Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Marcello’s – San Francisco
Marcello's - San Francisco
Photo from Marcello’s
Marcello's at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#2190 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#94 Pizzeria out of 115 in San Francisco
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
262
Reviews
53.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- pizza quality
- friendly staff
- good location
Frequently criticized
- poor service
- high prices
- dirty environment
The restaurant Marcello’s Pizza welcomes you to San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle. As a popular pizzeria, it’s a go-to spot for delicious pies and quick bites.
You’ll appreciate its casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. Plus, if you’re craving a slice after hours, you’ll find excellent late-night food options here.
Overview: Introducting Marcello's
Marcello’s offers a compelling pizza experience, with many patrons praising the quality of their pizza, noting its delicious crust and cheese. The staff often receives positive remarks for being welcoming and helpful, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some visits are marred by inconsistent service, with reports of unenthusiastic greetings and attitude issues. Concerns about price have also surfaced, particularly regarding individual slices and overall value.
Average
5.9
out of 10
262
Reviews
53.1%
Satisfaction
109
negative
14
neutral
139
positive
Marcello’s holds an overall score of 5.9, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 53.1%, reflecting a divided opinion among patrons.
This assessment is drawn from 262 customer remarks, with 139 positive observations balanced against 109 negative ones, indicating a noticeable split in experiences. Delving deeper, the Food (6.5) is generally well-regarded, often highlighted as a strength.
The Ambience (6.4) also lands in the average range. However, Service (4.8) frequently falls short, and Value (3.6) is a clear area for improvement, often cited as a concern for many.
What people like
- Delicious pizza quality
- Welcoming staff
- Convenient location
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Overpriced items
- Cleanliness concerns
Marcello’s presents a mixed bag, with its pizza often hitting the mark for flavor and quality. If you prioritize a good slice and are willing to overlook some inconsistencies, it might be worth a visit.
With a recommendation score of 6.3, it suggests a cautious endorsement. Be prepared for potentially variable service and consider the value proposition carefully, especially if you’re sensitive to pricing or expect a pristine dining environment.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Marcello's
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers are quite happy, with a 6.5 score indicating an average but leaning towards good experience. Customer satisfaction sits at a 61.1% mixed level, reflecting a generally positive but not perfect reception. Out of 149 comments, 91 were positive, often praising the delicious pizza, crust, taste, and overall quality of the dishes.
However, not everything is perfect. With 48 negative remarks, some diners encountered issues like undercooked dough, tough crust, or problems with the sauce and ingredients quality. These experiences suggest that while the food can be great, consistency might be a bit of a mixed bag, leaving some wanting more.
Food
149
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
48
negative
10
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza
- Excellent crust
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Undercooked dough
- Poor ingredient quality
- Cold food served
Often praised
- pizzaThe food was truly exceptional, with all dishes being really, really good. I'm not going to pretend that this isn't the best pizza in Castro. However, the customer service was a little lacking.
- foodall of the food was outstanding
- crustThe crust is somewhere between thin and thicc
- cheesethe cheese is thick and chewy
- pizza by the sliceIt was absolutely delicious; the crust is so crisp and light, it's wonderful, and I love their pizza sauce as well. It's a small place, offering pizza by the slice or by the pie, directly across from the Castro theater. In my opinion, it's one of the little gems here in San Francisco.
- Cheese Mushroom & Tomato PizzaThe Cheese Mushroom & Tomato Pizza. Simply delicious!
- FoodOur absolute favorite was the Pesto papi, which, although no longer on the menu, can still be requested by specifying the ingredients: Pesto, Rosemary garlic potatoes and roasted red peppers. The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Hawaiian pizza slicesIt was the BEST pizza I've ever tasted, and it's now my new favorite! I especially loved their original pepperoni and Hawaiian pizza slices. The staff was also nice and sweet.
- Pesto papiOur absolute favorite was the Pesto papi
- Pesto, Rosemary garlic potatoes and roasted red peppersThe slices were the yummiest in town. Our absolute favorite was the Pesto papi, which, although no longer on the menu, can still be requested by specifying the ingredients: Pesto, Rosemary garlic potatoes and roasted red peppers. The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
Frequently criticized
- pizzathe worst pizza I've had in a long time
- sauceThe sauce taste like tomato sauce straight from the can
- cheeseMy experience at the restaurant involved getting pizza by the slice. Unfortunately, the pizza was cold, the cheese was not fully melted, and I'm not sure the crust was fully cooked. The food score was a 2.
- doughThe dough was undercooked.
- slicesdid not find the slices so beautiful
- Coca ColaThe Coca Cola costs almost as much as a pizza
- calzonesit was horrible It was much smaller than they used to have
- cheese spreadmore consistently spread cheese
- crustMy experience at the restaurant involved getting pizza by the slice. Unfortunately, the pizza was cold, the cheese was not fully melted, and I'm not sure the crust was fully cooked. The food score was a 2.
