
Pizzaiolo
Oakland's beloved contemporary pizzeria, known for exceptional wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and California/Italian flair in a lively setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Pizzaiolo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oakland's beloved contemporary pizzeria, known for exceptional wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and California/Italian flair in a lively setting.
"This spot is definitely an Oakland staple to visit monthly if not weekly!"
Patio for Serenity
Opt for the back patio for a quieter, more pleasant dining experience, away from cars and pedestrians.
Walk-ins Welcome
Reservations are not accepted, but the line moves quickly due to ample seating. Wait times are usually worth it.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Californian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wood-Fired Pizzas
Experience artisanal wood-fired pizzas with a unique California/Italian blend of flavors, made with carefully sourced local ingredients.

Cozy Patio Dining
Relax in the spacious back patio, complete with powerful heat lamps, offering a cozy atmosphere away from street noise.

California/Italian Cuisine
Savor carefully sourced local ingredients in curated Italian cuisine, from handmade pastas to outstanding salads and wood-fired pizzas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Patio for Serenity
Opt for the back patio for a quieter, more pleasant dining experience, away from cars and pedestrians.
Walk-ins Welcome
Reservations are not accepted, but the line moves quickly due to ample seating. Wait times are usually worth it.
Must-Try Starters
Don't miss ordering olives and tuna crudo as starters, alongside the outstanding salads and wood-fired pizzas.
Creative Drinks
Indulge in house-made tonics and fantastic drinks, including refreshing spritz cocktails.
Tips
from all over the internet
Patio for Serenity
Opt for the back patio for a quieter, more pleasant dining experience, away from cars and pedestrians.
Walk-ins Welcome
Reservations are not accepted, but the line moves quickly due to ample seating. Wait times are usually worth it.
Must-Try Starters
Don't miss ordering olives and tuna crudo as starters, alongside the outstanding salads and wood-fired pizzas.
Creative Drinks
Indulge in house-made tonics and fantastic drinks, including refreshing spritz cocktails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pizzaiolo garners praise for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and California/Italian-inspired cuisine, especially its fresh ingredients and creative dishes. While many love the cozy patio and lively atmosphere, some reviews mention issues with loud music inside and inconsistent service. A few diners found the pizzas overpriced or charred, but overall, the food quality remains a strong draw for repeat visitors.
"Had a lovely experience. Food was high quality and delicious. Wasn't fond of the salty olive oil gelato, but the happy hour spritz cocktail was refreshing."
Michelle V
"Delicious food! Outside is way too loud so we moved to the back patio which was so nice. Spacious with spaced out seating and space heaters. It’s at the back of the building too so it’s away from cars and pedestrians."
Ames PY Ng
"I love that they operate by walk ins only. And if you do have to wait, just know it’s worth it.
The staff are cute as hell, the service is attentive but not overbearing, and the food is worth the price.
If you’re looking for wood fired pizza and upscale casual dining look no further.
Do yourself a favor and order the Caesar salad and if it’s available the strawberry Negroni in addition to your pizza ;)
This spot is definitely an Oakland staple to visit monthly if not weekly! And the temescal neighborhood has so many places to hop to after your meal!"
Ellis Ott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Pizzaiolo operates on a walk-in basis. While there may be a wait, the line typically moves quickly due to ample seating.
For a more serene dining experience, opt for seating on the back patio, which is noted to be quieter and away from street noise.
Pizzaiolo is highly recommended for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, giant slabs of tuna crudo, and outstanding salads.
While specific options vary, many pizzas can be customized, and salads and pastas can often be adapted. It's best to inquire directly with the staff.
Yes, the side patio buyout option is available for special events, with staff assistance for personalized menus.
Pizzaiolo is considered to be in the upscale price range, with dishes like pasta and pizzas being noted as potentially pricey by some diners.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants In Oakland: The 12 Coolest Places to Eat Right Now
TemescalChef and Chez Panisse alum Charlie Hallowell has been expanding his popular Oakland culinary empire over the past decade with Boot & Shoe Service and the recent Penrose on Grand Ave, but if you have to choose one, his flagship Pizzaiolo is still the place to head for some of the most exciting food in Oakland. With perfect wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas that often outshine everything else, great cocktails (homemade tonic!), and a breezy casual atmosphere, this place serves up big plates of happy at fair prices. On warm nights, eating on the expansive back patio is sublime, and the outdoor movie nights draw crowds for food and films throughout the summer.
