North Beach Pizza
San Francisco
When you happen to be on the west coast. Particularly, in North Beach San Francisco, it is unavoidable that you get some north beach pizza.
There are so many great spots in north beach. So how do you know which one of these spots to go for?
That’s why we are here, as we continue our series of blog posts about getting the best experiences possible outside of the home.
Today we tackle north beach pizza and where to go in order to have the best experience.
As we mentioned previously, San Francisco California is home to some great pies.
North Beach has long been one of the top tourist destinations in the west coast, and pizza is one of the reasons for it.
Our goal is to give you a general guideline of the best places to go to, whether you are a local or just a tourist passing by.
While is it is true that San Francisco does not have the pizza appeal that New York and Chicago count with.
They are still growing quite rapidly! Let’s take a look.
chapter1
North Beach Options
Let’s start off with perhaps the most well-known north beach pizza restaurant around not only California but the entire United States.
This would be Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Naturally, as it’s name inclines, Tony’s is famous for Neapolitan style dishes.
People flock to Tony’s Pizza in search of the Margherita style that was a world cup pizza winner in Naples in 2007.
The Margherita dish is so demanded, that Tony limits it to roughly over 70 per day.
Furthermore, this excellent restaurant will give you lots of variety, with dish styles that go all the way from New York to Italy itself.
In particular, these styles include Classic American and Italian, Sicilian, Romana, New York, Gluten-free, and Napoletana of course. They are open every day except Tuesdays, up until 11 pm.
Hence, you can get a pie pretty late in the day. They also have gluten-free options! Something that not many places in general offer.
Additionally, this place is quite impressive, they have on display 7 different types of baking ovens. These include electric, gas, wood fire, coal, etc.
As well as having a full bar that includes some Italian and California wines. This is definitely a place to go if you are in north beach.
All in all the large variety in what you can get will only cause you the problem of having to make a decision on just what to try.
chapter2
Cotogna
Cotogna is a bit more expensive, as it advertises itself as a higher-end pie.
However, they have some great wood-fired styles.
Additionally, the pies in this restaurant change with the seasons.
They like to think their restaurant as a rustic Italian place that offers more diversity than any other restaurant in the area thanks to their ever-changing menu
Furthermore, they are located in Jackson Square, a very historic area of San Francisco.
They are also vegetarian-friendly and have gluten-free options.
They have a pretty late schedule as well, being open until 11 pm on Friday and Saturdays, until 10:30 pm during the week, and until 9:30 pm on Sundays.
The place is very popular so getting a reservation on short notice might be hard.
Therefore, unless you plan far ahead we suggest you give yourself ample time if you are going to walk in.
On the other hand, you will be pleasantly surprised by the non-pizza items such as eggplants and kinds of pasta.
They make sure to complement the pies with an adequate menu that will make your experience that much richer.
chapter3
Golden Boy Pizza
This restaurant focuses on Sicilian style dishes.
The internal design is beautiful, with plenty of local artwork from local north beach artists.
You can get whole pies or get it by the slice in New York style. Mainly, make sure you understand that this is essentially a walk-up counter.
One of the popular items is the clam item.
Nevertheless, the main benefit of this place is that it is open until 2:30 am on Friday and Saturdays!
While maintaining a still incredible 11:30 opening hour on the other days.
Therefore, this is the perfect place for post parties or pregame meals. They are built to deal with long lines and therefore move really quick.
It is excellent pan pizza to have whether you are simply passing by on the rush, or want to try some of the best north beach pizza available.
Generally speaking, this is not a high-end place, so you can expect to find pretty affordable prices compared to some of the other places we are talking about on this post.
They serve 5 different styles of Sicilian pizza named the San Francisicilian style by the locals.
Furthermore, it’s been open since 1978, so you can rest assured that the prestige comes from years of selling great pizza.
This is definitely a must-go-to spot.
chapter4
North Beach Pizza
We can’t possibly leave this one out of the post! A spot suited for its name, North Beach pizza delivers on its name with some great options.
They are a bit different from some of these other spots in that they are also open for breakfast.
Namely, they open at 9 am every day while closing at 10 pm Sunday through Thursday.
Furthermore, to make sure they cover all their areas, they are open Friday and Saturday until 2:30 am. So whether you are an early bird or a party animal, this place will have something on the menu for you.
They have an extensive menu that includes everything chicken wings to Pesto sauce pizza.
Additionally, they also have a gluten-free option for those pizza lovers who need more specificity.
If you are an avid pizza lover, then you definitely will pass by North Beach Pizza. They have some pies named after the area.
However, they are better known for takeout and delivery more than anything else.
Nevertheless, there are other places which will definitely give you a truer experience.
chapter5
Il Casaro Pizzeria and Mozzarella Bar
Rated #2 on TripAdvisor’s’ top 10 pizza places in north beach San Francisco, this north beach restaurant is the real deal.
They specialize in making sure they make all your pies with the freshest ingredients possible
They also make sure to give excellent customer service, making sure you get first-class treatment whether you spend 20 USD or 200 USD.
Be mindful that there can be a little bit of a wait to sit down.
Particularly, if you go during the weekend.
One of the highlights of the menu is without a doubt the margarita style, considered by the locals one of the tops in the area.
They are open 11 am to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday, and from midday to midnight on Friday and Saturdays.
So if you are looking for a place where you can get a late meal, look no further.
Additionally, it is a very casual place so you do not have to worry about having to look the part no matter what time of the day you go in.
If you are looking for reservations, be mindful that they might have limitations for reservations up until a certain time of the day.
Hence, make sure you call ahead and ask.
