We Ranked California’s Best Pizza Places And These 10 Made The Final Cut

One San Francisco pizzeria runs pies out of several kinds of ovens, including coal-fired and wood-fired. I still can’t decide if that’s genius or showing off. Either way, I want a slice from each one.

That’s the fun of pizza in California. A cash-only counter in San Diego can stand next to a famous chef’s place in Los Angeles.

A Midtown Sacramento shop serves a sauce named after dinosaurs. A Santa Cruz pizzeria has table tennis waiting near the oven.

You can chase a thin New York fold one day. The next day, you might crave a thick Detroit square with crispy cheese edges.

Your mood picks the style, and this state seems ready for it. Some are famous. Others feel like secrets that slipped out. So which crust will win you over first?

1. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco

Indecisive eaters, your moment has arrived. This North Beach favorite turns out pizza from coal-fired ovens, wood-fired ovens, and more.

The menu jumps between styles with real confidence. You can try Neapolitan, Sicilian, Californian, Roman, and even gluten-free pies under one roof.

Want a fun pick? Jersey’s Trenton Tomato Pie puts the sauce in the spotlight, and it is a vegetarian option too.

Meat lovers have their own playground here. The Meatball Gigante sounds big, and the 20-inch Meatball Ricotta and Garlic Pizza clearly means business.

The coal-fired crust earns a lot of praise. It is golden, foldable, and crunchy, with a balanced mix of cheese and sauce.

Craving cheese overload? The four-cheese pie blends four kinds into one gooey, happy slice.

Salads are not an afterthought either. The Little Italy Salad is vegan, and the Caesar Salad works well before a heavy pie.

Save room for tiramisu if you can. It is a classic way to end an Italian meal in San Francisco.

Timing matters at this spot. Weekend evenings get packed, and a wait is common.

Weekday afternoons are much calmer, so plan a late lunch if lines bother you. Hours run from noon, with later closing on Friday through Sunday.

Outdoor seating is available, and kids are welcome with high chairs on hand. It makes a fun stop after a walk through the neighborhood near Chinatown.

Address: 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133

2. Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles

Crust lovers in Los Angeles have a favorite topic, and it lives on Highland Avenue. Chef Nancy Silverton built this pizzeria around a dough worth talking about.

Her crust comes from a naturally leavened dough refined over many years. The result is thin, blistered, and slightly charred at the edge, with a pleasant chew.

Pizzas bake in a wood-burning oven. Toppings lean on fresh California ingredients, which is exactly what you want in this state.

The Margherita is a smart first order. It lets that famous crust show off without distractions. Feeling bolder? The Fennel Sausage Pizza and the Pizza Alla Benno are both menu highlights.

Here is the twist many first-timers miss. The antipasti deserve as much attention as the pies.

Nancy’s Chopped Salad is a well-known starter. Bone Marrow Al Forno is another option for adventurous eaters.

Dessert might steal your heart. The Butterscotch Budino is a signature, and the Caramelo Ice Cream is another sweet finish.

The room feels lively and a little upscale while staying casual. It works for date night, a group dinner, or a solo meal at the counter.

Planning ahead helps a lot. Reservations are accepted and recommended, since waits are common.

Weekday service starts at 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday open at noon, so a weekend lunch is possible.

Valet parking is available, which is a nice break from circling the block.

Address: 641 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

3. Bronx Pizza, San Diego

Leave the card at home and grab some cash. This no-frills San Diego joint only takes paper money, and fans happily follow the rule.

The menu stays short on purpose. You get thin-crust pies, slices, and calzones, plus a simple side salad.

Why keep it so simple? Because the focus stays on crispy crust, melty cheese, and a sauce with plenty of flavor.

Many people call it one of the most New York style pizzas in California. That is high praise for a shop on the West Coast.

A cheese slice is the classic test. If you want more, the extra cheese pie doubles down on the gooey side.

The Tomato Garlic Basil pie is another strong choice. It feels fresh and bright, and it is vegetarian.

Toppings like broccoli show up too. It is a fun way to sneak in some greens without feeling sneaky.

Service happens at the counter, with no table service. Order, grab your plate, and get to the good part fast.

Remember the schedule before you go. The shop closes Monday and Tuesday. Weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch. Mornings right after opening are usually calmer.

