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North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Neighborhood pizzeria (est. 1982 lineage) that also turns out a hearty, mozzarella-topped meat lasagna alongside thick-crust Sicilian pies. Families lean on it for shareable portions, delivery reliability, and late-evening comfort carbs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Lasagna, Sicilian Thick-Crust Pizza, Spaghetti with Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Classic, saucy meat lasagna from a long-running SF pizza outfit.
Who should go: Families and casual pizza-and-pasta crowds
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for shorter waits
What to order: Meat lasagna; Sicilian thick-crust; garlic bread
Insider tip: Half-bake the Sicilian pie to finish at home for crispier edges.
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
7.5
Taraval outpost of a longstanding local brand known for hefty pies, Sicilian thick-crust, and crowd-pleasing toppings. Families and groups use it as a dependable, casual pizza night option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian Thick-Crust Pizza, North Beach Special, Calzone
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Big-portion pies with a Sicilian option for thicker crust fans.
Who should go: Groups craving shareable pizza
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for easier seating
What to order: Sicilian thick-crust, house special, calzone
Insider tip: Order half-bakes to finish at home for crispier crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taraval and nearby avenues is generally available but can tighten around dinner hours; no dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and sweatshirts are common; family and takeout-friendly atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; easy conversation early evenings and weekdays.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for dine-in tables, longer for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter service for slices or takeout.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas and pastas can be made meatless, including the Margherita and Veggie Supreme.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan cheese by default, but you can request veggie-only pies without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Not offered; traditional crusts only, no gluten-free preparation area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than romantic dates—great if you’re splitting a large pie and want low pressure over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are welcome and usually accommodated, especially on weeknights or before 6:30pm on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—high chairs available, fast service, and menu options like spaghetti and cheese pizza that kids enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Feeding groups or families who want generous portions and a neighborhood vibe without spending too much time waiting.
Skip if: You’re after gourmet ingredients, thin-crust Neapolitan style, or a quieter, date-night atmosphere.
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
7.7
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Casual sit-down pizzeria offering sizable pies with classic SF-Italian toppings. Popular with families and teams for easy group meals and delivery.
Must-Try Dishes:
North Beach Special (combo), Pesto Chicken Pizza, Vegetarian Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Large-format pies and familiar combos suited for sharing.
Who should go: Families and group takeout planners
When to visit: Early evening for faster tables and delivery
What to order: North Beach Special; pesto chicken; veggie combo
Insider tip: Split half-and-half on extra-large pies for variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Taraval and side streets; can fill up after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, hoodies, and team gear all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; family chatter and TV background make it friendly but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for dine-in; delivery can take 45+ minutes at peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies, salads, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pizza or veggie toppings on red sauce base.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust offered on small and medium pizzas; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual than romantic—better for an easygoing, low-pressure meal than a formal date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard; tables turn quickly, though large groups may wait during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, large booths, and easy crowd noise make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Group dining and shareable pies at good value—perfect for families and teams ordering together.
Skip if: You’re seeking artisan crusts, craft toppings, or quiet ambiance—try a more upscale pizzeria instead.
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
7.8
Casual, kid-friendly spot with big menus: thin-crust, deep-dish, pastas, and hot sandwiches. Spacious seating and fast pacing work well for larger family groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam & Garlic Pizza, Meatball Parmesan Sandwich, Minestrone
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Broad pizza-and-pasta menu with plenty of space for families.
Who should go: Parents with kids and mixed tastes
When to visit: Weekend lunch for easiest table turnover
What to order: Clam & garlic pie, meatball parm, minestrone
Insider tip: Half-and-half pies help please picky eaters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taraval and nearby residential blocks is usually available but fills up around peak dinner hours; no private lot.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, tees, and sneakers are all fine; family comfort over formality.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner rush, especially with groups and kids; quieter mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for larger parties; smaller groups often seated within 10–15 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; easy walk-in service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – pastas, salads, and several vegetarian pizzas available.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize veggie pies without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese or menu.
