Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Haystack pizza – San Francisco
Haystack pizza - San Francisco
Photo from Haystack pizza
Haystack pizza at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#1393 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#98 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
270
Reviews
70.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious pizza
- Exceptional service
- Homey atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent value
- Dated interior
- Slow service
The restaurant Haystack pizza, an Italian Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers you a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a fantastic culinary journey here, highlighted by its great wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal.
This cozy spot invites you to relax and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Haystack pizza
Haystack offers a compelling experience, often praised for its flavorful pizza and other dishes, alongside genuinely warm service. Many appreciate the generous portions and the care shown by the staff.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value, with certain items feeling overpriced. The ambience has also drawn mixed comments, with a few finding the dining area in need of updates.
Good
7.3
out of 10
270
Reviews
70.7%
Satisfaction
64
negative
15
neutral
191
positive
Overall, Haystack earns a solid 7.3 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience, supported by a 70.7% customer satisfaction rate. This feedback comes from a substantial 270 customer observations, with 191 positive remarks outweighing 64 negative ones.
The Food (7.6) stands out as a strong point, often receiving high praise, closely followed by Ambience (7.4) and Service (7.2), which also perform well. However, Value (5.1) appears to be a more average aspect, suggesting some inconsistency in how customers perceive pricing relative to what they receive.
What people like
- Delicious pizza
- Exceptional service
- Homey atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Dated interior
- Slow service
With a solid 7.5 recommendation score, Haystack is generally a worthwhile visit, especially if you prioritize flavorful food and attentive service over a pristine dining environment. It’s a place that clearly focuses on its culinary offerings.
If you’re seeking a casual spot with good pizza and a friendly vibe, it could be a great fit. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and service speed, and don’t expect a modern, polished interior.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Haystack pizza
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners generally leave happy, with a solid score of 7.6 and a strong 75.5% customer satisfaction rate. Many rave about the delicious pizzas, wonderful pasta, and generous portion sizes, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and flavorful house-made sauces. Dishes like the fried calamari, chicken parm, and Tiramisu also get a lot of love, making for a truly satisfying meal, based on 114 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark, as seen in 30 negative remarks out of 151 total opinions. Some found the pizza reminiscent of a frozen meal, while others noted issues with undercooked eggplant or bland flavors in dishes like the Caesar salad. There were also mentions of mediocre food quality and small portions for the price, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
151
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
30
negative
7
neutral
114
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizzas, pasta
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Pizza like frozen
- Small portions sometimes
Often praised
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the last best pizza spot I've found in the Bay Area. They definitely don't cheap out on the cheese, and there's buku on the sauce quality.
- foodThe prices were unbeatable, and the service was warm and friendly. While the setting is humble and vintage, the focus is clearly on amazing food and great value. I highly recommend this spot!
- garlic breadThe garlic bread is MASSIVE, perfectly seasoned
- Haystack pizzaThe pizza was delicious, and everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the Greek salad, Haystack pizza, and Albertos classic, and finished with a delightful Tiramisu. The atmosphere was relaxing, making it a great place to dine.
- calamaricalamari, lasagna, spaghetti, too many to name all delicious
- cheeseNo cheaping out on the cheese
- pastaThe pasta is wonderful
- portionsyou’ll love the portions
- sauceI ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, which wasn't on the menu, and it was absolutely delicious. The sauce was exactly as I imagined and so good that I ordered extra. Our waitress clearly explained the $4 extra charge, noting that the chef makes it fresh, and it was totally worth it.
- wingsThe wings were crispy and crunchy
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe pizza was $36 and sadly tasted very similar to a frozen pizza
- Alfredo pastaHonestly, the portion size was very small for the nearly $30 paid for each dish! Additionally, the Alfredo pasta tasted strange; I suspect the cream or whatever they use was expired. I have been to this place and ordered on some occasions, and the quality of time here is very bad.
- CalamariCalamari was cold
- Chicken ParmesanI placed two orders for Chicken Parmesan, but they sent everything together, seemingly as one portion. Honestly, the portion size was very small for the nearly $30 paid for each dish! Additionally, the Alfredo pasta tasted strange; I suspect the cream or whatever they use was expired.
- New York cheesecake dessertportion size is definitely not worth $7
- buffalo sauceThe wings were nice and crispy, just how I like them. However, they were supposed to be Buffalo wings, and unfortunately, the buffalo sauce was missing. Despite these issues, the good flavor and friendly service led me to give four stars instead of three.
