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Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - North Beach
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - North Beach
8.5
Neapolitan pies fired hot with blistered, tender crusts and a mozzarella bar to match. Casual energy and fair pricing make it a reliable sit-down option in the heart of North Beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C., Diavola, Burrata e Prosciutto
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Wood-blistered Neapolitan pies with a full mozzarella program.
Who should go: Neapolitan purists and sit-down crews
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner rush
What to order: Margherita D.O.C.; Diavola; burrata-topped special
Insider tip: Ask about rotating mozzarella specials to pair with your pie.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is tight in North Beach, especially after 6pm. Limited metered spots nearby; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean neat for evening meals.
Noise level: Moderate — lively background chatter and kitchen bustle, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; shorter if you arrive before 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a brief pause during peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pizzas and salads feature no meat, including a standout Margherita and burrata options.
Vegan options: Limited — most pies use mozzarella, but you can request light sauce-only or veggie modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated crust or prep area; not ideal for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual yet charming, with warm lighting and shareable pizzas that make for an easy, low-pressure night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small parties, especially early or late evening. Expect a short wait on weekends during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed vibe and approachable menu make it great for families. Staff are accommodating with kids and high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan crust texture and a strong mozzarella selection — ideal for pizza traditionalists who want dine-in comfort.
Skip if: You’re craving deep-dish or need a quiet, romantic setting; the energy is lively and space can feel tight during rush hours.
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - North Beach
8.3
Neapolitan-style pies and house-pulled mozzarella in a lively room that’s easy with kids (open since 2014). Crisp-chewy crusts, fair pricing, and a central Columbus Avenue location make it a dependable sit-down option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola, Burrata e Prosciutto, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wood-blistered pies with fresh mozzarella pulled in-house.
Who should go: Families wanting a sit-down Neapolitan
When to visit: Early dinner 5:00–6:00 for shortest waits
What to order: Diavola; Burrata e Prosciutto; Margherita
Insider tip: Share a mozzarella starter—kids love the warm, milky pull.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Columbus and Vallejo is limited and metered; North Beach Garage on Vallejo between Stockton and Powell is the best bet (2–3 blocks walk).
Dress code: Casual with an urban edge—jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests look put-together for a night in North Beach.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect some buzz from families and groups but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes between 6:30–8:00pm; walk-ins only, so arrive early or be ready to explore nearby bars while waiting.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 10–15 minute pause during peak tourist season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas, salads, and antipasti feature no meat, including Margherita, Burrata e Pomodoro, and Funghi.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify a few pizzas by omitting cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese or menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crusts; salads and mozzarella starters are safer picks for gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re after a lively, casual setting—good lighting, upbeat music, and quality food without formality. Not ideal for intimate conversation due to the energy level.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Il Casaro doesn’t take reservations. Arrive before 6:00pm or after 8:30pm for the best chance at a short wait; groups may need to split across tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—staff are used to families, high chairs are available, and the open pizza oven keeps kids entertained. Best for ages 4+ due to tight seating during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, house-pulled mozzarella and wood-fired pies make it stand out against other North Beach pizza spots for quality-to-price ratio.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining or gluten-free options—try Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or Capo’s instead.
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - North Beach
8.3
Wood-fired Neapolitan pies with house-pulled mozzarella anchor this casual North Beach staple. Blistered cornicione and simple toppings keep the focus on dough, dairy, and heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola, Burrata Margherita, Salsiccia e Friarielli
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neapolitan technique with fresh mozzarella made in-house.
Who should go: Neapolitan purists and casual dates
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner rush
What to order: Diavola; burrata Margherita; sausage & rapini
Insider tip: Ask about fresh cheese additions from the mozzarella bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spaces fill quickly after 6pm around Columbus Ave—try nearby garages on Vallejo or Stockton.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers fine, but most guests lean polished given North Beach’s date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but the dining room hums during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical without reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and starters feature vegetables, burrata, and fresh mozzarella.
Vegan options: Limited—crust and tomato-base are vegan, but cheese-free options are few.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free dough; best to avoid for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy lighting, shareable pizzas, and authentic Neapolitan charm make it ideal for a relaxed yet romantic meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for small parties before 6:30pm; expect waits during weekends as they operate on a mostly walk-in basis.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families are common early evening; casual service and open pizza oven keep kids entertained though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan crusts and fresh mozzarella—more artisanal than most North Beach pizza spots.
Skip if: You prefer deep-dish or large-group seating—try Capo’s or Tony’s Pizza Napoletana instead.
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - North Beach
8.3
Neapolitan-style pies blistered in a hot oven with a focus on fresh mozzarella and simple toppings. Casual, fast-moving service is ideal for a quick, quality pizza stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOP, Bufalina, Fritto Misto
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Straightforward Neapolitan pies and a dedicated mozzarella program.
Who should go: Pizza purists and casual date nights
When to visit: Late lunch to dodge peak lines
What to order: Margherita; bufalina; fried zucchini flowers (seasonal)
Insider tip: Order whole pies—slices aren’t the move here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight in the evenings and weekends. North Beach garages within a 5-minute walk (Green Street or Vallejo) are your best bet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are. Locals often drop in wearing jeans and sneakers.
Noise level: Lively and conversational. Expect background chatter and music, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; small groups move faster at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a few minutes for a table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pies and antipasti are vegetarian, including Margherita and fried zucchini flowers.
Vegan options: Limited—can request without cheese, but the menu focuses on mozzarella.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free dough or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for casual and authentic over fancy. The shared pies and quick service keep things light and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. It’s a fast-turnover spot, so waits are usually manageable even on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pizza and short waits. Space is tight, so strollers can be tricky during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality Neapolitan pizza without the fuss—faster and more consistent than many sit-down competitors.
Skip if: You’re seeking a long, candlelit dinner or need gluten-free options.
Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - North Beach
8.2
Neapolitan-style pies and a mozzarella bar anchor this casual spot where families split blistered, soft-center pizzas and simple antipasti. Service hums at lunch and early evenings, keeping waits manageable for kids.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C., Diavola Pizza, Burrata with Prosciutto
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wood-blistered pies with a focused mozzarella program.
Who should go: Families craving Neapolitan pizza night
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30pm for fastest seating
What to order: Margherita D.O.C.; diavola; burrata starter
Insider tip: Ask for uncut pies to keep centers intact—easier for little hands.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—can be challenging around Washington Square; nearby garages at Vallejo & Stockton are reliable.
Dress code: Casual—comfortable for families; jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Lively and energetic during dinner rush but manageable for family conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating or less than 10-minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas and antipasti feature mozzarella, tomato, and seasonal vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 pizzas can be modified by removing cheese; salads offer options.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust, but salads and antipasti can accommodate.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual outings than formal dates—fun, bustling, and pizza-centric atmosphere works for easygoing meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially before 6:30pm or during lunch; expect a brief wait at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—staff are accommodating with high chairs and quick service; best for ages 3+ who enjoy pizza nights.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pies and fresh mozzarella made in-house—ideal for pizza purists.
Skip if: You need gluten-free or vegan options, or prefer quieter, white-tablecloth Italian dining.