Although not in North Beach, we LOVED Jackson Fillmore, which is on the corner that the restaurant is named for, and is in Nob Hill.

Jackson Fillmore is very good. It's actually in Pacific Heights and not Nob Hill in case you are trying to find it on a map...

the locals know that pizetta 211 (for great pizettas!) and mescolanza are two great italian options. remember, not all good italian is in north beach! l'ottavo in nob hill is also a great choice.

the richmond restaurant and wine bar is also a delicious option, and it's on balboa near 8th. make sure you have a reservation for this one.

myth downtown is a new (opened in the past year) restaurant, and it's a french/american mix. i've never been, but most of my friends rave about it.

also check out delfina in the mission!

fleur de lys is one of my favorites, just be prepared to roll yourself home afterwards!

mmmm...I think you are right, LoveItaly and tpp. Makes me want to finagle a little trip to SFO somehow. I swear, I've never had pasta like that and it really was the pasta of the ravioli, not the filling.

I really like some of the items (not all) at Da Flora in North Beach, but it's been ayear since I've been over.

Dovima and Stu: I live right near (30th St.) Incanto and it's been closed in the evening as of last week. They can't possibly be closed, right? Perhaps I've just walked by during their holiday closing or on Mondays?

FWIW I like Chez Papa too, but I've always had really cute waiters so...?

Too many restaurants, too little time!

Thanks everyone. I will report on our dining experiences when I return. We are not going until March; I just like to research and plan.

My favorite place to eat in San Francisco is L'Osteria del Forno in North Beach. 519 Columbus, between Union and Green. When I'm in town, I try to go on Friday afternoon for lunch, since it's always such a long wait for a table (there are only about 10 tables) in the evening. One of the specials on Fridays is pumpkin-stuffed ravioli ($13). It's truly a superb dish. The tiramisu is so fantastic, I've been spoiled for any other preparation of the dessert.

For me and SF Italian food, there is L'Osteria del Forno, and then there's every place else.