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Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar (Castro)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar (Castro)
7.8
Neapolitan-style pies and a mozzarella bar served at a lively corner with outdoor sidewalk seating. Fast-fired pizzas and creamy burrata make it an easy pre- or post-night-out stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C., Diavola Pizza, Burrata Caprese
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza with burrata and outdoor tables.
Who should go: Casual pizza lovers and small groups
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid waits
What to order: Margherita D.O.C., Diavola, burrata
Insider tip: Join the walk-in list and request an outdoor table on arrival.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on 18th and Castro fill up fast after 6pm, but there’s a paid lot at 16th & Market a 5-minute walk away.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and sneakers are fine—most guests come straight from nearby bars or errands.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially at outdoor tables on weekends; inside is slightly quieter but still social.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for walk-ins depending on weather; outdoor tables go first.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—half the pizza menu is vegetarian-friendly, with salads and burrata plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can do cheeseless veggie pies but no dedicated vegan cheese or proteins.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free dough, though salads and antipasti offer alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for casual and lively; the sidewalk tables have great Castro energy, but it’s not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's mostly walk-in based. Join the host list in person or via Yelp Waitlist during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pizza; limited space for strollers, and no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Quick, quality Neapolitan pizza and people-watching over a sit-down meal; great if you want Italian without the formality of nearby full-service spots.
Skip if: You’re after a slow, romantic dinner or need gluten-free dough—try nearby Starbelly or Pizzeria Delfina instead.
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar (Castro)
8.4
Neapolitan pies fired hot with a focus on fresh mozzarella and simple toppings. A sit-down option near Duboce/Castro when you want a proper pie late evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOP, Diavola, Burrata e Crudo
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pies with a dedicated mozzarella program.
Who should go: Pie purists wanting sit-down quality
When to visit: Fri–Sat 8–10pm for peak oven rhythm
What to order: Margherita DOP, Diavola, burrata e crudo
Insider tip: Counter seats near the oven are fastest and most fun.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight near Market and Church; aim for spots on 14th or walk from nearby garages like the Safeway lot after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—nice jeans or casual dress work well; a step above takeout attire fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—lively chatter and oven action, but you can still carry a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pies and appetizers built around mozzarella, tomato, and seasonal veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese, but marinara pizza and a few sides can work if you ask for no cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contact likely due to wood-fired setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, cozy counter seats, and shareable pizzas make it an ideal casual-but-polished first date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—arrive before 7pm or opt for counter seating near the oven for faster turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—fine for well-behaved kids or early dinners; no kids’ menu, but pizzas and pastas are easy to share.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired pizza quality and mozzarella freshness exceed nearby slice shops; feels more authentic and elevated.
Skip if: You’re after quick slices or vegan options—other Castro spots like nearby takeout counters suit that better.