Del Popolo

"Amidst all the fast-casual chains and overpriced tourist traps around Union Square, Del Popolo is a bright spot. Their incredible Neapolitan-style pizza draws us in, even when we aren’t in the area picking up our laptop from the Genius Bar or touching expensive duvet covers at the mall—the wood-fired crust always comes out gorgeous and chewy. There are nine options to choose from, but whichever route you go, the toppings, like spicy sausage and olives or garlicky mushrooms, are excellent across the board. We love coming to this relaxed spot for double dates or after-work pizzas at the bar—or, if you want a quieter dinner, request a table on the plant-filled patio out back. " - julia chen 1, lani conway

"For excellent wood-fired pizzas with bubbly, charred crusts, book a table at Del Popolo. The wood-fired oven is right in the middle of the Lower Nob Hill restaurant, so you can watch as pies topped with hot salami or winter squash emerge from the flames and land on your table. We also love sitting on their back patio, which feels like a hidden, subterranean garden. Be sure to save some room for their rotating desserts—if it’s soft serve, absolutely finish your meal with a cup of it." - julia chen 1, lani conway

"Great for an after-work hang, this Nob Hill spot has everything we want after six hours of virtual meetings—or any other time we just really need pizza. Sitting near the wood-fired oven will have you debating which of their vegetarian pies to try as they come out hot and blistered, but our favorites include the margherita and the Bianca (mozzarella, ricotta, basil, and garlic). If you and your coworkers are particularly hungry, share some appetizers too, specifically the little gem caesar salad with a lemon-y dressing. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"Capacity: 36-75 Del Popolo rarely disappoints, so whatever you’re planning will likely not end in disaster. Opt for the heated covered garden patio (seats 36-40), or reserve the entire restaurant (60 seated and 75 standing) and watch your pizza being cooked in the huge oven at the back of the dining room. If you want the best of both worlds, consider hosting a cocktail hour in the garden, and then dinner inside, or vice versa. The wood-fired pizzas, salads, and wine will be ready either way. " - lani conway

"The subterranean garden deck at Del Popolo is open to “well-behaved and potty-trained dogs,” so if yours fits those requirements (and we sincerely hope it does), head right over. The Lower Nob Hill spot specializes in wood-fired pizzas with bubbly, charred crusts that are delicious—and great for sneaking to your kibble-averse dog under the table. " - julia chen 1