Reservations are not accepted, so just show up. College students, families, and visitors all mix in this casual space.

Street parking can be a little tricky nearby. A paid lot is another option.

Address: 111 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103

4. Pizzeria da Laura, Berkeley

Square pizza fans, Berkeley has a surprise for you. This downtown spot serves several crust styles, including Detroit and Sicilian.

The location is easy to love. It sits in the heart of downtown, just steps from the university campus.

The Sicilian-style pizza gets a lot of attention. Its crust is light and airy, with a sauce that tastes tangy, spicy, and a little sweet.

Detroit pies bring a different kind of joy. The Detroit Pepperoni and the Detroit Pazzo are both menu highlights.

Pasta is part of the lineup too. A vodka sauce option appears on the menu for those craving something creamy.

Greens get love here as well. The Arugula and Cavolo Nero options are both vegan.

Thirsty? Try the Blood Orange Aranciata Soda, a fizzy Italian-style drink with a citrus kick.

Tiramisu closes the meal on a classic note. It is a smart move if you still have room.

Service gets high marks for being friendly and fast. Table service and counter service are both available.

Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday evenings. The restaurant closes on Monday and Tuesday. Outdoor seating works well on sunny days. Dogs can join you outside.

Some fans even compare it to the best pizza in California. That is bold talk for a college town shop, and it backs it up.

Address: 2049 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704

5. Saint Bibiana, Santa Barbara

Lemon on a pizza sounds odd until you try it. The Lemon Mushroom Pizza is a star at this downtown Santa Barbara shop.

Sourdough is the heart of the operation. The crust blends sourdough with commercial yeast for a light, crispy bite and a soft chew.

Ingredients lean fresh and local. That fits nicely with the relaxed coastal feel of Santa Barbara.

The Figgy Piggy Pizza mixes sweet and savory flavors. Cream of the Crop is a vegetarian pick for veggie fans. Want something thicker? A Detroit Style Pan Pizza is also on the menu.

Salads deserve a look before you dig in. The Seasonal Market Salad changes with the produce, and the Roasted Cauliflower Salad is vegan.

Then comes the sweet finish. A Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie is waiting, and it sounds hard to resist.

The shop sits just off State Street, the main strip in town. It is an easy stop during a downtown stroll.

Hours are a bit unusual, so check before going. Doors open at 2 PM from Wednesday through Sunday. Monday and Tuesday are closed. Sunday wraps up a little earlier, at 8:30 PM.

Staff are known for being friendly, and service moves quickly. Free street parking makes the visit even easier.

Families, students, and travelers all fit right in here. Outdoor seating adds a nice touch on warm afternoons.

Address: 17 W Ortega St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

6. Pizzasaurus Rex, Sacramento

Dinosaurs went missing long ago, but their sauce clearly survived. This Midtown Sacramento pizzeria serves a specialty dino sauce with its slices.

The name is pure fun, and so is the menu. Specialty slices rotate, so your next visit might bring something new.

Sauces are a big part of the experience. Hot honey and ranch are popular partners for a crispy slice.

Curious eaters should try the Potato Pizza. The Pesto Ranch pie is another tasty vegetarian pick.

Plant-based diners are covered too. The Vegan PEPP Pizza brings the pepperoni vibe without the meat.

A classic combo pizza is on the menu for traditionalists. The crust earns praise for being crunchy and a bit flaky.

Do not skip the truffle fries. They are vegan and make a great side for sharing, or not sharing.

Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. That makes it handy for a quick lunch break.

Outdoor seating adds another option on nice days. Kids are welcome, and high chairs are available.

Hours run late on Friday and Saturday, until 11 PM. Thursday through Saturday evenings get the busiest.

Parking is usually easy nearby. That is a small miracle for a busy Midtown street.

Address: 2322 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816

7. Loosies Pizza, Santa Ana

Late-night hunger in Orange County finally has a hero. On Friday and Saturday, this Santa Ana slice shop stays open until midnight.

The style is classic New York thin crust. Fans praise the crust for being crunchy yet tender, with very little flop.

Nobody wants a slice that droops onto their shirt. This one holds its shape like a champ.

Start with the Pepperoni Loosie, a house signature. A regular pepperoni slice is another reliable choice.

