Nestled in the vibrant culinary scene of Berkeley, North Beach Pizza stands as a beacon for pizza lovers seeking authentic flavors paired with a welcoming atmosphere. Renowned for its dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored recipes, this pizzeria offers a menu that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or a unique specialty pie, North Beach Pizza’s menu promises a rich experience that captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine. Beyond just pizza, their offerings include a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts designed to complement every meal perfectly.
What truly sets North Beach Pizza apart is its commitment to craft, from the dough that’s hand-tossed daily to the carefully selected toppings sourced from local purveyors whenever possible. Each dish reflects a balance of texture, flavor, and freshness, creating a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse palates, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can find a satisfying choice. As you explore the North Beach Pizza Berkeley menu, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that resonates in every bite.
Signature Pizzas
The heart of North Beach Pizza lies in its signature pizzas, crafted to showcase classic combinations alongside creative twists. These pizzas are made with a hand-stretched thin crust that achieves the perfect balance between crispiness and chewiness.
Each pie is baked in a stone oven, lending a smoky aroma and beautifully blistered crust that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Among the favorites is the North Beach Special, featuring pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. This pizza embodies the spirit of traditional American pizzerias while maintaining an artisanal touch through its fresh ingredients.
For those seeking a fresher approach, the Margherita offers simplicity with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, highlighting the quality of each component.
- North Beach Special – pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers
- Margherita – tomatoes, basil, mozzarella
- BBQ Chicken – grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, cilantro
- Vegetarian Delight – zucchini, olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes
Crust Options
North Beach Pizza understands that crust preference varies widely among pizza enthusiasts. To accommodate this, they offer a variety of crust options, including a traditional thin crust, a gluten-free crust, and a whole wheat crust.
Each crust option is prepared with care to ensure it complements the toppings and maintains a satisfying texture.
“Our crust is the foundation of every great pizza, and we take pride in crafting each one with precision and passion.” – Chef Mario, North Beach Pizza
Appetizers and Starters
Before diving into the main course, North Beach Pizza invites guests to enjoy a selection of appetizers designed to whet the appetite. These starters balance classic Italian flavors with a modern flair, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
The menu features a variety of options that range from crispy garlic knots to refreshing salads.
The Garlic Knots are a must-try, made from the same dough as the pizzas and tossed with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. They offer a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with marinara or ranch dipping sauces.
For those looking for a lighter option, the Caprese Salad combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, delivering a refreshing start to the meal.
- Garlic Knots with marinara or ranch
- Caprese Salad with balsamic glaze
- Fried Calamari with lemon aioli
- Stuffed Mushrooms with Italian sausage and herbs
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers at North Beach Pizza are thoughtfully paired with a selection of beverages and dipping sauces to enhance flavors. The menu encourages diners to experiment with combinations, such as pairing fried calamari with a crisp white wine or enjoying garlic knots alongside a craft beer.
These pairings elevate the overall dining experience, offering depth and variety beyond the main dishes.
“Our appetizers set the tone for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, welcoming guests with familiar yet elevated tastes.” – North Beach Pizza Management
Salads and Light Fare
For those seeking a lighter meal option or a refreshing accompaniment to their pizza, North Beach Pizza offers an array of salads and light fare. Each salad is crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and house-made dressings, emphasizing balance and flavor.
These dishes provide a perfect contrast to the richness of the pizzas.
The Caesar Salad features crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a creamy house Caesar dressing. It’s a classic choice that pairs well with nearly any pizza option.
Alternatively, the Arugula and Pear Salad offers a sophisticated mix of peppery greens, ripe pear slices, candied walnuts, and goat cheese, finished with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad with house-made dressing
- Arugula and Pear Salad with walnuts and goat cheese
- Greek Salad with olives, feta, and red onions
- Mixed Green Salad with seasonal vegetables
Dressings and Add-Ons
To customize each salad, North Beach Pizza offers a variety of dressings and add-ons, allowing diners to tailor their meals to individual tastes. Options include lemon vinaigrette, blue cheese, and balsamic reduction.
Proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp can also be added to enhance nutritional value and satisfaction.
| Dressing | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Lemon Vinaigrette | Light, citrusy, tangy | Arugula and Pear Salad |
| House Caesar | Creamy, savory, garlicky | Caesar Salad |
| Balsamic Reduction | Sweet, rich, slightly tart | Mixed Green Salad |
Specialty Pies and Seasonal Offerings
North Beach Pizza prides itself on innovation, offering specialty pies that rotate seasonally to highlight local ingredients and current culinary trends. These pizzas often feature unexpected flavor combinations that delight diners seeking something beyond the classics.
Each specialty pie is crafted with the same attention to detail as the signature menu items.
Recent seasonal offerings have included the Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, which pairs sweet figs with salty prosciutto, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of honey. Another popular option is the Spicy Calabrian, featuring Calabrian chili peppers, spicy sausage, and fresh mozzarella for a fiery kick.
These selections showcase the kitchen’s creativity and dedication to quality.
- Fig and Prosciutto with ricotta and honey drizzle
- Spicy Calabrian with chili peppers and sausage
- Roasted Butternut Squash with sage and browned butter
- Spring Asparagus with lemon zest and shaved Parmesan
Seasonal Inspiration
Seasonal pizzas not only celebrate local produce but also inspire guests to try new ingredients and flavor profiles. The menu changes regularly to reflect the harvest and culinary creativity of the North Beach Pizza kitchen.
This commitment to seasonality ensures that each visit offers something fresh and exciting.
“Our seasonal pies are a canvas for creativity, blending tradition with the freshest local flavors we can find.” – Head Chef Lucia
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No meal at North Beach Pizza is complete without indulging in their selection of desserts and sweet treats. These offerings provide a satisfying conclusion to the dining experience, balancing sweetness with texture and richness.
The dessert menu features classic Italian favorites alongside inventive creations.
The Tiramisu is a standout, made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s a perfect blend of coffee and cream that appeals to both casual diners and dessert aficionados.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Limoncello Sorbet offers a refreshing citrus finish that cleanses the palate.
- Tiramisu – espresso, mascarpone, cocoa powder
- Limoncello Sorbet – citrus, light, refreshing
- Chocolate Hazelnut Cannoli – crisp shell, creamy filling
- Seasonal Fruit Tart – fresh fruit, pastry cream
Dessert Pairings
Pairing desserts with beverages enhances the overall enjoyment. North Beach Pizza suggests pairing tiramisu with a rich espresso or a sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo.
The Limoncello Sorbet pairs wonderfully with a sparkling Prosecco, providing a bright and effervescent contrast.
| Dessert | Recommended Pairing | Taste Notes |
| Tiramisu | Espresso or Vin Santo | Rich, creamy, coffee-infused |
| Limoncello Sorbet | Sparkling Prosecco | Light, citrusy, refreshing |
| Chocolate Hazelnut Cannoli | Dark Roast Coffee | Sweet, nutty, crunchy |
Beverages and Drinks
Complementing the food menu, North Beach Pizza offers a curated beverage selection that includes wines, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options. The drink menu is designed to enhance the flavors of the pizzas and other dishes while providing variety for different preferences.
From bold reds to crisp whites, the wine list supports the diverse menu offerings.
The craft beer selection features local breweries and seasonal brews, offering everything from light lagers to robust IPAs. These selections provide refreshing options that pair well with the pizza’s rich and savory profiles.
For guests seeking non-alcoholic choices, the menu includes freshly brewed iced teas, house-made sodas, and sparkling waters.
