Shayan Afzal

In the rhythm of a bustling afternoon, we wandered into the embrace of Little Italy in San Francisco—a neighborhood that breathes history and flavors with every turn. Our first stop was the famed Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, a name that echoes through the city’s culinary halls of fame. Tony’s, helmed by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, is a testament to the art of pizza making. From wood-fired ovens to coal-fired masterpieces, the menu offers a global journey through dough and toppings.

Though we didn’t step inside, deterred by the necessity of an earlier reservation—a rookie mistake on my part—the aroma wafting from the brick-lined ovens was intoxicating. Its accolades, including the World Pizza Cup-winning Margherita, make it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.

Just across the street, standing as if watching over this slice of the old country transplanted into modern America, is the Saints Peter and Paul Church. Its Gothic Revival architecture pierces the sky, with twin spires that seem to whisper tales of devotion and community. Known as the “Italian Cathedral of the West,” the church’s façade, adorned with intricate carvings and celestial symbols, creates a sharp contrast to the bustling energy of Washington Square Park nearby.

Little Italy is a narrative stitched into the cultural fabric of San Francisco. The flavors of Tony’s and the solemn grandeur of Saints Peter and Paul Church remind us that even in the heart of a modern city, echoes of the past can be savored.