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Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
7.8
Old-school red-sauce institution with thin-crust pies, pastas, and a casual parklet out front. It’s the value play for families wanting classic Italian-American comfort with fresh air seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni thin-crust pizza, Lasagna, Eggplant parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Classic red-sauce menu with a straightforward, family-friendly outdoor setup.
Who should go: Families and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: Early evening for faster seating
What to order: Pepperoni pizza, lasagna, eggplant parm
Insider tip: Share a large pie and salads—the best value lands under budget.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on adjacent residential blocks before 6:30pm, tighter after dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and family-oriented—jeans, sweatshirts, and everyday wear are all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter and music typical of a neighborhood pizzeria, but still easy to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer for outdoor tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick and turnover steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous pasta and pizza options, including customizable vegetable toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pizza or marinara pasta, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No separate gluten-free crust or prep area; best to call ahead for current options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, low-pressure outing than a romantic one—think casual comfort rather than candlelit ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; outdoor tables are first-come-first-served with moderate waits during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—staff are used to families, portions are generous, and there’s a kid-pleasing pizza-and-pasta lineup.
Best For
Better for: Old-school charm and budget-friendly family dinners; hard to beat for nostalgic red-sauce comfort at low cost.
Skip if: You’re seeking modern Italian or chef-driven plates—Fiorella and The Richmond offer more refined alternatives nearby.
Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
8.1
Old-school red-sauce joint with neon, cozy booths, and thin-crust pies baked to a light crunch. It’s a Richmond staple for friendly service, classic toppings, and family-style portions that won’t break the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-Crust Pepperoni, Margherita, Sausage & Mushroom
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Neighborhood institution serving classic thin-crust pies since the 1980s.
Who should go: Families and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for easier seating
What to order: Pepperoni; margherita; sausage-mushroom combo
Insider tip: Ask for a well-done bake if you like extra-crisp edges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Geary and 18th Avenue; can be tight during dinner rush but easier after 8pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sweaters, and family-night attire fit perfectly.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on weekends; still possible to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several pasta and pizza options like margherita, eggplant parmigiana, and cheese ravioli.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize a veggie pizza without cheese or order salad and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crust available on request, though prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for nostalgic charm over flash—cozy booths, candlelight, and warm service create an easygoing, authentic first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for smaller parties, especially after 7:30pm; larger groups should call ahead to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—staff are welcoming, portions are generous, and there’s a simple kids’ menu with pasta and cheese pizza. Booster seats available.
Best For
Better for: Classic family-style Italian comfort and nostalgic atmosphere—perfect for relaxed dinners and familiar flavors.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet or modern-style pies; opt for trendier spots like The Laundromat SF instead.
Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
8.1
Old-school, family-run spot turning out thin-crust, tavern-style pies and red-sauce classics. It stays open later by Richmond standards, making it a dependable post-evening option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gaspare’s Special (sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, olive, onion), Sausage & Mushroom Thin-Crust, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Tavern-style thin crust and red-sauce comfort with later hours.
Who should go: Families and classic-pie loyalists
When to visit: Weeknights after 8:30pm for easy seating
What to order: Gaspare’s Special; sausage & mushroom; Margherita
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crispy bake if you like a well-done crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Geary or 18th Avenue—manageable early evenings but tight after 7pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans and sweaters are standard; families and locals keep it relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and background music but easy enough for conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes at peak between 7–8pm; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service starts promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and pasta dishes are meat-free, including Margherita and eggplant parmigiana.
Vegan options: Limited—can do cheeseless pizza or marinara pasta, but no vegan cheese or dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on request, though prepared in shared kitchen space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for a laid-back, nostalgic vibe rather than fine dining—think cozy booths and red-checkered charm over candlelit elegance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends, small parties can often snag a booth with a short wait; call ahead if arriving after 7:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, friendly staff, and a menu with pizza and pasta make it ideal for families with children 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Classic, comforting thin-crust pizza in a vintage Italian-American setting with friendly service.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge toppings, artisanal crusts, or a quiet, upscale atmosphere—Fiorella or Pizzetta 211 are better fits for that.
Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
8.2
Old-school red-sauce spot with thin-crust pies, big booths, and friendly pacing. It’s reliable for family pizza nights with generous portions and classic combos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo Thin-Crust Pizza, Margherita, Minestrone & Garlic Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Decades of neighborhood hospitality with thin-crust pies and booths.
Who should go: Pizza-night families and multigenerational groups
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6:30 pm for quickest seating
What to order: House combo; Margherita; minestrone with garlic bread
Insider tip: Ask for a booth—quieter for kids and easy sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Geary and side streets; can be tight after 6pm but manageable on nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Casual—families and locals in jeans and sweaters fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—steady family chatter and music, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes at peak hours; they’ll often take your name and call when ready.
Weekday lunch: No wait; service moves quickly for the neighborhood lunch crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample pizza, pasta, and salad options without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—can make veggie pizza without cheese on request.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated crust, but some gluten-light options like salads and minestrone soup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for comfort and nostalgia—think cozy booths and shared pizza, not candlelight romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; call ahead for larger parties on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—booths, friendly staff, and quick service make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic family-style pizza nights with big portions and friendly service.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisanal or wood-fired pizza with gourmet toppings—this is old-school comfort, not contemporary craft.
Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Old-school red-sauce favorite (since 1985) with booth jukeboxes, big portions, and staff who keep families humming. Thin-crust pies and classic baked pastas deliver reliable comfort at fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-Crust Combination Pizza, Lasagna al Forno, Eggplant Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Decades-strong, family-run spot with classic red-sauce hospitality.
Who should go: Kids, grandparents, and pizza-night crews
When to visit: Weeknights 5:00–6:30 for quickest seating
What to order: Combo pizza; lasagna; minestrone
Insider tip: Booth jukeboxes keep little ones entertained while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Geary and 19th Avenue is usually available before 6:30pm but fills quickly; no private lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual family attire—jeans, sweaters, and kids in hoodies all fit right in.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—expect chatter, jukebox tunes, and birthday songs; conversation still possible across a booth.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical without reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; steady flow with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastas, pizzas, and salads can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—simple marinara pasta or veggie pizza without cheese available.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pizza dough, but can prepare gluten-free pasta options upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re leaning into nostalgia—cozy booths and jukebox charm make it fun but not romantic; better for comfort over candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; arrive before 6pm on weekends for minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—booth seating, quick service, and jukeboxes make it a hit for families with kids 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Families craving a classic red-sauce experience with big portions and friendly service.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale Italian, craft cocktails, or a quiet date atmosphere.
Gaspare's Pizza House & Italian Restaurant
8.2
Old-school Italian stalwart known for red-sauce comfort and friendly, family-run service. The baked lasagna comes layered and hearty, with portions and pricing that make it a reliable neighborhood staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, Gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Richmond District institution (since 1985) serving classic baked lasagna nightly.
Who should go: Classic red-sauce lovers and families
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easiest tables
What to order: Baked Lasagna; Chicken Parmigiana; The Works Salad
Insider tip: Order the lasagna with a side of garlic bread—sauce is plentiful.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Geary Boulevard and 19th Avenue; spots fill quickly after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, sweaters, and family-dinner attire are perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—conversational buzz from families and groups, but you can easily hear your tablemates.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is prompt for dine-in or takeout.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most pasta and sauces contain dairy or egg; request marinara-only pasta for a vegan-friendly option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta, but gluten-free pizza crusts are available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for cozy, old-school charm. The candlelight booths and classic Italian soundtrack make it relaxed and nostalgic rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are welcome, especially before 6:30pm on weeknights. Weekends can see longer waits; calling ahead helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—families with children are common. High chairs are available, and staff are patient with younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Heartier portions and a true old-school Italian-American vibe—ideal when you want comfort food without pretense.
Skip if: You’re seeking a trendy or modern Italian experience with craft cocktails or chef-driven plating.