Why San Francisco for pizza?
San Francisco has Neapolitan, New York, Roman, sourdough-crust, Detroit, and Sicilian pizzerias, and most of them cluster in three neighborhoods (North Beach, the Mission, and SoMa). Here are ten to know, with a note on what each one is doing differently.
1. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana sits at 1570 Stockton St in North Beach, a 10-minute drive from Union Square. Run by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, the restaurant operates seven ovens and sources ingredients directly from Naples for its Neapolitan pies. The Margherita is precise and balanced, while the Cal Italia with fig and prosciutto offers a more complex take on tradition. Pizzas range from $20 to $35.
2. Del Popolo
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Located at 855 Bush St in Nob Hill, just half a mile from Union Square, Del Popolo turns out wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with chewy, blistered crusts. The Bianca combines ricotta, mozzarella, and house-made sausage, and the cozy garden patio provides a break from the dense neighborhood. Expect to pay $16 to $24 per pizza.
3. Montesacro Pinseria
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Montesacro Pinseria occupies a compact space at 510 Stevenson St in SoMa, just eight minutes on foot from Union Square. This restaurant specializes in Roman pinsa, an airy flatbread made with a century-old dough recipe that produces a noticeably different texture from traditional pizza. The Montanara tops it with mozzarella, mushrooms, and truffle oil for $18 to $25. If you want to branch beyond Neapolitan and New York styles, this is the spot.
4. Square Pie Guys
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Square Pie Guys at 1077 Mission St in SoMa serves Detroit-style pizza with crispy, caramelized edges that many people hunt for specifically. The 6×8 pepperoni pie arrives with 48 distinct pepperoni cups that char in the oven, creating smoke and flavor. The restaurant also handles vegan and gluten-free versions. Pizzas cost $20 to $30.
5. Pizzeria Delfina
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Pizzeria Delfina at 3611 18th St in the Mission District blends Neapolitan and New York approaches with seasonal toppings that rotate through the year. The Salsiccia with fennel sausage and peppers delivers real spice and depth, and the charred crust amplifies the wood-fired flavor. Loud, family-friendly room. $15 to $22 per pie.
6. Flour + Water Pizzeria
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Formerly Yellow Moto, Flour + Water Pizzeria at 702 Valencia St in the Mission now operates as an upscale Neapolitan pizzeria. The Hawaiian incorporates chili crisp for heat, while the cacio e pepe pie focuses on cheese and black pepper for simplicity. Both showcase technical skill and quality ingredients. Prices range from $18 to $26.
7. Pizzetta 211
Pizzetta 211 occupies a tiny storefront at 211 23rd Ave in the Richmond District, a 20-minute drive from downtown. The restaurant crafts small, thin-crust “pizzettas” featuring whatever seasonal ingredients are available, whether asparagus in spring or short rib in fall. The constantly rotating menu keeps regulars coming back. Pizzettas run $15 to $20.
8. A16
A16 at 2355 Chestnut St in the Marina District prepares southern Italian pies with seasonal toppings like hen of the woods mushrooms. The Salsiccia pairs fennel sausage with broccoli rabe in a straightforward combination that works well. Pizzas cost $18 to $24. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends.
9. Golden Boy Pizza
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Golden Boy Pizza has operated at 542 Green St in North Beach since 1978, serving thick, fluffy Sicilian squares from a small counter. The clam and garlic pie is worth trying if you want something bolder than pepperoni. Slices cost $3.50 to $5.
10. Outta Sight Pizza
Outta Sight Pizza at 422 Larkin St in the Tenderloin makes New York-style slices with crusts that fold cleanly without breaking. The pepperoni slice showcases what proper heat and grease distribution should look like, and E-40 bobbleheads scattered around add local character. Slices cost $4 to $6, or grab a whole pie for $20 to $30.
Tips for eating pizza in San Francisco
Lunch and early dinner have shorter waits than peak evening service at popular spots like Tony’s or Del Popolo. Reservations are essential at sit-down restaurants like A16 or Flour + Water, especially on weekends. Slice shops are walk-in. Getting around the city is straightforward with Muni, cable cars, or walking between neighborhoods.