Stray from the tourist-heavy North Beach corridor that is Columbus Avenue, and you may happen upon a cozy establishment known as Trattoria Contadina. The modest interior gives the place a good friendly Ma-and-Pa vibe, though the white tablecloths and formal-ish waitstaff better reflect the caliber of the dining experience.

There's nothing too surprising about the food at Trattoria Contadina. It's straightforward, honest fare with authentic Italian styling. True to form, meals are prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients. A solid menu of antipasti, salads, homemade pastas and secondi piatti has been attracting locals and tourists to this casual spot since 1983. The folks at Contadina are doing something right.

- Excerpt from Trattoria Contadina, More Than Meets the Eye by Mandy Kemp