The Absolute Best Pizza In San Francisco, Ranked

Pizza is perhaps one of the most universally-loved dishes in existence. However, not all pizza is made equal. Though pizza originated in Italy, several different countries and cities have since put their own spin on the iconic dish. From thin and traditional Neapolitan-style pies to unique deep dish pizza that packs on the sauce and cheese, there are plenty of different styles and preferences. Considering that San Francisco is one of the biggest culinary destinations in the United States, it's no surprise that it is home to some amazing pizza.

Whether you're in need of a quick slice on the go or are looking for a laid-back eatery to post up at for dinner, San Francisco has it all. That said, if you're looking to experience the best of the best, there are several spots that should be at the top of your list. Thankfully, we've rounded up the absolute best places for pizza in San Francisco.

Caught a craving for great pizza and natural wine? Shuggie'sPizza is a modern and trendy spot that specializes in square thin-crust pizzas that can be topped with more elevated ingredients like anchovies, burrata, ricotta fluff, chili, and honey. The special dough is made with whey, which is a by-product of the cheese that is made for the pies. However, you can also request that your pizza be made with vegan dough that is made from milled oat flour.

The menu currently features three different pizza options, including a classic pepperoni, a cheesy cheddar and feta pie, and a meaty sausage pizza that is topped with guanciale and an upcycled whey vodka sauce. Since upcycled ingredients are used whenever possible, patrons can feel good about the sustainable nature of Shugie's as they take their tastebuds on a delicious ride. In addition to natural wines, you can also order beer, sake, and spritzes.

Owned by a World Pizza Champion, Tony Gemignani, Tony's Pizza Napoletana is another hotspot for Neapolitan-style pizza in San Francisco. One of the most important things about Tony's Pizza is the fact that all of the ingredients used are imported from Naples. The use of authentic produce and flour from the place where pizza was born helps to set Tony's Pizza Napoletana apart from the competition. In addition to the pizza pies, the wine list is another eye-catcher that features both imported and domestic vintages.

Start off with the deep-fried green beans. Though these might not seem like a typical appetizer at a pizza joint, they are crisped to perfection and full of flavor. If you're not feeling like fried food, the blue gem salad with dates is a more refreshing and light starter. Each of the classic Italian-style pizzas is 18 inches, while the New York-style pies are 20 inches. The menu also features a handful of gluten-free options along with house-made pasta and beloved entrées like chicken parmigiana.

With two locations in San Francisco, one in nearby Walnut Creek, and one in Brooklyn, Motesacro has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its Roman pinsas. Whether you're in the Marina or is SoMa, Montesacro can be found in both of these neighborhoods. Though the cooking methods revolve around Roman tradition with a modern twist, most of the ingredients used are sourced locally and sustainably. This is definitely a slightly more upscale spot that is great for dates or outings with friends. While the pinsas are unbelievably delicious, they aren't identical to what you'll get in Rome, landing this spot in the middle of our rankings (but they're still pretty dang delicious). 

Start off with the warm octopus and the roasted cauliflower before moving on to the main course. All of the flours used to make the pinsas are GMO-free, and there are 14 different pinsas to choose from. That said, the signature Montesacro pinsa is a must-order. The combination of rosemary potato, artichoke, lamb sausage, buffalo mozzarella, and chili simply can't be beaten. If you're vegetarian, the Margherita and San Lorenzo are both wonderful options.

PizzaHacker has one location in San Francisco on Mission Street, and another location just north of San Francisco in Mill Valley. Both are incredibly popular and get super busy throughout the week, but there are tons of seating options are both locations, ensuring that wait times don't get too ridiculous. Considering PizzaHacker runs on a no-reservation system, this is a plus. Having originally started off as a food truck, PizzaHacker has come a long way and specializes in Neapolitan pizzas that range from traditional classics to one-of-a-kind creations. However, PizzaHacker also serves thicker "squares" for those that prefer a fluffier mouthful.

The Summer Fave pizza with house-stretched mozzarella and Sungold tomatoes is a true treat, but the Rocket Man is a zesty favorite topped with arugula, garlic, lemon juice, and a soft Vital Farms egg that is perfect for dipping. If you like a sweet, savory, and spicy action, the Forbidden Fruit (Hawaiian pizza) has everything you want, plus a little cilantro for extra flavoring.

Located in North Beach, Golden Boy Pizza is open seven days a week starting at 11:30 a.m. and has become a consistent go-to for locals. In addition to the San Francisco location, there is also a Golden Boy Pizza in San Mateo. Having been around since 1978, it's safe to say that Golden Boy Pizza is a pretty legendary eatery in the city. The pizzas can be enjoyed by the slice or by the pan. A simple slice of cheese pizza starts at $3.50, while the clam and garlic slice goes for $4.50.

When it comes to pan pizzas, a small cheese is sold for $12, and a large pesto veggie costs $28.75. You can also build your own pizza with all of your favorite toppings for a starting price of $22.50. The prices are pretty fair for the quality, and the focaccia foundation is perfectly puffy and airy in each bite.

Pie Punks is a SoMa staple that serves Detroit-style, Grandma, and round pizzas, along with refreshing and tropical tiki drinks. Despite serving three different styles, Pie Punks has managed to master all three, proving just how talented the team is. The atmosphere is casual yet inviting, and since there are three different styles of pizza served, nearly every preference is catered to. When it comes to the Detroit-style pies, you can't go wrong with the classic. Each Detroit-style pizza is topped with Wisconsin brick cheese in traditional fashion, but the Waikiki sneaky Detroit with spam and pineapple is a unique creation that is worth checking out.

If you're not hungry enough for a whole pizza, Pie Punks does sell a handful of options by the slice. However, if you always stick with round pies, you'll love the thin yet fluffy crust that Pie Punks has mastered. In addition to tiki-inspired cocktails like the Henny Colada, Pie Punks also sells a solid selection of natural wines by the bottle and glass, along with beers on draft.

Located in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, Outta Sight Pizza keeps things simple and classic, but its approach is exactly what makes it so great. From controversial Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham to vegan pies topped with sauce, olives, and basil, Outta Sight Pizza has mastered the art of no-frills pizza that everyone seems to crave. Best of all, this locally-owned pizza shop that was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic makes it a priority to source from local businesses and purveyors while doing everything possible to give back to the community. This dedication to creating a connection with the city plus its nostalgic approach to tried-and-true toppings has allowed Outta Sight Pizza to land in our No. 2 spot.

The slice shop in Tenderloin is where you can stop by in person for a slice, but you can also have whole 18-inch pies, salads, and wings delivered to you via Doordash. The Madonna pie is the establishment's signature pizza and is made with both fresh and aged mozzarella. The vodka pie is another tasty favorite that shines thanks to the house-made vodka sauce.