The home of Mr. Pizza Man, reimagined as Nelci's Kitchen
Dining rooted in tradition, in South San Francisco.

Brazilian Pizzeria and Grill in South San Francisco

Welcome to Nelci’s Kitchen — where we’re keeping the spirit of Mr. Pizza Man alive and dishing up homemade comfort that hits different for folks in South San Francisco. Whether you’re coming off a long shift at Genentech or just finished a hike at Sign Hill, we’ve got the kind of food that tastes like someone actually cares. And honestly? We do.

Our Story in South San Francisco

Tradition in the kitchen, family at the table. Pull up a chair, you’re home in South San Francisco.

In the heart of downtown San Mateo, we’re just a quick hop from South San Francisco — and we’ve made it our mission to create dining experiences that feel shared, spirited, and honestly, like home. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and they already know your order? That’s what we’re going for.

That’s exactly why Nelci’s Kitchen exists.

Nelci’s Kitchen is Chef Nelci Vieira’s lifelong dream brought to life. She started out cooking in the kitchens of Minas Gerais — that’s the soulful heart of Brazilian home cooking — and brought all those slow, rich flavors here to serve the South San Francisco community. It’s a long way from Brazil to the 101, but we think the journey was worth it.

Our purpose is to bring the vibrant, welcoming spirit of Brazil to California by sharing authentic homemade food, grilling, artisanal pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts.
—Nelci Vieira, Chef de Cuisine

Our Menu in South San Francisco

Tradition, Carved and Shared in South San Francisco.

At Nelci’s Kitchen, we honor the slow-cooked traditions of our grandmothers. From the fire of the grill to our hand-stretched, slow-fermented dough, everything is made to be passed around and enjoyed together. We hear this a lot from our friends in South San Francisco: “It tastes like my nonna used to make.” And that’s the highest compliment we can get. Whether you’re ordering a pizza for the kids after a game at South San Francisco High or grabbing a calzone to go on a rainy night, we’ve got you covered.

Artisan Cravings in South San Francisco

Pizzeria
Menu in South San Francisco

Grill Tradition in South San Francisco

Food & Grill
Menu in South San Francisco

The Experience in South San Francisco

The Soul of Minas, The Heart of South San Francisco

From our family kitchen to the table, every dish is a celebration of the traditions that turn guests into family. Honestly, that’s exactly how we treat our South San Francisco neighbors. Whether you’re coming straight from a long shift at the biotech labs near Oyster Point or picking up dinner after dropping the kids off at Baden High School, we want you to feel right at home. We’ve been serving the South San Francisco community for years now, and we’ve learned one thing: pizza here isn’t just food — it’s how you end a long day. It’s how you celebrate a win. It’s how you bring everyone together after a hectic week navigating the 101 at rush hour. The truth is, we don’t just make pizza. We make the kind of meal that makes you forget about the commute, the deadlines, and the chaos. And we deliver that experience right to your door in South San Francisco, CA. So whether you’re over by Westborough, near Sign Hill, or tucked into a cozy spot off El Camino Real, we’ve got you. That’s the promise we make to every family in South San Francisco who sits down to one of our pies.

Authentic Brazilian Grilled Meats in South San Francisco

Are you up for a smoky, salty masterpiece that tastes like a Sunday afternoon in Brazil? If you’ve spent any time in South San Francisco, you know this city has got a serious appreciation for bold, fire-kissed flavors. We hear this all the time from our customers near the Linden Avenue corridor: “We didn’t expect to find Brazilian food that actually tastes like the real thing up here.” But we’re not just any pizza spot playing around with fusion ideas. Our churrasco-style meats — slow-grilled over open flame, seasoned with rock salt, and sliced thin — bring a little piece of São Paulo right to South San Francisco. It pairs perfectly with our hand-tossed pies, too. Imagine this: you’re hosting a backyard get-together near the South San Francisco Recreation Center and you want something different. Something that knocks your guests’ socks off. That’s where we come in. A tray of our picanha, some cheese bread on the side, and a couple of our signature pizzas. Trust us — nobody in South San Francisco does a spread like that. We bring the Brazilian energy, the smoky aroma, and the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and just enjoy the moment.

Artisanal Pizzas in South San Francisco

Hand-stretched, long-fermented dough paired with organic sauces and premium local ingredients. You’d expect that from a fancy sit-down spot in downtown San Francisco — but we’re bringing that same obsessive quality to South San Francisco. Here’s what that means for you: every pizza that leaves our kitchen has been crafted with patience. We don’t rush the dough. We let it ferment for a full 48 hours, because that’s what builds those beautiful air pockets and that chewy-yet-crisp bite that pizza lovers in South San Francisco rave about. And the toppings? We source locally whenever we can — think fresh mozzarella from Bay Area creameries, vine-ripened tomatoes, and produce that was harvested just days ago. When you’re ordering delivery in South San Francisco, whether you’re over by the airport or deeper into the residential neighborhoods near Spruce Avenue, you’re getting the same quality we’d serve to our own family. We know South San Francisco folks appreciate real food — not frozen factory stuff. That’s why we do it the old-fashioned way. Every single time.

