairly new addition. Their hearty marinara sauce is worth your visit. In the triangular-shaped Trattoria Pinocchio, savour a glass of Pinot Grigio Cesari with one of their many house-made pastas like the Gnocchi Enzo which is served with a rich gorgonzola sauce.
Need a java boost? Head to Caffe Greco and enjoy your cappuccino with some lip-smacking-good tiramisu.
North Beach has its share of non-Italian food as well, like for example, the adjoining restaurants, Citizen Thai and Monkey Noodle Bar. The chic Citizen Thai, reminiscent of a Buddhist temple, serves an impressive roasted duck curry in a hollowed pineapple and a tantalizing soft shelled crab while The Monkey Bar offers street treats like noodles and stir-fries.

Pics: wsisf.com, members.virtualtourist.com, planetware.com