With $10 Spaghetti and Stellar Meatballs, Sfizio Is Out to Prove Fresh Pasta Can Actually Be Affordable
Tons of S.F. restaurant recommendations here... But how about Oakland?
Pizzaiolo - Oakland - quality and attention to detail re: the food is superb. It's the one place our friends who have been working in Aix-en-Provence for the past two years insist on going - multiple times - whenever they return home. Try the pizza with wild nettles and pecorino
The 10 Best Restaurants In Oakland, California
On Telegraph Ave, between 51st and 52nd Street, each store is hipper than the next. In the middle of this hip paradise sits Pizzaiolo. You have to know what you’re looking for to find it.
San Francisco Pizza Trip - places to go ?
pizzaiolo (oakland): i really like their neapolitan style pizzas. but like a16, rosso pizzeria (mentioned above) and most other places serving up quality neapolitan style pizzas in the sf bay area, pizzaiolo also offers a rather extensive non-pizza menu - nothing wrong with that of course. but i kind of like the idea of a neapolitan style pizza joint that unapologetically offers only pizza and little else - call it the da michele complex if you will!.
20 Best Italian Restaurants In Oakland, CA
Pizzaiolo is a restaurant located in Oakland, California at 5008 Telegraph Avenue. This restaurant serves local rockfish mantecato, winter chicories, toast, fresh bread, riverdog farm little gems, manila clams, and tomato sauce. They also serve house marinated olives, star route farm garden lettuces, marinara, anson mills polenta, bellwether farm ricotta, anchovies, and pumpkin spice doughnut....
Best of 15 Pasta restaurants in Oakland
Pasta at this establishment is cooked to perfection, with a delightful texture and taste that makes for a satisfying meal. One standout option is the pasta from Pizzaiolo, which features fresh, homemade pasta and a variety of delicious sauces. The sauce that accompanies the pasta is full of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Oakland
Pizzaiolo is a local restaurant located in the Temescal neighborhood of North Oakland and they book a small number of weddings each season. Ceremonies take place on their outdoor patio while dinner and dancing happens in the restaurant. Their staff are fantastic and they serve up some seriously delicious food.
Just looking for recommendations (Oakland) - California: Dining
barney's for burgers, gordo's for burritos, Pizzaiolo (Telegraph in Oakland) for neopolitan pizza, Ici for dessert, Cesar's (shattuck or piedmont) for a quick bite or cocktail. For vegan go to Cha Ya on Shattuck in Berkeley. Also good pizza go to the Cheeseboard Pizza Collective, also on Shattuck.
Bay Area Bites Guide to 12 Classic American Fried Chicken Spots in Oakland and Berkeley
What on earth is fried chicken doing on the menu of an Italian restaurant best known for its wood-fired pizza?. After you taste Pizzaiolo’s version, you’ll surely say, “Why not?. ” The secret, and the way it remains in the wheelhouse of “Italian,” is in the salsa rossa served on top.
These 15 Oakland Restaurants Will Blow The Taste Buds Out Of Your Mouth
But, thankfully, the classy/trendy Temescal neighborhood Italian joint has pizza going for it to. This is no dollar slice joint. Chef Charlie Hallowell is an alum of Berkeley's Chez Panisse, widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the country, so you know he has chops.
The Best Italian Restaurant in Oakland
We believe that taking part in this ritual is vital and deserving of the utmost respect to the plants and animals we choose to source and to you, our friends, family and customers. We also believe that this kind of eating, and sourcing of food has b...
21 Best Oakland Wedding Venues: From Historic to Modern (Local's Guide)
Pizzaiolo gives food-loving couples a fresh take on wedding venues in Oakland. This local Temescal neighborhood restaurant takes just a few weddings each season. You’ll get an intimate celebration where exceptional food takes center stage.
The 5 best breakfast and brunch spots in Oakland
Temescal's Pizzaiolo, located at 5008 Telegraph Ave. (between 51st and 49th streets), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Italian and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers biscuits and more, four stars out of 1,472 reviews.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit