In San Francisco, everyone has an opinion on the perfect slice—whether it’s Neapolitan, New York-style, or California-inspired. But ask for the best pizza spots, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. And then there’s the cost—sometimes you just can’t splurge on a $30 artisanal pie. So which affordable joints are actually delicious? And which high-end spots are worth the investment? We’ve got the definitive list.
Pizzeria Delfina – Mission
$$ | (415) 437-6800 | WEBSITE
This vibrant Mission District pizzeria blends classic Italian techniques with California sensibilities, and the result is a dining experience that delivers much more than just great pizza. For about $75 per person with drinks, the kitchen serves you creative dishes that are unlike what you’ll find at other Italian spots in the city.
A meal might include deviled eggs with crispy pancetta, chicken liver crostini with sweet onion jam, and spaghetti pomodoro topped with delicate basil leaves packed together like confetti. The only downside to Pizzeria Delfina is that it can be a tough table: the warm, bustling space fills quickly with locals who know about the excellent cocktails and complimentary bread with ricotta spread.
Mythic Pizza
$ | (415) 864-1999 | WEBSITE
The $8 slice at Mythic Pizza is split into two parts: a perfectly cooked crust that’s crisp yet chewy, then a generous layer of toppings that follow. It’s the second part that made us weak in the knees, including spicy pepperoni with sweet pineapple and jalapeño, or the healthier ‘Athens’ with pesto, artichoke, and garlic. The flavors melt on your tongue like butter on warm bread, and the late-night atmosphere is reliably friendly.
Mythic Pizza is an old hand in the San Francisco pizza scene and has a knack for satisfying cravings. We miss the days when prices were lower, but the quality here is worth a late-night splurge.
Tartine Manufactory
$$ | (415) 757-0007 | WEBSITE
San Francisco has plenty of excellent pizza spots, but one of the most satisfying experiences is at Tartine Manufactory, a bakery-restaurant in the Mission District. It’s $24 for their standout Margherita Pizza, which features their famous sourdough crust, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil. All the baked goods are exceptional, but you’ll likely find yourself grabbing an extra loaf of that incredible country sourdough to take home.
Just be prepared for limited parking—this place stays busy, especially on weekdays.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
$$ | (415) 835-9888 | WEBSITE
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is the aspirational version of the pizza night you tried to host in your first apartment, only with much better dough. This always-busy spot is run by a team that clearly knows how to bring energy to lively quarters. They fire, top, and sometimes torch each pie, taking occasional breaks to chat with regulars or recommend craft beers.
Their $24 Carnivore pizza is a generous deal: crust so perfectly blistered it crackles like parchment, a three-part cheese-and-meat combination that builds in savoriness, plus excellent non-pizza moments like fried artichokes with lemon aioli and huge spaghetti meatballs. Like any good pizza party, your experience hinges heavily on when you go—so book your table in advance.
Pizzeria Delfina – Pacific Heights
$$ | (415) 440-1189 | WEBSITE
Perhaps you’ve walked by Pizzeria Delfina on a casual evening in Pacific Heights and wondered what makes it so popular. Well, we’ll tell you—really good pizza happens there. The best meals at Pizzeria Delfina start and end with their consistent pies: quality, crowd-pleasing flavors in a charming atmosphere.
It’ll run around $25 for a margherita pie (or more for specialty options), so if you’re looking for something more affordable, their $18 arancini appetizer with a side of homemade lemonade is also excellent.
Delarosa Downtown
$$ | (415) 872-7363 | WEBSITE
Delarosa Downtown is a gem in the downtown bustle. Run by a team with a clear passion for Italian fare, the bustling dining room (reservations helpful) occupies a modern storefront on a lively city block. It also offers a solid value. The pizzas run about $20–$25, which isn’t bargain-bin, but could easily cost more at stuffier trattorias. Step inside and see why: the room is bright and inviting, and it’s just you, the friendly staff, and some upbeat tunes from a hidden speaker.
Expect vibrant, crowd-pleasing dishes with reliable standouts, like the Margherita with blistered crust, fennel sausage pizza with a hint of spice, and pappardelle draped with a rich pork ragù.
