Unearth The Voyage
Santa Monica has become a serious pizza destination, with everything from crispy Roman rectangles to puffy Neapolitan rounds calling this beach city home. Whether you crave a quick New York slice between errands or a sit-down meal with wood-fired pies and craft beer, the local scene delivers. These spots have earned their reputation through consistently great dough, quality toppings, and the kind of flavor that keeps neighbors coming back week after week.
1. Milo & Olive (Rustic Canyon group)
Naturally leavened dough meets crackling wood fire at this all-day bakery and pizzeria that has locals lining up from breakfast through late-night cravings. The Garlic Knot Pizza takes everything you love about buttery, garlicky knots and transforms it into a pie, while the Margherita showcases how simple ingredients shine when the crust is this good.
Part of the acclaimed Rustic Canyon restaurant group, this spot nails the balance between casual and elevated. You can grab a morning pastry with your coffee or settle in for dinner with a bottle of natural wine.
Located at 2723 Wilshire Boulevard, the space feels warm and welcoming, perfect for solo diners at the counter or groups sharing multiple pies. The crust has that ideal chew with blistered edges that crackle when you bite down.
2. Triple Beam Pizza
Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina brought Roman-style pizza al taglio to Main Street, and locals have been mixing and matching slices ever since. Sold by the ounce, these rectangular beauties feature airy, focaccia-like dough topped with creative combinations that change with the seasons.
The genius of this format is you can try three or four different varieties without committing to a whole pie. One visit might include a classic Margherita alongside something wild like potato and rosemary or a white pie loaded with greens.
Find it at 2905 Main Street, where the counter setup makes ordering easy and watching them cut your custom portion is half the fun. The crust has incredible lift and chew, thanks to a long fermentation that creates those signature large air pockets throughout the dough.
3. Cosetta
Chef Zach Pollack opened this hotspot in 2025, bringing his signature puffy-crusted, wood-fired pies to a brand-new Ocean Park Boulevard location. The menu pushes boundaries with combinations like smoked coppa paired with pineapple, proving that creative toppings work when the foundation is rock-solid.
The patio has quickly become one of the neighborhood’s most popular hangouts, with string lights and a lively buzz that makes every visit feel like an occasion. Pollack’s experience shows in every bite, from the expertly charred edges to the perfectly balanced toppings.
This is the kind of place where you want to order a couple of pies for the table and take your time. The crust puffs dramatically in the high-heat oven, creating those coveted airy edges while keeping the center tender enough to support generous toppings.
4. Prime Pizza (Pico–SMC)
NYC-style pizza done right, with foldable slices, Sicilian squares, and whole pies that nail that classic East Coast ratio of sauce, cheese, and crispy-chewy crust. The pepperoni cups are the move here, curling up as they cook to create little grease pools of pure flavor.
Located at 1811 Pico Boulevard, this spot keeps it simple and does it well. Open daily from 11am to 10pm, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you want something satisfying without fuss.
The slices are generous, the squares have that thick, pillowy base, and whole pies come out hot and ready to devour. There’s something comforting about a place that focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Grab a couple slices and a drink, and you’re set.
5. Joe’s Pizza (Broadway)
The legendary New York slice shop finally planted roots in Santa Monica at 111 Broadway, bringing that authentic Greenwich Village experience to the beach. Each slice is thin, foldable, and designed to be eaten on the go, just like the original.
Joe’s has been a Manhattan institution since 1975, and this West Coast outpost maintains the same standards. The cheese has that perfect stretch, the sauce is tangy and bright, and the crust achieves that ideal balance between crisp and pliable.
This is grab-and-go pizza at its finest, no frills or fuss, just consistently excellent slices served fast. Whether you’re fueling up before hitting the beach or need a quick bite between errands, Joe’s delivers exactly what you want. The simplicity is the point, proving that when you perfect the basics, nothing else is needed.
6. Vito’s Pizza – Santa Monica
East Coast traditions run deep at this Santa Monica Boulevard spot, where white pizzas and Sicilian squares share menu space with classic red pies. Located at 2455 Santa Monica Boulevard, Vito’s brings that neighborhood pizzeria vibe that feels like a throwback to simpler times.
The white pies shine here, loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, proving you don’t always need tomato sauce for a memorable pizza. The Sicilian squares offer that thick, fluffy base with a crispy bottom that only comes from proper pan pizza technique.
This is the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders and the staff knows them by name. The pies are generous, the flavors are straightforward and satisfying, and there’s zero pretension. Sometimes you just want a solid, honest pizza that reminds you why you fell in love with this food in the first place.
7. Emmy Squared at Santa Monica Brew Works
Detroit-style pizza meets craft beer at this Colorado Avenue collaboration, where airy-crisp squares pair perfectly with an IPA from the brewery. The signature style features a thick, focaccia-like base with toppings that go all the way to the edges, creating caramelized cheese borders that crunch with every bite.
Located at 1920 Colorado Avenue inside Santa Monica Brew Works, this setup is ideal for groups who want variety. Order a few different squares, sample some brews, and settle in for a relaxed meal.
The crust is the star, with a texture that’s somehow both light and substantial. Toppings are piled high, and that reverse layering technique, where cheese goes on first, creates a completely different eating experience than traditional pizza. It’s fun, it’s filling, and it’s perfect for sharing over cold beers.
8. Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen
Old-school family operations define this Wilshire Boulevard institution, where big carry-out pies and loaded subs have fed the neighborhood for years. Located at 1318 Wilshire Boulevard, this is the spot locals call when they need to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Daily online specials make it even more budget-friendly, and the menu goes beyond pizza to include all those classic pizzeria staples. The pies are generous, with a straightforward approach to toppings and cheese that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.
There’s comfort in knowing exactly what you’re going to get, and this place delivers consistency every single time. The crust has a nice chew, the sauce is tangy, and the portions are meant for sharing. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any time you need reliable pizza that everyone will happily devour without complaint.
9. Rock ‘n Pies
Rock memorabilia lines every wall at this late-night friendly spot on Wilshire Boulevard, where East Coast-style pies fuel post-concert cravings and weekend adventures. Located at 1120 Wilshire Boulevard, the vibe is casual, loud, and unapologetically fun.
The pizzas deliver that classic New York ratio, with a crust that holds up to generous toppings and a cheese pull that makes for great photos. Open late, it’s become a go-to for night owls who need something substantial after shows or beach bonfires.
The rock theme isn’t just decoration; it sets the entire mood, making this more than just a place to eat. You’re surrounded by music history while enjoying a solid slice, and that combination keeps people coming back. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot offers both good food and good vibes in equal measure.
10. Spumoni Restaurant (Montana Ave)
Neighborhood charm meets dependable Italian cooking at this Montana Avenue staple, where the menu stretches beyond pizza but the saucy pies remain a reliable favorite. Located at 713 Montana Avenue, Spumoni has served the area for years, building loyalty through consistency and warmth.
The pizzas lean traditional, with a good tomato-to-cheese ratio and a crust that’s neither too thin nor too thick. It’s the kind of place where you can bring kids, grandparents, or out-of-town guests and everyone finds something they enjoy.
Don’t skip the gelato after your meal; it’s the restaurant’s namesake for good reason. The whole experience feels like visiting a family friend’s place, where the welcome is genuine and the food is made with care. Montana Avenue locals have been gathering here for years, and one visit makes it clear why this spot has staying power.
11. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen
Tuscan comfort food takes center stage at this Montana Avenue spot, where the pizza section includes options for gluten-free and vegan diners alongside traditional pies. Located at 931 Montana Avenue, Rosti makes Italian food accessible to everyone without sacrificing flavor.
The menu is extensive, covering everything from pasta to rotisserie chicken, but the pizzas hold their own with quality ingredients and a crust that works whether you’re eating gluten or not. The vegan options go beyond just removing cheese; they’re thoughtfully composed with vegetables and plant-based alternatives that actually taste good.
This is casual dining done right, with a warm atmosphere that works for family dinners or catching up with friends. The fact that multiple dietary needs are accommodated so well makes it a neighborhood favorite. Everyone can enjoy pizza night together, which is exactly how it should be.
12. Massilia
French-Mediterranean flair meets legit pizza at this 4th Street brasserie, where pies like the Burrata Margherita and Wild Mushroom prove that French restaurants can absolutely nail Italian classics. Located at 1445 4th Street, Massilia offers a more refined dining experience without losing the soul of great pizza.
The Burrata Margherita features creamy burrata that melts into the hot crust, creating pockets of richness with every bite. The Wild Mushroom version showcases seasonal fungi with herbs and cheese that let the earthy flavors shine through.
The setting feels more upscale than your typical pizzeria, making it perfect for date nights or special occasions when you still want pizza but with a bit more ambiance. The wine list complements the food beautifully, and the service matches the elevated atmosphere. Sometimes you want pizza in a space that feels a little fancy, and Massilia delivers exactly that.
13. Fresh Brothers (Downtown SM)
Family-friendly pizza gets an upgrade at this Lincoln Boulevard location, where thin crust and deep dish options come with tons of vegan and gluten-free choices plus a dedicated kids’ menu. Located at 1447 Lincoln Boulevard, Fresh Brothers has become a go-to for parents who want quality pizza that accommodates everyone’s needs.
The variety is impressive, from traditional pepperoni to creative veggie combinations, all available on multiple crust options. The deep dish is particularly satisfying, with a thick base that holds generous toppings without getting soggy.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with staff who understand that dining with kids requires patience and flexibility. The vegan pizzas use quality plant-based cheese that actually melts and tastes good, not just a sad afterthought. When you need pizza that makes everyone at the table happy, including picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions, this spot delivers every time.
14. La Puglia
Southern Italian authenticity shines through at this Wilshire Boulevard spot, where organic-crust pizzas showcase Pugliese toppings that feel rustic and hearty. Located at 1621 Wilshire Boulevard, La Puglia brings the flavors of Italy’s heel to Santa Monica with genuine care and attention.
The organic crust has a wholesome quality that pairs beautifully with traditional toppings from the Puglia region. Think simple combinations that let each ingredient’s flavor come through, from quality olive oil to fresh vegetables and artisanal cheeses.
The atmosphere feels transported from a small Italian village, with warm hospitality and a menu that goes beyond pizza to explore the full range of Pugliese cuisine. The pizzas are rustic in the best way, with irregular shapes and toppings that tell a story of tradition. This is the kind of place that reminds you why Italian food became beloved worldwide in the first place.