Premium Pastas in South San Francisco

Our chef-curated selection of traditional Italian all-time favorites. Served with a side of buttery toasted garlic bread. Let’s be real — when the fog rolls in over South San Francisco and you’ve got that chill in the air, nothing hits the spot quite like a plate of hot pasta. We’re talking spaghetti carbonara made with real guanciale, fettuccine Alfredo that’s creamy without being heavy, and lasagna layered with slow-simmered ragu that tastes like it’s been cooking all day (because it has). South San Francisco residents tell us all the time: “This is the closest thing to my nonna’s cooking I’ve found in California.” And that’s exactly the vibe we’re going for. Whether you’re ordering delivery to your apartment near the Grand Avenue shopping district or planning a cozy dinner night out by Stonegate, our pasta section is where comfort lives. Don’t sleep on that garlic bread, either. It’s crispy, buttery, and just the right amount of garlicky — the perfect sidekick to every entree. We’ve perfected it for the South San Francisco palate, and it shows.

Greens and Grains in South San Francisco

Seasonal ingredients and crisp textures, prepared fresh daily to celebrate the lighter side of our kitchen. Look, we love a good cheesy pizza as much as anyone in South San Francisco. But sometimes? Sometimes you want something that feels fresh and bright. Maybe it’s one of those rare sunny afternoons when South San Francisco shows off, and you’re craving a salad that pops. Our kitchen team works with local farmers’ markets to bring in whatever’s at its peak — heirloom tomatoes in the summer, crunchy fennel in the fall, citrus in the winter. We toss everything with house-made vinaigrettes that cut through the richness of our other dishes. It’s the perfect balance. And here’s a little secret: a lot of our South San Francisco regulars order a pizza AND a salad. They say the contrast makes everything taste better. We can’t argue with that. If you’re watching what you eat or just want something lighter, our salads hold their own. They’re not an afterthought — they’re a celebration of what grows around us, prepared with the same care as everything else we do.

Testimonials from South San Francisco Guests

What Our South San Francisco Guests Are Saying

— Daniel R.San Mateo
“The moment you walk in, it feels different—warm, welcoming, and genuine. The food isn’t just good… it’s memorable. The grilled meats were perfectly cooked, and the pizza had a flavor you just don’t find anywhere else around here. You can tell everything is made with care.”
— Melissa G.Burlingame
“I’ve tried so many restaurants around the Peninsula, and most feel the same. Nelci’s Kitchen stands out. The flavors are rich, the portions are generous, and the whole experience feels like home. Perfect for sharing with family or friends.”
— Carlos M.Redwood City
“Knowing Chef Nelci has over 50 years of experience makes sense after your first bite. Everything feels intentional—from the seasoning to the presentation. This isn’t fast food—it’s real cooking.”
— Jessica T.San Mateo
“We came in for a casual night out and ended up staying longer than expected. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the food keeps you coming back for more. It’s perfect for date nights or just catching up with friends.”
— Andre P.Foster City
“The family-style setup makes it easy to share and experience more of the menu. The picanha was incredible, and the pão de queijo was addictive. This place delivers both quality and experience.”
Shared Experience in South San Francisco

A Seat For Everyone in South San Francisco

Whether you crave the sizzle of the grill, the craft of an artisan pizza, or the comfort of premium pasta and fresh salads, there is a place for everyone at our table. And we mean everyone — from the biotech researchers out by the South San Francisco Conference Center to the families living in the quiet hillside neighborhoods near San Bruno Mountain. We’ve seen it all: the late-night study groups from Skyline College ordering wings and calzones, the weekend soccer teams celebrating at their homes off Hickey Boulevard, the date nights where a couple shares a pizza and a bottle of wine while watching the city lights. South San Francisco is a special place — a mix of old-school charm and new-energy growth. And we’re proud to be part of that fabric. We don’t just deliver food. We deliver the kind of meal that makes you pause, take a bite, and think, “Yeah, this is exactly what I needed.” So whether you’re craving our Brazilian-style grilled meats, a classic pepperoni pie, or a plate of spaghetti that tastes like love, we’re here. Just a phone call or a few clicks away. Ready when you are, South San Francisco.

Shared Moments in South San Francisco

Catering & Corporate Events in South San Francisco

Whether you’re:

Whether you’re hunkering down during a foggy South San Francisco evening near Sign Hill or celebrating a family win at Orange Memorial Park, we’ve got you covered. For more information or to ask about catering your next event in South San Francisco, CA, just give us a shout. We’re here to make your pizza night (or lunch, or late-night craving) unforgettable.

Authentic Edge in South San Francisco

Our Promise to the Table in South San Francisco

50+ Years of Culinary Mastery in South San Francisco

From Minas Gerais with Love. Rooted in Tradition, Crafted for You — right here in South San Francisco.

Authentic Grandma-Style Brazilian Homemade Food in South San Francisco

A collection of family recipes preserved through generations, served for the way we eat today. Just ask the folks near the San Bruno Avenue corridor — they keep coming back for more.

Handcraft Approach in South San Francisco

Honest flavors from the heart of Minas Gerais, prepared with high-quality, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, love, patience and a grandmother’s steady hand. It's the kind of comfort food that hits different when the South San Francisco fog rolls in.

A Place That Feels Like Home in South San Francisco

Our food is made by hand, and served with the same heart you'd find at our own family table. Whether you're grabbing a quick slice near the South San Francisco BART station or ordering delivery for a quiet night in, we treat every plate like it's for family.

We’re saving a seat at the table for you in South San Francisco.

Whether you’re joining us for a quick slice or a long family feast, we’re ready to welcome you home in South San Francisco.

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