San Francisco’s Chinatown is famous for its heritage, colors, and great food. Although it is renowned for its dim sums, noodles, as well as other oriental meals, Chinatown and the surrounding areas have some of the best pizza establishments. Whether you are a tourist or a traveler who is in a hurry or just searching for a place to sit, here are some of the most recommended restaurants that offer the famous or infamous pizzas or pies in or around Chinatown, San Francisco.
Golden Boy Pizza
Overview
The pizzeria is known as Golden Boy Pizza, a legendary eatery based in North Beach close to Chinatown. This family owned joint opened its doors in 1978 and it features as one of the places that provide some of the most satisfying pizzas in San Francisco. Thanks to their thick Sicilian-style slices, Golden Boy appeals not only to the night owls that need some quality pizza to sober up but also families who want a quick bite.
Menu Highlights
– Clam & Garlic Pizza: A fan favorite, this pizza is a savory combination of garlic butter, mozzarella, and fresh clams.
– Pesto Veggie: For vegetarians, this slice loaded with pesto, mushrooms, onions, and olives is a must-try.
– Sausage Pizza: Packed with robust flavor, their sausage pizza offers a spicy kick.
Vibe
Golden Boy is known for its laid-back atmosphere, with bar stools and standing counters. The vibe is casual, making it a great spot for a quick slice or a takeout order.
Location
– Address: 542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133
– Proximity to Chinatown: Just a 5-minute walk from Chinatown’s main gates.
READ ALSO: 5 Cheap Hotels in Chinatown, San Francisco
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Overview
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is a celebrated pizzeria by Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion. Located just outside Chinatown in North Beach, it offers a wide variety of pizza styles, including authentic Neapolitan, Sicilian, and New York-style pies. Tony’s is renowned for its quality ingredients and mastery of various pizza styles.
Menu Highlights
– Margherita Napoletana: Cooked in a 900-degree wood-fired oven, this pizza won the World Pizza Cup in Naples, Italy.
– Detroit Style: For those who love a thick, cheesy, crispy crust, the Detroit-style pizza will satisfy your cravings.
– New York Style: Their take on the classic New York slice is a perfect balance of tangy sauce, mozzarella, and a chewy crust.
Vibe
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana has a cozy, yet vibrant atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a popular spot, so there’s often a wait, but it’s well worth it for the experience.
Location
– Address: 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
– Proximity to Chinatown: Located about 2 blocks from Chinatown, making it a convenient stop.
North Beach Pizza
Overview
North Beach Pizza is another classic spot close to Chinatown that has been serving quality pizzas for decades. With a reputation for large portions and fresh ingredients, this pizzeria is a go-to for those craving hearty Italian-American fare.
Menu Highlights
– North Beach Special : A local favorite loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions.
– Veggie Pizza: A great choice for those looking for a lighter, vegetable-heavy pie with zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
– Calzone: Their calzones are massive, stuffed with gooey cheese and your choice of fillings.
Vibe
The vibe at North Beach Pizza is casual and family-friendly. It’s a great place for both dine-in and takeout. Their large portion sizes make it perfect for groups or families.
Location
– Address: 1462 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
– Proximity to Chinatown: Just a short walk from Chinatown’s core, North Beach Pizza is easy to get to for a quick lunch or dinner.
Il Casaro Pizzeria
Overview
Il Casaro Pizzeria situated at outskirts of Chinatown and North Beach attracts customers interested in genuine Italian Pizza. Focusing on Neapolitan-style pies, Il Casaro emphasizes the utilisation of fresh ingredients and a wood fire oven.
Menu Highlights
– Margherita D.O.P. :It is the traditional Neapolitan pizza prepared using San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil.
–Salsiccia e Friarielli: Italian sausage and wild broccoli are used in this pizza; and while it has a savory taste, the broccoli brings a bitter sensation.
– Diavola: A spicy option featuring spicy salami, tomato sauce, and mozzarella.
Vibe
Il Casaro has a business-like but comfortable atmosphere and the interior of the restaurant looks rather contemporary. It’s also a good place if you want to dine more slowly as it’s perfect for dates and hangouts with friends.
Location
– Address: 348 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
– Proximity to Chinatown: Just a few blocks from Chinatown, Il Casaro is easily accessible and perfect for a sit-down meal.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
Overview
Another pizza place worth visiting in Chinatown is the Slice House by Tony Gemignani. This casual restaurant offers New York style slices and square cut pies, so visitors will find different types of pizzas of the same quality as in Tony Gemignani’s flagship pizzeria.
Menu Highlights
– Grandma Pie: A thick, square-cut slice with a delicious garlic-heavy sauce and mozzarella.
– Pepperoni Slice: This is a traditional New York style pepperoni slice with crisp crusting on the sides but puffy in the middle where the cheese is molten and the corners of the pepperoni are crispy.
– Roman Style Pizza: Light, crispy, and topped with high-quality ingredients like prosciutto and arugula.
Vibe
Slice House is a place where one can grab food quickly or even at night. Readers should note it is a little less formal than Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, with standing counters and outdoor dining included.
Location
– Address: 1535 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
– Proximity to Chinatown: Located in North Beach, just a few steps from Chinatown’s border.
Conclusion
Although today people speak about Chinese food when they mention Chinatown, it is crucial to understand that it also offers excellent pizza places; moreover, it is situated near North Beach. From the thick slices in Golden Boy to the Napoletana pies at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, it has something for every pizza enthusiast. No matter what your appetite calls for, be it a traditional New York slice, or a nice, Italian-style dinner, these five pizzerias are sure to fill your cravings when you are in Chinatown, San Francisco.
In another related article, 5 Best Cheap Eats Restaurants in Chinatown, San Francisco