We made reservations for 5, plus a service dog, for the heated patio. The patio was lovely, with parking right out the back gate. Pretty lights, umbrellas for shade and plenty of heaters for the cooler evenings. We were greeted at the door, with offers of free samples of the gelato that is presented beautifully right up front, before being shown to our table. The owner was in that night and cheffing. Our orders included handcrafted cocktails, pizza, spaghetti with meatballs, calzone's a Caesar salad, and gnocchi de cacio y pepe. Service was quick, but not rushed, the food and cocktails were simply delicious, and the atmosphere perfect for our small celebration. read more

The Hot Italian sign caught my attention as we were passing by, so I took a peek inside. Their colorful gelato display immediately caught my eye, but what I really needed at that moment was a good café latte, so we decided to walk in. While I waited for my latte, I took a look around. The restaurant has a long, clean, and comfortable dining area, and the menu offers a nice variety of Italian food, with plenty of pizza choices. The young man making my latte was friendly and quick with a joke, and we shared a couple of laughs while he prepared my drink. The latte itself had a rich coffee flavor without being too strong or bitter, just the way I like it. We somehow managed to resist the gelato and the extra calories this time, although a few of the flavors looked very tempting! Overall, it was a pleasant first stop with good coffee, a comfortable atmosphere, and friendly service. Next time we're in the neighborhood, we'll have to return and investigate that gelato a little more closely. read more

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I'm a Sacramentan grieving the loss of this mid-town jewel. For folks used to chain garbage, this is life changing. No greasy cardboard. Eat here and you'll know what Italians are proud of. read more

Still my favorite Bay Area pizza--I think my 20+ year quest (since moving from the northeast) to find Bay Area pizza I love is finally over! The pizza dough here is fermented for an extra long time in the old authentic Italian way making it both more gut friendly and delicious. You can tell the ingredients are all high quality. We've been to the restaurant a few times now and have also ordered takeout multiple times. We've been to went out this week for dinner to celebrate my husband's birthday. I made the reservation on open table and checked the box for special occasion. While we arrived, there was already a happy birthday banner above our table. What a nice touch! My husband was also given a free gelato. And of course the rest of us also ordered gelato--o recommend the fig mascarpone! read more

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We sat outside on a beautiful day. The faux living wall was pretty with bright red cushions and umbrellas. The food (salad and pizza), beer, and wine were all excellent and our server checked on us several times. We'd definitely go back. Note that the salad has two sizes and the only difference is one comes with pizza bread and one doesn't. read more

Hot Italian - Sausage and ricotta - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Great happy hour and back area that's nice in the summer. Will be back to get the personal pizza and aperol sprits. read more

Hot Italian - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

This is a surprisingly enjoyable and refreshing restaurant: the food, service, venue and friendliness. The interior is bright, modern and comfortable. Being personally greeted when we came in was very welcoming! The Jovanotti pizza we ordered was fabulous - among the best I've ever had. The dough apparently is fermented for 18 hours and this makes a huge difference. The crust is soft, chewy and thicker than most with a very pleasing and soft texture. The toppings were fresh and flavorful. The prosciutto appetizer was fabulous with creamy burrata, delicate and tasty prosciutto and fresh arugula. I will definitely return! read more

The pizza at the truck outside sells different pizza. When you come to the restaurant they don't even have that selection. We ordered a small 12" pizza. It has been an hour and we still have not gotten our food. It's ridiculous. read more

Date: Monday, August 25th, 2025 Party of: 2 Meal: Dinner Takeaway Time Ordered: around 8pm Time Pickup: around 8:30pm Ordered: thru their website via Toast *12" Classic round JOVANNOTTI ($26) *12" Classic round FIORI ($25) *PEPERONI SLICE SLICE ($7) *CAESAR SALAD ($15.50) - No croutons The hubby and I were headed home to SF and figured we'd take the opportunity to grab some takeout from San Rafael. I like trying new places, so we figured why not pick a spot in a city were never frequent. After looking around, we decided to try Hot Italian. I adore arugula on pizzas, so wanted to try the FIORI - Tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, arugula, prosciutto parma, and truffle oil. I enjoyed it. And the crust had a good chew. The hubs isn't the hugest fan of truffle on pizza, but he didn't mind it here. I was rather light. The JOVANNOTTI - Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy calabrese salami, prosciutto cotto, smoked mozzarella, and mushrooms was more his style. He's a simple pizza man. The pepperoni slices were huge. And we got two of them. Not sure if that was a mistake, but hey, could always use more pepperoni slices. Tho they were a little too bready for me. The CAESAR SALAD - Crisp romaine lettuce, house-made Caesar dressing, Parmigiano Reggiano, anchovies was good. I love anchovies so enjoyed this. Pickup was fast and easy. Our order was ready when we got here. And parking was fairly easy as well. We found a spot right out front. A nice spot to grab some pizza takeout if you don't want fast food type pizza. REVIEW #3846 read more

