April 18, 2014

Kensington: Benchmark Pizzeria; restaurant review

interior of Benchmark Pizzeria in Kensington, California
80 North

Benchmark Pizzeria  

1568 Oak View Ave./Colusa Ave., in Kensington. (510) 647-9724.  D daily. 

Located just off the Kensington Circle, this simple spot features red walls, black wood tables, grey tile floors, and big windows that let in plenty of light.  Popular with families, Benchmark Pizzeria is cheery and noisy.  The specialty is crispy-crusted Neapolitan-style pizza pies made with local ingredients and baked in an 800-degree wood-fired oven.  The menu changes daily.  Antipasti choices are especially interesting—perhaps house-pickled vegetables, olives and almonds, or house-pulled mozzarella.

house pizza at Benchmark Pizzeria in Kensington, California
house pizza at Benchmark Pizzeria in Kensington, California


Pizzas measure about 12 inches and include the simple namesake Benchmark as well as one with housemade sausage and also a folded-over calzone.  A few pastas are available, and dessert includes Straus soft-serve ice cream—my favorite is vanilla topped with butterscotch.



More things to do in nearby Berkeley.

Way more things to do in nearby Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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