California’s pizza scene offers far more than just the familiar nationwide chains. From innovative wood-fired creations to deep-dish delights, the Golden State hosts incredible independent pizzerias that showcase local ingredients and unique cooking styles.
These seven standout pizza havens combine California’s culinary creativity with pizza-making traditions from around the world, creating memorable dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Pizzana: Neapolitan Perfection in Los Angeles
Master pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi crafts slow-fermented dough into crispy-yet-tender Neapolitan masterpieces at this celebrity-backed hotspot. The restaurant’s signature Neo-Margherita features organic San Marzano tomatoes, imported fior di latte cheese, and fresh basil on a crust that’s somehow both pillowy and structured.
Pizzana’s innovative California twist on Italian tradition appears in pizzas like the Pignatiello with braised short rib and the Corbarina featuring squash blossoms. Each ingredient tells a story of meticulous sourcing.
With locations in Brentwood and West Hollywood, Pizzana attracts both pizza purists and adventurous eaters. The restaurant’s elegant-casual atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or special celebrations, though reservations are highly recommended due to its well-deserved popularity.
2. Mozza: Nancy Silverton’s Pizza Kingdom
James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton revolutionized LA’s pizza landscape when she opened Pizzeria Mozza in 2006. Her sourdough crust, simultaneously airy, chewy, and crisp, creates the perfect canvas for seasonal California ingredients.
The squash blossom pizza represents Mozza’s philosophy perfectly: delicate flowers nestled atop creamy burrata and tomato sauce. For meat lovers, the fennel sausage pizza with red onions and scallions delivers robust flavor without overwhelming the delicate crust.
Beyond pizza, Mozza’s antipasti and desserts deserve equal attention. The butterscotch budino has achieved cult status among LA dessert aficionados. Located in Hollywood, this bustling pizzeria maintains its position as a must-visit destination for serious food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
3. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza: Deep-Dish Dynasty in the Bay Area
A taste of the Midwest thrives in Berkeley and Oakland at this employee-owned institution. Since 1983, Zachary’s has been serving authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizza that generates lines out the door and fierce loyalty among Bay Area residents.
Unlike typical pizzas, these two-inch-tall creations feature a bottom crust, generous fillings, and a second layer of dough topped with tangy tomato sauce. The signature Zachary’s Special combines Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms into a hearty meal that feeds a crowd.
First-timers should know these deep-dish masterpieces take 30-40 minutes to bake, but regulars will tell you they’re worth every minute of waiting. The walls display colorful pizza-themed artwork from local contests, adding to the warm community atmosphere that’s made Zachary’s a Bay Area legend.
4. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana: World Champion Pies in San Francisco
Thirteen-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani showcases global pizza styles under one North Beach roof. His passion for authenticity extends to using different ovens, temperatures, and techniques for each regional style, from Detroit’s rectangular pan pizzas to classic Neapolitan.
The Coal-Fired New Yorker pays homage to East Coast traditions with pepperoni, house-made sausage, and honey. Meanwhile, the Cal Italia (a championship-winning creation) features asiago, gorgonzola, prosciutto, and fig preserves drizzled with balsamic.
Tony’s menu reads like a pizza encyclopedia, educating diners about regional variations while delivering flawless execution. Be prepared for waits at this no-reservations hotspot, especially on weekends. Smart visitors arrive early or opt for weekday lunch to experience these award-winning pizzas without the crowds.
5. Cheese Board Pizza: Berkeley’s Beloved Collective
What began as a cheese shop cooperative in 1967 evolved into one of Berkeley’s most cherished culinary institutions. The Cheese Board Collective now creates just one vegetarian pizza each day, yet regularly draws lines down Shattuck Avenue in the city’s Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood.
Their sourdough crust, thin in the middle, chewy at the edges, comes topped with seasonal organic vegetables, creative cheese combinations, and fresh herbs. No red sauce appears on these pies; instead, expect olive oil-brushed crusts with toppings like corn and goat cheese in summer or butternut squash and caramelized onions in fall.
Live jazz often accompanies the dining experience, creating a community atmosphere that epitomizes Berkeley’s cooperative spirit. The collective’s worker-owned business model has inspired other Bay Area establishments, proving that democratic workplaces can produce consistently excellent food.
6. Pizza Port: Classic Pizza by the Coast
Beach culture meets pizza passion at this San Diego institution where surfboards decorate the walls and the atmosphere is as relaxed as the shoreline. Since 1987, Pizza Port has been serving distinctive California-style pizzas; thick enough to support generous toppings but not quite deep-dish; to hungry surfers and locals.
The Solana Beach location helped define the brand’s identity, pairing a coastal hangout vibe with inventive pizzas long before San Diego’s food scene exploded. Try the Bacon Cheeseburger pizza with thousand island swirl or the vegetarian Monterey with artichoke hearts and feta.
The casual, order-at-the-counter style matches the laid-back coastal communities where Pizza Port’s multiple locations thrive. Long communal tables encourage conversation among strangers who share a love for inventive, hearty slices, making this a quintessential Southern California experience.
7. Village Pizzeria: Coastal Charm in Coronado
Thin, foldable crust with the perfect balance of chew and crispness transports East Coast transplants back home while introducing West Coast natives to authentic New York pizza.
The Lasagna Pizza layers ricotta, meatballs, and extra cheese for a decadent mashup of Italian-American favorites. Meanwhile, the White Pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil showcases simplicity at its finest.
Ocean views complement the classic red-checkered tablecloth experience, creating a charming setting for enjoying hand-tossed pies. Unlike many tourist-area restaurants, Village Pizzeria maintains quality and reasonable prices, earning devotion from locals who appreciate the family-owned establishment’s consistency and warm service since 1988.
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