San Francisco's pizza landscape just got a dynamic new player with the opening of Che Fico Pizzeria on October 9, at the bustling Thrive City complex near Chase Center. Spearheaded by Chef David Nayfeld and Matt Brewer of Back Home Hospitality, the restaurant marks a significant shift from Che Fico's original footprint – where pizzas once controversial for their charred crusts, now find redemption in a space that celebrates them with the reverence of a main act rather than an opening band.
According to a recent Eater article, Nayfeld, who once lamented the overwhelming demand for his pizzas, reiterated, "We always knew that a pizzeria would be forthcoming," though the exact details of when and how remained nebulous until now; the pizzeria not only occupies a generous space within the Chase Center's vicinity but it also features an extensive outdoor patio with a staggering 146 seats and a view of the Bay Bridge, as well an indoor area accommodating 44, an expanded menu now includes New York-style slices and a selection of Italian-inspired dishes, in addition to their signature sourdough pizzas.
The heart of Che Fico's pizza rests on its seven-year-old sourdough mother, meticulously nourished and monitored daily, as told by the San Francisco Chronicle. "Much more akin to a San Francisco style of levain bread," as Nayfeld described, the resulting crust is a distillation of years of meticulous crafting, embodying the city's rich sourdough heritage. It's not just the starter that's getting the scientific treatment; every aspect of the dough's creation, from pH levels to temperature, is finely controlled within a specially designed dough room endowed with top-notch machinery, signaling Che Fico's uncompromising commitment to pizza perfection.
And per a Chase Center announcement, while pizzas are the marquee feature, Nayfeld and team don't stop there; the complex also offers a variety of antipasti, salads with protein additions, and sandwiches, all served on sesame rolls sourced from Acme Bread Company, not to mention desserts including gelato soft serve with a selection of creative toppings. The adult palate hasn't been ignored either, thanks to a wine list eschewing the local in favor of Italian small-production vineyards, and a cocktail menu that playfully riffs on Bay Area classics, including a Che Fico Negroni and a bourbon-based nod to Stephen Curry aptly named the Golden Boy; all of this accompanied by an Amalfi-inspired ambiance, crafted by designer Jon de la Cruz, that aims to be the destination of choice whether one's catching a Warriors game or just in quest of that quintessential sourdough slice.
Those eager for a taste of Che Fico's latest offerings should note that the restaurant is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Sunday, with the promise of lunch hours on the horizon; you can also drop by Che Fico Pizzeria's official website for reservations or inquiries about catering and large group dining. For a quick grab, a takeout window serves up slices and gelato, ensuring that whether you're coming from afar or in the neighborhood, these pies are primed to please without the wait.