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Hot Italian is HOT, HOT, HOT! From food that is delicious to grab and go that is unique, I am so happy that you settled down near my town. We decided to sit out on the back patio, which is a nice size and consists of a few picnic benches and smaller 2 tops. On your way to this destination, you pass by their spinning gelato machine and on the left you have grab and go options from pasta to pizza to Italian drinks and packaged items. Packaged items such as a seafood salad consisting of marinated mussels, octopus and squid. Now I know this isn't for everyone, but when I saw it I had to get one on my way out.. ps it was delicious! When we were seated at our table our waiter asked if we would like anything to drink and I asked him what he liked and he recommended the classic aperol spritz. Now I have tried this one time in my life and wasn't a huge fan, but I said what the heck let's try it again. I am so happy that I did. The drink was refreshing, well balanced and the hint of orange was delightful. We started with the burrata, tomato, basil and sorbet crouton salad. This dish was fresh, inventive and fun. Who would have thought to add little sorbet pieces to creamy burrito, fresh tomato and basil.. well the Chef at HOT Italian did, I am grateful. The flavors were beautiful and that surprise of the cold semi-sweet sorbet truly highlighted the fresh ingredients. It brings me great joy when a Chef pushes the envelope and it works. For our Main, we ordered the vegetarian pizza with artichoke hearts, olives and sun dried tomatoes and we asked for prosciutto de parma to be added. The pizza was light and you could taste every single ingredient. The sauce to cheese to toppings was perfectly balanced; instead of most where it is too top heavy. With the perfect construction, you truly allow the ingredients to shine and be tasted, Bravo! On our way out we decided to split a gelato. We ordered the salted carmel. It was light and the carmel shined. It's fair to say I shall be back to visit my oh so HOT Italian. read more

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Went once. Can't wait to go back! It was a whole vibe in there last Wed. I mixed up my dates and thought I was showing up for an event, when I realized my mistake I stayed for a Calzone and an Aperol spritz cocktail. The food and drink was delicious that alone would bring me back. This place had a whole amazing vibe though that would also make you want to come back even if the food wasn't The service was great, everyone seemed happy to be there. The owner was there meeting customers but also working alongside his team. Loved it. The other customers there were as happy to have found this place as me. Everyone was happy and raving about how glad they were to have found this new Italian spot. To top it off they had gelato. Many flavors including 2 vegan options! Seriously go check this place out. I drove 45 minutes to go here and plan to do it again soon! read more

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I came here for Yelp Elite Event and had an amazing experience, so wanted to bring my partner here for Happy Hour. We went to Italy last year and appreciate that the brother & sister owners are from Italy and feature many Italian products. We got prosecco, bruschetta appetizer, veggie and materazzi (salami and olive) personal flatbread pizzas, and tiramisu & salted caramel gelato. The hot chili oil was delicious on all of the savory dishes. Service from our friendly waiter Santos was quick. We were seated in the back area which was a bit noisy next to a large party, and I might want to sit in the front next time with the music & happy sounds from the kitchen. read more

Hot Italian - Happy hour veggie and materazzi (salami and olives) with prosecco - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Despite the meatball appetizer arriving a little cold, everything else was excellent. The pizza and calzone were absolutely amazing--fresh, flavorful, and served perfectly hot. The quality of the food more than made up for the appetizer issue. We'll definitely be back for another delicious meal. Highly recommend! Service was excellent! And love the relaxed atmosphere. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE!!! I PLACED AN ORDER VIA DOORDASH. THE WOMAN WHO HANDED ME MY FOOD JUST NODDED AT ME WHEN I ASKED IF SHE HAD DOUBLE CHECKED THE ORDER. GUESS WHAT?? SHE DIDN'T. BECAUSE I GOT A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SALAD THAN WHAT I'D ORDERED! If I wanted wilted greens with strawberries and a bunch of store bought sickly sweet dried cranberries, I certainly wouldn't pay $18 for it. DoorDash reimbursed me but how does that make it right? I want my salad. I called the restaurant and they said I could come down and get it. HUH? No one bothered to check my order and now it's my problem? What kind of service is this? What kind of restaurant are you running? No manager on duty on a Sunday afternoon? You know what this tells me? That you don't really care. This is why people say downtown San Rafael is lame... Places like this! Shoddy shoddy attitude and ZERO SERVICE! read more