- dried out cheesedried out cheese etc. Difficult to eat.
Craving pizza with great taste and crust? This spot is often a hit, but be aware that some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in quality. It's a good bet for a casual meal, but manage expectations for perfection.
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
Many customers have shared some great experiences with the service here! With 28 positive comments out of 70 total, folks often praise the friendly staff and speedy service. They appreciate that the team really knows what theyre doing, even embracing modern conveniences like digital payments.
Despite an average 4.8 score and mixed 40% customer satisfaction overall, these positive interactions really shine through. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. With 40 negative comments, some customers have unfortunately encountered rude service and a nasty attitude from late night staff.
There are mentions of indifference and a general feeling that customer service is lacking. It seems there's definitely room for improvement in consistency and warmth, especially given the mixed 40% customer satisfaction.
Service
70
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
40
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Speedy service
- Modern payments accepted
What people don't like
- Rude, disrespectful staff
- Poor customer service
- Staff indifference
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The woman serving us was incredibly polite and helpful, providing great service. The pizza was delicious, and I highly recommend this place.
- staffThe staff that served and made my pie are what helps make a great pizza!
- ServiceOur absolute favorite was the Pesto papi, which, although no longer on the menu, can still be requested by specifying the ingredients: Pesto, Rosemary garlic potatoes and roasted red peppers. The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- digital paymentsall the digital payments, not just cash!
- gents running the placethe gents running the place are awesome and welcoming
- know what they're doingI always love this place when I'm in San Francisco. They've been around for 50 years and definitely know what they're doing. As a fellow pizzeria owner, I always seek out great family-owned pizzerias when I travel, and this is one of my top favorites!
- ownerowner is a lovely woman
- payment methodsNo longer cash only they now accept credit/debit
- peopleThe people were really nice though
- people who work therethe people who work there
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant, located within "Castro, " was not positive. I did not find the slices to be particularly appealing, and the service left much to be desired.
- attitudenasty attitude by the three employees
- businessTheir loss, they didn’t get our business nor will they ever.
- customer servicethe customer service is a little lacking
- experienceWhile I can understand the logic, I was already crammed into a tight space by the wall behind my friends and had to climb back out. It was a humiliating experience, and I don't believe this is a professional way to run a business. The staff member also came across as disrespectful, speaking to me as if I were a child.
- greetingHowever, the customer service was a little lacking. Don't go in expecting to be greeted warmly or to have any custom orders welcomed with an enthusiastic acknowledgement. The folks behind the counter acted as if they were doing you a favor, and they definitely didn't act like they were happy to see their customers.
- attentionla atención súper mala
- bike policyUltimately, I found better pizza at Mystic Pizza in the Lower Haight, where I could bring my bike inside without issue, and they had twice as many people. My experience was negative due to the strict and unaccommodating bike policy, which overshadowed any potential enjoyment of their pizza. The staff's indifference to my situation was particularly frustrating.
- black ponytail sour uninterested bored chickblack ponytail sour uninterested bored chick that works there
- cashier and managercashier and the manager acted like I was an jerk
If youre looking for quick service and a friendly face, you might just get lucky. But be prepared that the experience can be a bit of a gamble, as some folks have run into less-than-stellar attitudes. Its worth a try if youre feeling adventurous, but dont expect consistently stellar customer care.
Ambience (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many guests find a lot to love, with 17 positive remarks highlighting the cozy atmosphere and convenient location. Some even describe it as a solid spot or one of the little gems, appreciating the quiet noise level and pleasant views. It seems to evoke childhood memories for some, making it a comfortable space.
However, the overall experience for ambience is an average 6.4, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 63%. There are 9 negative comments, with some guests expressing concerns about cleanliness and the place smells. Others found the atmosphere a bit run down, and parking can be quite difficult, impacting the overall dining experience.
Ambience
27
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Cozy atmosphere
- Great views
What people don't like
- Poor cleanliness
- Unpleasant smells
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe no-frills small restaurant has a few indoor tables
- locationit is conveniently located for me. It is located in the great neighborhood
- AtmosphereOur absolute favorite was the Pesto papi, which, although no longer on the menu, can still be requested by specifying the ingredients: Pesto, Rosemary garlic potatoes and roasted red peppers. The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- childhood memoriesthis place brings back childhood memories
- communityrun by members of are community
- little gemsone of the little gems here in San Francisco
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- placethis place is amazing!
- solid spotoverall solid spot
- spacea great space to enjoy it
Frequently criticized
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- cleanlinessThe place is very dirty
- dining inI am not a fan of dining in. It is not a restaurant.
- placeThe pizza was cold and the dough uncooked. The place seemed a little run down and not thoroughly cleaned.
- place smellsThis seems like the wrong time to jack up prices, especially with a new place opening down the street. To make matters worse, the place smells. While I've eaten here from time to time, honestly, the pizza is just okay, nothing special.
