Best of 19 lunch restaurants in North Beach
When it comes to dining, North Beach in San Francisco boasts a vibrant food scene. If you're looking for a fantastic lunch spot in this Italian-American neighborhood, you'll be delighted to find a variety of options. From cozy trattorias serving up authentic pasta dishes to contemporary eateries offering farm-to-table fare, "lunch restaurants in North Beach" truly have something for everyone. Indulge in mouthwatering sandwiches, soul-warming soups, or fresh salads, all while soaking in the area's rich history and charm.
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- 1. Cassava in North Beach
- 2. North Beach Gyros
- 3. Sotto Mare
- 4. Original Joe's
- 5. Bocconcino
- 6. North Beach Cantina
- 7. Flour + Water Pizzeria
- 8. Red Window
- 9. The Stinking Rose
- 10. Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach
- 11. North Beach Pizza - Downtown SF - Catering
- 12. California Fish Market Restaurant
- 13. Le Sandwich
- 14. Tony's Pizza Napoletana
- 15. Mona Lisa Restaurant in North Beach
- 16. Mama's On Washington Square
- 17. Sodini's Trattoria
- 18. Il cilentano
- 19. Belle Cora
1. Cassava in North Beach
Seasonal California cuisine, extensive wine list, dog-friendly patio.
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Cassava is a popular coffee shop and bakery known for its friendly service and high-quality coffee from Ritual Roasters. In addition to coffee, they offer a variety of light lunch options such as quiche, sandwiches, soup, and a tasty curry beef puff. The baked goods, although sourced from a semi-freddi bakery, are also a highlight at Cassava.
The establishment is particularly known for its perfectly cooked creamy burrata, sea trout, and BBQ pork ribs. Visitors also rave about the tasty egg waffles, lemon panna cotta, and croissants. Cassava is a great spot for those looking for a casual meal or coffee break with excellent service and delicious offerings.
Cassava is a popular coffee shop and bakery known for its friendly service and high-quality coffee from Ritual Roasters. In addition to coffee, they offer a variety of light lunch options such as quiche, sandwiches, soup, and a tasty curry beef puff. The baked goods, although sourced from a semi-freddi bakery, are also a highlight at Cassava.
The establishment is particularly known for its perfectly cooked creamy burrata, sea trout, and BBQ pork ribs. Visitors also rave about the tasty egg waffles, lemon panna cotta, and croissants. Cassava is a great spot for those looking for a casual meal or coffee break with excellent service and delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
2. North Beach Gyros
Family-owned restaurant serving Mediterranean and Greek cuisine
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I recently tasted the most authentic hummus, which had a distinct tahini aftertaste. The rice contained chickpeas, and I had the best salad dressing I've ever tried in my life. The local café is a fantastic addition to North Beach, and I have been enjoying their salad gyro plate.
The café has a casual and bright atmosphere with sunny corner windows providing excellent views of people passing by. The welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal spot for locals who want to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Overall, the new café is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood, serving exceptional food and a warm, inviting ambiance to customers.
I recently tasted the most authentic hummus, which had a distinct tahini aftertaste. The rice contained chickpeas, and I had the best salad dressing I've ever tried in my life. The local café is a fantastic addition to North Beach, and I have been enjoying their salad gyro plate.
The café has a casual and bright atmosphere with sunny corner windows providing excellent views of people passing by. The welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal spot for locals who want to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Overall, the new café is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood, serving exceptional food and a warm, inviting ambiance to customers.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- American Cuisine
3. Sotto Mare
Fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and outstanding servings
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The restaurant offers several pasta dishes, including cioppino with pasta and seafood pasta. Some reviewers have praised the pasta for its good seasoning and perfectly cooked texture, while others have criticized it for having an overpowering amount of white cream sauce or being skimpy. It is recommended to reserve a table in advance as the restaurant can get busy. Walk-in customers may have to wait for a table, but they can pass the time at the bar. The restaurant has implemented proper COVID measures to ensure the safety of their customers.
I decided to visit the restaurant after seeing it on a must-try list. The overall experience was positive, and I would recommend making a reservation as it can get crowded. My party and I waited for around 30 minutes to be seated at the bar. The restaurant has taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their customers amidst the pandemic. The food is on the pricier side, but it is worth it for seafood lovers.
