6 Best Restaurants in The Bay Area, California

Bay Area residents could debate for days about who truly makes the region's greatest pasta, but this Rockridge shop and restaurant from pasta whisperer Michele Belotti is more often than not on that short list. It's a perfect blend of traditional and comforting with modern influences. Soft potato gnocchi is joined by a Bolognese sauce made of six meats, while wild boar sugo is soaked with grappa and sangiovese wine, then served with tagliatelle. It's not unheard of to see more pasta dishes on a table than diners around it.

In business since 1964, La Ginestra—named for the flowers that grow on Mt. Vesuvius, in the owners' homeland—is a Mill Valley institution renowned for its no-pretense, family-style Italian meals and impressive wine list. The Sorrento Bar, off the dining room, serves up a delectable array of bar bites, pizzas, and sweets to enjoy while sipping wines and cocktails.

Some of Oakland's finest chefs have come through the ranks of this locally renowned eatery that anchors Market Hall in the Rockridge neighborhood. The elegant upstairs dining room serves a daily menu of high-caliber Italian cuisine, while the downstairs marketplace café and bar offers everything from a morning espresso to pizza or a full-blown Italian meal.

A coastal dining stop between San Francisco and Monterey, this casual upscale restaurant serves farm-to-table Italian dishes in a spacious setting complete with a full bar and lounge. It's a great spot for family dinners and date nights, but the dining room can get noisy on evenings when musicians play live music in the bar.

Busy D'Angelo's is known for its authentic and fresh pastas; there are even gluten-free options. Another draw is the scene, especially in the lounge area, which hosts a lively cocktail hour in a traditional trattoria setting. The sprawling space encompasses a bright front room, romantic booths, and a warm patio.

Live music and dancing complement Tuscan seafood and pasta specialties here and make the Seahorse one of Sausalito's most spirited supper clubs. Sample an abundant antipasti menu and homemade gnocchi on outdoor patios or enjoy the band inside with a seafood pasta or lasagna classica.