- caesar saladthe ceasar salad was bland and had no flavor
- calamaricalamari was overwhelmingly breaded
- chicken parmigianaChicken parmigiana overcooked
- chicken piccatachicken piccata too breaded
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally delicious Italian comfort food, especially their pizzas and pastas, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so stick to their highly praised classics for the best experience.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 68.4%, many guests rave about the friendly staff and excellent service. From quick lunch and dinner options to efficient takeout and delivery, the team often goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, as seen in 52 positive remarks.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. About 21 comments point to areas needing improvement, such as slow service and long waiting times, especially during busy periods. Some experiences mention a lack of attention from waiters and occasional issues with order accuracy or communication, suggesting a mixed bag for some patrons.
Service
76
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Quick delivery
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting time
- Order issues
Often praised
- serviceIt's a quaint place run by a cute couple who genuinely care for their food, employees, and patrons. The service was exceptional, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food was also very good, rated a 4 out of 5. The atmosphere was pleasant, scoring a 4 out of 5.
- staffMy absolute favorite thing about Haystack is the staff!!!
- ServiceThe pizza was absolutely craveable and addicting. The service was take-out, and the price per person was in the $50–100 range.
- deliveryI ordered 6 pizzas for a party yesterday. They arrived on time, nice & hot, and they were delicious! I would highly recommend this place!
- employeesMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a quaint place run by a cute couple who genuinely care for their food, employees, and patrons. The service was exceptional, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food was also very good, rated a 4 out of 5.
- Costas meseroCostas mesero (hijo )
- Costas papá GMMichael y Costas papá GM
- KostasKostas took the order and is always super polite
- MichaelMichael y Costas papá GM
- Staff and guestsStaff and guests are really respectful and kind
Frequently criticized
- orderthe server rang in our order correctly, the wrong food was made
- serviceslow service
- attention by the waiterslittle attention by the waiters
- compensationOriginally no compensation
- confirmation emailsthey do not send confirmation emails
- deliveryI ordered from this restaurant via DoorDash for delivery to my home. I placed two orders for Chicken Parmesan, but they sent everything together, seemingly as one portion. Honestly, the portion size was very small for the nearly $30 paid for each dish!
- dinner serviceAfter being a patron for over 40 years, last night's dinner service was the absolute worst I had. Two hours and 15 minutes after ordering my food, our meal finally came.
- foodWe ordered a Caesar salad and a pizza. It took roughly an hour for us to get our food, and the restaurant wasn’t even crowded. There was also no acknowledgement from the waitstaff about the lengthy wait.
- group bookingI sent this place an email for a group booking, but I did not get back to me. I guess they don't need the business?
- long timedelivery order took a long time
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, its worth a visit. Just be prepared that during peak times, you might encounter some slower service or longer waits.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here generally hits a sweet spot, scoring a solid 7.4, which is pretty good in my book. With 73.1% customer satisfaction, it seems most folks really enjoy the atmosphere.
Many of the 19 positive comments highlight a "homey" and "relaxing atmosphere, " making it feel like a true "neighborhood haunt" for a pleasant "dining experience. "However, its not all sunshine and roses. Out of 26 total opinions, 4 negative comments point to some areas needing attention.
Some found the place felt like it was falling apart, with issues like cracked booths and even a mention of a dead spider. Definitely something to keep in mind if you're particular about pristine surroundings.
Ambience
26
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homey, relaxing atmosphere
- Quiet dining experience
- Neighborhood haunt
What people don't like
- Cracked booths
- Place falling apart
- Dead spider found
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was exceptional, rated a 5 out of 5, and the food was also very good, rated a 4 out of 5. The atmosphere was pleasant, scoring a 4 out of 5. For dinner, the Tiramisu Cake was a recommended dish.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- dining experienceI had a great dining experience.
- dining inGreat place to either dine in
- homeyit feels homey
- neighborhood hauntA true neighborhood haunt
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- pizza placeMy favorite pizza place in the city! It feels homey and the pizza is never a disappointment.
- placeThe place is really cozy and homely
- relaxing atmospherea relaxing atmosphere ❤️
Frequently criticized
- boothsI've ordered pizza to go before and it was just okay for the price, but I'll likely never go back after I visited in person. The place feels like it's falling apart at the seams; the booths are cracked, and there was a dead spider on our table after the food was brought out. The price is also 3x what it should be.
- dead spiderI've ordered pizza to go before and it was just okay for the price, but I'll likely never go back after I visited in person. The place feels like it's falling apart at the seams; the booths are cracked, and there was a dead spider on our table after the food was brought out. The price is also 3x what it should be.
- nameThe name 'Haystack' doesn't exactly instill confidence
- placeI've ordered pizza to go before and it was just okay for the price, but I'll likely never go back after I visited in person. The place feels like it's falling apart at the seams; the booths are cracked, and there was a dead spider on our table after the food was brought out. The price is also 3x what it should be.
