Memories of getting pizza by the slice as a kid growing up in Brooklyn were largely what inspired Will Gioia to open the slice joint in North Berkeley in 2004.  Now a fixture and go-to neighborhood spot in the East Bay, Gioia Pizzeria has proven to keep lots of folks, including East Coasters, happy and satiated- kids heading home from school, people shopping on the block who need a snack, the coach ordering pizzas to go for the soccer team, family movie night at home, or the Thursday night poker game. Both Karen and Will Gioia bring a rich background in food. After meeting at the CIA in Hyde Park, NY, the couple worked in the south of France, baked artisan bread in Michigan, and then beelined it to the Bay Area to work with some notable restaurants such as Oliveto, Chez Panisse and Zuni Café. The Gioia's success at the pizzeria in Berkeley spawned the idea of bringing their NY-style pizza to San Francisco. The new location in Russian Hill, now celebrating their first year of business, is the big brother of the hole in the wall spot in Berkeley.  Gioia serves the same East Coast, thin crust pizza that they have for years, but also bring to the table a menu that reflects their history and experience as a passionate husband and wife team in the kitchen.  They are serving up what they know and love best in their 50 seat restaurant - inspired, simply prepared and delicious food that relies on the seasonal bounty that the Bay Area has to offer.  Having worked with local farmers throughout the years they feel proud to support them and their hard work at the restaurant. Italian wines and locally crafted beers round out the menu. Come visit them on either side of the Bay!