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Piccolo Forno
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Piccolo Forno
7.7
Casual trattoria serving thin-crust Italian pizzas alongside pastas and salads. Friendly service and fair checks make it a solid, lower-key alternative on Columbus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto e Arugula, Funghi, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Straightforward Italian pies at approachable prices on Columbus.
Who should go: Casual date nights and small groups
When to visit: Early dinner before the evening stroll crowds
What to order: Prosciutto-arugula; funghi; classic margherita
Insider tip: Ask for a window table to watch the Columbus Ave foot traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Columbus Ave, especially after 6pm. Best bet is the North Beach Parking Garage on Vallejo and Stockton, about a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual attire is fine—jeans and T-shirts are common, but a neat casual look fits the trattoria setting.
Noise level: Moderate – lively during dinner but still possible to hold a conversation comfortably.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pizzas and pastas are vegetarian-friendly, including margherita and funghi pies.
Vegan options: Limited – can make some pizzas vegan by omitting cheese, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free dough, though salads and select antipasti can work for gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s relaxed and unpretentious, ideal for an easygoing first date with good food and casual energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially before 6:30pm or during weekday lunches.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families frequent the spot. There’s seating for small groups, and kids tend to enjoy the simple margherita and pasta options.
Best For
Better for: More affordable and less crowded than nearby sit-down Italian spots like Calzone’s or Tony’s; friendlier service with a true trattoria feel.
Skip if: You’re seeking wood-fired Neapolitan pies or a more romantic atmosphere—Il Casaro or Tony’s Slice House fit those better.
Piccolo Forno
8.1
Cozy neighborhood spot on Columbus turning out thin-crust pizzas alongside pastas and Roman-leaning bakes. Friendly service, reasonable checks, and steady execution make it a quieter alternative to the marquee names.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Crudo pizza, Margherita, Pinsa Vegetariana
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Under-the-radar Columbus Avenue pizzeria with attentive, neighborly service.
Who should go: Families seeking a calmer sit-down
When to visit: Weeknights before 7:00 for easy seating
What to order: Prosciutto Crudo; Margherita; Pinsa Vegetariana
Insider tip: Call ahead for outdoor seating when weather’s good.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Columbus and nearby side streets; fills quickly after 6pm but easier around 5pm or after 9pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners dress slightly upscale for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz of conversation and background music, but still easy to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous pizzas and pastas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but customizable veggie toppings available.
Gluten-free options: Partial—no gluten-free pizza dough, but some pasta dishes can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for a relaxed and cozy vibe without the noise or crowd of larger spots. The lighting and pace make it easy for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights, but weekends often fill up by 6:30pm. Calling ahead for small groups is smart, especially for outdoor tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—servers are patient with families, and kids often enjoy splitting pizzas or pasta. Space is limited, so strollers are better folded or left outside.
Best For
Better for: Quieter, more personal service and relaxed pacing compared to the high-profile pizzerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking late-night dining or a full vegan menu—other North Beach spots may suit better.
Piccolo Forno
7.8
Compact trattoria turning out Roman-leaning thin pies and house pastas. Friendly service and steady baking make it a reliable, unpretentious option on Columbus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Crudo, Funghi, Diavola
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Straightforward thin-crust pizzas baked for balance and snap.
Who should go: Casual dates and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Walk in for early dinner before the rush
What to order: Prosciutto crudo; funghi; diavola
Insider tip: Ask for a light-sauce bake if you prefer extra crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots along Columbus can be tight after 6pm, but nearby side streets open up after dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a button-down or nice tee fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but not loud, easy enough for conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though a few tables may fill quickly around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and pastas feature vegetables or cheeses only.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pizza or simple pasta with tomato sauce.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free dough, but lighter pasta dishes may work for moderate sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's cozy, affordable, and feels authentic without being too formal. Ideal for relaxed conversation over shared dishes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most nights, yes if you arrive early. After 7pm on weekends, expect a short wait; bar seating sometimes opens up first.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids—staff are friendly and the menu familiar, though the tight layout isn’t ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back, neighborhood-style pizza nights where comfort and friendly service matter more than flash.
Skip if: You’re seeking experimental toppings, large-group seating, or deep-dish pies—this is a cozy Roman-style operation.