Il Casaro Pizzeria & Mozzarella Bar - Castro

YUMMMM. This place is soooo good. Everything was delicious. We were starving, much to our relief, and the food came out fast. We ordered the calamari, pappardelle, and diavolo. The calamari was light and crisp, and quite a lot for the price. The pasta tasted fresh and chewy in the best way, and the pizza was solid as well, but could be improved. The sauce made things slightly soggy, but the dough stood out on its own enough so it was still enjoyable. Pickled peppers, chili oil, red pepper flakes, and grated black pepper available for the spice lovers out there too. Our server was so kind and friendly, and the price was really fair. Casual no frills kinda place. We already made plans for what we want to try next-- the calzone, broccolini, and the spaghetti. 10/10 will definitely be back!Thanks for the great date night!

Close by to the Church St muni metro, this location is great for a reasonably priced pizza or for their pasta and appetizers. I got one of their cocktails, the Chapel, and wasn't a huge fan. We enjoyed our Brussels sprouts in a balsamic reduction and fried calamari (I asked for extra lemons). For our main dishes we got pasta carbonara and the bolognese. I really enjoyed my carbonara but the bolognese noodles were al dente which my friend wasn't a fan of. The portions were large and we had leftovers. Inside has several tables for couples as well as a large table in the middle for friends. Service was prompt.

I enjoyed the original Il Casaro when I lived in North Beach so it's nice to have this Castro location near where I live now. What make this location a one-up on the original has to be a daily happy hour (5-6:30pm and all day Tues I believe) and never a wait with its larger space. There's also an outdoor patio if it's nice out. Pizzas are $5 off during happy hour along with various drink specials. I think happy hour is also best paired with some fried calamari. Service is friendly and speedy. Bright and airy space is great for large groups too. Haven't tried it but I believe there's an AYCE pizza special on Tuesday if you have the appetite.

Look, the Castro is big enough to accommodate more than one casual pasta restaurant, but I have to admit something. I liked Pasta Panino on 18th better (review: https://yelp.to/ixgTDwUQEH). Now I know Il Casaro has North Beach cred, but there's something just a little excessive about the dishes here. Let's just call it the 'muchness' factor.I stopped by on an early Thursday evening when there was a huge Italian family taking up two gigantic tables. I sat by myself in the opposite corner of the restaurant. I decided to have the $12 Insalata Caesar, a bed of trimmed romaine dominated by fresh Parmesan shavings, a trio of good size anchovies, and an eggy dressing (photo: https://yelp.to/xV-bDySgkx). Despite the excess of cheese, I liked the authenticity of the salad.I followed it up with the $20 Spaghetti Carbonara, a hearty pile of pasta mixed with egg yolk, Parmesan, black pepper, and quite a lot of guanciale, cured pork cheek that was way too salty for my palate (photo: https://yelp.to/Yc3CnXJXtb). Again it all tasted authentic, but it was just too much for me. I might stick with the antipasti the next time I visit or split a pizza with Jamie W. That was major carb overload.FOOD - 4 stars...it's authentic Italian but there's a muchness to it you better be prepared forAMBIANCE - 4 stars...pretty spacious with a nice back patioSERVICE - 3.5 stars...more efficient than friendlyTOTAL - 4 stars...Italian with a lot of old world 'tudeRELATED - Exploring the Castro? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HrpFPC

Another day, another tiramisu. Visited Il Carsaro for dessert and was not disappointed! Moist, spongy, and just the right level of sweetness. Was surprised to see a strawberry on top but it was great nonetheless. Went very close to closing time but they were gracious and didn't rush us at all - great service. Ambiance is perfect for a candlelight dinner.

Favorite restaurant in the city! Great pizza and pastas, always so so fresh. Every time I have friends/family in town it is the go to! Lovely staff, incredible energy

went during a group trip to sf. great service and the staff were very nice. overall i would recommend if you're looking for a good pizza spot

Came here a few nights ago and everything was on point! Get the milk punch cocktail! :)Shoutout to Teresa for being our awesome server.

Great addition to the Castro. Lots of pizza choices and this new one is almost there. I'll definitely be back as they grow and settle in. Also, they have a much larger menu than just pizza.

Amazing! The pizza was right on target/. My bf loved it so much, he ate the entire pizza! Well I got one piece, lol!