The restaurant offers several pasta dishes, including cioppino with pasta and seafood pasta. Some reviewers have praised the pasta for its good seasoning and perfectly cooked texture, while others have criticized it for having an overpowering amount of white cream sauce or being skimpy. It is recommended to reserve a table in advance as the restaurant can get busy. Walk-in customers may have to wait for a table, but they can pass the time at the bar. The restaurant has implemented proper COVID measures to ensure the safety of their customers.
I decided to visit the restaurant after seeing it on a must-try list. The overall experience was positive, and I would recommend making a reservation as it can get crowded. My party and I waited for around 30 minutes to be seated at the bar. The restaurant has taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their customers amidst the pandemic. The food is on the pricier side, but it is worth it for seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Original Joe's
Historic location since 1937, famous for its neon sign and retro decor
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Original Joe's is a restaurant that provides excellent food and service along with a welcoming atmosphere. The bar area is particularly known for its hospitality and generosity. In terms of seating, the booths in the restaurant are ideal for people-watching.
When it comes to Italian cuisine in San Francisco, Original Joe's in the North Beach location is a top choice. Its location is perfect and lively, making it a great spot for people of all ages. Although the hostess may come across as snobby regarding table time limits, the wait staff and food more than make up for it.
Original Joe's is a restaurant that provides excellent food and service along with a welcoming atmosphere. The bar area is particularly known for its hospitality and generosity. In terms of seating, the booths in the restaurant are ideal for people-watching.
When it comes to Italian cuisine in San Francisco, Original Joe's in the North Beach location is a top choice. Its location is perfect and lively, making it a great spot for people of all ages. Although the hostess may come across as snobby regarding table time limits, the wait staff and food more than make up for it.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
5. Bocconcino
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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6. North Beach Cantina
Authentic Mexican food, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere
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The drink menu at this establishment features a variety of options at affordable prices, with the mango margarita being a popular choice among customers. The drinks are refreshing and delicious, providing a satisfying experience for patrons.
Upon arrival, the staff greets customers with warmth and friendliness. The beer is chilled, the cocktails are enjoyable, and the tacos are delicious. With an unpretentious atmosphere, this establishment creates a welcoming environment for patrons, leaving them eager to return for more.
The drink menu at this establishment features a variety of options at affordable prices, with the mango margarita being a popular choice among customers. The drinks are refreshing and delicious, providing a satisfying experience for patrons.
Upon arrival, the staff greets customers with warmth and friendliness. The beer is chilled, the cocktails are enjoyable, and the tacos are delicious. With an unpretentious atmosphere, this establishment creates a welcoming environment for patrons, leaving them eager to return for more.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
7. Flour + Water Pizzeria
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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8. Red Window
Cozy atmosphere with a red window view.
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Red Window is a charming restaurant known for its delightful dining experience. The interior is beautifully designed, and there are two seating options for guests: indoors or in the lovely outdoor area. The menu offers a variety of delectable dishes, with the lamb pasta and smoked salmon crostini being clear standouts. The restaurant's attentive service and willingness to accommodate special requests from the chef contribute to a memorable meal.
Initially, we had only planned to have one drink before our dinner reservation, but we couldn't resist ordering the patatas bravas. Upon tasting the dish, we were blown away by the unique preparation of the potatoes and ended up ordering bruschettas as well. Although the bill was a bit pricey for the amount of food we received, we felt that the quality of the dishes made up for it.
Red Window is a charming restaurant known for its delightful dining experience. The interior is beautifully designed, and there are two seating options for guests: indoors or in the lovely outdoor area. The menu offers a variety of delectable dishes, with the lamb pasta and smoked salmon crostini being clear standouts. The restaurant's attentive service and willingness to accommodate special requests from the chef contribute to a memorable meal.