More importantly, don’t want to take our word on customer service?
They even have a vegan section on their menu. Not many of these north beach pizza restaurants can say the same.
Often times, when we talk about making pies at home as the ultimate solution.
We bring up the fact that you cannot accommodate certain needs at restaurants.
We can honestly say this is one of the few places in north beach restaurants that will probably be able to accommodate any need.
Make sure you take a look at Il Casaro if you are in north beach.
chapter6
Tony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Slice House
Tony’s coal-fired pizza is a pinnacle example of various options when it comes to these dishes.
Despite being in California, they specialize in two types of styles, New York-style, and New Haven-style.
And, if you’ve read our city pizza post, you’ll know that these cities are at the top of the food chain when it comes to great options.
Generally speaking, the goal is to get these styles in a true coal-fired baking oven.
The pies here are 16-inch pies with a regular thickness. You will find that the pie is a bit chewy but a crust that will please all those who are avid fans.
When it comes to their New York style, they make sure to have large “by the slice” options to emulate the New York day to day business.
However, it is important to note that the prices per slice may be a bit more expensive than what you are normally used to if you live in other parts of California or even in the States.
This places prices to tourist. Nevertheless, you will not be disappointed.
Also, note that there is no beer served at this place.
Therefore, if your idea of pizza is to go along with a nice drink, you might try one of the other spots on this list.
If you enjoy New York-style dishes or never been to New Haven, then this north beach pizza restaurant is perfect for you.
They will make sure you do not regret your decision. So stop by and get a slice!
chapter7
Capo’s
Opened by the same Tony from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.
This North Beach pizza restaurant focuses on creating authentic Chicago style dishes.
Furthermore, they have 4 types of crusts: Cast Iron pan, Cracker thin, stuffed, and deep dish.
The location gives you an old school look, playing tribute to Chicago.
Additionally, each of the previously mentioned 4 crusts consist of ceresota flour from Chicago.
Their signature dish is the quattro Forni pie which is only limited to 10 times a day.
Namely, this is due to the fact that it takes a very detailed preparation that takes up quite a bit of time.
Some of the other noteworthy dishes are the house made calabrese and sweet fennel sausages.
On the other hand, they also have wood-fired baked pasta. On the other hand, they have a very big selection of whiskeys.
So if you are somebody who likes to have some whiskey with your meal, this is the place for you.
Please bear in mind, that this place is good for a sit-down occasion.
Therefore, if you are trying to just pick up something quick to go(even though they do offer takeout), it might not be the best place to do so.
Which is why they only open as of 4:30 pm most days, while opening up at 5:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Bear in mind that if you are driving to this place, it might be a bit of a struggle to find parking.
So make sure you plan ahead if you made some sort of reservation.
Additionally, the place also includes a bar where you can sit as well if the wait for a table is too long.
chapter8
Piccolo Forno
A very cozy intimate place, Piccolo Forno does not carry some of the fame that some of these other north beach pizza restaurants have.
Nevertheless, it is a great little restaurant that you will enjoy.
They offer you slices for on the go, in New York style. But, more importantly, they offer personal pies.
Furthermore, if you wish to for example, bring your own bottle of wine to serve with your pizza, they will happily oblige.
They also have other things on the menu besides pizza, such as lasagna grilled vegetable sides.
The main point with this place is that it is a very casual place to pick up something quick to eat.
More importantly, this place is very affordable.
Therefore, if you happen to be a tourist on a budget, this is the perfect place to stop by.
You’ll get great north beach pizza without opening up a hole in your pocket.
They are open from 11 am to 10 pm, so you can grab a bite until pretty late.
Similarly, they are open every day except Tuesdays.
Additionally, they also have options not only for vegetarian eaters but for vegans as well, making it a pleasant experience for everybody.
chapter9
Carmel Pizza Company
This north beach pizza restaurant focuses on wood-fired styles. It is great location for a date, or for a small gathering.
You have the benefit of being able to sit inside, or in the outside with heat lamp seating.
Take note of the fact being in a touristic area, the pizza here(like in some of the other spots on this post) can be a bit more pricey.
Nevertheless, it is a great place to eat. On the other hand, the schedules need to be managed.
Meaning, the latest they are open is 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays while closing at 8:30 pm on the rest of the week.
Moreover, they are very strict on these closing times, cutting off customers from ordering a bit before the closing day.
Additionally, despite being a bit small location-wise, they still do not allow outside food, or modifications to orders even if you are willing to pay for them.
Speaking of topics, you will find that the pizza is very thin-crusted here.
So if thin crust pizza is what you love this place will feel right at home.
Therefore, make sure you plan accordingly in order to have enough time to eat as much as you’d like.
On the other hand, the place is very well situated, right off the sidewalk by Fisherman’s Wharf.
Summary
All in all, it is undeniable that being in this part of California, and not getting some north beach pizza is a mistake.
There are plenty of places to go to, depending on your taste and your budget.
Whether you are a tourist with a big budget or a small budget it won’t matter.
There are plenty of options for both. Whereas if you are a local, there are plenty of spots to choose from. And, you can go through them slowly.
Nevertheless, you should use these experiences to motivate yourself(if you have not done so already) to make pizza at home.
We still believe that the best pizza you can have is one that you cook yourself.
Don’t believe us? Give our family pizza post a go, as well as our pizza stone 101.
And, see if maybe that’s something you would be interested in down the line. After all, we are all avid gourmet pizza lovers.
We hope you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave us any comments and questions on the section below.
And, don’t forget to read our blog for more interesting pizza reads such as this one.