There are so many good places to eat in SF. North Beach is where the Italian eateries are. La Vina, on Post I think, is a neat little restaurant located in a little boutique hotel. Try Sears for breakfast. A great local place a block from Union Square.
Scoma's! Its a little dicey with an 18-month old, but I am 6 for 6 for hitting Scoma's on a trip to SF. Superb food, service and a setp back to 40 years ago. Easy walk to Ghiradelli for desert afterwards.