If you're looking for a generally cozy and relaxing spot with a good neighborhood feel, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that some minor upkeep issues, like cracked booths, have been noted, which might detract from the experience for some.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
Despite a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 35.3% for value, there are still some bright spots. The overall score for value is an average 5.1, reflecting a mixed bag. Some guests were pleasantly surprised by reasonable prices and even unbeatable prices, finding great value and appreciating a discount when issues arose.
These positive experiences account for 6 out of 17 comments. On the flip side, the majority of feedback, with 9 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many found the price to be expensive or pricey, especially when considering the portion size or the perceived quality of the meal.
Several felt they paid far more than the food was worth, indicating a clear disconnect.
Value
17
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Discounts available
What people don't like
- Food often pricey
- Poor portion value
Often praised
- discountAlthough the server initially rang in our order correctly, the wrong food was ultimately prepared. Fortunately, the manager was very understanding and offered a small discount, which was appreciated as three vegetarians in our party were unable to eat what was served.
- extra chargeexplained the $4 extra charge... and it was totally worth it
- priceItalian restaurant a preu raonable
- pricesthe prices unbeatable
- reasonable pricesreasonable prices
- valueThe prices were unbeatable, and the service was warm and friendly. While the setting is humble and vintage, the focus is clearly on amazing food and great value. I highly recommend this spot!
Frequently criticized
- priceI've ordered pizza to go before and it was just okay for the price, but I'll likely never go back after I visited in person. The place feels like it's falling apart at the seams; the booths are cracked, and there was a dead spider on our table after the food was brought out.
- expensivea little expensive for my liking
- mealFelt like a $15 meal for $28
- pizzaThe pizza was $36
- portion sizeportion size is definitely not worth $7
- priceylittle pricey
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a gamble. While a few diners hit the jackpot with reasonable prices and great value, many others felt it was expensive and pricey for the portion size or quality. If you're sensitive to price-to-value, you might want to proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Haystack pizza?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 32 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 38, many diners actually spend less, with a good chunk falling into the $21–$30 range. This suggests a mix of experiences, from more budget-friendly options to some higher-end splurges.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, especially with options available across different price points.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Haystack pizza
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Pizza and Hospitable Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The pizza was great! The lady providing the service was very cordial, nice, and hospitable.
The atmosphere was very quiet.
- pizza10
- lady10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
3
Long wait for average food
My experience at this restaurant involved a long wait of an hour for a salad and pizza. Despite the restaurant not being crowded, the waiters provided little attention. The food itself was decent, but the overall experience was marred by the poor service and extended waiting time.
- salad5
- pizza5
- waiting time2
- attention by the waiters2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Pizza and Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. We ordered a Caesar salad and a pizza. It took roughly an hour for us to get our food, and the restaurant wasn’t even crowded.
There was also no acknowledgement from the waitstaff about the lengthy wait. The pizza was $36 and sadly tasted very similar to a frozen pizza you’d get at the grocery store. We were really excited to try this place, but it ended up just being disappointing.
- pizza2
- frozen pizza2
- waitstaff2
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Pizzeria Experience
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately below average. The food quality was a major letdown. The pizza tasted like a frozen meal, and the calamari was overwhelmingly breaded, with very little actual calamari.
It felt like all the ingredients, from the cheese to the pepperoni and crust, were of low quality. On the positive side, the service was average, and the atmosphere was pleasant. I was hoping for an authentic family-owned pizzeria experience, but this place sadly missed the mark.
- service5
- atmosphere7
- food quality2
- pizza2
- calamari2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Disappointing Delivery Experience
I ordered from this restaurant via DoorDash for delivery to my home. I placed two orders for Chicken Parmesan, but they sent everything together, seemingly as one portion. Honestly, the portion size was very small for the nearly $30 paid for each dish!
Additionally, the Alfredo pasta tasted strange; I suspect the cream or whatever they use was expired. I have been to this place and ordered on some occasions, and the quality of time here is very bad.
- Chicken Parmesan2
- Alfredo pasta2
- cream2
What Haystack pizza offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Haystack pizza offer you?
At Haystack pizza, you can enjoy various service options including dine-in, delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. The restaurant is also fully accessible, providing you with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and menu options can you expect at Haystack pizza?
You can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere at Haystack pizza, perfect for lunch or dinner. The menu features delicious Italian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options, small plates, and late-night food. You’ll also find a great selection of wine, beer, and coffee, alongside a kids’ menu.
How does Haystack generally perform?
Haystack receives an overall score of **7.3** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **70.7%**. Its **Food** (7.6), **Ambience** (7.4), and **Service** (7.2) are rated well, though **Value** (5.1) is considered average.
What are the standout dishes at Haystack?
Customers frequently praise the **pizza** for its quality and generous cheese, along with other items like **garlic bread** and **pasta**.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience?
Some patrons have noted that the interior, including **booths**, appears dated, and there are occasional comments about the **price** not always aligning with perceived value.