California's Best Pizza Spots
New York and Chicago may have an ongoing pizza rivalry, which has let California sneak into the mix. From the Italian-style slices and pies found in San Diego’s famed Little Italy to some of the oldest stores in San Francisco to the celebrity chef-driven shops of Los Angeles, California is filled with everything from gourmet toppings to New York and Chicago-inspired pizzas. Here are the favorite pizza restaurants in the state!
Casa Bianca, Los Angeles, CA
Casa Bianca frequently tops the list of the places for pizza in Los Angeles. In the 60 plus years it has been opened, it has become one of the most popular restaurants in the neighborhood. There are no reservations, so plan accordingly! This is a popular spot.
Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles, CA
Pizzeria Mozza is the effort of celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich. This place is small, but it’s worth having your neighbor’s elbow in your face as you bite into a chewy slice of perfectly cooked pizza accompanied by a variety of small bites.
Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca, Napa, CA
Napa is known for its wine and nothing goes better with wine than pizza. Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca combines the gourmet flavors that Napa is known for with local wines and thin crusts.
Old Chicago Pizza, Petaluma, CA
Petaluma’s Old Chicago Pizza offers the deep-dish crust that the Windy City is famous for, along with a variety of other crust options. Open since the 1970s and located in a historic building, Old Chicago Pizza is reminiscent of a traditional deep dish joint in the city it plays homage too.
Mulberry Street Pizza, Beverly Hills, CA
Available by the slice or as a supersized pie, Mulberry Street Pizza will satisfy your appetite for big flavors. There are a few other locations in the greater Los Angeles area, but the Beverly Hills location has a reputation for attracting stars.
Little Star Pizza, San Francisco, CA
Little Star Pizza has a few locations in the Bay Area, each offering a selection of pizzas. Choose pizza anyway you like it, with or without cheese, in thin or deep dish crusts. There are plenty of options for toppings as well as more salads and sides than your typical pizza joint.
Monello, San Diego, CA
Monello in San Diego’s Little Italy district promises to be timeless, not trendy. The cozy spot offers authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and more. Pizzas have a four-day fermentation period to create a light, crispy crust topped with quality ingredients.
Tommaso’s, San Francisco, CA
Located in historic North Beach, Tommaso's is part of San Francisco's culinary history that dates back over 80 years. Tommaso’s offers monthly specials, including a pizza creation, and bakes all the pizzas in a wood-fired oven, which is said to be the first such kitchen tool on the West Coast.
The Original Graziano’s, Corona, CA
The Original Graziano's has been serving pizza to the local community since 1969 and takes pride in being a landmark restaurant. An integral part of the Inland Empire, The Original Graziano's has two locations that service families looking for updated pizzas, including Hawaiian toppings and jalapenos.
Key Insights at a Glance
- California has a diverse pizza scene, with New York and Chicago influences.
- Casa Bianca in Los Angeles is a popular spot for traditional Italian-style pizza.
- Pizzeria Mozza, also in Los Angeles, offers gourmet toppings and small bites.
- Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca in Napa combines gourmet flavors with local wines.
- Old Chicago Pizza in Petaluma serves up deep-dish crusts reminiscent of Chicago.
- Mulberry Street Pizza in Beverly Hills attracts stars with its supersized pies.
- Little Star Pizza in San Francisco offers a variety of pizza options, including thin or deep dish crusts.
- Monello in San Diego's Little Italy district focuses on authentic Italian cuisine, including pizza.
- Tommaso's in San Francisco has a long history of serving pizza in a wood-fired oven.
- The Original Graziano's in Corona has been a landmark restaurant in the Inland Empire since 1969.
