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Za Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Za Pizza
7.9
Long-running slice shop known for thin-crust pies and quirky, art-inspired specialty combos. A neighborhood standby for quick slices near the Hyde cable car line.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potesto (potato & pesto), Salvador Dali (chicken & sundried tomato), Classic Pepperoni Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood slice shop with creative, named pies and fast turnaround.
Who should go: Slice-hunters on the move
When to visit: Afternoons to skip dinner rush
What to order: Potesto slice; Dali slice; garlic knots
Insider tip: Grab a slice then walk a block for classic cable car views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Polk and nearby side streets; can be tricky evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual – come as you are; jeans and t-shirts are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate – conversation is easy at tables; grab-and-go counter is busier but manageable.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for a slice; limited seating may require standing if busy.
Weekday lunch: No wait – counter service is quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several specialty pies and classic cheese available.
Vegan options: Limited – usually 1–2 topping combinations without cheese, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but fun if you’re keeping it casual and want to grab a quick slice before a neighborhood walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s counter service only; small tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families with kids are common, and quick service works well for younger diners; no high chairs or kids’ menu though.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper slices with quirky specialty pies compared to sit-down pizzerias.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, gluten-free crust, or a sit-down dinner atmosphere.
Za Pizza
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Long-running Russian Hill slice shop turning out thin-crust pies with playful toppings. Counter service keeps things fast for families hopping on or off the cable car.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potesto (roasted potato & pesto), Salvador Dali (chicken & sun-dried tomato), Pepperoni slice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Creative, crisp-edged slices served fast at a true neighborhood stalwart.
Who should go: Families between cable-car stops
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to skip peak slice rush
What to order: Potesto slice, Salvador Dali slice, Caesar side
Insider tip: Grab the bench facing Hyde Street for the best cable-car photo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; metered spots on Hyde and nearby side streets, but can be scarce during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are in jeans, hoodies, or shorts after a neighborhood walk.
Noise level: Moderate – slice shop bustle with music and chatter, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes to order, tables can be full but turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, counter service is fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several specialty pies and build-your-own veggie slices available.
Vegan options: Limited – ask about cheese-free veggie slices; no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust option; traditional thin crust only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual, fun meetup than a formal date—quick service, playful toppings, and a lively neighborhood setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with no reservations; small tables and benches turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the creative slice names and fast service. Best for ages 5+ who can handle counter seating.
Best For
Better for: Quicker, cheaper slices with creative flair compared to sit-down pizza spots in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re looking for a polished, wood-fired dinner or gluten-free/vegan-specific options—try Fiorella or Sorella instead.
Za Pizza
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tiny Russian Hill slice shop known for creative, reheated-to-crisp pies with generous toppings. Locals swing by for fast counter service and signature art-themed combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potesto, Scaliano, Vincent Van Dough
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Longtime slice counter with distinctive, named pies and hefty toppings.
Who should go: Slice hunters and grab-and-go eaters
When to visit: Mid-afternoon for shortest waits
What to order: Potesto; Scaliano; Vincent Van Dough
Insider tip: Order slices well-reheated for maximum crisp on the crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; can be difficult evenings after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly grab-and-go traffic, conversation is easy at the few counter seats.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait; slices are reheated and served quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though a short line forms around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several signature pies feature vegetables and cheese.
Vegan options: Limited—may offer one or two dairy-free pies, but selection varies.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free options; standard wheat crust only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it’s a tiny counter spot geared more toward quick slices than lingering, though it works for a super casual meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Seating is very limited, so expect to stand or take your slice to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can eat quickly at the counter or on the go. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Creative, art-themed specialty slices at budget pricing with quick turnaround.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, gluten-free crusts, or a sit-down group meal.