Presidio Pizza Company
$ | (415) 409-6672 | WEBSITE
The idea of “family-friendly pizza with fast service in San Francisco” might sound too good to be true, but Presidio Pizza Company delivers exactly that. Large slices like The Bianca or The Windy City come in around $6 each, while whole grandma-style pies with that signature pesto drizzle start at $28 for a generous size that easily feeds a family of four.
The clean, welcoming space offers plenty of seating with a cute, vibrant atmosphere—think exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and those large TVs providing just the right entertainment backdrop. Every bite showcases their high-quality ingredients: a perfectly balanced crust with just the right chew, tangy sauce that complements rather than overwhelms, and toppings like the BBQ Chicken (though the chicken itself can lean a bit dry) that still satisfy any pizza craving.
With staff who are genuinely friendly and responsive, it’s the kind of spot where you can grab a delicious meal with friends or family without breaking the bank or your patience.
The Pizza Shop
$ | (415) 824-1840 | WEBSITE
The Pizza Shop is exactly what you’re looking for in a go-to pizza joint—delicious, authentic East Coast pies with that perfect crispy-thin crust, and a welcoming atmosphere that’ll have you coming back whenever you’re craving a true pizza fix. The owner, with those New Jersey roots, will chat with you while you’re there, ask about your day, and share stories about what makes a great pizza.
Then they’ll get busy serving you a fantastic, fresh meal, including standout options like the tangy-sauced classics and vegetarian choices that hit the spot. With its clean, modern space and friendly staff, it’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick slice for around $5 or a whole pie for the table without breaking the bank.
Arizmendi Bakery
$ | (415) 566-3117 | WEBSITE
Getting into Arizmendi Bakery, easily the most beloved bakery option in San Francisco, is a wait. Not only finding parking but physically joining the line. You’ll have to queue up outside the small storefront, grab a bag, and step into a bright space that happens to serve a $4 pastry to dozens of people per hour. Each visit includes a selection of cookies, scones, and bread behind a simple glass bakery case.
Expect to be surrounded by regulars who don’t blink at grabbing several items for their morning coffee. Arizmendi is tailored towards everyday bakery purists, but your treat will involve some of the most flat-out delicious bites of dough in SF, like the strawberry blackberry scone or the dark sunshine chocolate cookie sprinkled with just the right amount of sugar.
GIOIA Pizzeria
$ | (415) 872-9427 | WEBSITE
Visit any afternoon at GIOIA Pizzeria (though parking is notoriously tricky) and you’ll spot office workers, college students from nearby campuses, and food enthusiasts all queuing up for a taste. It’s a straightforward, no-frills spot that’s become a local favorite, tucked into a bustling San Francisco neighborhood that specializes in incredible pizza. Grab a couple of slices for around $5 each, served piping hot on a simple paper plate, so you can sample their signature styles.
There’s the perfectly crispy crust with those beautiful charred spots and the standout avocado & arugula salad, a fresh, vibrant mix that truly lives up to the hype.
Pie Punks
$$ | (415) 535-2898 | WEBSITE
This legit pizza bar in San Francisco exemplifies dining in the city in the best way possible. Although the atmosphere here is cool and casual (you can almost guarantee there will be a group of friends laughing over cocktails at the bar), the pizza is first-rate. The signature Mustard Detroit is one of our favorites in town, packed with crispy bacon, sweet and savory onion, and a crust that has so much crunch it belongs in a texture hall of fame.
We also appreciate the variety of crust options, from the thin Grandma style to the hearty Detroit style. The full bar offers great cocktails, with happy hour deals making it even more appealing. Not up for a trek to SF? Pie Punks is worth the trip for anyone who loves solid pizza and a chill, unique bar for a night out.
Hi Hat
$$ | (415) 795-1139 | WEBSITE
If it’s not there already, add Hi Hat’s $28 pepperoni slice to your pizza bucket list. At this San Francisco pizza spot, which feels like a slightly cooler version of an average neighborhood joint, servers explain the rotating beer selections in casual detail, much of the background music is curated for that chill atmosphere, and you theoretically could inhale your slice of super crispy-bottomed pizza without pausing. There’s also a somewhat cheaper $22 cheese slice, but it’s far less exciting.
