Bocconcino, which only opened in 2024, has a lived-in, old-school charm that could go toe-to-toe with 120-year-old Sodini’s right next door. There may not be white tablecloths or checkered floors, but the Tuscan spot still feels like a North Beach institution in the making, with vintage Italian and San Francisco memorabilia lining the walls, servers finishing plates with tableside parmesan and black pepper, and regulars hugging the staff before showing off photos from their kid’s graduation. It’s the kind of place where the owner may briefly interrupt your meal to tell a story or surprise you with a glass of something he likes. Most nights, there will be couples on dates, consulting the staff on which bottle of Toscana will go best with the day’s special pasta. As for what you're eating, we suggest focusing on the primi and secondi sections of the menu—maybe something like a spaghettini burrata and any of the daily fish specials—as portions are generous and outmatch the antipasti. But skipping the cheesecake-esque tiramisu for dessert is not allowed. Also important to note: Bocconcino gets booked out on weekends, so try to make a reservation at least a few days in advance. And if you’re planning on walking in, don’t be daunted by the full dining room—there’s another one with plenty more space in the back.