We Ranked Southern California’s Best Pizza Spots And These 10 Stood Out

One of the best pizza spots in Southern California is also famous for princess cakes. Yes, the dome-shaped dessert, sold right beside square Detroit-style slices.

Another stop builds its menu around halal pies inspired by flavors from around the world. The third sits on a street packed with secondhand stores and skate shops.

California pizza turned out to be gloriously hard to pin down. The list ended up with sourdough crusts, a Roman-style shop, wood-fired Neapolitan ovens, and New York slices made for folding.

A few kitchens stretch dough paper thin, while others bake it in deep pans for crunchy, cheesy edges.

I love that no two stops feel alike. Which style gets your vote? I have a feeling your answer might change multiple times.

1. Pietrini Pizza Napoletana, Los Alamitos

Can’t choose between Naples and New York? Pietrini Pizza Napoletana in Los Alamitos politely refuses to make you pick.

The restaurant turns out classic Neapolitan pies alongside New York style pizzas. Both styles get serious care, which makes this Orange County spot a great compromise for split households.

The Neapolitan side starts with imported flour and San Marzano tomatoes. Those pies bake in a Neapolitan-style wood-fired oven, the kind built for fast, intense heat.

Team New York has plenty to explore too. The New York Diavola, New York Pepperoni, and New York Prosciutto E Arugula all deserve a look.

Here’s a sneaky pro move. Order the burrata and the sea salt bread before your pizza lands.

Not in a pizza mood? The menu also covers salads and paninis, including a Caesar, a Mista Salad, and a hearty Meatball Sub.

Dessert leans old-school Italian in the best way. Cannoli and a Spumoni Bomba make a sweet finish after a salty pie.

The space itself feels modern and airy, with a fireplace adding some charm. It’s also a solid choice for families, thanks to high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu.

Timing matters here. The restaurant closes Monday and Tuesday, and weekend service starts at 4 p.m.

Parking usually isn’t a headache, which is a rare gift in Southern California. A free lot and nearby street spots make the trip pretty painless.

Address: 5262 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

2. Allmine, Oceanside

A pizza named Better Than Pepperoni is a bold thing to put on a menu. This low-key Oceanside spot backs up that swagger with creatively topped thin-crust pies.

The crust is the real backbone here, built on well-aged dough. It stays thin, yet it holds its own under a generous pile of toppings.

Meat lovers should look at the Butcher Block pizza first. You get a solid crust, fresh toppings, and melty cheese, which is basically the pizza dream.

Craving something sweet and salty? The Porchetta and Honey Pizza brings those two flavors together on one pie, and that combo is hard to ignore.

The menu wanders happily beyond pizza. You can order panini, pasta, wings, Lasagna Bolognese, or a Market Salad when your table wants variety.

Small plates make the start of the meal fun. Look for Savory Cheese Puffs, Brie Involtini, Smoked Cheese Involtini, and an olive appetizer.

Plant-based eaters get real attention too. The kitchen offers a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu, including Spaghetti Squash and Falafel.

Save room, because dessert gets playful. Citrus Cannoli and a sweet called Never Ending Summer sound just right for a beach town.

You’ll find the restaurant right on South Coast Highway in downtown Oceanside. Plan ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings, since those are the busiest stretches.

Reservations are accepted, which helps when you’re rounding up a crowd. Early birds should note that Monday and Tuesday service doesn’t start until 4 p.m.

Address: 119 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

3. Folks Pizzeria, Costa Mesa

Small menus can be a big flex. Folks Pizzeria keeps its list short, then makes those pies count.

You’ll find this pizzeria inside The CAMP, a curated retail center in Costa Mesa. The space is on the smaller side, so it’s a good idea to book ahead.

The crust is sourdough, baked in a wood oven. Expect a light texture, crispy edges, and nicely blackened dough bubbles.

Toppings stay light and balanced rather than heavy. That lets the sauce shine, and it has a lively, well-spiced kick.

The Fennel Sausage Pizza is a smart first order. The Soppressata Pizza and the vegetarian Mushroom Pizza round out a tight, satisfying lineup.

Don’t skip the Meatballs, one of the most talked-about starters. Bread and Butter is another simple pleasure worth adding.

