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Piccino
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Piccino
8.3
Dogpatch’s design-forward cornerstone (since 2006) turns out a polished, produce-driven weekend brunch on a sun-splashed plaza. Expect beautiful plates, espresso, and wood-oven offerings that photograph as well as they eat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polpette (Meatballs), Salsiccia Pizza, Burrata Pugliese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Seasonal Italian-leaning brunch with striking indoor-outdoor design.
Who should go: Design lovers who brunch on patios
When to visit: Sat–Sun 11am–noon for light and shorter waits
What to order: Polpette; salsiccia pizza; burrata with seasonal accompaniments
Insider tip: Check the adjacent coffee bar for pastries before your table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered but generally manageable in Dogpatch on weekends; nearby residential streets open up after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—think elevated brunch wear or relaxed weekend chic. Most guests dress well for photos but comfort is fine.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch rush; lively patio chatter but conversation remains easy indoors.
Weekend wait: Dinner service is lighter than brunch, but waits can reach 30–45 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—weekday lunch service moves quickly and feels calm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous seasonal veggie dishes and pizzas, clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—about two main options, but kitchen is accommodating with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza dough and salads available; handled with care though not a dedicated facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its airy, sunlit design and polished yet relaxed energy make it a charming first-date setting without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a 30–60 minute wait during peak brunch hours; outdoor seats open up faster if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids; spacious patio and nearby plaza give little ones room to move, but it’s not geared for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Design-conscious diners and weekend brunchers who appreciate beautifully plated, seasonal Italian fare in a bright, photogenic space.
Skip if: You’re after quick grab-and-go breakfast or heavy American-style brunch portions—service and pacing lean leisurely.
Piccino
8.6
Dogpatch mainstay (since 2006) pairing farm-driven small plates with hand-tossed pizzas in a polished, upbeat space. Flexible seating and attentive service make it a reliable sit-down option for families seeking a nicer night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Focaccia with seasonal spreads, Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Seasonal, farm-driven Italian with excellent pizzas and kid-friendly pacing.
Who should go: Families wanting nicer sit-down pizza
When to visit: Early dinner or weekend brunch for easiest seating
What to order: Margherita; focaccia; meatballs
Insider tip: Bar Piccino next door can ease the wait at peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking available nearby; can be competitive on weekends but usually manageable in Dogpatch compared to busier SF neighborhoods.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and casual wear are fine, but many guests lean toward a polished look for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; lively atmosphere during peak hours, but still possible to hold a family conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around 6–8 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, salads, and small plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free crust is available on request, though not prepared in a separate kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish setting and attentive service make it a strong choice for a casual but elevated first date, especially if you want something more approachable than fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes at lunch or early dinner, but reservations are recommended for weekend evenings when waits are common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with children are welcomed, especially at earlier dining hours. High chairs are available, and pizzas/pastas are easy for kids to share.
Best For
Better for: Great for sit-down family pizza nights with higher-quality ingredients and a polished ambiance compared to casual counter-service spots.
Skip if: If you want quick grab-and-go slices or a budget option, this isn’t the best fit — choose a counter-service pizzeria instead.
Piccino
8.6
Dogpatch mainstay since 2006 from owners Margherita Sagan and Sheryl Rogat, serving seasonal Italian-influenced plates, pizzas, and pastas with an all-day neighborhood vibe. Shaded sidewalk seating makes it a reliable al fresco choice before Chase Center events or weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polpette (Tuscan-style meatballs), Margherita pizza, Chiocciole with fennel pork sausage
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Seasonal Italian cooking on a lively Dogpatch patio from a beloved local team.
