flour + water pizza shop at the lark
we were excited to visit the sophisticated pizza party that is uptown oakland's flour + water pizza shop.
details at flour + water pizza shop, at the corner of 24th and waverly in oakland. photo credit berkeley eats.
the modern pizza counter, opened this year at the base of the lark uptown, is from the san francisco-based flour + water hospitality group, led by chefs thomas mcnaughton and ryan pollnow.
the team is known for elevated, west coast takes on italian classics ranging from highbrow to fast-casual and fun. this is their first and so far only east bay location, and we found it both super approachable and addictive.
a trio of flour + water pizza shop sides: mozzarella sticks, meatballs and spring peas with ricotta, pistachio and dill. photo credit berkeley eats.
on offer are flour + water's signature, blistered, 13" red and white 'west coast-style' pizza pies (including gluten-free), as well as a menu of flavorful sides that transform a quick, casual lunch into a luncheon.
mozzarella sticks here are a must. as an east coaster we had zero (low, even) expectations, but these are somehow light, and filled with a just-right ratio of airy crisp, snappy flavor and gooey cheese pull.
a seasonal dish of spring peas, cucumbers and fresh dill topped a mound of fresh ricotta; chopped, crunchy pistachios and grated ricotta salata cut each rich spoonful. the meatballs (beef and pork, a dish of four) were spiced up many notches with red pepper, and their texture was grand, dense but light.
that pizza though. ideally-sized pies for intimate sharing (or polishing off solo, depending), made with slow-fermented, organic dough that strikes a new york/west coast/neapolitan balance. flour + water pizza shop pies are baked in an electric oven to a rich, blistery, pliable golden, with just-right puffed edges, char and chew.
our guest went with an elevated cheese pizza, showcasing the quality of flour + water's simpler offerings. we had the smoky eggplant, with a flavor profile described to us as 'warm' by staffers [correct, if a touch on the calabrian side]. pools of molten, smoked mozzarella dotted the thinly-sliced roasted eggplant and salty, meaty, chopped taggiasca olives.
the whole meal felt like such a party, we even indulged in a little straus soft serve with sprinkles for dessert.
the spot checks a number of neighborhood dining boxes. we saw dates dining al fresco at comfortable sidewalk tables (in either full sun or shade at the taller building's corner), friend groups catching up over lambrusco slushies, folks ordering fast, 'big slices' of fat, square sicilian pizza to go, and east bay families and visitors eating harmoniously at the communal table and counter in the light-filled interior.
we also watched as stacks and stacks of flour + water pizza boxes quietly exited a side door for delivery.
sidewalk seating in shade or sun; fun, added refreshments include adult slushies and straus organic soft serve. photo credit berkeley eats.
though delivery is tempting, easy on-site dining means fresh pizza and sides hot and crisp from the kitchen, and gives great people watching, including a view onto tarts de feybesse (and its line) across the street.
next time: the conrad. the chop salad. and definitely the chicken wings. it's saying something that we wish we had ordered more food, but given flour + water's success with addictive flavors, we bet they're winners.
flour + water pizza shop is at 271 24th street in oakland.
may 16, 2026 (more al fresco dining; tip jar (thank you!))
updated.