Want something green? The Caesar Salad with Breadcrumbs adds crunch, while Glazed Chicken Wings with Lemon bring a tangy twist.

Dessert comes as a Burnt Cheesecake. The name sounds dramatic, but it’s a style known for a deeply caramelized top.

Hours run into the evening, with Friday and Saturday open until 10 p.m. Dinner reservations are recommended, since a wait is common.

Address: 2937 Bristol St a102, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

4. Bettina, Santa Barbara

Sourdough isn’t just for toast at Bettina. This Santa Barbara pizzeria builds its Neapolitan-style pies on naturally leavened dough.

That approach gives the crust a mild sourdough flavor. You also get a lovely balance of chew and crunch in each bite.

Start simple with the Rosso Pizza or the Pepperoni Pizza. Mushroom fans should steer toward the Maitake Mushroom Pizza, a vegetarian pick with plenty of personality.

Bread lovers, this one’s for you. The focaccia is a menu highlight, and the kitchen also bakes a loaf that toasts up beautifully at home.

The sourdough magic stretches to pasta too. That’s a fun surprise if your group includes someone who always orders noodles.

Small plates are worth a slow look. Cacio E Pepe Arancini and Gioia Burrata with Eggplant both sound like ideal sharing snacks.

Seasonal dishes and local ingredients shape much of the menu. That keeps things feeling fresh throughout the year in this coastal corner of California.

For dessert, the Olive Oil Cake makes a gentle, not-too-heavy finish. It’s the kind of sweet that still leaves room for one more crust.

Bettina serves lunch and dinner daily, with a break in the afternoon. Dinner reservations are recommended, since there’s usually a wait.

The restaurant sits on Coast Village Road, a charming strip near the coast. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot and street spaces nearby.

Address: 1014 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

5. Little Coyote, Long Beach

Skate shops, secondhand stores, and a killer New York slice make one great Saturday. Little Coyote sits right in that mix on 4th Street in Long Beach.

The vibe stays straightforward and casual. You order at the counter, grab a seat, and let the pizza do the talking.

Crust is the headline here. It’s a big reason this shop earns a spot among the best in Long Beach.

The menu covers both rounds and squares. The Pepperoni Grandma Square is a fun pick if you love a thicker, crispy base.

Prefer something bright and herby? The Garden Pesto Pizza and The White Pie Pizza both offer a break from classic red sauce.

Vegan diners have real options too. Pineapple Express is a vegan pie, and the shop offers a full vegan menu.

Subs deserve equal billing. The Classic Italiano Sub and the Meatball Sub turn this pizza stop into a full deli lunch.

Craving extra heat? Ask for the chili oil, a vegan add-on that gives your slice a nice punch.

The Antipasto Salad works as a shareable side. It’s also handy when someone at the table insists on eating a vegetable.

Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than busy Friday and Saturday nights.

Address: 2118 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

6. Tribute Pizza, San Diego

Mail used to move through this building, and now pizza does. Tribute Pizza lives inside the former North Park Post Office, which dates back to 1951.

The space still shows off its original signage. Look up and you’ll spot a barrel vault ceiling with exposed steel trusses above a bright room and open kitchen.

The pizza style is called Neo-Neapolitan, a blend of New York and Neapolitan techniques. Pies bake in a wood-fired oven using organic North American bread flour and California organic tomatoes.

Size options get impressively flexible. You can choose 13-inch rounds, 9×13-inch Grandma pies, 18-inch New York pies, or 10-inch gluten-free crusts.

Square fans should hunt down the Detroit-ish King of the Crown. One version brings tomato sauce, burrata, and basil, while another pairs pepperoni with Mike’s hot honey.

The menu shifts often, inspired by local farmers markets. That means your next visit might look a little different from your last one.

Beyond pizza, the kitchen bakes its own bread. Fried Brussels Sprouts, Warm Marinated Olives, and Scarr’s Calzone are fun detours.

Salad gets a pun-worthy name here: I Kale, I Saw, I Conquered. Honestly, that title alone earns a spot on the table.

Dessert keeps things homey with Mom’s Recipe Tiramisu and soft-serve. Both make a sweet ending after a crispy, chewy pie.