Initially, we had only planned to have one drink before our dinner reservation, but we couldn't resist ordering the patatas bravas. Upon tasting the dish, we were blown away by the unique preparation of the potatoes and ended up ordering bruschettas as well. Although the bill was a bit pricey for the amount of food we received, we felt that the quality of the dishes made up for it.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
9. The Stinking Rose
Unique garlic-centric menu, famous for breaking garlic bulb records
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The sandwiches we tried, including the bacon and crab options, were decent but not exceptional. Disappointingly, we were charged an additional $2 for a few small pieces of lettuce on my son's hamburger when he requested it, which we found to be unnecessary and expensive.
On a positive note, overall, our experience was enjoyable and impressive. The atmosphere and service were commendable, making our visit a satisfactory one. However, the extra charge for lettuce on the hamburger was a minor drawback worth noting.
The sandwiches we tried, including the bacon and crab options, were decent but not exceptional. Disappointingly, we were charged an additional $2 for a few small pieces of lettuce on my son's hamburger when he requested it, which we found to be unnecessary and expensive.
On a positive note, overall, our experience was enjoyable and impressive. The atmosphere and service were commendable, making our visit a satisfactory one. However, the extra charge for lettuce on the hamburger was a minor drawback worth noting.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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10. Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach
Cash only, late-night hours, and famous celebrity visits
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Golden Boy Pizza is a popular pizzeria in San Francisco, famous for its delicious square slices. The garlic and clam slice is a must-try for every visitor, and in general, all their flavors are highly rated. Despite the often long lines of customers waiting to order, Golden Boy Pizza is considered to offer the best pizza in the city.
Visitors to Golden Boy Pizza should be prepared to wait in line, but the delicious pizza is worth it. The square slices, in particular, the garlic and clam flavor, are standouts. It's no surprise that this pizzeria is considered one of the best in San Francisco, as every slice is packed with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients.
Golden Boy Pizza is a popular pizzeria in San Francisco, famous for its delicious square slices. The garlic and clam slice is a must-try for every visitor, and in general, all their flavors are highly rated. Despite the often long lines of customers waiting to order, Golden Boy Pizza is considered to offer the best pizza in the city.
Visitors to Golden Boy Pizza should be prepared to wait in line, but the delicious pizza is worth it. The square slices, in particular, the garlic and clam flavor, are standouts. It's no surprise that this pizzeria is considered one of the best in San Francisco, as every slice is packed with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
11. North Beach Pizza - Downtown SF - Catering
Family-owned for over 30 years, with a wide variety of Italian dishes
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During a lunchtime visit, the pizza restaurant exceeded expectations with its delicious pizza and accommodating staff. Whether stopping by alone or with a group, this establishment makes for an excellent choice for a lunch break.
The pizza was a hit among a group of friends during a recent lunch outing. The fresh ingredients and comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant made for a positive dining experience. It is recommended to consider this place for a casual lunch gathering.
During a lunchtime visit, the pizza restaurant exceeded expectations with its delicious pizza and accommodating staff. Whether stopping by alone or with a group, this establishment makes for an excellent choice for a lunch break.
The pizza was a hit among a group of friends during a recent lunch outing. The fresh ingredients and comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant made for a positive dining experience. It is recommended to consider this place for a casual lunch gathering.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- High-End
- Vegan Options
12. California Fish Market Restaurant
Fresh fish delivered daily, waterfront views, and a lively atmosphere
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If you're looking for a delicious seafood platter, this is the place to go. The seafood platter features an array of fresh and expertly prepared seafood, making it an excellent choice for a lunch outing. You won't be disappointed with the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
In addition to the seafood platter, the crab linguini pasta is a standout menu item. It's rich, flavorful, and packed with succulent crab meat. If you're a seafood lover, this dish is a must-try. The pasta is cooked to perfection, and the combination of fresh crab and savory sauce is simply delicious. Overall, the lunch menu here is not to be missed, and both the seafood platter and crab linguini pasta come highly recommended.
If you're looking for a delicious seafood platter, this is the place to go. The seafood platter features an array of fresh and expertly prepared seafood, making it an excellent choice for a lunch outing. You won't be disappointed with the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
In addition to the seafood platter, the crab linguini pasta is a standout menu item. It's rich, flavorful, and packed with succulent crab meat. If you're a seafood lover, this dish is a must-try. The pasta is cooked to perfection, and the combination of fresh crab and savory sauce is simply delicious. Overall, the lunch menu here is not to be missed, and both the seafood platter and crab linguini pasta come highly recommended.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
13. Le Sandwich
Cozy French bistro atmosphere with excellent customer service.