- Local craft beers – lagers, IPAs, stouts
- Red and white wines – varietals selected for pairing
- House-made sodas – unique flavors like blood orange and ginger
- Fresh brewed iced teas and sparkling waters
Recommended Pairings
North Beach Pizza provides pairing suggestions to help guests find the perfect match for their meal. For example, the BBQ Chicken pizza pairs excellently with an amber ale, while the Margherita is complemented by a crisp Pinot Grigio.
These recommendations enhance the dining experience by balancing and accentuating flavors.
“Choosing the right drink can transform a meal, and we love guiding our guests to find that perfect pairing.” – Sommelier Elena
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options
Recognizing diverse dietary needs, North Beach Pizza offers a robust selection of gluten-free and vegetarian dishes without compromising on flavor or quality. These options ensure that all guests can enjoy the vibrant tastes and textures the restaurant is known for.
The gluten-free crust is crafted to be just as satisfying as the traditional dough, while vegetarian toppings are fresh and plentiful.
The gluten-free Margherita pizza is a popular choice for those avoiding gluten, maintaining the authentic taste through fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on a specially prepared crust. Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Vegetarian Delight pizza, loaded with seasonal vegetables and flavorful cheeses.
Additionally, many appetizers and salads can be customized to be gluten-free or vegetarian.
- Gluten-free crust available for all pizzas
- Vegetarian pizza options with fresh vegetables
- Gluten-free appetizers like Caprese Salad and Garlic Knots (made with alternative flour)
- Customizable salads with vegetarian and gluten-free dressings
Health-Conscious Choices
North Beach Pizza encourages guests to make health-conscious choices without sacrificing taste. They emphasize using fresh, organic ingredients and avoid artificial additives.
Nutritional information is available upon request to assist diners in making informed decisions that align with their dietary preferences.
| Menu Item | Gluten-Free | Vegetarian |
| Margherita Pizza | Yes | Yes |
| North Beach Special | No | No |
| Vegetarian Delight | Yes | Yes |
| Caprese Salad | Yes | Yes |
Ordering and Catering Services
North Beach Pizza offers convenient ordering options to accommodate busy lifestyles and special occasions. Guests can order for pickup or delivery through their website or popular food delivery platforms.
The streamlined process ensures that customers receive hot, freshly prepared pizzas delivered right to their doorsteps.
For larger gatherings and events, North Beach Pizza provides catering services tailored to meet diverse group needs. Their catering menu includes pizza trays, appetizer platters, and salad bowls, making it easy to customize orders based on dietary preferences and event size.
Professional staff work closely with clients to ensure a seamless experience.
- Online ordering for pickup and delivery
- Catering packages for events and parties
- Customizable menu options for dietary restrictions
- Flexible scheduling and reliable delivery service
Tips for Ordering
To enhance the ordering experience, it’s recommended to place catering orders well in advance, especially for large events. North Beach Pizza’s team is available to assist with menu planning and portion recommendations.
For regular orders, choosing off-peak times can lead to faster preparation and delivery.
“Our goal is to bring the North Beach Pizza experience to any setting, whether it’s a cozy night in or a bustling celebration.” – Customer Service Manager
North Beach Pizza Berkeley’s menu offers a thoughtfully curated selection that balances tradition with innovation, catering to a wide array of tastes and dietary needs. From the expertly crafted signature pizzas to the seasonal specialties, each dish is a testament to quality and passion.
The inclusion of fresh salads, satisfying appetizers, and indulgent desserts rounds out the dining experience, making it both comprehensive and inviting. With attentive beverage pairings and accommodating options for gluten-free and vegetarian diners, the menu ensures everyone can enjoy a memorable meal.
Whether dining in, ordering for delivery, or hosting an event with their catering services, North Beach Pizza delivers consistency and flavor that sets it apart in Berkeley’s competitive food scene. Their commitment to fresh ingredients, artisan techniques, and customer satisfaction makes every visit a rewarding culinary adventure.
For those seeking authentic pizza with a local touch, North Beach Pizza remains a top choice that blends tradition, quality, and innovation with every slice.
