Remember when you were a kid and you would make the argument that pizza was one of the healthiest foods because it included all the food groups? That might have been a serious stretch, but we're still arguing for pizza as a regular at lunch and dinner. Heck, leftover pizza is good for breakfast, and we'll stand behind the claim.
See also: The 6 Best Italian Restaurants In San Francisco
Next time you're in the mood for some seriously-good 'za, try one of the city's top-tier pizzerias. Whether you're looking for deep dish Chicago slices, square Detroit deliciousness, thin-crust perfection in the New York tradition, or something wood-fired and elevated, these eight pizza spots are the best of the best in San Francisco.
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3193 Mission St.; 415-296-6351 / Website
If you’ve never tried Detroit-style pizza, change that today. Deep pan crust is smothered in delicious tomato sauce, gooey cheese and delectable toppings, then cut into healthy square slices. It’s instantly lovable, especially when paired with a cellarmaker beer at this Mission favorite. Turn heads with the bratwurst pie of mozzarella, tomatoes, house-made bratwurst, bacon-apple chutney, sauerkraut and beer mustard; or keep things classic with a regular red top, pepperoni or a veggie supreme. Round out your order with snacks like creamy Brussels sprouts, cucumber and peanut, or a house Caesar salad—and seriously, don’t sleep on the beer because Cellarmaker is also a brewery.
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855 Bush St.; 415-589-7940 / Website
Del Popolo pizzeria started as a roaming food truck, but people flocked to its Neapolitan-style slices so frequently, the owners had no choice but to open a brick-and-mortar shop. These pies are naturally-leavened, wood-fired and oh-so delicious. Enjoy a traditional marinara, margherita or bianca; or get a bit frisky with flavors including winter squash, roasted maitake mushroom and potato. Leave room for dessert and choose from Basque-style cheesecake, apple zeppoli or tiramisu. You can still find the original truck roaming the streets, but a visit to the Lower Nob Hill location lets you dine in true Italian style—by taking your time!
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641 Vallejo St.; 415-986-8998 / Website
This speakeasy-style Italian restaurant tucked between Stockton and Vallejo Streets is all about serving top-tier pizza with lots of variety. Sure, they deliver Detroit and Chicago-style ‘za, but among those come choices of deep dish, cast iron pan, stuffed and cracker-thin crust. The Chicago-style pies are made with Ceresota Flour, shipped in from one of the oldest mills in the Windy City. Capo's also makes in-house Calabrese sausages and fresh mostaccioli and ravioli pastas. Food is serious around here, but the vibes are fun and casual, so come and have your fill.
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2347 3rd St.; 415-829-8999 / Website
Pizza is supposed to be fun, and Long Bridge Pizza Co. is making sure everyone who comes to its Dog Patch digs feels comfortable and leaves with a smile. Lifelong buddies Neal DeNardi and Andrew Markoulis are cooking up thin-crust sourdough pies influenced by east coast, Italian and SF styles. They also offer beefy sandwiches and locally-brewed beer on tap. Every Monday, you can come through with your crew to take part in Square Mondays and get a Destroit-style pizza in a variety of rotating specials.
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2769 Lombard St.; 415-936-8308 / Website
A real family operation, Pizzeria Avellino delivers New York-style slices and pies with classic sides including garlic cheese bread, housemade meatballs, salads, sandwiches and more. House pizza flavors include meat lovers, cheese please, and fun styles like the Fuggedaboutit with Italian salami, black olives and red onions. There's a special Lombard Pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms and black olives, but it turns out the most popular is the Veggie Jackson with mushrooms, black olives, red onion and arugula.
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3299 Mission St.; 415-874-5585 / Website
As you may have guessed, this pizza shop also doubles as a bagel bakery, which can only mean the owners are serious about their breads—or in pizza terms, crusts. Chow down on some wood-fire baked masterpieces, including the top shelf margherita, forbidden fruit Hawaiian, the meatballer, the Yo Vinny! with marinated onions, Mama Lil's pickled goat horn peppers, and house-made hot Italian sausage. We also love the Rocket Man with arugula, garlic, fresh mozzarella, Vital Farms egg, lemon juice and chili paste. Looking for a slice? Try a square instead!
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2401 Harrison St.; 415-826-7000 / Website
A Mission classic, Flour and Water blends Italian traditions with northern California style to craft an elevated yet casual dining experience. The pasta and dinner plates are magnifico, but the pizza is a time-honored favorite of returning customers. This place keeps it traditional with margherita, salumi, pomodoro and salsiccia pies. Pair that with a glass of fine wine, and you're in business. At press time, the restaurant is underground renovations, but you can still order online and check out its sister restaurant, Penny Roma.
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3104 24th St.; 415-824-1840 / Website
Ain’t no fancy tricks or high-brow business here. If you’re looking for an easy, classic, New York-style slice or pie, The Pizza Shop in the Mission is a must try. This crust is the name of the game at this traditional pizzeria. Go all in on a white spinach slice, white mushroom pizza, pepperoni and mushroom, a plain white and more. Yes, they serve vegan options!
Want more fun with your food? Try this recipe to make your own delicious pizza, or let the professionals cook and try one of our favorite sushi spots in San Francisco.
Photography by: Getty
