Unearth The Voyage
California isn’t just famous for beaches and Hollywood—it’s home to some of the most incredible pizza spots in the country. From wood-fired Neapolitan pies to thick Chicago-style deep dishes, the Golden State’s pizza scene has something for every craving. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip, these legendary pizzerias are absolutely worth seeking out for a slice of perfection.
Pizzeria Mozza – Los Angeles
Chef Nancy Silverton has created something magical in Hancock Park. Her pizzeria brings together artisanal dough techniques and Southern California’s freshest produce in ways that feel both fancy and totally approachable. The crust here is the real star—chewy, crispy, and wonderfully airy with those perfect char bubbles that pizza lovers dream about.
What makes this place legendary is how it balances high-end quality with a welcoming vibe. You’re getting restaurant-level craftsmanship without the stuffiness. The toppings change with the seasons, showcasing what’s best at local farms.
Expect a wait, but it’s worth every minute. This spot has earned its reputation as one of L.A.’s must-visit pizza destinations for good reason.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco
World-champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani runs this North Beach treasure that’s basically a pizza museum. The coolest part? Different ovens for different pizza styles—Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian, and more. Each oven is specially designed to create its particular style perfectly.
Tony’s isn’t just serving pizza; he’s celebrating the art form. His awards and championships speak volumes, but the real proof is in every bite. The creativity here is next-level, with traditional techniques meeting modern innovation.
This is genuinely a pilgrimage spot for serious pizza fans. Whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and chewy, there’s an oven here making your perfect slice. The passion behind every pie is obvious.
Pizzana – Los Angeles
Patience is a virtue at Pizzana, where the dough ferments for 48 hours before becoming your dinner. This neo-Neapolitan spot in Brentwood and West Hollywood takes pizza seriously, using premium ingredients that would make Italian grandmothers proud. The result is a crust texture that’s absolutely refined and sophisticated.
Everything here feels California-chic, from the elegant toppings to the bright, modern atmosphere. They’ve taken traditional Neapolitan methods and given them a West Coast upgrade. The attention to detail is remarkable—you can taste the quality in every component.
It’s perfect for date night or when you want pizza that feels special. The combination of technique and top-shelf ingredients creates something truly memorable.
Rose Pizzeria – Berkeley
Since opening around 2021, Rose Pizzeria has taken the East Bay by storm. The New York Times even included it on their list of America’s best pizzerias—pretty impressive for a relative newcomer. The thin-crust approach here showcases local ingredients beautifully, letting each topping shine without overwhelming your taste buds.
There’s a genuine neighborhood feel that makes you want to become a regular. The pizza is serious, but the atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly. Bay Area residents have quickly embraced this gem as their go-to spot.
What sets Rose apart is how it captures that perfect balance between craft and comfort. You’re getting exceptional pizza without any pretension, which is exactly what great neighborhood spots should deliver.
Milo & Olive – Santa Monica
Famous sourdough bread transformed into pizza crust? Yes, please! Milo & Olive brings their renowned bread-making skills to their pizza program, creating crusts with incredible flavor and texture. They hit up farmers’ markets for seasonal toppings, so the menu changes based on what’s freshest and most delicious.
The beach-town vibe here is relaxed but the quality is outstanding. You can taste the care that goes into sourcing ingredients and preparing each pizza. The sourdough base adds a tangy complexity that regular pizza dough just can’t match.
It’s the kind of place where locals grab a casual dinner but visitors make special trips. The combination of excellent pizza and Santa Monica’s laid-back atmosphere creates something really special.
DeSano Pizza Bakery – Los Angeles
Craving authentic Neapolitan pizza without flying to Italy? DeSano has you covered with imported wood-fired ovens, genuine San Marzano tomatoes, and creamy buffalo mozzarella. They’ve brought the real deal to Los Angeles, following traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries in Naples.
The wood-fired ovens create that signature leopard-spotted char on the crust that Neapolitan pizza is famous for. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to match what you’d find in the best pizzerias in Italy. The result is pizza that transports you across the ocean with each bite.
If authenticity matters to you, this is your spot. DeSano doesn’t cut corners or adapt to American preferences—they deliver true Neapolitan excellence in California.
Luigi’s Pizza Parlor – Sacramento
Step into Luigi’s and you’re stepping back in time. This vintage pizza house serves thick but crisp crust that locals have been loving for generations. There’s nothing fancy here—just honest, soul-satisfying pizza that turns first-timers into lifelong fans.
The no-frills approach is part of the charm. You won’t find trendy toppings or Instagram-worthy presentations, just really good pizza made the way it’s been made for decades. That consistency and dedication to tradition is what builds legacy.
Perfect for a Northern California road trip, Luigi’s represents old-school pizza culture at its finest. The kind of place where everyone knows the owner and the recipes haven’t changed because they don’t need to. Sometimes simple really is best.
Flour + Water Pizzeria – San Francisco Bay Area
When people talk about California’s pizza boom, Flour + Water always comes up. This Bay Area spot represents the craft-pizza movement perfectly, combining artisanal techniques with creative thinking. The approach here is thoughtful and innovative, pushing boundaries while respecting tradition.
