Little Original Joe’s: West Portal
A Neighborhood Gem: Little Original Joe’s in West Portal, San Francisco
Tucked into the cozy West Portal neighborhood, Little Original Joe’s isn’t just a pizzeria or a market—it’s a love letter to classic Italian-American comfort food with deep local roots. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor wandering down West Portal Avenue, this spot offers something unique: warmth, nostalgia, and downright delicious food.
A Family Legacy Reimagined
Little Original Joe’s is a spin-off of the beloved Original Joe’s, an institution in San Francisco’s dining scene. But this West Portal outpost is different. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a hybrid space that blends the ease of takeout dining with the charm of an old-school Italian market. Opened by siblings who grew up in the area, the space is both a tribute to their family legacy and a nod to the neighborhood that raised them.
What makes it even more special is that it took over the former Paradise Pizza space, incorporating the same beloved dough recipe that locals swore by for years. It’s comfort food rooted in community memory.
The Pizza
This is what draws people in—and for good reason. The pizza is thin, crisp, and loaded with flavor. Whether you go for the Ultimate Paradise (a mountain of meats and veggies) or something more inventive like The Italian Job (with sausage, ricotta, broccoli rabe, and chili oil), you’re getting something thoughtfully made and incredibly satisfying.
Pastas & Parm Heaven
You’ll find all the Italian-American classics: spicy rigatoni vodka, baked lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, and ravioli. The chicken and eggplant parmigiana are standouts—generously portioned, crispy, cheesy, and crave-worthy. For something more unique, try the polenta parmigiana, a twist on the classic dish with layers of fried polenta.
Extras That Make It Special
Garlic knots, rotisserie chicken, chopped salads, and soft-serve ice cream make it easy to turn a simple dinner into a full feast. And if you’re feeding a crowd, there are plenty of family-style options to choose from.
More Than Just a Restaurant: The Market
Beyond the kitchen, Little Original Joe’s is also a charming little Italian market. Open daily from morning till late evening, it’s stocked with house-made pastas, sauces, lasagnas, cheeses, cured meats, and pantry staples. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to cook at home but don’t want to start from scratch. They even carry local favorites like Zanze’s cheesecake, making it a true one-stop shop for a San Francisco comfort-food fix.
Why It Works
Little Original Joe’s succeeds because it’s not trying to be trendy—it’s rooted in tradition, family, and the needs of the neighborhood. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a slice, stock your fridge with fresh pasta, and feel like part of a community all in one stop. It’s also a great reminder that not all great dining experiences require a reservation or a formal setting. Sometimes, all you need is a great slice, a tub of vodka sauce, and the right people around your dinner table.
If you’re in West Portal, don’t miss it. And if you’re not, it might just be worth the trip.
Little Original Joe’s West Portal
393 West Portal Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415)759-1155
Daily Hours
Market | 10am – 10pm
Lunch | 11am – 3pm
Dinner | 4pm – 10pm
Pizza | All Day