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The writer found themselves craving a sandwich and happened upon a small sandwich shop in the early afternoon on a Friday. The sandwiches at this establishment are generously filled with meat and vegetables. The writer chose the Turkey Sandwich, which they found to be a satisfying choice, as it brought to mind the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving sandwich, particularly due to the inclusion of cranberry sauce.
In the writer's opinion, the sandwich they ordered ranks among the top five they have ever had. Specifically, they recommend trying the "Primo" option. Unfortunately, the exact content and components of the "Primo" are not described, but the writer's enthusiasm speaks to its quality.
The writer found themselves craving a sandwich and happened upon a small sandwich shop in the early afternoon on a Friday. The sandwiches at this establishment are generously filled with meat and vegetables. The writer chose the Turkey Sandwich, which they found to be a satisfying choice, as it brought to mind the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving sandwich, particularly due to the inclusion of cranberry sauce.
In the writer's opinion, the sandwich they ordered ranks among the top five they have ever had. Specifically, they recommend trying the "Primo" option. Unfortunately, the exact content and components of the "Primo" are not described, but the writer's enthusiasm speaks to its quality.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
14. Tony's Pizza Napoletana
9-time World Pizza Champion, unique coal-fired oven, authentic Neapolitan pizza
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Tony's Pizza offers a wide selection of delicious food, with a focus on their award-winning pizza. Their Napoletana style pizza is a standout, featuring a thin crust and fluffy end. Among their pizzas, the Margherita pizza is particularly noteworthy, prepared with red sauce, generously sized mozzarella cheese chunks, and whole basil leaves.
In addition to their pizza, Tony's Pizza boasts a wine menu that features both California and European wines, providing a range of options for customers to pair with their meal. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for a great pairing, Tony's Pizza has something for everyone.
Tony's Pizza offers a wide selection of delicious food, with a focus on their award-winning pizza. Their Napoletana style pizza is a standout, featuring a thin crust and fluffy end. Among their pizzas, the Margherita pizza is particularly noteworthy, prepared with red sauce, generously sized mozzarella cheese chunks, and whole basil leaves.
In addition to their pizza, Tony's Pizza boasts a wine menu that features both California and European wines, providing a range of options for customers to pair with their meal. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking for a great pairing, Tony's Pizza has something for everyone.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
15. Mona Lisa Restaurant in North Beach
Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and excellent food
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The Mona Lisa Restaurant offers an extensive menu with a wide variety of options, including many pasta dishes and delicious starters. Some reviewers rave about the flavorful and delicious food, while others find it lacking in taste or think it is bland. Despite this discrepancy in reviews, the restaurant's homemade pasta is consistently praised for its great taste. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and historic ambiance add to the overall dining experience.
The attentive staff at Mona Lisa Restaurant is known for providing fast and efficient service. They make sure your water glass is never empty and attend to your needs promptly. The comfortable and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the delicious food and attentive service, makes for a satisfying dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for pasta or something else from the extensive menu, Mona Lisa Restaurant is a great choice for a cozy and enjoyable meal.
The Mona Lisa Restaurant offers an extensive menu with a wide variety of options, including many pasta dishes and delicious starters. Some reviewers rave about the flavorful and delicious food, while others find it lacking in taste or think it is bland. Despite this discrepancy in reviews, the restaurant's homemade pasta is consistently praised for its great taste. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and historic ambiance add to the overall dining experience.
The attentive staff at Mona Lisa Restaurant is known for providing fast and efficient service. They make sure your water glass is never empty and attend to your needs promptly. The comfortable and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the delicious food and attentive service, makes for a satisfying dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for pasta or something else from the extensive menu, Mona Lisa Restaurant is a great choice for a cozy and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Corporate Events
16. Mama's On Washington Square
Family-owned trattoria with a charming patio
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Anticipation built as we were warned about long queues outside Mama's, a reputed breakfast spot in San Francisco. However, our wait was minimal due to the city's quietness caused by Covid-19 concerns. We waited outside for 5 minutes, giving us enough time to decide on our order. Upon entering, we placed our order and paid upfront.
