Though we hate to admit that New York is superior to San Francisco in any way, we’ve got to hand it to the Big Apple when it come to food delivery. And while we might not have the plethora of options our Eastern brethren enjoy, every once in a while we like to have a pizza delivered to our door, too. Here are our five picks for the best delivery pizza in the city. Pair the pies (naturally) with one of Mr. Mackay’s picks for best pizza wine.
Marcello’s
420 Castro St., 415-863-3900, marcellospizzasf.com
Contrary to what you may have heard, the delivery people at Marcello’s are actually nice. We ordered a large cheese pizza on a Sunday night at 5 p.m. and, lo and behold, 25 minutes later a piping hot, New York-style pie was at our doorstep. Prices for a large range from $15 to $24; delivery is free with a $10 minimum.
Where they deliver: The Castro, Mission, Haight, Fillmore, Diamond Heights and Noe Valley, up to Geary and Stanyan.
Villa Romana
731 Irving St., 415-731-2280, villaromanasf.com
What we like about Villa Romana: They deliver almost anywhere, the pizza arrived hot (and within a half-hour) and the delivery guy was personable and friendly. They also happily accommodate half-and-half requests. Though it’s a bit spendier than other pizzerias (a large ranges from $21-25) and has a puffier, California-style crust, we’d still recommend it—especially topped with fried eggplant.
Where they deliver: Almost anywhere in the city, except the Embarcadero and North Beach.
Nizario’s
3840 Geary Blvd., 415-752-7777, nizarios.com
Maybe it’s the heartbreakingly nice delivery boys, or the fact that our large pizza ($23) was delivered only one minute beyond the projected time of 45 minutes (we set a timer). Whatever the reason, we endorse Nizario’s, in spite of a somewhat more limited delivery region than some other joints.
Where they deliver: The Richmond, Inner and Outer Sunset.
Za
1919 Hyde St., 415-771-3100
This oversized thin-crusted delight (especially the one paved with a thin crumble of spicy sausage) had crispy edges and a fresh flavor—and though it’s bigger than most large pizzas, it’s also more expensive, ringing in at $27.
Where they deliver: Russian Hill, with occasional excursions to Union Square if asked nicely.
Victor’s Pizza
1411 Polk St., 415-885-1660
Even during prime delivery time, the good people at Victor’s still were willing to describe their specialty pizzas in painstaking detail to menu-less callers. Forty minutes, two small pizzas and $30 dollars later, we were a happy crew. Make a note: on Friday and Saturday nights they deliver until 12:30 a.m.
Where they deliver: SoMa, Downtown, Tenderloin, Tendernob, Polk Gulch, Japantown
