I’ve heard of Pizzeria Delfino for some time. We’ve often passed by on our way home from Delores Park. Suzanne has been there before, but I hadn’t yet. So one day recently, when I had a pizza craving around lunch, it seemed like the opportune time. It was a Thursday, about 1:30 so we figured we shouldn’t have much trouble getting a seat.

When we got there, there were people waiting outside. We got worried for a minute, but when we checked in we were asked if we’d like to sit at the bar. When we said that would be fine, we were shown to two seats at the end of the bar, at the back of the restaurant. It couldn’t have been more perfect, with two seats looking into the kitchen.

Oh, did I mention this place does pizza?

There were all kinds of homey little touches that we could see from our seats. The plethora of pizza boxes shown above. Various bowls of ingredients, such as this big bowl of mushrooms on the shelf between the bar & the kitchen.

You know how pizza places have peppers and grated parmesan in shakers? Those boring, functional, and ubiquitous things full of dried out grated cheese and chili flakes:

Pizzeria Delfino, however, does a classy take on this: Fresh shredded parmesan, fresh twigs of oregano, and nice course gound chilis.

So on to the meal. For wine, we got a bottle of Grillo from Moziese, Sicilia. Now, as a rule, I don’t like whites. But as with any rule, there are exceptions. This is one. Very enjoyable.

We started with “Crazy Melon” (w/chili, mint, extra virgin olive oil & feta). This was insanely good. Sweet melon, spicy chili, and mint. All bathed in a butterly, mild olive oil.

We decided to try two pizzas (we had leftovers later, they were great cold as well). The first was “Cherry Pie” (Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Ricotta Salata). Lovely fresh cherry tomatoes, perfect time of year for it. The pie was light, with an over the top fresh tomato taste.

The second pie was a “Napoletana” (Tomato, anchovies, capers, hot peppers, olives and oregano). This is one of my favorite pizzas. I first had a Napoletana on a trip to Alghero (on Sardinia). The combinations of flavors is one I just love: earthy and robust. Similarly, I love puttenesca and arrabbiata.

I’m obviously quite taken with Pizzeria Delfino. I look forward to our next visit.