The Cheeseboard: Pizza

Is  fresh-out-the-oven pizza worth the agony and suffering of burning the roof of your mouth? No and yes. No, it's not worth it because then you're like me who is reflecting on the poor decision and now living with the annoying pain of a healing roof of the mouth. BUT when it comes to the Cheeseboard it's a YES, YES, and a B-I-G YES!! Oh how the cheese  melts so perfectly on the crust and oh how the toppings are way too irresistible. Every single pizza that is served comes straight from the oven and I would think it comes straight from the oven and hasn't been sitting out because there is a continuous demand for their pizza. No wonder they only serve a certain pizza for the whole day. I would say that is genius and understanding because when you make something so completely  mouth-watering  with supreme-high quality ingredients there is no reason to get a bunch of average ingredients to use through the day. Oh and on top of all of this, they only serve vegetarian pizzas PERIOD! No meat is found in this establishment.

Cauliflower pizza: clever disguise cauliflower. ;)

It's sacrilege to make only vegetarian pizza because Italians got to have their sausages and prosciutto. (SIDENOTE: I am completely sorry if I have offended anyone of Italian heritage). Cheeseboard would make any pizza lover smile. I've had my share of chain pizzas, local pizza, homemade pizzas, gourmet pizzas, and baby this takes the cake. . . or pie. It's $20 for a whole, $10 for half, and $2.50 for a slice. I've been there twice and I know I'll be going there as much as my budget allows me. Both times there were lines so expect it but the lines go by fast because they are constantly making pizza. I went on a Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon. On both days there was a line; Saturday's line was longer. Still they were speedy, well-oiled, and friendly machine.

Wednesday's pizza  was roasted cauliflower, caramelized onion, mozzarella and Istara Ossau-Iraty cheese, Pistachio, garlic olive oil, and parsley. Saturday's pizza was Cheese Board Style Margherita! Crushed tomato, fresh local Belfiore mozzarella (made in Berkeley!), garlic olive oil, and basil. I took both pizza's descriptions from their website which is linked below; you can't miss it.

The cauliflower pizza is the perfect disguise to make children eat their veggies and the Margherita is the best (so far) I ever tasted. I don't know if another place can top and that is one thing I love about being a foodie is it means I get to try another place soon. It's thin crusted and mozzarella is superb, you can taste the fresh and homemade touch. They do not use sauce at at all and because there is no sauce it makes the pizza really feel light. Think of Cheeseboard this way; you're on a diet and you don't want to cheat but that craving for some pizza won't leave you alone. Ding, ding, ding! Cheeseboard will make anyone feel less guilty about eating pizza or having to have another slice of pie. Ever since I started working in the area I always wanted to try this place. Now that I have I wish I didn't.

Margherita Pizza! Tomatoes were perfectly
sweet.

As for the atmosphere, small joint big personality. There is always music during lunch and dinner. There is also not much seating. I had to cross the street near the bus stop to eat my pie and boy wasn't that worth it. Parking can also be a hassle since it's a busy area. There is so much street parking space but there is a Safeway and CVS not too far from the place so you can always park in their parking lot.

JAZZMIN'S TIP: CAUTION- The pizza will be HOT on arrival. I did not learn from the last two times and I think I won't learn until I grow enough patience for my pizza to cool down. It's too good to eat but it is still as good when it's cooled down. Other than that the Cheeseboard is more than a local favorite, or college favorite, it's by far an East Bay favorite and worth traveling to out of your way because after getting your fill on some pizza, Phil'z Coffee is right down the block. If you don't know Phil'z you will soon on my next entry. ^____^


Cheese Board Pizza- 1512 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA

Value: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Overall: 5/5