If you think San Francisco’s best pizza is hiding in plain sight at Union Square, think again.
Sure, Union Square has its share of flashy eateries, but if you're craving that real-deal, cheese-dripping, crust-crackling kind of love, then it's time to stray from the tourist trail.
Nestled just beyond the bustle, where locals actually eat, lies Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria, your new favorite slice of heaven.
For foodies in the know, this is one of the best places for pizza in San Francisco. And if you're hunting for a hidden pizza San Francisco treasure? You've just hit the jackpot. From signature pies to secret menu tips and nearby local gems, here’s your guide to discovering one of SF’s best-kept pizza secrets.
Amici’s: A Slice of East Coast Magic in SF
Amici’s is the kind of pizza joint that doesn’t need to shout. Whether you’re soaking up the tourist energy at Poer 39 or grabbing a quick delivery downtown, Amici’s brings the same old-school magic to every bite.
At Pier 39, you’ll find a full-service dine-in restaurant with a full bar, sweeping views of the Bay, and front-row seats to watch the famous sea lions lounging nearby. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely meal, a drink, and a view you can’t get anywhere else.
Downtown on Market Street, the ghost kitchen of Amici’s is inside a shared culinary space. This spot is built for speed, optimized for takeout, delivery, and big corporate lunch catering orders. Whether you’re feeding your office or just treating yourself to a solo pie, this location is all about getting great pizza into your hands fast.
The moment you step in at Pier 39, you’ll be greeted by warm, bustling energy, and the scent of fresh-baked dough, while the Market Street location delivers that same aroma straight to your door.
Why It’s Off the Beaten Path (and That’s a Very Good Thing)
One of Amici’s San Francisco locations is right in the middle of the action at Pier 39, the ultimate tourist hub, where you can enjoy a slice with Bay views and sea lion sightings. The other, on Market Street, takes you off the main dining radar.
This downtown ghost kitchen caters to SF’s delivery crowd and big corporate lunch orders, making it perfect for locals who want Amici’s without the wait. Whether you’re after the lively, waterfront energy of Pier 39 or the quick convenience of Market Street delivery, both spots serve up the same signature East Coast flavors.
This is the kind of gem that makes exploring off-the-beaten-path SF restaurants so worth it.
What to Order: The Pizza Hall of Fame
Let’s get to the good stuff. What should you actually eat at Amici’s?
Here's a quick-fire guide to the most-loved pies:
Firehouse Special: For heat-seekers who want a pizza with a personality. Hot, smoky, and dangerously addictive.
Margherita: It’s light, fresh, and beautifully balanced. Simplicity done right.
Pollo: White sauce lovers, unite. Creamy, garlicky, and topped with sliced chicken breast with no tomato sauce, which makes each bite a wow moment.
Smog: Mushroom madness with housemade sausage, caramelized onions, green peppers, and extra flair.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Options": Yes, we’ve got them, too. And yes, they’re just as good as the originals.
Pro Tips for Pizza Pros:
Ask for your crust “well done” if you love that East Coast crisp.
Split a large pizza half-and-half with a friend so you can try more flavors (because choosing just one is torture).
Don’t skip the fresh parmesan and hot peppers. Trust us.
These little upgrades turn a great pizza night into an unforgettable one.
Pizza with a Side of Vibes
Part of what makes Amici’s so special, besides the perfect cheese pull, is the vibe.
It’s casual enough for your post-work chill, date-worthy for relaxed night outs, and cozy enough to sit solo with a book and a pie. There’s usually a game playing softly on the TV, maybe a couple of regulars debating whether New York or Detroit does it better.
You won’t be rushed. You’ll be fed. And you’ll leave wondering why this wasn’t already your spot.
How to Find This Hidden Gem
No treasure map needed, just Google Maps and a healthy appetite.
How to Get There
Hop off BART at Embarcadero and walk or bike the scenic route.
Or, if you're driving, there’s decent street parking nearby.
When to Go
Weekday evenings are chill and perfect for date night.
Late lunch on a weekend? You’ll beat the rush and snag a sunny table.
Takeout and delivery are available for those cozy Netflix nights.
However you choose to enjoy it, Amici’s delivers the kind of comfort food that feels like home, only better.
Turn It Into a Whole Foodie Adventure
Don’t just eat and leave, make a little day (or night) out of it. Amici’s near the Embarcadero is surrounded by scenic walks, cozy cafes, and tucked-away gems that pair perfectly with a pizza buzz. Here are a few local favorites just a short stroll away:
Red Bay Coffee (Ferry Building): Sleek, modern, and known for their smooth brews and chill vibes. Great for a post-pizza caffeine hit.
Book Passage (Ferry Building): A charming independent bookstore with curated picks, local authors, and the occasional hidden gem.
Sue Bierman Park: Just around the corner, this low-key park is perfect for lounging under the trees or walking off that extra slice.
Exploratorium’s Public Art Walk: No ticket needed. Just follow the Embarcadero and enjoy installations, murals, and views you won’t find on a typical tourist loop.
Want to end on a sweet note? Try our Tuxedo cake or New York Cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth
Final Slice: Your Secret Is Safe with Us (Sort of)
If you made it this far, congrats, you’re officially in on one of the best-kept pizza secrets in the city.
Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria is everything you want in a local pizza spot: flavor-packed, unpretentious, and refreshingly crowd-free. Whether you're a SF local or a visitor ready to skip the tourist traps, this is the kind of hidden pizza San Francisco is quietly proud of.
So next time someone says, “Where’s the best pizza in San Francisco?” Smile, point them to Union Square, and then text your group chat to meet you at Amici’s.