was in the area and decided to give this place a try. Parking can be a bit tricky to find, but it's definitely worth the effort especially if you visit during happy hour, when the deals are unbeatable. The customer service was excellent; my waiter checked in often to make sure I was enjoying everything. The food tasted fresh and came out quickly. Although the restaurant was a little busy, the staff still gave great attention to each table. Prices can be on the higher side outside of happy hour, but the food is delicious and worth it. read more

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Best pizza in town! Fermented wood fired pizza with imported italian cheese. One of our new favorite spots. Also love the burrata cheese with flatbread! read more

Food was outstanding. Ordered the Basso ....great place, new and clean! Service was excellent. read more

I stopped by Hot Italian earlier this week for lunch after hearing good things from friends. I ordered the Cannavaro -- note: if you like modifying your pizza with delicious add-ons that would probably be considered disgusting and morally offensive in Italy (like pineapple), you can't do that here. They do it in real Italian style. :) The Cannavaro was good, and I look forward to trying some of the more interesting items on their menu in the future. The restaurant was clean and visually appealing. The customer service and the fact that they have a dog-friendly patio made me bump this review up from four stars to five. I didn't catch the name of the woman working the phone and register when I came in, but she was super friendly and personable and let me know about the patio and happy hour. They offer $10 pizzas during happy hour -- an amazing price point for Marin. Anyone local knows how quickly restaurants come and go in Downtown SR. I hope Hot Italian will be here for good. read more

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I went to the hot Italian really planning to enjoy it. The menu looks great and I love Italian foods and pizza. The execution was not yet there, at least the night we visited. Happy to try it again another time. Service was abysmal. Too few servers for the number of tables. And- there's a long walk from the kitchen to outside where most customers were. The server would drop off food or wine and never return to check for anything else needed. Our appetizer of what they called focaccia bread (which was actually baked pizza crust), the Caesar salad, and the margarita pizza all arrived at the same time. Odd- but perhaps they were just too busy for three separate trips to the table. The pizza was pretty good. I was a bit surprised it didn't have buffalo or fresh mozzarella. The Caesar was average, with the exception of the anchovy's which were a nice touch. The croutons tasted a bit stale as they weren't very crunchy. The focaccia bread was fine- though it was just plain pizza dough cooked. Not what I've had all around Italy called focaccia. Lastly, $14 for a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio when I know the whole bottle probably doesn't cost that was highway robbery. Both the back door and the front doors were open the whole time we were there, which created a huge blowing draft throughout the inside seating area. Not pleasant. Love the concept of the Italian bar or deli as a restaurant. The execution just wasn't yet there. read more

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Food: my partner enjoyed his pizza more than I enjoyed my panini (the mixed greens salad on the side was fresh and crisp and perfectly dressed) so I will order pizza next time. The pasta at the table next to me looked very good as well. Wine: an excellent selection of wines by the glass. Service: friendly and attentive. Ambiance: clean and casual, well suited for a pre movie bite to eat. Will return to try a pizza and the gelato which I saw others enjoying. Street parking was available and there are garages nearby. read more

My boyfriend and I were visiting San Rafael for the weekend and we had a wonderful experience at Hot Italian. I came on a Friday at around 5pm, it wasn't too busy. Our server, Heather, was absolutely amazing. She gave us her recommendations and was very kind throughout our time there. I have an allergy and she checked with the chef to ensure what we wanted to order did not have the allergen. The food was delicious, I wish we had one in South bay. They have their own house-made chili oil which was really good, just a bit too spicy for my tastes (as someone who doesn't eat too spicy things), but my boyfriend enjoyed it. We ordered the Stella Pinsa (Mozzarella, crescenza cheese, prosciutto parma, and seasonal mushrooms), Ghiretti Panino (Prosciutto Parma, Fiordi latte mozzarella, fresh tomato ,arugula, evo), and Stracciatella Gilato. The stella pinsa was my favorite, the panini was equally as good and the tomato and arugula added freshness. Heather informed us the pinsa is their dough that is proofed for 48(?) hours, so it tastes a bit like sourdough. We were also told that their gelato flavors rotate and they make it in house too! If i'm ever in San Rafael again, i'm definitely coming back! read more

