For Hidden Menu’s premier post, I’m investigating the secrets of San Francisco’s much-lauded Pizzeria Delfina.
As a pizza minimalist, I prefer a pie that’s stripped down to its bare elements: thin crust, minimal sauce, light mozzarella, and fresh basil stoked to golden deliciousness in a wood fired brick oven. So, on regular visits to Pizzeria Delfina, my first instinct is to order the classic Margherita.
But according to Pizzeria Delfina’s resident pizziaolo, Anthony Strong, Spartan does not always mean superior. To prove it, he whipped up three hidden items a great deal more complicated than your average dose of dough, tomato, and cheese. Here’s what they are and what we like about them.
What it is: Spicy tomato sauce, 2 eggs, pecorino Romano cheese on thin crust
What we think: Zesty and eggy.
Inside Info: It tasted best after sitting in the fridge for 24 hours.
FRIED MEATBALL CALZONE
What it is: A classic calzone that’s fried not baked, just as God intended
What we think: It’s good but heavy. If you tackle the fried calzone, make sure to have the appetite of a middle linebacker.
Inside Info: At their California St. location, they’ll do fried calzone upon request, and because there are always meatballs on the menu, they’ll add them to a calzone anytime.
ZEPPOLE
What it is: A fried pizza dough dessert topped with mascarpone and powdered sugar
What we think: Get it no matter what — even if it makes you a little sick afterwards.
Inside Info: Printed on the menu at their California St. location but can be made on request at 18th St.
VEGAN OPTION
Though they’re loath to mention it, the pizzaiolo will come up with a special vegan pie using whatever is around the kitchen. Definitely cooler than ordering a salsiccia sans sausage and cheese.
LOCATIONS:
A: Mission – 3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA
B: Pacific Heights: 2406 California St, San Francisco, CA
View Larger Map
5 Comments
1 RBennington wrote:
That Purgatorio sounds outstanding, anything that using eggs gets a thumbs up from me!
2 Panda wrote:
I’m built as a linebacker and will definitely tackle the Fried Meatball Calzone the next time i blitz that way.
3 Paul wrote:
ready to discover more hidden menu items — fried meatball calzone & magic both sound better than what you see on the standard Pizzeria Delfina menu
4 Rob wrote:
Love this site. Looks like over time this will become a great resource for all Bay Area food lovers!
5 BigNicky wrote:
Egg + Pizza = yummy yummy in my tummy
2 Trackbacks