In a charming brick courtyard near the corner of Jackson and Battery streets, The Jackson Place Cafe sits tucked away from the main hustle of downtown San Francisco. Owner Giovanni Airaghi, who’s from Milan, brings Italian sensibilities to California cuisine, creating something that feels both familiar and distinct. The cafe welcomes dogs throughout its outdoor seating area, which is where you’ll want to be anyway on a decent day.

When you arrive with your dog, the staff brings out water bowls without being asked. They’ll offer treats too, though your dog might be more interested in watching the foot traffic pass through this little courtyard. The brick walls and casual setup make it feel like a spot where locals actually hang out, not somewhere designed for the Instagram crowd. You can order from the counter and settle in at one of the tables while your dog adjusts to the surroundings.

The menu leans California-Italian, which means you might find fresh pasta alongside vegetables from local farmers markets. They serve Sightglass coffee, which is solid if you’re just stopping by for caffeine and a pastry. The food isn’t cheap—this isn’t a grab-and-go situation—but the courtyard location and willingness to accommodate dogs makes it worth the detour if you’re exploring the Financial District or heading toward the waterfront.

The courtyard itself is the real draw. It’s quiet enough that you can actually hear a conversation, unusual for this part of the city. On foggy mornings the brick courtyard has a particular charm, and on clearer days there’s plenty of shade from the surrounding buildings. Jackson Street itself gets busy, but once you’re in the courtyard you’re mostly separated from the noise. Come early if you can, as the small space fills up quickly during lunch.