Our expectations were surpassed once we tasted the food. Mama's offered a fresh, quick, and delicious meal that reflected a lot of love and care in every dish. The experience was certainly worth the wait, with a line down the block serving as our first indication of the breakfast spot's reputation. Early arrival and a hearty appetite are recommended as the portions are generous.
Anticipation built as we were warned about long queues outside Mama's, a reputed breakfast spot in San Francisco. However, our wait was minimal due to the city's quietness caused by Covid-19 concerns. We waited outside for 5 minutes, giving us enough time to decide on our order. Upon entering, we placed our order and paid upfront.
Our expectations were surpassed once we tasted the food. Mama's offered a fresh, quick, and delicious meal that reflected a lot of love and care in every dish. The experience was certainly worth the wait, with a line down the block serving as our first indication of the breakfast spot's reputation. Early arrival and a hearty appetite are recommended as the portions are generous.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
17. Sodini's Trattoria
Family-owned since 1985, hidden gem in North Beach
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The gnocchi Gorgonzola at this Italian restaurant is exceptional, with a rich and creamy sauce that is truly delightful. The portion is generous, and they were kind enough to serve it on two plates for us. The ambiance of the restaurant is dark and cozy, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
The service at this restaurant is another highlight, with a friendly and attentive server who added to the overall dining experience. The garlic bread and meatballs are also highly recommended as appetizers. The hubby's tortellini carbonara received rave reviews, while the lasagne was described as authentic and delicious. Overall, this restaurant serves up delicious comfort food that is sure to satisfy.
The gnocchi Gorgonzola at this Italian restaurant is exceptional, with a rich and creamy sauce that is truly delightful. The portion is generous, and they were kind enough to serve it on two plates for us. The ambiance of the restaurant is dark and cozy, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
The service at this restaurant is another highlight, with a friendly and attentive server who added to the overall dining experience. The garlic bread and meatballs are also highly recommended as appetizers. The hubby's tortellini carbonara received rave reviews, while the lasagne was described as authentic and delicious. Overall, this restaurant serves up delicious comfort food that is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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18. Il cilentano
Family-owned since 1996 with a warm and inviting atmosphere
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Il Cilentano is a charming restaurant, located in the core of Little Italy and North Beach. It serves delicious and freshly prepared Italian cuisine, with generous portions that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. The gnocchi is a standout menu item, described as a cloud-like delight melting in one's mouth, and is best enjoyed with a side of bread for a satisfying meal.
The restaurant is popular for its charismatic owner and chef who offer excellent wine recommendations. Il Cilentano is open late into the night, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere, suitable for a late-night snack or a traditional Italian dining experience.
Il Cilentano is a charming restaurant, located in the core of Little Italy and North Beach. It serves delicious and freshly prepared Italian cuisine, with generous portions that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. The gnocchi is a standout menu item, described as a cloud-like delight melting in one's mouth, and is best enjoyed with a side of bread for a satisfying meal.
The restaurant is popular for its charismatic owner and chef who offer excellent wine recommendations. Il Cilentano is open late into the night, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere, suitable for a late-night snack or a traditional Italian dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
19. Belle Cora
Cozy, welcoming atmosphere with knowledgeable staff.
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Belle Cora is a San Francisco restaurant known for its charming atmosphere and excellent outdoor seating area. The venue is suitable for both casual evenings and special events, and it offers a variety of services including delicious catering, a friendly environment, and reasonable prices.
The restaurant's outdoor space is a highlight, featuring live music performances and a comfortable setting. In addition to the great ambiance, Belle Cora serves delicious food and wine, and the staff is welcoming and relaxed. It's the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family, while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Belle Cora is a San Francisco restaurant known for its charming atmosphere and excellent outdoor seating area. The venue is suitable for both casual evenings and special events, and it offers a variety of services including delicious catering, a friendly environment, and reasonable prices.
The restaurant's outdoor space is a highlight, featuring live music performances and a comfortable setting. In addition to the great ambiance, Belle Cora serves delicious food and wine, and the staff is welcoming and relaxed. It's the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family, while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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