If you think San Francisco is just about sourdough bread bowls, clam chowder at the Wharf, and artisan coffee, you’re missing one of the city’s juiciest secrets: our pizza scene.
Yep. In a city that’s home to Michelin-starred dining and world-famous seafood, there’s a humble, cheesy, crispy, utterly irresistible hero stealing hearts and stomach space. And whether you’re grabbing a slice at Amici’s Pier 39 location (before it closes in December) or ordering from the ghost kitchen on Market Street, locals know exactly where to find their favorite pizza spot.
The name of this local legend? Amici’s. And by the time you finish reading, you’ll understand why it’s the best pizza in San Francisco for 2025 and maybe forever.
Why San Francisco Pizza Hits Different
San Francisco thrives on diversity, innovation, and incredible local ingredients. That means every pizza slice here isn’t just dough, sauce, and cheese. It’s a little piece of Bay Area magic.
From artisan cheeses produced in Marin County to farm-fresh vegetables from Napa, SF’s pizza makers have the ultimate playground for flavor. The city’s culture is a blend of East Coast tradition and West Coast creativity, so you get the best of both worlds on your plate.
Sure, you could grab a slice at one of the busy SF Pier 39 restaurants with a view of the sea lions, but trust us: locals know that the real pizza gems hide just a few streets away from the crowds.
Amici’s: The Local Legend
Ask a San Franciscan where they get their go-to pizza, and you’ll hear it again and again: “Oh, you have to try Amici’s.”
Founded with a love for authentic, thin-crust, East Coast–style pizza, Amici’s has quietly built a loyal following that spans decades. It’s not the place shouting at you with neon signs; it’s the place that welcomes you like an old friend, where every pizza is made with precision, passion, and just the right amount of char on the crust.
And while many San Francisco pizza places chase trends, Amici’s has mastered the art of doing a few things perfectly. That’s why locals keep coming back, even with the city’s ever-changing dining scene.
The Pizza That Wins Hearts
It starts with hand-stretched dough and a blazing brick oven, giving every crust that perfect crunch and hint of char, the ultimate base for Amici’s standout toppings.
Margherita: Simple? Yes. Basic? Never. Bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil that tastes like it was plucked just seconds before it hit your plate.
Spicy Pepper Chicken: For those who like a little fire, this spicy number brings the heat with sliced chicken breast, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, cilantro, oregano, and hot red pepper flakes that make your taste buds dance.
Amici’s Combo: Think pepperoni, meatballs, bacon, with sautéed mushrooms, and black olives. Amici’s always keeps the menu fresh without overcomplicating it.
The crust is thin but sturdy, with that perfect crunch when you bite in. The sauce is tangy and bright. And the cheese? Melted just enough to stretch into glorious strings when you pull a slice away.
For those with dietary needs, Amici’s offers gluten-free crusts and plant-based toppings that taste just as satisfying as the originals.
More Than Just a Slice: The Amici’s Vibe
Walking into Amici’s feels like stepping into a neighborhood living room, only better, because it smells like freshly baked pizza heaven.
There’s cozy indoor seating, making it perfect for San Francisco’s weather. The staff greet you like you’ve been coming there for years, even if it’s your first visit. And whether you’re on a date night, grabbing dinner with friends, or sneaking in for a solo slice and a book, it just works.
No rush, no pressure, just good food, good vibes, and the occasional happy chaos of people debating which pizza is the best (spoiler: they’re all right).
The Perfect Location for Your SF Day Out
Here’s where Amici’s location makes it even more irresistible. Whether you’re strolling the Wharf or ordering in for a cozy night, Amici’s makes enjoying East Coast-style pizza simple and convenient.
Imagine this: You spend your day at Pier 39 in the morning watching the sea lions, browsing quirky shops, maybe even hopping on a cable car, and when hunger strikes, instead of waiting in long lines for overpriced bites, you slide into Amici’s for a crispy, cheesy reward.
For locals, it’s just as easy to swing by after work or on a weekend city stroll. And if you’re coming from anywhere in the Bay Area, it’s worth the trip.
Local’s Tips for the Ultimate Amici’s Experience
If you want to get the most out of your visit to Amici’s, a few insider tricks can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one.
Timing is everything: Arrive just before the lunch rush (around 11:30 AM) or for an early dinner to snag the best seats.
Order like a local: Half-and-half pizzas let you sample more flavors.
Pair wisely: Craft beer lovers, you’re in luck; wine drinkers, too. Try the house red with a pepperoni pie; it’s a match made in heaven.
Don’t skip the pasta: The fettuccine Alfredo is creamy perfection and plays well with a shared pizza.
Take Amici’s home: You’ll love Amici’s so much, you might just find yourself carrying extra boxes of pizza home or grabbing a few half-baked pizzas in San Francisco to finish fresh in your own oven, so the magic never stops.
Follow these tips, and every visit to Amici’s will feel like your own personal pizza tradition, one you’ll want to share with friends, repeat often, and maybe even turn into a weekly ritual.
Your Next Pizza Obsession Awaits
Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting the City by the Bay, you owe it to yourself to taste the pizza that locals have been quietly keeping to themselves.
So skip the tourist traps, grab your appetite, and head to Amici’s. Your perfect slice is waiting, and trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why this is the best pizza in San Francisco.
Warning: May cause cravings at 2 AM. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Order now from Amici’s and taste why locals call it their San Francisco pizza home.