I know many folks in the Castro have been patiently waiting for a second location of IL CASARO to open, and that day finally arrived. It’s from owners Francesco Covucci and Peter Fazio, who are also behind the original Il Casaro in North Beach, as well as Barbara and Pasta-Pop Up.
This location has a bigger Stefano Ferrara wood-fired oven than Il Casaro’s original North Beach location, so you’ll find even more dishes with touches from the oven, like oven-roasted cherry tomatoes on a smoked burrata plate ($12), and romanesco with peperoncino, garlic, and capers ($9). Or how about some oven-roasted peaches and burrata ($12)? Yes, please.
The pizza section has about 10 options ($18 and under), including a Calabrese pizza with ‘nduja, and my personal favorite, their mortadella and pistachio pizza. They make a Neapolitan-style pizza, and will be using the same dough and sauce as their North Beach spot.
New to this location are five housemade pasta dishes, like bucatini ($17) with shaved summer squash, wood-oven tomatoes, Gulf shrimp, and fennel pollen, and lasagna ($15).
You’ll also have plenty of snacks to enjoy with a cocktail at their bar since this location has a liquor license (and drinks are only $10, hold the phone!). Some of the cocktails feature Italian ingredients, like balsamic vinegar, walnut bitters, and olive oil. You can also choose from five spritzes, all $10. The Italian wine list is also incredibly affordable, with many selections around $10 by the glass. Guess who’s going to be very popular in the Castro?
There’s seating in the front, which catches the early evening light, and a spacious bar that overlooks the open kitchen, and some high-top tables that flank it. There’s a patio in the back that awaits approval, let’s hope the neighbors realize what a gem this place is for the neighborhood. Il Casaro doesn’t offer reservations, but you can join the waitlist on their website. You will also be able to order delivery from Caviar soon.
Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-11pm and Fri-Sat 11am-12am. Brunch is coming as well. 235 Church St. at Market.
The spacious bar overlooking the open kitchen and wood-fired oven. All photos: © tablehopper.com.