Garlic bread makes a great sidekick. It is vegetarian and perfect for sharing with friends. Fresh pineapple shows up as a topping option too. Love it or skip it, at least it is fresh.

The room has a quirky, relaxed feel. It suits a quick solo slice or a casual hangout.

Service is friendly and quick. That matters when your stomach is growling at 11 PM.

Some fans call it their favorite pizza place in all of California. Others simply call it a perfect slice shop.

The schedule shifts through the week. It is closed Monday and Tuesday, and Sunday ends at 8 PM. Saturday nights are the busiest time. Weekday afternoons are much quieter if you prefer space.

Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside. Reservations are not taken, so just walk up and order.

Address: 300 E 4th St Ste 103, Santa Ana, CA 92701

8. Buzzo’s Wood Fired Pizzeria, Soquel

Potatoes on pizza might be the best idea Soquel ever had. The Potato Pizza here earns serious praise around the Santa Cruz area.

Every pie bakes in a wood-fired oven. The Neapolitan crust has a nice chew outside and stays soft inside.

Mozzarella quality stands out, and the sauce is not overdone. A crispy cauliflower crust is also an option. Pepperoni fans have a classic choice waiting. It is simple, satisfying, and hard to argue with.

Starters are worth your attention. Burrata and arancini both make tasty openers. Signature salads are another draw. The Caesar Salad is a solid pick before the main event.

This is a dinner-only spot, so plan for evenings. Doors open at 5 PM from Tuesday through Sunday. Monday is closed. Closing time is 8:30 PM on most nights, and 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are not taken. Showing up early is a smart move.

Here is a happy surprise. Free parking is usually plentiful, with a lot and street spaces nearby.

Free Wi-Fi is available too. Kids are welcome, and high chairs are ready. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the coastal air. Dogs can join you outside.

Service is known for being fast and friendly. It feels like a neighborhood place that takes pizza seriously.

Address: 2510 S Main St, Soquel, CA 95073

9. 99 Craft Pizza, Fresno

Those crispy cheese edges on a Detroit pizza? Fresno has them down to a science.

This craft pizzeria specializes in two styles. You can pick California-style pies or thick, square Detroit-style pizzas.

The Detroit pepperoni gets a lot of love across the Central Valley. Its cheese layer turns crispy, and the crust stays chewy.

Try the Red Top for something special. It comes Detroit style only, as the name on the menu makes clear.

Double Pepperoni is another popular choice. It is ideal for anyone who thinks one layer is never enough.

Gluten-free diners get real attention here. The gluten-free crust is described as fluffy and full of flavor.

Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. That makes group orders much easier.

Garlic Cheese Bread is a must as a starter. It is cheesy, warm, and gone fast.

Ingredients are locally sourced, which suits a region known for its farms. The kitchen pays close attention to balanced toppings.

The room is calm and family-friendly. It is a nice change from louder pizza joints.

Hours are worth noting. It opens Tuesday through Saturday and closes Sunday and Monday. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. Free parking is usually easy to find.

Delivery and takeout are options for pizza nights at home.

Address: 585 W Nees Ave, Fresno, CA 93711

10. Engfer Pizza Works, Santa Cruz

Bring your best backhand along with your appetite. This Santa Cruz pizzeria has a ping pong table and other games.

The pizza is just as fun. Creative pies come out of a wood-fired oven with a thin, crispy crust and a chewy edge. Ingredients are top-notch. Local Corralitos sausage is one standout topping.

Plant-based eaters will find plenty to like. A vegan pizza is on the menu, along with vegetarian choices.

Organic dishes are part of the lineup too. Dessert is also available if the games leave you hungry.

Looking for something cold to sip? Kombucha on tap is a refreshing pick.

The space feels relaxed and easygoing. A fireplace adds charm on chilly coastal evenings.

Families, groups, and solo diners all fit in comfortably. The crowd is welcoming and inclusive, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves quickly. Curbside pickup is offered if you want pizza at the beach.

Hours are evening only. It opens at 4 PM from Wednesday through Sunday and closes Monday and Tuesday.

Free street parking is available nearby. Reservations are not taken.

It is a fitting end to a California pizza tour. Good food, friendly games, and a crust worth the trip.

Address: 537 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062