Pizzaiolo
We lived in a little apartment in North Oakland on the Berkeley border for 10 years while saving up money for our first house. Our apartment was 1/2 of the upstairs flat in an old craftsman house. Our landlord lived in Southern California but once lived in our house. At the time she live there she used the local plumber from down the street in the Temescal neighborhood. 20 years later that plumber was still in business but, frankly, didn’t do a good job. What goes around comes around because the hardware store the plumber used to operate out of became a fine restaurant called Pizzaiolo. The owner, Charlie, worked a Chez Pannisse for a few years before striking out on his own. I love this restaurant because it’s casual but has really fine food. You get to see a cross section from all walks of life in North Oakland. Not to mention, they make a great pizza, and also have great pasta dishes, appetizers, and affordable prices.
And, they were thoughtful enough to leave the old G&G hardware sign up. And don’t believe what anyone says — they do take reservations now.
Pizzaiolo
5008 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
512.652.4888