The Friendly
About
Brandon Zanavich opened this no-frills storefront on a quiet stretch of 30th Street in early 2018, bringing his years as a San Diego restaurant consultant and pizzaiolo to a space where battered stools, counter seating, and early-2000s hip-hop set the tone. The Dirty Flat Top cheeseburger—wafer-thin smashed beef patties, butter-braised onions, garlic aioli, American cheese on a toasted bun—became legendary almost overnight, drawing lines at all hours and earning recognition as a top contender for San Diego's best burger. But don't sleep on the NYC-style pizza: thin crust with crispy edges, cheesy pulls, slices for $3.50, whole pies like the Dr. Green Thumb loaded with garlic, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and artichoke hearts. The visceral honesty of The Friendly captured North Park's heart through chef pop-ups, daily specials, and an unapologetically unpretentious approach that drew foodies and industry insiders alike. Zanavich's vision expanded to four locations across San Diego before his sudden passing in May 2025 at 41, but his legacy lives on in every griddled burger and perfectly charred slice.
Signature Dishes
Dr. Green Thumb
Loaded veggie pie with garlic, spinach, red bell pepper, mushroom, red onion, artichoke hearts, and sauce on top of thin NYC-style crust
The Friendly Lei
Hawaiian-style pizza with ham and pineapple on thin, crispy New York-style crust
These signature dishes are what makes The Friendly special. Be sure to try them on your visit!
What to Order
Don't miss these customer favorites and staff recommendations:
Details
Pizza Style
🗽 New York Style
Neighborhood
North Park
Status
Unclaimed
Loading map...