The pizzas showcase what happens when skilled chefs get creative with high-quality ingredients. You’ll find flavor combinations you might not expect, but they work beautifully together. The crust has that perfect chew that comes from proper fermentation and skilled handling.
Food & Wine and other major publications have praised Flour + Water for good reason. It’s where technique meets imagination, creating pizzas that surprise and delight. If you’re exploring the Bay Area’s food scene, this stop is essential.
Apollonia’s Pizzeria – San Francisco
Neighborhood gems like Apollonia’s are what make San Francisco special. The dough rises for 24 hours before hitting the wood-fired oven, developing complex flavors and perfect texture. That charred crust has a loyal following of locals who know quality when they taste it.
There’s something comforting about a place where the community gathers regularly. Apollonia’s has that welcoming atmosphere where you feel like you belong, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth. The wood-fired approach creates pizzas with character and depth.
If you’re after classic wood-fired perfection in the city, this is your destination. The commitment to traditional methods and quality ingredients shines through in every pie. It’s unpretentious excellence at its best.
Tony’s of North Beach – Rohnert Park
From the same Tony Gemignani family comes this more accessible version of the flagship. Tony’s of North Beach offers that same multiple-style approach but in a setting designed for families and larger groups. You still get the championship-level quality, just with more space and a slightly more relaxed vibe.
The variety here is impressive—you can try different regional styles in one meal. It’s perfect for groups who can’t agree on what kind of pizza they want because honestly, you can get them all. The larger format makes it great for celebrations or casual gatherings.
Think of it as your pizza adventure headquarters. You’re getting expert craftsmanship in a format that works for everyone, from kids to serious pizza enthusiasts.
Cheese Board Pizza – Berkeley
Cheese Board isn’t the flashiest name on this list, but this Berkeley institution has serious legacy. It’s a worker-owned cooperative that’s been serving quality pizza for decades, earning spots on California’s best pizza lists through consistency and community connection. The approach here is democratic—one vegetarian pizza option daily, chosen collectively.
What makes it special is how it combines quality with values. You’re supporting a cooperative business model while eating really good pizza. The daily-changing menu keeps things interesting, and locals love checking what’s being served before heading over.
If you’re touring the Bay Area, this staple represents something bigger than just food. It’s about community, sustainability, and proving that different business models can create excellent products.
Hollywood Pies – Los Angeles
Sometimes you need deep-dish, and Hollywood Pies delivers that Chicago experience right in Los Angeles. The thick crust holds layers of rich sauce and plenty of cheese, creating that hearty, fork-and-knife pizza that stands apart from thin-crust styles. It’s a delicious departure from the usual L.A. pizza scene.
The crisp crust somehow manages to stay sturdy under all those toppings—a true sign of deep-dish done right. When you’re craving something substantial and comforting, this is where you go. The contrast between crispy edges and gooey center is incredibly satisfying.
Hollywood Pies proves that California’s pizza diversity includes styles from across the country. It’s a solid reminder that great pizza comes in many forms, not just the trendy wood-fired varieties.
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen – Newport Beach
Newport Beach might not be the first place you think of for legendary pizza, but Mama D’s has earned national recognition on Yelp’s top California pizzerias list. The beachside location adds to the appeal—great pizza near the ocean is always a winning combination. The approach here is approachable and family-friendly without sacrificing quality.
Southern California’s pizza scene is bigger and better than many people realize, and Mama D’s is proof. The Italian kitchen vibe creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. You’re getting solid execution of classic styles in a setting that captures Orange County’s relaxed coastal energy.
It’s the kind of place locals treasure and visitors discover with delight.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza – Berkeley
Chicago deep-dish in California might sound odd, but Zachary’s has made it work spectacularly in Berkeley. This Bay Area favorite brings authentic Midwest-style pizza to the West Coast, complete with that signature thick crust and layers of toppings. The cross-regional experience is part of the fun—enjoying Chicago’s greatest contribution to pizza culture without leaving California.
The stuffed pizza here is legendary among locals who’ve been making pilgrimages for years. It’s hearty, filling, and totally different from the thin-crust options dominating California. Sometimes you want that deep-dish experience, and Zachary’s delivers it perfectly.
The success of Zachary’s shows that great pizza transcends regional boundaries. Californians have embraced this Chicago import wholeheartedly.
Truly Pizza – Dana Point
International pizza rankings aren’t easy to crack, but Truly Pizza earned recognition from 50 Top Pizza for consistent excellence. Located in Dana Point along Southern California’s beautiful coast, this pizzeria combines destination-worthy location with exceptional quality. The recognition isn’t just hype—the pizza genuinely delivers on the promise.
Exploring the Southern California coastline becomes even better when you’ve got a stop like this planned. The commitment to excellence shows in every aspect, from ingredient selection to preparation technique. It’s the kind of place that makes you plan your route specifically to include it.
For pizza lovers cruising down the coast, Truly Pizza represents the perfect combination of location and quality. Worth the journey? Absolutely.
