1242 Fourth St, San Rafael CA 94901
(415) 455-9777
Parking: ample street parking
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am to 10pm, Fri 11am to 11pm, Sat 11:30 am to 11pm, Sun 11:30am to 10pm
http://www.amicis.com/
Last Visited: July 16, 2006
Food: 4 to 5 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$ to $$$
Although it’s been a while since I’ve visited an Amici’s, I had to make sure to include this post from a few years back. Also, since eating here, I met Pete, the co-owner of the chain. Wow! Pete is such a down to earth guy whom learned the business from the ground up, foregoing the dreams of being a super smart ivy-leaguer; despite the degree and much to the chagrin of his mother, he took a job as the pizza boy, delivery boy, and so on until he was ready to start the business. Of course, he had a good business partner in Mike that balanced out his weaknesses, and usually, that’s the best kind.
Amici’s is a very clean cut establishment with bright lights, earth tones, forest green. The classic black and white photos of famous sports figures or famous people give the place a bit of the New York feel. Their pizza has been described by quite a few as being more authentic New York style pizza. Mr. and Mrs. G as well as my friend Nimish, an authentic New Yorker, give Amici’s high marks.
At their San Rafael location, they are right in the middle of the downtown area and the large windows in the front allow you to watch the downtown scene. In the summer, they open the windows and though there are some pesky flies, the general atmosphere is quite comfortable and friendly. Enter the restaurant, and all of the tables are up front with a counter in the rear, and the kitchen in the rear right. It can seem a little odd having so many servers standing around when the place isn’t busy, but they tend to hover by the rear counter. My server was one of the best I have encountered in recent months.
Amici’s offers thin crust pizza with several combos that are available or you can design your own. They also offer pastas, sandwiches, and salads. They offer soy mozzarella and reduced carb pizzas for those who are diet conscious. Choose from the following sizes: Mini (7"), Small (10''), Medium (13''), and Large (15'').
- Antipasto Salad - Italian Salami, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, and mozzarella is added to their Garden Salad which is comprised of romaine lettuce, red onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. They’re right about this salad serving two people if you order the half size. If you don’t eat many vegetables, I would even say it serves three. A healthy salad with your choice of dressing. Very fresh vegetables – delicious. Half (serves 1-2) $6.95/ Full (serves 3-4) $11.95
- Amici's Combo Pizza - Pepperoni, meatball, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and black olives top this thin crust pizza. The first bite was a little bland, but as I started taking additional bites, the flavors married in my mouth and the bacon really started to distinguish itself. Some may find it a little on the greasy side, but I would only say it’s average compared to its competitors in terms of amount of grease on the pizza. The flavors are great, but next time, I might try one of their other many combos or design my own. Good. ($9.55/$14.55/$19.35/$22.95)
Iced Tea – It’s a bottomless iced tea which is actually brewed – it doesn’t taste watered down at all.
Some of the other combo pizzas that caught my eye include the Greek Isle pizza and the Calabria which contains pancetta (yum!). They also offer pesto pizza and clam pizza too.
One of the best points about our waitress was her service. She came back to check on us with the salad, the pizza, and was constantly refilling water and iced tea. When you contrast this visit with others in terms of service, you definitely notice the professionalism of Amici’s staff, or at least, of my server. When you leave, satisfied by the meal and the service, you also get a mint. Great pizza and care for patrons. I brought home a few slices of pizza, and even my pizza was layered with parchment in between so as not to get the bottom layer soggy. That’s a sign of a restaurant who gives attention to detail. Good authentic East Coast pizza. Excellent.
If you ever get a chance to meet Pete, he’s a really really nice guy. Super humble – it’s no wonder his business has thrived!
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