Acclaimed San Francisco Pizzeria Del Popolo to Close in May

Del Popolo, a celebrated pizzeria in San Francisco, will close its doors on May 8, 2026. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and authentic Italian flavors, the restaurant is transitioning to focus on expanding its frozen pizza offerings.

Located at 855 Bush St, Del Popolo has garnered a loyal following since its inception in 2012. Initially serving Neapolitan-style pizzas from a food truck, the establishment later opened a brick-and-mortar location near Union Square. Owner Jon Darsky expressed mixed emotions regarding the closure, stating, “Months of reflection haven’t lessened my ambivalence, but ultimately it feels like the right decision and the right path.”

Closure Announcement and Community Impact

The announcement has sparked a wave of nostalgia and gratitude from patrons. Del Popolo’s dedication to quality, employing traditional pizza-making techniques and premium ingredients, earned it the Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, recognizing the establishment for delivering excellent food at reasonable prices.

Darsky thanked his team, colleagues, guests, and the community for their support over the years. He emphasized that the decision to close was not made lightly but was part of a strategic pivot towards the brand’s frozen offerings. The restaurant has already established a presence in local grocery stores, making its pizzas more accessible to a wider audience.

As the restaurant approaches its final operating days, customers are encouraged to savor their last experiences at Del Popolo. The closure has drawn mixed reactions; while some expressed sadness at the loss of a beloved local eatery, others welcomed the continuation of the brand through its frozen pizza line.

Future Focus on Frozen Pizza

Looking ahead, Darsky aims to redefine the frozen pizza market. He plans to emphasize the same quality and authenticity that have defined Del Popolo’s offerings. “I want to change the way people perceive frozen pizza,” he said, highlighting his commitment to maintaining high standards.

The pizzeria’s legacy in the San Francisco food scene will undoubtedly linger, as it has established a devoted following over the past decade. As customers prepare to say goodbye to the brick-and-mortar location, the frozen pizza line may provide a new avenue for fans to enjoy Del Popolo’s signature flavors.

In the coming weeks, the community will have the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Del Popolo one last time before it closes its doors. For many, the memories created at this iconic pizzeria will remain cherished long after the final slice is served.