The Mona Lisa, San Francisco

We stopped in here for lunch and had a basic cheese pizza and a bottle of Chianti. Friendly waiters, not too pricy. Oh and the ceiling looks cool, as you can sort of see in the pic.

Favorite Dish: The best thing was the "Sicilian candy." When we asked the waiter what it was he just started laughing and asked if we like garlic. We do, a lot, so he said it would be perfect. The "candy" turned out to be a big bowl of roasted garlic cloves! They are really good when you scoop them up on some chewy bread with a little olive oil. And you will not get really terrible garlic breath since the cloves are not raw.

North Beach used to be famous for it's topless dancers and strip joints. (Remember Carol Doda?) Today the Italian community has reclaimed its right to the place and it feels like stepping into little Italy. You'll know you're there by the Italian flags on the light posts. Pick a restaurant. You can't go wrong. Sit indoors or out. It's one of those places to linger and watch the world go by around you. How Italian is that?

Favorite Dish: This photo was taken from my car while I was waiting at a signal. The waiters beckoned to us to make a U-Turn and come have a bite or a vino. My favorite place is Pinnochios. They have fantastic fried calamari and the eggplant parmasean isn't bad either!

The Mona Lisa is the best Italian restaurant is SF. It is authentic Italian fare. The food was great but the waiters are even better!!!
Very reasonable prices for dinner.

Favorite Dish: Eggplant parmesean was delicious. Sourdough garlic bread complemented every meal.