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Great Italian spot in Marin. The food is delicious, the interior is very inviting, and the staff are to notch. The owner is a very happy and friendly guy too. Go check them out if you're in downtown San Rafael. read more

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Very cool place as soon as you walk in. The gelato was is a cool spinning display case, got one scoop of tiramisu at their happy hour for 5$. Was super creamy and had a great subtle coffee taste. The spritz was also so good and refreshing. A very nice restaurant space with a great happy hour deal. read more

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1st time ever going to Hot Italian. Found them on Yelp and decided to try. Our server Santos was absolutely amazing. He kept checking in with us and was very knowledgeable about all the food. He offered recommendations that did not disappoint. Restaurant was very modern and clean. For starters we ordered the Focaccia Toscana. It came with some delicious olive oil for dipping. The bread was absolutely amazing and was fresh and crispy. Didn't even last us 5 minutes. For dinner we ordered the Materazzi & Fiori pizza. The pizza was just perfect. Chripy, not overpowering, and all the perfect servings and ingredients. Since we like spicy food Santos recommended their spicy oil. We drizzled the oil on top and it was so delicious. The oil tasted like it was oil infused with jalapeños. Since I was celebrating my birthday, I treated myself to their Mojito Veloce and Aperol Spritz. Both very yummy, bubbly and refreshing. For dessert my kiddos had the chocolate gelato and Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) gelato. I decided to be bold and had the salted caramel and pineapple jalapeño gelato. Absolutely amazing. Their waffle cones were so fresh and crispy. Lastly we were surprised with a lovely dessert. Wish I would've got the name. It was absolutely amazing. It was cake/cheesecake like but also crunchy. Shared it with the kiddos. I'm not one for chocolate it this was incredible and not too rich. Just perfect. Reminded me of my favorite candy (Ferrero Rocher). The cooking staff & out waiter (Santos) were all so incredibly nice and made us feel so special. They didn't even know it was my birthday but they gave me and my family a beautiful and welcoming experience. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

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Delightful pizza, salad, wine, salami, gelato!!! Service was very helpful and attentive. Loved the indoor/outdoor vibe. Check it out!!! read more

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Great pizza, clean friendly and stylish atmosphere. Takes me back to when my wife and I were traveling around Northern Italy before kids (though this is a very kid friendly place for us). Outdoor back porch is easily one of the best in San Rafael (if not the best). The Happy Hour is daily 4-6 and I love getting the vermouth spritz on a hot day. All the pizzas are great, but our family favorite is the Stella (Mozzarella, cresenza cheese, prosciutto, and mushroom). Theres a lot of great pizza places in San Rafael -- but Hot Italian is a place we find ourselves at often. read more

The food was great. Patio out back was nice on this blazing hot day. Suzanna salad was great and Damiano pizza was great. Nice thin crust. Was a little greasy, but tasted great. read more

Great food and great service from Santos! He is very helpful in food recommendations and very kind. read more

Hot Italian - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I had a pleasant experience at Hot Italian in downtown San Rafael. My husband and I came in on a Friday night, and even though it started to get a little busy as the evening went on, we were seated right away, which was a nice. We ordered the Caesar salad and it was absolutely delicious, definitely something I would recommend with fresh cracked pepper YUM. We also tried an arugula based pizza, which was fresh, flavorful, and really well done. We enjoyed the meatballs as an app too. Overall, the food and service were both very good, and the atmosphere was chill without being overwhelming. We look forward to coming back again soon. read more

Excited to see Hot Italian in San Rafael! I've been to Passione Emporio in Berkeley for their luscious tiramisu and pizzas - it's been awhile but if it's still the same that's a delicious outing. So when I found this online I rushed over to check out their lunch specials. Similar fun vibe here - music is upbeat and unique. I ordered a Mengoni focaccia panino - porchetta, broccoli rabe and provolone and a Murino pizza - pears, gorgonzola and honey. The lunch special includes a salad and soda for the regular price of the panino for dinner - $18. They have gluten free crust for their 12" pizzas - cornmeal or rice - at no extra cost. Pizza was a wonderful combo. The panino was underwhelming in flavor though the ingredients were quality. Too much bread for very little porchetta. Arugula salad was very lightly dressed with a few radish pieces. I got to try their spicy olive oil which helped and was quite good. Just down the street from Sol Food so they have good competition, exposure and could catch the spillover along with visitors from the Smart train. Espresso drinks, gelato, desserts, Italian sodas, wines and beers. I'll be back to check it out as they mature. Dominic was the staff member up front and very welcoming. read more

