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Del Popolo
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Del Popolo
8.6
Wood-fired pizzas and antipasti served around a centerpiece oven in a sleek, brick-and-mortar off Bush. Bib Gourmand-recognized pies and seasonal starters draw steady crowds from Union Square and Nob Hill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita (mozzarella di bufala, basil), Roasted squash & mascarpone pizza (seasonal), Meatballs with tomato
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin Bib-Gourmand pizzas fired in a showpiece oven.
Who should go: Pizza obsessives and date-night diners
When to visit: Arrive early to skip waits; patio fills fast
What to order: Margherita; seasonal vegetable pie; meatballs
Insider tip: Dog-friendly patio; ask about off-menu seasonal pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill; nearby garages around Union Square are the best bet. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but many diners lean dressy for the date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing energy but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; the patio fills first.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but the oven isn’t always firing until dinner hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pies and antipasti designed for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options if modified (skip cheese); not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available on request, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the sleek oven centerpiece, patio seating, and Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition create a polished but approachable date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted, but waits are common at peak dinner hours. Arrive early or plan for a bar seat while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older kids—high chairs are limited and the crowd skews toward couples and groups, though outdoor tables can suit families.
Best For
Better for: Del Popolo is best for wood-fired pizza obsessives and diners looking for a design-forward space with outdoor seating—an elevated yet casual vibe that chains can’t match.
Skip if: Skip if you need a fully vegan menu, guaranteed gluten-free prep, or very quiet ambiance; consider alternatives for large groups with kids.
Del Popolo
8.7
Wood-fired pies with blistered, airy crusts anchor a compact date-night spot on Bush Street. Service is polished without fuss, and the wine list leans Italian to match seasonal antipasti and salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Burrata & Seasonal Greens, Bianca with Garlic & Zejtun Olives
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Serious wood-fire technique meets refined, intimate pacing.
Who should go: Pizza-obsessed couples and wine lovers
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5:30–7pm for easier seats
What to order: Margherita; seasonal salad; a rotating special pie
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating if the evening is clear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill; garages nearby average $8–12 for evenings, no valet available.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans or dress pants with a nice top; couples often lean dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy but expect some lively background buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; only open evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads and pizzas are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two vegan-friendly items if ordered without cheese; check seasonal specials.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crust available on request, though kitchen is not celiac-dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate size, polished service, and wood-fired pizza make it relaxed but elevated, ideal for first-date conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try for walk-in seats, especially early evening on weekdays, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—the vibe leans adult and date-night focused; limited space and menu may not suit young children.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired pizza with refined execution in an intimate, design-forward setting—great for dates and wine pairings.
Skip if: If you want a casual family pizza joint, a quick slice, or large group seating, other spots will suit better.
Del Popolo
8.7
Wood-fired, naturally leavened pizzas from chef-owner Jon Darsky (opened as a truck in 2012, brick-and-mortar since 2015). Blistered crusts, seasonal California produce, and a polished room make it a reliable family splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola, Seasonal Squash Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Naturally leavened, wood-fired pies with seasonal toppings.
Who should go: Families seeking a polished pizza night
When to visit: Book weekends; weeknights at 5–6pm are easiest
What to order: Margherita, Diavola, seasonal squash pie
Insider tip: Patio seats go first—ask upon arrival for quickest shot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lower Nob Hill is limited, especially after 6pm; nearby garages like Sutter-Stockton Garage are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean polished for date night or group dinners.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are comfortable, but the open room and wood-fired oven add background energy.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; peak hours book up a week in advance.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are fine if they’re open for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizzas and seasonal vegetable starters are always offered.
Vegan options: Limited – no dedicated menu, but salads and a cheeseless pizza can be requested.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contact risk is high due to wood-fired oven.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The stylish room, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pies strike a balance between casual and special, making it a strong choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible early on weeknights (5–6pm), but weekends almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Families with older kids (8+) do well here thanks to straightforward pizzas and relaxed staff, though there are no kids’ menus or play amenities.
Best For
Better for: Elevated, naturally leavened pizzas with seasonal toppings in a polished setting—great for families who want to step up from casual slice shops.
Skip if: If you need gluten-free crusts, kid-specific menus, or ultra-fast takeout; alternatives nearby may better suit those needs.
Del Popolo
8.6
Jon Darsky’s wood-fired spot (brick-and-mortar since 2015; Bib Gourmand) does naturally leavened, blistered pies with peak-season toppings; kitchen runs to 10pm Fri–Sat. Locals come for the Margherita, Diavola heat, and a tidy wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola (spicy salami), Seasonal Vegetable Pie
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Naturally leavened pies from a Flour+Water alum with Bib Gourmand.
Who should go: Pizza purists and wine-night couples
When to visit: Fri–Sat 8–9:30pm for late service
What to order: Margherita, Diavola, rotating seasonal pie
Insider tip: Ask for the back patio when the weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sutter and Post can be tight after 6pm; nearest reliable option is the Sutter-Stockton Garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice shirt work fine, but many couples dress a bit sharper for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing with conversation but still easy to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch; dinner service only, so no daytime wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas and small plates designed with seasonal produce.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pie and a couple of salads, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free dough; menu is primarily traditional wheat crust.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate back patio and polished service give it a romantic vibe without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays before 7pm, but weekends are tough—expect a wait or try for the patio bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens; there’s no kids’ menu, and the vibe leans adult, especially later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Standout for naturally leavened, wood-fired pies paired with a tidy wine list and stylish patio seating.
Skip if: You need gluten-free crusts or a late-night option past 10pm.