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Fiorella (Polk)
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Fiorella (Polk)
8.3
Wood-fired pies with blistered crusts alongside Italian antipasti and wine in a lively room. The team keeps toppings focused and seasonal, with precise bakes that balance chew and char.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Diavola, Funghi with fontina & herbs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Wood-fired crusts with clean toppings and steady execution.
Who should go: Neapolitan-style pie fans
When to visit: Book weeknights; weekends fill fast
What to order: Margherita; Diavola; seasonal veggie pie
Insider tip: Bar seats open earlier—good for walk-ins and a quick pie.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are more reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine but many guests lean polished for date nights.
Noise level: Lively with a hum of conversation; you can talk across the table but it’s not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; quicker turnover midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple antipasti and seasonal veggie pizzas.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of antipasti can be modified, and you can request a cheeseless veggie pie.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crust available on request, though baked in the same oven as regular pies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the room is stylish but approachable, and sharing a wood-fired pizza adds an easy, conversational vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar or for early walk-ins, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially – it’s more geared toward adults and groups, though older kids who like pizza will be fine; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Fiorella excels at charred, Neapolitan-inspired pies with seasonal toppings in a lively neighborhood setting.
Skip if: If you want deep-dish, ultra-quiet dining, or a long pasta menu, this isn’t the spot.
Fiorella (Polk)
8.1
Neighborhood Italian focused on wood-fired pies, seasonal veg, and approachable pastas in a lively room. A flexible, modern date night—share a pizza, a couple of small plates, and a bottle from the well-priced list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Cacio e pepe, Meatballs with polenta
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired pies and pastas in a buzzy, modern space.
Who should go: Casual date-night diners
When to visit: Later evening for a less hectic room
What to order: Margherita, cacio e pepe, seasonal veg plate
Insider tip: Bar seats are great for walk-ins and shared plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Polk and side streets; spots are competitive after 6pm—budget extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top work fine, but many guests lean a bit dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible but expect a buzzy backdrop.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats are the best bet for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though service is focused on dinner so hours can vary.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas, pastas, and vegetable plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options by default, but some pizzas and salads can be modified if asked.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust available; some pasta dishes can be swapped, though not a fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its lively yet intimate vibe makes it a comfortable first-date spot. Sharing a pizza and small plates feels low-pressure but fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, especially at the bar or later in the evening, but weekends fill fast. Walk-ins should expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this location caters more to adults and date nights. Older kids who enjoy pizza could fit in, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Great for casual date nights where you want quality Italian without the formality—more approachable and lively than Michelin-level dining.
Skip if: If you want a hushed, romantic atmosphere or a fully vegan/gluten-free menu, better to choose alternatives nearby.
Fiorella (Polk)
8.4
Neighborhood Italian from the Fiorella team with kid-friendly pies and pastas alongside seasonal vegetables and spritzes. Patio and roomy booths make it easy for families while the kitchen keeps things consistent night after night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Radiatori alla Vodka, Margherita Pizza, Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Polished neighborhood spot balancing quality pizzas and pastas with family comfort.
Who should go: Families wanting reliable Italian
When to visit: Early evening to avoid lines and waitlists
What to order: Radiatori vodka, margherita, seasonal vegetables
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas for kids or lighter appetites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk and nearby blocks is metered and competitive after 6pm; no valet service offered.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and t-shirts are fine, but many diners lean toward neat-casual given the trendy setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is possible but expect background buzz from families and groups.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizza and pasta options plus vegetable starters.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust and pasta available on request, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual dates or double dates; the lively, family-friendly vibe isn’t ideal for intimate romance but works for low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but expect waits on weekends. Arriving before 6pm improves your chances of quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – booths, high chairs, and half-portion pastas make it easy for families. Best for kids 3+ who can sit through a casual meal.
Best For
Better for: Reliable neighborhood Italian that balances kid-friendliness with consistent quality and a trendy atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic Italian dinner or extensive vegan options.
