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Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen
7.8
A straightforward neighborhood pizza-and-bar stop where the move is to order for coverage, not excess—one classic pie, one more aggressive topping pie, and a salad to reset. It’s the kind of place you use for an easy group meal when you want predictability and speed more than a destination moment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain cheese slice/pie, Pepperoni pie, Caesar salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Reliable neighborhood pizza with an easy bar-and-slice setup.
Who should go: Groups who want simple, fast pizza
When to visit: Early evening for smooth ordering
What to order: Cheese, pepperoni, one salad
Insider tip: Order one classic pie first; add the second after you see appetite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hunters Point; manageable before 6pm, tighter in the evening. Nearby metered spots are usually the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood vibe—jeans, sneakers, and relaxed attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar energy, but you can still hold a group conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie-friendly pies, salads, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize pies without cheese and lean on salads; not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free crust available, but prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for low-pressure, casual dates than romantic ones—comfortable, easy ordering, but not intimate or mood-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for small groups or early visits; showing up before peak dinner hours improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—classic pizza options, relaxed atmosphere, and enough space to accommodate families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, predictable group pizza nights with drinks—easy ordering, fast turnaround, and broad appeal.
Skip if: You’re looking for destination-level pizza, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or highly specialized dough and toppings.
Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen
8.1
A busy, by-the-slice counter with enough seating and patio energy to work as a casual hang, not just a grab-and-go stop. It’s strongest when you go for the slice styles that keep structure—crispy edges, balanced sauce—and treat it as a dependable neighborhood option for quick pizza cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma-style slice, Penne vodka slice, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A slice counter with enough variety and seating to make it an easy default.
Who should go: Friends splitting slices and sides
When to visit: Mid-afternoon for minimal wait
What to order: Grandma slice, penne vodka slice, cannoli
Insider tip: If you’re doing delivery, request well-done for better texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive, especially evenings; metered spots nearby, easier mid-afternoon.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively slice-shop buzz, fine for group conversation but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for ordering/seating during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short line
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple cheese and veggie-forward slice options.
Vegan options: Limited—may have a marinara-style slice; availability varies.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free pizza preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming casual and low-pressure—more hangout than romantic, but easy and fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service with open seating; tables usually turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—slices are familiar, seating is flexible, and it works well for kids who don’t need a long sit-down meal.
Best For
Better for: Quick slices with sit-down energy, easy group stops, and patio-friendly casual meals.
Skip if: You want artisan pies, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or specialty dietary accommodations.
Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen
8.5
Centro Pizza Bar offers approachable Italian classics and pizza in a casual, budget‑friendly setting that’s ideal for families and quick meals. Strong review volume at an accessible price underscores its local appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Margherita, Baked Ziti, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Affordable Italian classics with broad appeal
Who should go: Budget‑conscious families
When to visit: Casual lunch or early dinner
What to order: Margherita, Baked Ziti, Cannoli
Insider tip: Order pizza by the slice for kids
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be limited during peak hours, especially in the evenings.
Dress code: Casual attire is perfectly fine, but feel free to dress up a bit if you'd like.
Noise level: Moderate - you'll be able to hear your dining companions, but it's lively enough to feel like a casual gathering.
Weekend wait: Expect a 20-30 minute wait without a reservation, especially on busy weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during weekday lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian-friendly options are available, including pizzas and pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - there are a few vegan options, but they are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pizza crust and pasta are available, with separate prep to prevent cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a great choice for a casual first date. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can enjoy a variety of affordable Italian classics. It's not too formal, but still cozy enough for a nice evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, you can usually walk in, but it’s better to make a reservation during peak hours to avoid waiting, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's perfect for families with kids. The casual setting and variety of kid-friendly menu options make it an excellent choice. Plus, kids will love the pizza by the slice.
Best For
Better for: Centro Pizza Bar excels in providing affordable, casual Italian meals for families, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes without breaking the bank.
Skip if: If you're looking for a fine dining experience or upscale Italian, you might want to explore alternatives with more gourmet offerings.
Centro Pizza Bar & Italian Kitchen
8.5
Centro Pizza Bar offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience with budget-friendly pizza options. The straightforward menu and cozy atmosphere make it ideal for quick family meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Baked Ziti, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Affordable Italian classics in a family-friendly setting.
Who should go: Budget-conscious families seeking a casual meal.
When to visit: Casual lunch or early dinner for a relaxed atmosphere.
What to order: Margherita pizza, Baked Ziti, Cannoli.
Insider tip: Order pizza by the slice for kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate - background chatter, but conversation is still easily heard.
Weekend wait: Expect a 20-30 minute wait without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, walk-ins are welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian-friendly options on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 options, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer a gluten-free crust for pizza and gluten-free pasta.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s casual and low-pressure, ideal for a laid-back first date. The cozy setting and quick meal options make it a good choice for a relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for lunch or early dinner, though it can get busier on weekends. You can often get a table without a reservation, but a call ahead on weekends is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it’s very kid-friendly! The menu is simple and appealing to children, and there are plenty of kid-sized portions available.
Best For
Better for: Centro Pizza Bar is better for budget-conscious families looking for a quick, no-fuss meal. The affordability and simplicity make it a great choice for casual meals with children.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience or a wider variety of gourmet pizza options, you might prefer other spots in the area.