Why San Francisco for Pizza?
From sourdough crusts to hyper-seasonal toppings, San Francisco’s pizza reflects its diverse food culture. With no single “signature” style, the city offers a global array of pies—Neapolitan, New York, Roman, and more. Many top spots are near tourist hubs, making it easy to grab a slice between sightseeing. Let’s dive into the best pizza places to visit this year!
Our Top 10 Pizza Picks in San Francisco
These ten restaurants deliver unforgettable flavors, perfect for locals and visitors craving a memorable meal.
1. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
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Location: 1570 Stockton St, North Beach (1.5 miles from Union Square, 10-minute drive)
Why It’s Great: Run by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, Tony’s is a pizza pilgrimage site. Its Neapolitan pies, made with Naples-sourced ingredients and baked in seven ovens, are legendary. The Margherita is flawless, but the Cal Italia with fig and prosciutto steals hearts.
Vibe & Price: Lively, family-friendly; pizzas $20-$35
2. Del Popolo
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Location: 855 Bush St, Nob Hill (0.5 miles from Union Square, 10-minute walk)
Why It’s Great: Near Union Square, Del Popolo’s wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas shine with chewy crusts. The Bianca, with ricotta, mozzarella, and house-made sausage, pairs perfectly with the cozy garden patio—an urban escape.
Vibe & Price: Upscale, intimate; pizzas $16-$24
3. Montesacro Pinseria
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Location: 510 Stevenson St, SoMa (0.4 miles from Union Square, 8-minute walk)
Why It’s Great: Montesacro introduces Roman pinsa—light, airy flatbread with a century-old dough recipe. The Montanara, with mozzarella, mushrooms, and truffle oil, is a flavor-packed treat. Ideal for those seeking a unique twist.
Vibe & Price: Trendy, rustic; pinsas $18-$25
4. Square Pie Guys
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Location: 1077 Mission St, SoMa (0.6 miles from Union Square, 12-minute walk)
Why It’s Great: Detroit-style pizza lovers flock here for crispy, cheesy edges. The 6×8 pepperoni pie, with 48 spicy cups, is a social media star. Vegan and gluten-free options keep it inclusive.
Vibe & Price: Casual, modern; pizzas $20-$30
5. Pizzeria Delfina
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Location: 3611 18th St, Mission District (2.5 miles from Union Square, 15-minute drive)
Why It’s Great: This Mission gem blends Neapolitan and New York styles with seasonal toppings. The Salsiccia, with fennel sausage and peppers, is a must. Its charred crust and lively vibe make it a foodie favorite.
Vibe & Price: Bustling, family-friendly; pizzas $15-$22
6. Flour + Water Pizzeria
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Location: 702 Valencia St, Mission District (2.3 miles from Union Square, 15-minute drive)
Why It’s Great: Formerly Yellow Moto, this upscale spot serves Neapolitan pies with flair. The Hawaiian with chili crisp adds a spicy kick, while the cacio e pepe pie is a cheesy masterpiece. Perfect for a chic pizza night.
Vibe & Price: Stylish, airy; pizzas $18-$26
7. Pizzetta 211
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Location: 211 23rd Ave, Richmond District (5 miles from Union Square, 20-minute drive)
Why It’s Great: This tiny gem crafts “pizzettas”—small, thin-crust pies with seasonal toppings like asparagus or short rib. The ever-changing menu keeps it fresh, ideal for intimate meals.
Vibe & Price: Cozy, romantic; pizzettas $15-$20
8. A16
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Location: 2355 Chestnut St, Marina District (2.7 miles from Union Square, 15-minute drive)
Why It’s Great: A16’s southern Italian pies feature seasonal toppings like hen of the woods mushrooms. The Salsiccia, with fennel sausage and broccoli rabe, is a crowd-pleaser in a lively, upscale setting.
Vibe & Price: Vibrant, sophisticated; pizzas $18-$24
9. Golden Boy Pizza
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Location: 542 Green St, North Beach (1.4 miles from Union Square, 10-minute drive)
Why It’s Great: A North Beach icon since 1978, Golden Boy serves fluffy Sicilian squares. The clam and garlic pie is a bold, delicious choice for quick bites or late-night cravings.
Vibe & Price: Retro, casual; slices $3.50-$5
10. Outta Sight Pizza
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Location: 422 Larkin St, Tenderloin (0.7 miles from Union Square, 15-minute walk)
Why It’s Great: This Tenderloin spot nails New York-style slices with foldable, crispy crusts. The pepperoni slice, with smoky cups and orange grease, is perfection. E-40 bobbleheads add quirky charm.
Vibe & Price: Chill, urban; slices $4-$6, pies $20-$30
Tips for Enjoying Pizza in San Francisco
- Timing: Hit lunch or early dinner to skip peak crowds, especially at Tony’s or Del Popolo.
- Reservations: Book ahead for sit-down spots like A16 or Flour + Water, particularly on weekends.
- Pairings: Pair pies with local beers or Italian wines for the full experience.
- Transport: Use Muni, cable cars, or walk to navigate neighborhoods easily.
Conclusion
San Francisco’s pizza scene is a delicious tapestry of styles and flavors. From Tony’s world-class Neapolitan to Golden Boy’s Sicilian squares, there’s a pie for everyone. Elevate your visit with a skipthebus.com tour—book today and savor the city’s best!
