Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at Piccolo Forno in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood.

Nestled on Columbus Avenue, Piccolo Forno invites you to experience a casual neighborhood trattoria where every dish bursts with genuine homemade taste. Their lively menu features freshly made pasta, vibrant salads, and soulful Italian classics that cater to food lovers seeking both tradition and innovation in the heart of San Francisco.

starters

Begin your meal with a selection of vibrant salads that showcase fresh, carefully paired ingredients. The Caesar Salad is a classic, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. For a peppery twist, the Arugula Salad highlights peppery arugula and authentic Sardinian pecorino cheese. Indulge in the Burrata Salad, where luscious burrata cheese meets prosciutto and arugula for a luxurious bite. Other fresh options include the Greek Salad with feta, olives, and red onions, the Caprese Salad boasting mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, and the Bresaola Salad combining cured bresaola meat with arugula and shaved Parmesan.

mains

At the heart of Piccolo Forno’s menu lie their handcrafted pasta dishes, made fresh daily. Dive into the Penne All'Arrabbiata, a fiery delight with penne pasta tossed in a spicy marinara sauce infused with garlic and red chili flakes. The Fettuccine Alfredo offers a creamy balance with tender chicken and Parmesan cheese. Rich and comforting, the Spaghetti Con Polpette Di Manzo features spaghetti paired with juicy beef meatballs in a savory beef ragu sauce. For lovers of classic Roman flavors, the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara combines guanciale, eggs, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper for an indulgent experience. Other standout mains include Pappardelle Al Ragù with broad pasta ribbons and rich beef ragu, the earthy Ravioli Ai Funghi made with homemade ravioli stuffed with portobello mushrooms bathed in a cream sauce enhanced by truffle oil, and the decadent Ravioli Di Aragosta featuring lobster-filled ravioli in a delicate pink sauce. For a comforting vegetarian option, Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina delivers soft potato gnocchi baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. The Ravioli Di Zucca features butternut squash ravioli with browned butter and sage, while Linguine Al Pesto offers fresh linguine tossed in vibrant pesto and Parmesan. The Penne Piccolo Forno is a house specialty combining penne pasta with eggplant, mozzarella, basil, and marinara sauce. Finally, the Bucatini Amatriciana presents bucatini pasta with tomato sauce, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Seafood lovers can indulge in Spaghetti Alle Vongole Veraci with Manila clams, white wine sauce, garlic, and parsley. Cheese enthusiasts will enjoy the Ravioli Ai 4 Formaggi filled with a blend of four cheeses and topped with tomato sauce.

desserts

Conclude your meal with Piccolo Forno’s celebrated desserts. Known for their exceptional cannoli, topped with a sophisticated blend of grapefruit and cherry, these treats are a unique twist on an Italian classic. Their desserts promise a sweet finish that perfectly balances tradition and creativity.

drinks and specials

To complement your dining experience, Piccolo Forno offers a curated selection of wine and beer, chosen to harmonize beautifully with their Italian fare. Whether you prefer a robust red with your ragu or a crisp white with seafood pasta, their beverage menu enhances every bite. The casual trattoria ambiance with colorful contemporary décor and outdoor seating makes it an ideal spot for groups, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed yet refined meal in San Francisco.