Who should go: Couples, friends, and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Golden hour on weekends or pre-game evenings
What to order: Polpette, seasonal pasta, Margherita pizza
Insider tip: Bar Piccino next door is perfect for a pre-dinner spritz without rejoining the waitlist.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch is limited at peak hours; metered spots nearby fill quickly before Chase Center events. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean toward neat, slightly dressy attire for date nights and events.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio seating allows for conversation, though indoor areas can get lively during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially around Chase Center event times.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy walk-in for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options, including seasonal pastas, pizzas, and antipasti with vegetables and cheeses.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—2–3 vegetable-driven dishes can be adapted, though no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available on request and some mains naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The shaded patio and seasonal Italian plates create a warm, romantic feel without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early weekends, but reservations are recommended during dinner and event nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Families are common during brunch and lunch; staff is accommodating with high chairs and simpler menu adaptations.
Best For
Better for: Al fresco Italian dining with a true neighborhood feel—ideal for combining with Chase Center outings or Dogpatch strolls.
Skip if: You want an ultra-quiet, fine-dining Italian experience or require a fully vegan menu.
Piccino
8.6
Dogpatch mainstay since 2006 serving Italian-influenced, Mediterranean-leaning plates, pizzas, and pastas with polished service. The shaded sidewalk setup suits date-night dinners and weekend brunch alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polpette (meatballs), Seasonal Pasta, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Seasonal Mediterranean-leaning cooking with a refined Dogpatch patio.
Who should go: Couples and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Golden hour or weekend brunch
What to order: Polpette, seasonal pasta, Margherita pizza
Insider tip: If there’s a wait, slip into Bar Piccino next door for a spritz.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch can be tight during evenings and weekend brunch; limited free spots nearby with some paid lots within a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly polished for date night or brunch.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, though outdoor tables can pick up street noise during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on sunny evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian small plates, pizzas, and pastas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 entrées and some sides can be adapted; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crust and pasta substitutions are offered, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the shaded patio, attentive service, and warm lighting create an inviting but not overly formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible at lunch or early evening, but weekend dinners and brunch are safest with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common on weekends; staff are accommodating with simple pizzas and pastas for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Polished yet neighborhood-friendly Mediterranean dining with a strong patio scene and consistently seasonal menu.
Skip if: You want ultra-budget eats or need a very quiet, tucked-away dining experience.
Piccino
8.5
This Italian-inspired California eatery in Dogpatch's historic Yellow Building has been a community hub since 2006, sourcing ingredients from their own Healdsburg farm. Thin-crust pizzas and housemade pastas anchor the seasonally-driven menu, with outdoor seating perfect for casual family meals or weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Polpette (Tuscan Meatballs), Margherita Pizza, Crab Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Farm-to-table Italian with ingredients from their own Northern California farm
Who should go: Families seeking quality casual dining, brunch crowds
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday lunch on the patio
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, polpette, seasonal pasta, lemon desserts
Insider tip: Adjacent Bar Piccino offers craft cocktails if adults want a pre-dinner drink
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking relatively easy in Dogpatch - no meters to feed, typically find spots within 1-2 blocks. Caltrain 22nd Street Station nearby for public transit.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are the norm. This is Dogpatch, not North Beach.
Noise level: Moderate and family-friendly - outdoor patio is breezy and relaxed, indoor dining has natural buzz without overwhelming conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes Friday/Saturday without calling ahead; counter seating often available with shorter wait
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Wed-Fri lunch; patio fills up on sunny days but turnover is steady
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - seasonal vegetable pizzas, multiple pasta preparations, salads with farm-fresh produce, and contorni (vegetable sides)
Vegan options: Yes - kitchen accommodates by request; several pizzas work without cheese, pasta can be prepared with olive oil and vegetables
Gluten-free options: Limited - not their specialty given focus on housemade pasta and thin-crust pizza; best to call ahead
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual dates - the outdoor patio offers relaxed conversation with charming Yellow Building backdrop. Not stuffy or pretentious, which takes pressure off. Save formal dates for elsewhere; this is more 'get to know you over good pizza' territory.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Not on OpenTable, so call (415) 824-4224 directly or walk in. Counter seating and bar area offer first-come options. Weekday lunch and early dinner (5-6pm) are your best bets for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Very welcoming to families - outdoor patio is ideal for toddlers and up, thin-crust pizzas are kid favorites, and the casual neighborhood vibe means no one stresses if kids get wiggly. High chairs available. Dogs welcome on patio too.
