Il Casaro Pizzeria — Restaurant in San Francisco

Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar opened its doors in March 2014, founded by Francesco Covucci and Peter Fazio. It quickly gained a reputation for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Covucci is a prominent figure in the North Beach restaurant scene. The name "Il Casaro" translates to "the cheese maker" in Italian, highlighting the restaurant's impressive mozzarella bar, which features imported mozzarella di bufala, fior di latte, and burrata.

I visited Il Casaro several times after it opened, but eventually stopped going, perhaps due to a change in my routine. Recently, we decided to return for a meal, and I’m glad we did.

The restaurant prides itself on using traditional ingredients and methods. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with Caputo flour and San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes, both imported from Italy. They bake their pizzas in a wood-fired oven imported from Naples, which gives them a distinctive smoky flavor. Il Casaro is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, ensuring that every pizza adheres to strict traditional standards. This commitment to quality and authenticity has made Il Casaro a popular destination in North Beach.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed and led to a table inside. Our server, a friendly young man with a constant smile, patiently waited for us to make our selections. We decided to share a few dishes, starting with a Beet Salad and an Imported Burrata Salad. I opted for a glass of Pinot Grigio. Both the Beet Salad and the Burrata Salad were delicious. For our pizza, we shared a Prosciutto, which was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t leave without trying their Tiramisu, and I’m glad we did—it was perfect!

As we departed, the restaurant was filling up, and the atmosphere was lively. If you're in North Beach and craving traditional Neapolitan pizza, I highly recommend visiting Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar—you won't be...

Il Casaro Pizzeria in San Francisco is a gem for pizza enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the art of a perfectly crafted dough. The dough at Il Casaro is a standout feature, boasting a delightful balance of chewiness and crispiness. Baked to perfection in their coal-fired oven, each pizza emerges with a beautiful char that adds a smoky depth to every bite. One of the highlights of their menu is the Marinara pizza, a vegan option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Topped with fresh basil and olives, this pizza is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a symphony of taste. The basil adds a fragrant freshness, while the olives provide a briny contrast that makes each slice irresistible. For those looking to elevate their pizza experience, I highly recommend asking for their chili oil and Calabrian chili peppers. These additions bring a spicy kick that complements the flavors of the pizza, taking it to the next level. The chili oil adds a rich, spicy undertone, while the Calabrian chili peppers offer a burst of heat that enhances the overall flavor profile. One of the best spots to sit in Il Casaro is by the kitchen tables. Here, you get a front-row view of the pizza-making process, watching as the skilled chefs craft each pizza with precision and care. It’s a delightful experience that adds to the overall charm of dining...

"The best pizza I have ever eaten in America!," said the teenager who devoured 1.5 of these pizzas. Unbelievably delicious food and service. We have traveled all over Italy, New York, Chicago, and New Haven sampling pizzas and Il Casaro really knocked our socks off. Crust is a simply perfect blend of soft yet not doughy. Cheese, sausages, and vegetables were fresh. The chili olive oil on the side for dipping your crust or pizza equals next level fantastic!!! Our service was exceptional too. True Italians here. They obviously want you to enjoy and have a hearty and memorable meal. They gave us great suggestions and food was served promptly and at perfect temperatures. We were thirsty after a long day of seeing San Francisco and every time we emptied a glass a new bottle of chilled water or fresh drink magically appeared. We also tried the fresh mozzarella appetizer and it was excellent and served with scrumptious salad and thin bread. Magnificent. People come to North Beach to try other famous pizza places but THIS is a place not to miss. Wish we had left room to try the deserts and coffees because other dinners were raving and they looked gorgeous. It is also remarkably inexpensive for the very high quality service making it a very family friendly choice. We even convinced two other groups to head in who were...