Lunch bounces between classic pepperoni and creative rotating specials—on recent visits we’ve had spicy soppressata, wild mushroom, garlic confit that melts like butter, and the staff’s favorite, perfectly chewy crust with a crisp bottom.
Nizario’s Pizza Geary Blvd
$ | (415) 752-7777 | WEBSITE
Hunt down this unassuming pizza joint on Geary Boulevard and you’ll find a classic New York vibe, checkered tablecloths, and a neon sign glowing in the window. Inside is a bustling counter that feels a world away from the city traffic just outside. Just like its reputation suggests, Nizario’s is about the crust as much as it is about the toppings. The $4 slice price enhances the experience: you’ll get a huge pepperoni slice with sausage or a generous chicken pesto slice.
All told, you’re in for delicious pizza with options like the California, pepperoni, and Greko (black olives, fresh garlic) slices, plus vegetarian choices and great ranch dipping sauce. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, with the owner particularly notable for his warm demeanor, providing fast and super friendly service even when children are making a ruckus.
NORCINA
$$ | (415) 654-2542 | WEBSITE
NORCINA is a place that makes sense for pretty much anyone, at any time, for any occasion. This charming Italian spot in San Francisco is no longer the hidden gem that it once was, but despite the crowds, it’s still one of our all-time favorites. While you’re going to want to put a few of their pizzas and pastas on the table (especially the nor-sting-ya pizza), we recommend sticking almost entirely to their standout dishes like the black pepper bucatini and mushroom pizza. They rarely miss.
The Laundromat SF
$$ | (415) 379-4340 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite spots for straightforward, high-quality pizza, The Laundromat SF is pretty old-school. But in the Detroit-style way—which means crispy edges, chewy centers, and everything else you’ve experienced at the best corner spots. For around $25 (or $30 for the loaded options), you get a square of perfect crust, saucy broccoli pizza with a spicy kick, and a kale salad with that delicious dressing to round things out. The Laundromat SF is our pizza old reliable—we keep coming back.
Square Pie Guys
$$ | (415) 872-9290 | WEBSITE
This Detroit-style pizza joint in San Francisco is about $25 per pie (before tax and tip), but if you’re in the market for a reliable takeout spot or feeding a family with diverse tastes, Square Pie Guys is a solid place to do it. The consistently excellent square pies featured on the menu stay fairly stable, but you can generally expect about a dozen topping options like the popular plant supreme pizza or crispy Brussels sprouts.
There’s a friendly efficiency at Square Pie Guys that makes an order here feel less like you’re at a formal restaurant and more like grabbing food from a group of pals who opened a pizza counter in their welcoming kitchen.
Vega
$$ | (415) 285-6000 | WEBSITE
Finding Vega is a neighborhood quest no matter where you’re starting from, but trust us when we say this Italian spot tucked away in Bernal Heights is worth walking the few extra blocks. With warm brick walls, soft lighting, and rustic wooden tables, dining here feels a bit like you’ve stepped into a friend’s kitchen that happens to serve some of the most authentic Italian food in the city.
There’s not a massive menu, just a well-curated selection of classics on the board, but the real move is the handmade pasta. Eat until satisfied, and your check will likely hover around $80, so Vega certainly isn’t your everyday pizza joint, but if you’re looking for a memorable only-in-San-Francisco Italian experience, this is it.
Cellarmaker House of Pizza – SF
$$ | (415) 296-6351 | WEBSITE
Given that Cellarmaker House of Pizza – SF took over a former brewery space and there’s a Cellarmaker in Oakland, you might get the names confused. Here’s a simpler way to remember: this is one of the few spots in San Francisco serving Detroit-style pizza with a full bar—a rarity in the thin-crust dominated pizza scene. The pies here lean hearty and are delicious across the board, albeit on the indulgent, flavorful side, like listening to classic rock.
At around $25 for a medium pizza, you’re getting a generous amount of fluffy crust, grilled cheese edges, and creative toppings, all house-made and served on sturdy metal pans. It might not be our first suggestion for a pizza purist, but it no doubt belongs on any serious pizza lover’s checklist.
