If you’re going to go for the piadina, stick with the ‘classica’. It’s actually really good, though I’d agree with you on the others. Molinari’s is also dependent on the right sandwich combo.
I’ll strongly second Mario’s and Liguria across the park, if you can get there early.
Charbroiled burgers at Joe’s are excellent. Pro-tip: their hamburger steak is possibly the best I’ve ever had, period. Joe’s Special is a good lunch option as well.
Try the meatballs gigante with wild mushrooms, pancetta and cream sauce at Tony’s next time - along with their bucatini and spicy sausage for the ultimate comfort food. You’ll probably feel like taking a nap afterward!
Capo’s is fine but heavy and best to share family style. I’ve never tried their Italian subs, but I’m sure they’d be great for a quick lunch takeout.
Sotto Mare is also open for lunch. Most everything I’ve ordered off the menu has been excellent - cioppino is their specialty, but I often order a louie and a plate of sand dabs and you can never really go wrong with grilled sole.
In the evenings: Sodini’s Green Valley, Franchino, Da Emma, and Fior d’Italia are regular favorites. Tosca for upscale. Cafe Jacqueline for romantic date night (intimate French dining - butter lettuce or Belgian endive & roquefort salads, escargot, onion soup gratinee, delicious souffles-leek & lemon are my favorites). Baonecci used to be excellent but is best avoided now… I do still enjoy their pasta e fagioli, admittedly. I’ve read that ownership/management changed sometime in the last year or so. Too bad as I’d preferred their pizzas to Tony’s.
North Beach Gyro is absolutely terrible IMO.