What's special about their farm connection? They own a farm in Healdsburg where they grow produce, herbs, and edible flowers specifically for the restaurant. Menu changes based on what's actually ready to harvest - you're eating what was picked days ago, not weeks.
Should I do brunch or dinner? Brunch (Sat-Sun 10am-3pm) if you want a more relaxed, family-friendly scene with natural light on the patio. Dinner for the full farm-to-table experience with seasonal entrees and the option to start with cocktails at Bar Piccino next door.
Best For
Better for: Genuine farm-to-table sourcing, outdoor patio dining, neighborhood atmosphere without tourist crowds, seasonal menu creativity, family-friendly without being a 'kids restaurant', BYO wine option with corkage
Skip if: You want classic red-sauce Italian, need immediate seating without flexibility, prefer indoor fine dining, looking for large portions over quality ingredients, or want a scene-y/trendy crowd
Piccino
8.5
Dogpatch’s longtime Italian-influenced spot for seasonal antipasti, housemade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas, delivered with polished service. Warm lighting, a proper cocktail program, and steady execution make it a reliable neighborhood date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Polpette (Meatballs), Seasonal Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Seasonal Italian cooking with a refined neighborhood feel.
Who should go: Couples who value ambiance and fresh pasta
When to visit: Evenings after 7 for a calmer room
What to order: Margherita, polpette, seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Ask about farm-driven off-menu veggie preparations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch can be competitive after 6pm, though metered spots and a nearby paid lot on 22nd Street usually work if you allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean toward polished date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are doable, though the room hums when full.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; booking ahead strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — antipasti and several pastas highlight seasonal vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited — can adjust salads and pizzas; ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request, though pizza crusts are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, balanced noise level, and polished but unpretentious service make it an ideal first date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at the bar or early evening before 6:30 pm, but prime slots typically require booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the menu skews adult and the vibe is more date-focused. Older kids or teens may be fine, but it’s not geared to younger children.
Best For
Better for: Piccino shines when you want reliable seasonal pastas and pizzas in a polished yet comfortable setting with a proper cocktail list.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a quiet, hushed fine-dining Italian experience or an extensive dessert program, consider other options.
Piccino
8.4
Dogpatch cornerstone from owners Margherita Sagan and Sheryl Rogat (since 2006) serving seasonal, wood-fired pizzas alongside antipasti and a thoughtful wine list. Pies lean light and market-driven with impeccable dough work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita di bufala, Funghi, Bianca
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Market-driven pies with polished service and patio seating.
Who should go: Date-night and wine-centric diners
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 or weekend lunch
What to order: Margherita di bufala, funghi, bianca
Insider tip: Start with polpette and ask about seasonal vegetable specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch can be challenging during peak dinner hours; metered spots nearby are limited. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished for date night or group gatherings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively energy indoors but still workable for conversation, quieter on the patio.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; patio tables especially competitive.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though tables fill around 12:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several antipasti, salads, and pizzas are vegetarian by design.
Vegan options: Limited — can request cheeseless pizza or seasonal veg dishes, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free crust available on request, though prepared in the same kitchen as wheat dough.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, polished service, and patio seating make it a strong first-date choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays or early weekend lunch, but for dinner, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially geared toward kids — more of an adult-focused dining room — but families are welcome at lunch and on the patio.
Best For
Better for: Piccino excels at seasonal, market-driven pies, a curated wine list, and polished service compared to more casual Dogpatch pizza spots.
Skip if: If you’re looking for cheap slices, loud sports-bar energy, or very fast service, better to choose alternatives nearby.