Bay Area Pizza Joints With Perfect Pies
San Francisco's culinary reputation extends far beyond its renowned fine dining scene and innovative farm-to-table restaurants. Hidden throughout the city's diverse neighborhoods are pizza joints that rival the best pies found anywhere in America. Whether you're craving a classic New York-style slice, a Detroit-style square pie, or something uniquely San Franciscan, these outstanding pizzerias deliver perfect pies that will satisfy any pizza lover's deepest cravings. Join us on a delicious journey through the city's most exceptional pizza places!
Pizzeria Avellino
Pizzeria Avellino transports diners straight to Naples with its commitment to traditional pizza-making techniques that have been refined over centuries. Their carefully selected ingredients and hybrid of New York and Sicilian styles ensure each pie maintains the authentic flavors that make each a legendary variant. The intimate dining room, with its rustic Italian décor and open kitchen, creates an atmosphere that feels transported from a family-run pizzeria in the old country.
2769 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Sabrosa Pizza
Locals’ favorite Sabrosa Pizza represents the best of California's innovative approach to pizza-making, combining locally sourced ingredients with creative flavor combinations that push traditional boundaries while respecting the fundamentals of great pizza. Their commitment to organic, locally-sourced ingredients shines through in seasonal specials that may be unpredictable, but are always delicious. The casual neighborhood atmosphere encourages lingering over great food and upbeat conversation, making it a favorite among San Franciscans who appreciate both exceptional eats and community gathering spaces.
4124 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118
Square Pie Guys
Square Pie Guys is San Francisco’s place to go to experience the distinct joy of Detroit-style pizza — with its rectangular shape, thick focaccia-like crust, and signature caramelized cheese edges that create the coveted "frico" effect. Their blue steel pans, sourced from Motor City suppliers, create the authentic cooking environment necessary for achieving the style's characteristic crispy bottom and airy interior. Don’t miss their signature Spicy Pepperoni, loaded with both cupping and shredded pepperoni, pickled jalapeño, an irresistible vodka sauce and real Wisconsin brick cheese that crisps beautifully around the edges.
845 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Chico’s Pizza
Chico’s Pizza has earned its reputation as a beloved neighborhood institution through years of consistent quality and generous portions that keep locals returning week after week. Their New York-style pizzas achieve the perfect balance between crispy and chewy, topped with a robust tomato sauce and high-quality mozzarella that stretches beautifully with each bite. The San Francisco specialty pie pits a distinctly Bay Area twist on the timeless recipe, with Canadian bacon, olives and feta cheese. Chico’s commitment to generous servings and reasonable prices makes it a go-to destination.
131 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Piccolo Forno
Piccolo Forno elevates pizza-making to an art form through meticulous attention to every detail. Their namesake compact oven creates intense heat that produces pizzas with perfectly charred crusts and toppings that retain their individual character while melding harmoniously. Be sure to try the Funghi & Salsiccia pie (featuring house-made sausage, fresh mushrooms and slow-simmered marinara), which demonstrates how simple, high-quality ingredients can create transcendent flavors when handled with skill and respect.
725 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94133
Tony's Pizzeria Napoletana
Tony's Pizzeria Napoletana stands as perhaps San Francisco's most celebrated pizza destination, with owner Tony Gemignani's numerous world pizza championship titles serving as testament to the restaurant's exceptional quality. The restaurant features multiple ovens designed for a dozen different pizza styles, allowing them to execute authentic Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian, and coal-fired pizzas with equal mastery. Their Margherita pizza, certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana Association, represents the gold standard of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making. There are also New York-style offerings on hand to satisfy those craving larger, foldable slices. The bustling atmosphere and open kitchen here provide an excitement and energy that match the exceptional quality of the food, making every visit feel like a special occasion.
1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Il Casaro Pizzeria
Il Casaro Pizzeria operates as one of San Francisco's best-kept secrets, known primarily to Italian food enthusiasts and locals who've discovered their exceptional authentic preparations. Their commitment to house-made everything extends from their fresh mozzarella crafted daily to their cured meats and pickled vegetables that add complexity to their simple but perfectly executed pizzas. The menu’s biggest standout is the Quattro Formaggi pie, which serves up a perfectly balanced cheese symphony of mozzarella, goat cheese, asiago and gorgonzola, and is not to be missed.
348 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Pie Punks
Pie Punks brings a defiant rock attitude to pizza-making, with creative combinations and bold flavors that challenge conventional expectations — while still maintaining respect for quality ingredients and proper technique. Their "Waikiki Sneaky" pizza (topped with Spam, pineapple, and pickled jalapeños) represents their playful approach to flavor combinations, while their Spicy Mustard, featuring corned beef, Wisconsin brick cheese and sauerkraut, demonstrates their ability to execute complex flavors successfully. Despite the Punks’ unconventional approach, their fundamentals remain solid, ensuring that even their most adventurous creations succeed as great pizzas rather than just novelty items.
145 Second St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Golden Boy Pizza
Golden Boy represents old-school San Francisco pizza culture at its finest, serving Sicilian-style square slices from their North Beach location since 1978. Their focaccia-style crust achieves the perfect balance of crispy bottom and tender interior, while their robust tomato sauce and generous cheese application create the satisfying, no-nonsense pizza that has kept North Beach residents and visitors returning for decades. The "Combo" slice, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, onions and tomatoes, represents classic American pizza abundance, while their clam and garlic pizza offers a uniquely San Francisco interpretation that deserves your attention. Golden Boy’s late-night hours also make them a favorite destination for those seeking quality pizza after exploring North Beach.
542 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94133
Your Pizza Paradise Home Base
After exploring San Francisco's diverse pizza landscape, Hotel Caza provides the perfect base for your culinary adventures. Our central Fisherman's Wharf location offers easy access to pizza joints throughout the city. Our team can offer recommendations based on your preferences, help with reservations at popular spots, and suggest the best routes for pizza crawls that maximize your tasting opportunities. Then, after a satisfying day of pizza exploration, return to our comfortable accommodations where you can plan tomorrow's culinary adventures.
Ready to strike out on the ultimate San Francisco pizza tour? Check out Hotel Caza's special packages to plan your ideal excursion, and book your visit!
