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Fiorella
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Fiorella
8.5
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies, seasonal pastas, and a lively sidewalk parklet. Locals book it for dependable execution, smart wines by the glass, and an outdoor setup that actually stays comfortable on foggy evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola wood-fired pizza, Cacio e pepe, Burrata with seasonal vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Serious wood-fire program with outdoor seating that’s actually comfortable.
Who should go: Pizza-and-pasta fans who value craft
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush
What to order: Diavola pizza, cacio e pepe, seasonal burrata
Insider tip: If outdoor slots are gone online, call—walk-in patio seats open intermittently.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; availability tight after 6pm, especially on weekends. Metered spots on Clement and residential side streets fill quickly, so plan a few extra minutes to circle or walk from Geary.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and jackets are fine, but locals often dress slightly up for date night. Layers recommended for outdoor seating given evening chill.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but manageable, especially outdoors. You can hold a conversation without raising your voice, though interior tables get buzzy as dinner fills up.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation, though the outdoor parklet occasionally frees up sooner for small groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; dinner rush begins around 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizzas, antipasti, and pasta options. Seasonal vegetables and burrata are highlights.
Vegan options: Limited – about two options; kitchen can modify some pizzas by removing cheese.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free pasta available upon request, but no dedicated pizza crust or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy outdoor lighting and craft cocktails create a relaxed, romantic tone without being stuffy. Great for a first or second date when conversation matters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes – early arrivals (before 6pm) or later seatings after 8:30pm have better luck. Patio tables occasionally open for walk-ins, especially midweek.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat – well-behaved kids are fine, but it skews more adult. Early evening outdoor tables work best for families; no children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor comfort and consistent execution make it one of the most reliable Italian spots in the Outer Richmond. It’s stronger on ambiance and pasta precision than most neighborhood competitors.
Skip if: You’re craving deep wine-cellar variety or an ultra-quiet fine-dining environment. Opt for a larger Italian venue downtown for those experiences.
Fiorella
8.4
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies with a crisp, leopard-spotted crust and seasonal toppings. Locals lean on it for later-evening dinners in a polished room with a solid wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (wood-fired), Diavola (spicy salami), Funghi with fontina & thyme
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Wood-fired pies with seasonal California produce in a refined neighborhood setting.
Who should go: Pizza fans who want a sit-down dinner
When to visit: Fri–Sat evenings for later kitchen hours
What to order: Margherita; Diavola; Funghi pizza
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster than dining room tables on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—manageable early evening but fills quickly after 7pm on weekends. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively enough for atmosphere but quiet enough for conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch; early dinner (before 6:30pm) usually has minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and salads feature seasonal vegetables and cheeses.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pies or vegetable starters; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on request; shared oven space means possible cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, stylish interiors, and wine-forward vibe make it ideal for a relaxed but polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly if you arrive early or opt for bar seating; weekends book out, so reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—high chairs available and staff are welcoming, but the ambiance skews more adult after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Fiorella stands out for its balance of quality pizza and atmosphere—more refined than casual slice shops but cozier than formal trattorias.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quick grab-and-go slice or need a fully vegan pizza program.
Fiorella
8.4
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies alongside pastas and veg-forward sides. Early evenings work well for families; later gets lively with a buzzy Richmond crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (wood-fired), Diavola/Spicy Pepperoni, Seasonal Vegetable Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Wood-fired pies in a lively, design-forward Richmond dining room.
Who should go: Families who like lively neighborhood energy
When to visit: Early dinner; prime hours get crowded
What to order: Margherita; Diavola; seasonal veggie pie
Insider tip: Split two pies and a salad—portions suit sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and side streets; expect competition after 6pm, no valet or private lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans fine but many guests dress up for date nights or weekend dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; fine for family conversation early, louder after 7:30pm as bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service starts later—more of a dinner destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas, pastas, and antipasti are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—request no cheese on select pies or try seasonal veggie dishes.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust, but some antipasti and salads suit gluten-averse diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Fiorella’s warm lighting, wood-fired oven, and design-forward interior make it a stylish but approachable first-date choice, especially early in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins can grab spots at opening or later in the evening; reservations are strongly advised for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often dine early; staff are welcoming, and sharing pizzas works well for kids, though later hours skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Fiorella excels at wood-fired pizza in a polished setting without losing its neighborhood charm—ideal when you want both great food and atmosphere.
