Il Focolare Pizzeria
A cozy Cottontown gem known for its unique wood-fired pizzas and vibrant, art-filled atmosphere. A must-visit for pizza lovers seeking creative flavor...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Il Focolare Pizzeria
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy Cottontown gem known for its unique wood-fired pizzas and vibrant, art-filled atmosphere. A must-visit for pizza lovers seeking creative flavors.
"Experience a culinary adventure with their unique Birria pizza, a fusion of flavors that's a must-try!"
Ask for well-done crust
If you prefer a crispier crust, ask for your pizza to be well-done.
Avoid peak hours
Visit during off-peak times for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pizza
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Birria Pizza
Experience a culinary adventure with their unique Birria pizza, a fusion of flavors that's a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Cozy Atmosphere with Hip Art
Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere adorned with cool, hip artwork, making it a perfect spot for intimate gatherings.
Wood-Fired Pizza Perfection
Savor pizzas crafted in a stunning red-domed wood-fire oven, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust and delicious toppings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask for well-done crust
If you prefer a crispier crust, ask for your pizza to be well-done.
Avoid peak hours
Visit during off-peak times for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Plan for parking
Parking can be challenging due to high foot traffic, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for well-done crust
If you prefer a crispier crust, ask for your pizza to be well-done.
Avoid peak hours
Visit during off-peak times for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Plan for parking
Parking can be challenging due to high foot traffic, so plan your arrival accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Il Focolare Pizzeria is celebrated for its unique flavor combinations, particularly the Birria pizza, and its cozy, art-filled atmosphere. Diners praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff and the perfectly cooked wood-fired pizzas. However, some reviews mention pizzas being slightly undercooked or toppings feeling sparse, and service can occasionally feel rushed.
"First time going it was great. Our server was very nice and knowledgeable. She told us about the specialty pizza and we decided to try it. It was amazing. Gratuity is not accepted (even though i was tempted to still do so) so we were much happier to pay slightly higher prices and avoid the akward tipping culture. Unique atmosphere and clean bathrooms also."
Caleb Quick
"First time trying this pizza spot in Columbia. Ordered takeout, although there aren't many tables, will try dine in at some point. Tried three pizzas, all were tasty, the eggplant was probably the standout. Dough had a good chewy texture, we asked for well done which probably helped. Toppings seemed a bit sparse, even for this style, which made the tomato sauce a bit too prominent. Overall though, good pizza and will return."
chris lietz
"Cool local spot. Great atmosphere. Small and quaint with hip artwork. Our pizza was a little undercooked and doughy in the middle. 4⭐ for the category. Personal preference for the sauce to be a little more savory and the crust more well done. We had the mixed greens salad and that was excellent. Service was ok. Our server was nice enough but we felt a little rushed. No checking in on the food, no refills, or offer for dessert."
J Goose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Birria pizza is highly recommended for its unique flavor. Many also rave about their classic pizzas and fresh salads.
Yes, Il Focolare Pizzeria offers a wide range of vegetarian options on their menu.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with hip artwork, making it a great spot for a date or small group gathering.
Parking can be tricky due to heavy foot traffic in the area. It's advisable to plan your transportation accordingly.
Gratuity is not accepted as it is already included in the prices.
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2023 James Beard Award semifinalists include 3 Columbia, SC spots
For Outstanding Restaurateur: Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons, Nicole Storey, and Elie Yigo, City Grit Hospitality Group (SmallSUGAR, CITY GRIT, and Il Focolare Pizzeria). Simmons, a Columbia native, returned to her hometown and opened Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop with Hoskins. The couple became active in the business community, focusing on workforce training and community growth, and founding the Feed the City program.
Where to Dine on Monday Night
Cozy up to the perfect slice on a Monday night in the Cottontown neighborhood. Il Focolare cooks pizza after pizza in their red-domed wood-fire oven, serving them up alongside hearty salads and an excellent wine list. Il Focolare is a City Grit Hospitality concept and was a finalist for a James Beard Award in 2023.
A guide to Columbia's pizza scene
Owned by City Grit Hospitality Group and a James Beard Award nominee, Il Focolare Pizzeria makes 13-inch, made-to-order pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Pro tip: If you want something a bit different, order the Potato and Rosemary Pizza, made with white base, whole milk mozzarella, roasted potatoes, and rosemary.
Columbia, SC Restaurant Guide
Downtown: 2150 Sumter St. facebook.com/ilfocolarepizzeriainstagram.com/ilfocolarepizzeria/. Culinary minds behind smallSUGAR and The Cafe at Richland Library bring pizza to Cottontown, often with delicious, eclectic options. Currently limited reservation only, due to the COVI-19 pandemic, as of late Oct. $
20 Best Restaurants in Columbia, SC for 2025 (Top Eats!)
2150 Sumter StColumbia, SC 29201(803) 563-5052 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Il Focolare creates made-to-order pizza products at a location that’s based in the Cottontown area. It uses a small wood-fired oven to keep the flavor that people have come to love.
What new restaurants opened in Columbia, Lexington in 2019?
Acclaimed chef Sarah Simmons, who opened smallSUGAR bake shop and the cafe at the downtown Richland Library in 2018, has started a funky new pizza venture in Cottontown. 2150 Sumter St., Columbia
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