A Taste of Italy in San Francisco

Last year we hosted a homesick friend who'd transplanted herself back to the States after a near lifetime in Europe. San Francisco excels at curing the international blues, by way of cultural immersion. The city's trattorias and caffes can throw you into a time and space warp, making you believe you're actually traveling . . . or back home, as it were.

Martha Bakerjian, About.com's Guide to Italy Travel compiled some of her favorite Italian hangouts in San Francisco -- including caffes, bakeries, restaurants and cultural venues. She splits her time between Italy and California, bringing the best of this duality to her excellent suggestions.

Take a look at Italy in San Francisco -- and feel the pain if you can't be at Greco nursing a Grande.

• Italy in San Francisco
• About.com Guide to Italy Travel