We came for happy hour last week and had a great time! The outdoor patio is cute and has plenty of sun and shade options. We got there around 430 and when we left at 6 they were completely packed! Prices were great and food was delicious. Our favorites were the pizza and carpaccio. They have a huge selection of food and alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. We will be back! Fun to have them in our neighborhood read more

Hot Italian - Happy hour pizza - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

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The food and service was amazing! Santos gave good recommendations on the food. I was told to come here for the pizza and gelato and it was fantastic. I will definitely come back to this place! read more

Hot Italian - Pistachio cake - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

LOVE this place!! My husband doesn't like pizza and even he loves it! First of all the dough is delicious. Then they put wonderful ingredients on it - the most delicious cheeses and meats. The ambience is great... I want their playlist!!! We come as a family with my loud kids pretty early, but I think it would be a cute date spot too. They have good drinks. Don't forget the gelato!!! Oh and service always welcoming and kind read more

We were visiting family in the area, and decided to eat something before we headed back home. Saw the outside menu on a sign board, and realized it was Happy Hour. We decided to eat there since the Happy Hour Pinsa's were showing $10 on the outside menu board, it's the reason we went in, the price was right. When we sat down, I asked if we could also get a Happy Hour menu, which they gave us as well. After reading it, we read the Happy Hour pinsa's on the menu we were given at the table were marked $13. I asked the server when he came back and showed him the picture I took of the menu board outside and asked him why the menu board outside says $10, and the menu we were given says $13. He looked confused and I pointed to the big menu board outside and showed him the picture. He said no, it's $13 and asked another employee to look at the board outside. The other employee looked at it, nodded to the server and walked back inside. The server asked me, is this $13 ok? I told him, we came in the restaurant since the big menu board outside advertised that it was Happy Hour AND the price showed $10 each. We were ordering 2 different pinsa's. So an additional $6 is almost another pinsa price. I thought at the end he was going to give us the price that was advertised outside of the restaurant but the check came and was still charged $13 each for the pinsa's. At that point I realized that this restaurant does not have any type of customer service, and apparently they don't care that they are doing a bait and switch, as no employee as we were sitting there or as we were leaving, took the sign outside off. I know now, when we visit family in the area, we will not be going back to the restaurant. Just be aware of the signage and prices outside of the restaurant is different than the prices inside the restaurant, and they will not honor their own prices. read more

Had a great pizza. The fiori, excellent Crust great and topping done right. Caesar salad was a dud, nothing special, cut up Romain, some anchovies on top lousy croutons(they should make their own) and salad dressing tasted straight out of a jar. Service was excellent, we sat in the back patio on a nice evening. We will go back for the Pizza, but not the Caesar salad, will try the other one. read more

Really yummy food! We sat outside in the back patio and it was super vibey and chill. I love the rotating gelato stand in the front. Super friendly staff, santos really took care of us and made the birthday dinner special! read more

We had a great experience at Hot Italian! We were a party of six, ordered a bunch of appetizers, pizza, pinsa and Italian wine: everything was delicious. The pinsa was so tasty and unique, I completely recommend. We also had a vegetarian lasagna with funghi (mushrooms) and it was tasty. For dessert, the chef created a platter with a selection of their desserts: cannoli, tiramisu and a pistachio based pie, all delicious. We had a great experience and we can't wait to go back! read more

Hot Italian - Out of the this world dessert platter!! - Pizza Near Me - San Rafael, California

Amazing, as always! My wife and I frequent the Happy Hour, and we absolutely adore this place. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, the drinks are great, and the service is always so accomplishing and friendly. Shoutout to Yanet! read more

Just found this place. Open late! Excellent food, wine is good. Amazing ice cream/gelato display. Right Next to Sol Food in the old Perry's deli space. I am glad they are here . Another great restaurant in San Rafael. My Calone was impressive. With Barbera red recommended by the proprietor, Santos. read more

Every time I fly to the Bay Area I always need to stop by and have this amazing pizza. I had it when they first opened they never since I have been hooked. Amazing quality, taste and service. Love this place read more