- pride celebrationNot the best way to end our pride celebration.
- roachessaw a lot of roaches when I came in
If youre looking for a conveniently located spot with a cozy atmosphere and good views, you might find it charming. However, be aware that some guests have noted issues with cleanliness and parking, so its a bit of a mixed bag.
Value (3.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers found some bright spots, noting that for around $5, it can be a good eat and one of the more affordable places compared to other pizza spots. These 3 positive remarks highlight that some appreciate the price point, finding it cheaper than other pizza places for a quick bite. However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 12 negative comments out of 16 total, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the price was too high, citing price increase and overpriced items, leading to a bad value. The cash only policy also added to the frustration. This is reflected in an average score of 3.6, with customer satisfaction a rather poor 18.8%.
Value
16
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable quick bite
- Good value for $5
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Price increases
- Cash only policy
Often praised
- priceit's cheaper than other pizza places
- affordable placesone of the more affordable places to go
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food is very overpriced
- $9 per sliceSave your $9 per slice instead of throwing it in the trash
- Cash onlyCash only!
- lawful thievesnothing worse than lawful thieves
- one slicecharged me 7 dollars for one slice
- price increasemassive price increase for their sad soggy same-old product
- priced slicesThe quality of the pizza was not as good as the place half a block away. They had less consistently spread cheese, crunchier edges, and lower priced slices.
- pricesyour prices are still going up
- priceyA bit pricey, but what homemade pizza joint isn't?
- slicesTheir slices are on the pricier side
If youre looking for an affordable quick bite and catch them on a good day, you might find some value. However, be prepared for potentially high prices and a "cash only" policy that could lead to disappointment, especially if youre expecting great value for your money.
How are the prices at Marcello's?
You’re looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 51 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix! While the average is 12, a lot of guests spend less, often in the $1–$10 range, but there are also options for those looking to spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
How this Pizzeria stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria, especially considering the range of options available. You can definitely grab a quick, affordable bite, or opt for something a little more substantial without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Marcello's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Cold Pizza, Undercooked Crust
My experience at the restaurant involved getting pizza by the slice. Unfortunately, the pizza was cold, the cheese was not fully melted, and I'm not sure the crust was fully cooked. The food score was a 2.
- pizza2
- cheese2
- crust2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Service and Delicious Pizza!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The woman serving us was incredibly polite and helpful, providing great service. The pizza was delicious, and I highly recommend this place.
- woman10
- service10
- pizza10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Classic Pizza with Great Views
My experience at this restaurant was great! They've been serving pizza by the slice for ages, and it's always fresh and hot. You can also get custom whole pies.
The service is counter style. There are a few small tables and a counter with stools that offer the best views of Castro Street and the Castro Theater across the way. You never know what you'll see out the windows.
The atmosphere is rated 5/5 and the food is also rated 5/5. The service received a 4/5. They have a large vegetarian selection and it's highly recommended for vegetarians.
Parking can be difficult to find, but there's a paid parking lot nearby. The wait time was non-existent, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- pizza9
- views10
- atmosphere10
- parking3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Service and Food!
As a visitor from out of town, I was looking for a quick dinner, and the experience was fantastic. The staff member, Karla, truly went above and beyond to assist me with my order. The food was also great.
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Service Issues Mar Pride Celebration
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately marred by significant service issues, which was the only problem. When I asked for wings, I was told they didn't have them. Then, when I requested a pepperoni slice with ranch, I was informed they didn't have ranch.
My final attempt to order a mandarin Jarritos was also met with a 'we don't have Jarritos' response, despite me seeing a fridge full of them. This was not the best way to end our pride celebration. 😅
- service2
- pride celebration3
What Marcello's offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and service does Marcello's Pizza provide?
Marcello’s Pizza offers flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. You can enjoy their delicious offerings for both lunch and dinner, and they even provide late-night food for those evening cravings.
What is the atmosphere like at Marcello's Pizza, and can you bring kids or pets?
You’ll find Marcello’s Pizza has a casual and trendy atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for everyone. It’s family-friendly with a dedicated kids’ menu, and you can even bring your dog along as pets are allowed outside.
What is the overall verdict on Marcello's?
Marcello’s has an overall score of **5.9** and a customer satisfaction of **53.1%**. While **Food** (6.5) and **Ambience** (6.4) are average, **Service** (4.8) and **Value** (3.6) often fall short, leading to mixed experiences.
What do customers generally like about Marcello's?
Many customers appreciate the quality of the pizza, often highlighting its delicious crust and cheese. The staff can also be quite welcoming and helpful, and the location is considered convenient.
What are the main complaints about Marcello's?
Common complaints include inconsistent service, with some staff exhibiting a poor attitude. Customers also frequently mention that items are overpriced, and there are concerns regarding cleanliness and the overall dining environment.