Gluten-free options: No official gluten-free crust; salads and some entrées can accommodate with substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date, but great for a casual meet-up or double date where conversation and comfort matter more than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s a walk-in-friendly neighborhood spot; reservations are rarely needed except for groups of 6+ on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – booster seats and large booths available; staff is patient with families and quick to serve; menu suits all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large family dinners, birthday lunches, or casual group gatherings where variety and volume matter more than presentation.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet-level pizza, craft cocktails, or a quiet, candlelit atmosphere.
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
8.0
Taraval branch of a local group offering large pies, pastas, and sandwiches with kid-friendly options. Reliable for bigger family tables and half-and-half combos to please picky eaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam & Garlic Pie, Half-and-Half Large Pizza, Meatball Parm Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big-menu pizzeria with space for families and easy shareables.
Who should go: Mixed-taste family groups
When to visit: Weekend lunch for easiest seating and parking
What to order: Clam & garlic pie, half-and-half large, minestrone
Insider tip: Call ahead for half-bakes to finish hot at home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and 19th Avenue is usually available before 6pm; after that, expect light competition but still easier than downtown.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and family-friendly attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—steady family chatter and TV volume, but normal conversation remains easy.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait for most of the day; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetarian pizzas, salads, and pastas available.
Vegan options: Limited—request cheeseless pizza or pasta with marinara; no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Available upon request with gluten-free crusts, though prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual and relaxed—it’s better suited for comfort and conversation than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely needed; walk-ins are standard, even for groups before 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—high chairs, booster seats, and kid-sized portions make it great for families with children 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Large families or groups wanting a broad pizza-and-pasta menu with easy seating.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance or a modern, artisanal pizza experience.
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Casual sit-down spot on Taraval for hefty pies, pastas, and calzones with service running to about 9:45–10:30pm depending on the night. A practical choice for late-ish dinners when many Sunset kitchens wind down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination special pie, Margherita, Build-your-own calzone
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Late-ish Taraval hours with a broad, crowd-pleasing menu.
Who should go: Families wanting a sit-down pie after 9pm
When to visit: Weekend evenings for latest closing window
What to order: Combination pie, Margherita, calzone
Insider tip: Call to confirm exact last seating—weekend hours run later.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is generally available but can tighten near dinner hours; no private lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy early evening but get louder with family crowds later on.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for small groups, longer for large tables after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins easily seated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas, pastas, and salads cater to vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pizza or pasta with marinara.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on request, but shared kitchen prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates or low-key nights out; lighting is bright and the vibe is more family-friendly than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially before 8:30pm. Reservations are rarely needed except for big family groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—plenty of space for strollers, high chairs on hand, and a forgiving noise level for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Large family dinners and dependable late-night takeout when most neighborhood restaurants close early.
Skip if: You’re seeking an artisanal or trendy pizza experience—this is more about hearty, familiar comfort than culinary innovation.
North Beach Pizza (Taraval)
7.9
Casual sit-down spot for hefty pies, calzones, and pastas with steady late-evening service most nights. Go for straightforward combos and dependable slices without the wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination pie, Margherita, Sausage & mushroom calzone
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Broad menu with quick, late-ish service on Taraval.
Who should go: Groups wanting easy sit-down pizza
When to visit: Weekend evenings for latest kitchen window
What to order: Combo pie, Margherita, calzone
Insider tip: Call to confirm last seating times—they vary by night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and 19th Avenue is the main option; it’s generally manageable before 7pm but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, hoodies, and team gear are all common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; there’s background chatter and TVs but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for larger groups without a reservation; walk-ins often fine for two.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—service is fast and tables turn over quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita, veggie, and cheese pies plus salads and pasta options.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese but you can build a sauceless veggie pie.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available on request, but prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual or low-pressure meet-up; relaxed vibe, easy parking, and big portions make it fun but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for small parties; larger groups should call ahead on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths, high chairs, and forgiving noise levels make it a solid pick for families with kids ages 4 and up.
Best For
Better for: Casual family dinners or group meals where consistency and portion size matter more than ambiance.
Skip if: You’re after gourmet pies, craft cocktails, or a quieter date-night setting.