Skip if: Skip if you need quick counter service or gluten-free pizza options—this is a full-service spot built for sit-down meals.
Fiorella
8.4
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies, handmade pastas, and a lively back-patio that makes weeknight family dinners easy. Service is organized and kid-aware, with a menu broad enough for picky eaters and parents alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (wood-fired), Cacio e Pepe, Nonna’s Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizza and pastas with a spacious, family-friendly patio.
Who should go: Families wanting polished but casual Italian
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner rush
What to order: Margherita; cacio e pepe; soft-serve swirl
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio—quieter and stroller-friendly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and 23rd is the main option—manageable before 6pm, tight afterward. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans, polos, or sundresses fit right in; most families dress neatly but comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzy inside during dinner rush but conversation-friendly on the patio.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinners before 5:30pm seat easily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and pastas are vegetarian by default, plus seasonal veggie antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be made vegan on request, and pizza dough is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza dough and select pasta options available; handled carefully but not separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a casual neighborhood setting than a romantic one—better for low-pressure meetups than candlelit dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible if you arrive early; the patio is first-come-first-served and moves quickly before 6pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—staff are patient, high chairs are available, and the patio layout easily accommodates strollers and young families.
Best For
Better for: Lively family dinners where adults still get quality food and a glass of wine—few spots in the area balance both as well.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic meal or need strict gluten-free precautions; try a smaller trattoria instead.
Fiorella
8.6
A neighborhood pizzeria offering wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas, known for its seasonal ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Seasonal Antipasti
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Authentic wood-fired pizzas with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
Who should go: Families and locals seeking comforting Italian fare.
When to visit: Evenings for a cozy, neighborhood dining experience.
What to order: Margherita Pizza for a classic taste, Tagliatelle Bolognese for a hearty dish, and a Seasonal Antipasto to start.
Insider tip: Try the daily specials, often featuring unique seasonal ingredients.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be difficult to find during peak hours. There are also a few paid parking lots nearby.
Dress code: Casual, but feel free to dress up for a date night. Jeans and a nice top are perfect.
Noise level: Moderate - the space can get lively, but it's still comfortable for conversations.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait without a reservation, especially on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during lunch hours, but weekends are busier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian options including pizzas and pastas.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options like vegetable pizza and pasta with vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust and pasta options available, prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a cozy and welcoming spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for conversation. The food is excellent, making it a great choice for impressing a date without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can usually get a table without a reservation during weekday lunches, but weekends can be busy. It’s always better to call ahead or book online to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, the restaurant is very kid-friendly. It has a casual vibe, and the menu offers options that children will enjoy, like pizza and pasta. There’s also space for families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fiorella Clement is better for a cozy, neighborhood dining experience with a family-friendly atmosphere and a focus on seasonal, high-quality ingredients.
Skip if: Skip Fiorella if you're looking for a more upscale, fine dining experience. The ambiance is relaxed, making it better suited for casual dining rather than special events.
Fiorella
8.3
A neighborhood favorite offering wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a welcoming, family-oriented setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Nonna's Meatballs, Seasonal Pasta Special
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Who should go: Families seeking hearty, authentic Italian meals in a casual atmosphere.
When to visit: Weekends for brunch or early dinners to avoid crowds.
What to order: Margherita Pizza, Nonna's Meatballs, Seasonal Pasta Special.
Insider tip: Arrive early on weekends to secure a table without a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult on weekends; consider using nearby parking lots.
Dress code: Casual - feel free to wear jeans, but opt for a comfortable, neat look.
Noise level: Moderate - conversations can be easily heard, making it a great place for family gatherings.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes if arriving after 6pm without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian pasta and pizza options available.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegan-friendly pasta dishes and pizzas can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Yes - a dedicated gluten-free pizza crust and pasta are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you prefer a casual, laid-back atmosphere. The family-friendly vibe can add warmth, though it’s not overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it's possible, especially during weekdays, it’s highly recommended to reserve a table for weekends, as it can get busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, Fiorella is great for families with kids. They offer high chairs, kid-friendly portions, and a menu that appeals to younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Fiorella excels with its cozy, neighborhood feel, offering wood-fired pizzas and authentic pastas in a more relaxed atmosphere than other Italian restaurants in the area.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more upscale or trendy dining experience, Fiorella’s casual and family-oriented ambiance might not be the best fit.