Fiorella (Polk)
8.5
Wood-fired pies and seasonal antipasti in a polished, lively room with a small patio. Consistent execution and a family-friendly pace make it a reliable neighborhood choice for pizza night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOP, Radiatori alla Vodka (for the table), Sausage & Peppers pie
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A true wood-fire program with balanced pies and polished pacing.
Who should go: Families wanting quality wood-fired pizza
When to visit: 5:00–6:30pm for easiest seating
What to order: Margherita, pepperoni-style pie, radiatori vodka
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas to complement a shared pie.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, usually tight after 6pm—give yourself extra time or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for evening meals.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—families and groups create energy, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; earlier arrivals (5:00–6:00pm) shorten the wait.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple antipasti, salads, and pizzas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 pies can be adjusted and salads work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crusts are available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want casual but polished energy. The patio and wood-fired kitchen add atmosphere without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait on weekends. Walk-ins are easier if you arrive right when they open or later in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, high chairs are available, and the pacing is brisk enough for younger children. Ages 4+ do best in the lively setting.
Best For
Better for: Consistent wood-fired pies in a neighborhood-friendly yet stylish space, plus a small patio that many competitors lack.
Skip if: Skip if you need a very quiet, intimate dinner—nearby trattorias or fine-dining Italians may be better suited.
Fiorella (Polk)
8.6
Russian Hill outpost of the local Italian group featuring wood-fired pies with seasonal toppings. It’s a polished neighborhood spot that works for date night as much as a casual slice and spritz at the bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pie, NYC-Style Pepperoni Pie, Funghi Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Wood-fired, seasonally driven pies from a respected local team.
Who should go: Date-night diners and pizza traditionalists
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm to avoid prime hours
What to order: Margherita; NYC-Style Pepperoni; Funghi
Insider tip: Request the bar or parklet seating for quicker walk-in options.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; no valet service available nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean a bit dressy, especially on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are manageable, though the room hums at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar and parklet seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the restaurant is less active at lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and antipasti are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some pizzas by removing cheese, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crusts available on request; prepared in the same oven so not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it’s stylish but approachable, with wood-fired pies and cocktails that make for an easy conversation backdrop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—walk-ins can usually find space at the bar or outdoor parklet, though prime weekend slots are tough without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—families with older kids fit in fine, but the space and vibe are more geared toward adults and date-night diners.
Best For
Better for: Fiorella excels at polished neighborhood date nights and wood-fired pies with seasonal toppings in a stylish setting.
Skip if: Skip if you need fast, budget-friendly slices or a fully vegan menu—there are better options in the neighborhood for those needs.
Fiorella (Polk)
8.0
Neighborhood Italian known for wood-fired pies, seasonal veggies, and spritzes. The Polk Street parklet and sidewalk tables make it an easy outdoor hang with consistently solid cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Salsiccia pizza, Seasonal pasta (cacio e pepe or special)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas and a lively Polk parklet scene.
Who should go: Friends sharing pies and spritzes
When to visit: Early evening before prime-time waits
What to order: Margherita, salsiccia pie, seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Parklet seats are heated—great on chilly nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots can be competitive after 6pm; nearby garages on Polk and California are reliable backups.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean trendy given the Polk Street energy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable outdoors but peak hours inside can get buzzy.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; walk-in waitlist fills quickly after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easier to grab a parklet or sidewalk table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal pizzas and pasta often highlight local vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 menu items can be made vegan with modifications, but not a full section.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available for pizzas; gluten-free pasta options rotate but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the parklet is cozy, lighting is flattering, and spritzes set a fun mood, though the energy is more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible if you arrive early (before 6:30pm) or during weekday lunch; peak weekend nights almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and groups of friends; no kids’ menu and space is tight, though families with older children are welcomed outdoors.
Best For
Better for: Trendy, high-energy group dinners with excellent pizza and cocktails in a neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet conversation, broad vegan options, or a budget-friendly casual night out.