Diners frequent this corner eatery for pasta and seafood dishes served in a lively setting imbued with Italian flavor.

by Lorraine Sanders

In Short
Located on a heavily trafficked block in the heart of North Beach, this classic café is a logical stop for city visitors exploring the neighborhood. Stained-glass lamps and faux Greco-Roman statuary populate the casual dining room, which offers ideal people watching through large windows that overlook the bustling sidewalk outside.

11/28/06

simple but satisfying

by audreyjl

This place is nothing too special, but i was pleased with it. We were looking for a simple, yummy italian place and this totally hit-the-spot. I had the pasta bolognase and liked it, my friends were all pleased with their pasta and seafood as well. The appetizer was super fresh and their house wine was tasty. The service was very friendly and felt like a nice family atmosphere. The endless gummy bears at the end were cute too. Everything was very reasonably priced and the atmosphere was nice.

• Pros: low price, classic tasty italian
• Cons: nothing too special

11/17/06

Very average

by blkestin

Unless a bowl of all-you-can-eat gummy bears defines a good restaurant, I'd say you can find much better options in North Beach. Yes, the service is smiley and friendly. And yes, you get a free gigantic bowl of gummy bears and a plateful of yummy almond cookies at the end of your meal. But...the food is extremely average (shrimp scampi) - maybe even disappointing (the minestrone). The prices are very reasonable, but I would rather spend a little bit more and have better food. Obviously, you need to weigh the trade-offs for yourself. I almost feel bad giving this place an average review because everyone was very nice and friendly...but the fact is the food is just not that great. You deserve better.

• Pros: Friendly service, free gummy bears
• Cons: Appetizers, entrees, even the olives were average at best

07/21/06

Best Italian in the City!

by bythevines

This has been my favorite restaurant in the City for years. The ambiance is wonderful and with the family-style seating you feel like part of a big Italian family. The food is out of this world and the almond cookies and gummy bears are a nice treat at the end of a wonderful meal. You must try it!

• Pros: Price, Ambience and Service
• Cons: Parking

01/15/06

Great Gnocchi's

by danyelle76

The best gnocchi's I have ever had. Didn't touch the gummi bears due to reading reviews prior to visiting. I went on a Saturday night and it was not too crowded. Great staff. A little bright and noisy. Great prices. Will visit many times in the future.

• Pros: Food, Prices, location
• Cons: Very bright lights, noise

05/28/03

Artistic? Nah, just good Food!

by howudoinsf

I've been to Michelangelo Caffe about 8 times over the last several years. It's cheery walls and colorful tiffany lamps hung over the dining area are fun. The food is very simple Italian, good home-made pasta and gnocchi, large appetizers and cheap red wine at reasonable prices. I always get the linguine with baby clams and shrimp in a tomato-cream sauce, delish. Service is prompt due to long lines. There's always a lot of noise and activity in the cramped quarters. At the end, the complimentary almond cookies and gummy bears are a good way to end the night. A fun and casual spot on Broadway

• Pros: Homemade Pasta, Free Gummy Bears!
• Cons: Longish Lines, Noisy

10/20/02

Go for the gummy bears

by kallista

Nice place to get a tasty and inexpensive Italian meal. I came here the first time with my husband to grab something quick before a show, and we really enjoyed our dinner. Pasta's tasty, lots of cheese, and not overcooked. And it's always fun to see the big bowl of gummy bears at the end.

09/27/02

that's amore!

by carrieobrien

Sublimly sauced, moderately priced, popular (check out the line!) and filling trattoria--go early to beat the crowd!

• Pros: menu, service, prices
• Cons: tight space

06/06/02

Wonderful

by aless_faria

I have been a customer of Michelangelo for years and i still enjoy the food and the friendly staff very much! But what I really look foward to are the sweet treats that get passed around from table to table... it is a nice way to finish up a wonderful and pleasant dinner!