Address: 3077 N Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104

7. Bill’s Pizza, Palm Springs

Desert heat outside, oven heat inside. Bill’s Pizza brings serious pie energy to downtown Palm Springs.

This casual spot is best known for make-your-own pizzas. You pick the toppings, and the kitchen delivers a perfectly cooked crust.

Indecisive? Bill’s also offers specialty pies with some fun personality. The Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a popular pick for anyone who loves a little tang.

The sauce gets plenty of love, too. Pair it with a sturdy crust, and you’ve got a simple formula that works.

Salads aren’t an afterthought here. The Antipasto Salad is a standout, and the Caesar Salad makes a reliable side.

Thirsty? A Mexican Coke is on the menu, which feels just right on a hot Coachella Valley day.

Plant-based eaters can relax. Bill’s offers full vegan and vegetarian menus, so nobody gets stuck with just a side salad.

The location on Indian Canyon Drive puts you right in the heart of downtown. That makes it easy to grab a slice between shopping and strolling.

Bill’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations aren’t accepted, but service tends to move quickly.

Curbside pickup and delivery are also available. That’s a nice perk if you’d rather enjoy your pie by a pool in this sunny corner of California.

Address: 119 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

8. Fire Fresh Pizza, San Dimas

Thin, crispy, and proudly Roman. Fire Fresh Pizza in San Dimas bills itself simply as a Roman Style Pizza Shop.

That style matters if you love crunch. Roman pizza is often known for a thinner, crispier crust than its puffy Neapolitan cousin.

Here, the dough is the star. It gets high praise for being incredible, with a thin crust that crisps up just right.

Toppings stay fresh, and quality ingredients come through in each bite. You can tell the people behind the counter care about getting it right.

The setup is casual and easygoing. There’s no table service, so you order, grab a seat, and wait for your pie.

Need a calm lunch break? The atmosphere is described as quiet, which makes it a nice escape from louder pizza joints.

Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Takeout works great too if you’d rather eat at home or the park.

Parking is one of the easiest perks on this list. A free lot and free street parking usually leave plenty of open spaces.

Watch the clock before you go. The shop closes Monday and Tuesday, and weekday hours include a midday break between lunch and dinner.

Weekends run straight from noon to 8 p.m. Reservations aren’t accepted, so just swing by when the craving hits.

Address: 425 W Allen Ave #103, San Dimas, CA 91773

9. Quarter Sheets, Los Angeles

Pizza and princess cake might sound like a strange pairing. At Quarter Sheets in Echo Park, it’s the whole point.

The pizza side focuses on Detroit-style pies. The dough comes out crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy in the middle.

Go classic with a Pepperoni Slice. Or try the Tomato Pie, a vegetarian option that puts the sauce front and center.

The Bar Pie offers another fun angle on the menu. Salads are available too, and they’re vegan-friendly.

Meatballs deserve a spot on your order. Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce come with bread for dipping, which is a very good idea.

Now for the plot twist. Desserts here are just as famous as the pizza. The signature princess cake is sold by the slice. A Slab Cake is also on the menu for anyone who wants a bigger sweet finish.

Taking it home? The pizza to-go box gets attention for being pretty cool.

Quarter Sheets is open nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations are accepted, but expect a wait at busy times.

Address: 1305 Portia St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

10. 786 Degrees Pizza – Los Angeles

A passport would be handy, but a pizza menu works too. 786 Degrees in Sun Valley serves Neapolitan-style pies inspired by flavors from around the world.

The ingredients are 100 percent Zabihah Halal. That makes this compact pizzeria a standout for halal diners across Los Angeles.

The story behind the brand starts with a honeymoon in Italy. A traditional Margherita sparked the idea, and the first 786 Degrees opened in 2014.

Pies cook in a wood-fired oven that can finish a pizza in about 90 seconds. The result is a light crust that’s chewy and crispy at once.

Now for the fun part, picking your destination. The Korean Style BBQ Pizza and the Istanbul Pizza with cucumbers and peppers show off the global spirit.

Prefer something classic? The Red Pie Marinara and The New Yorker Cheezzy Cheese Pizza keep it simple.

Seafood fans can try the Shrimp Tuscany. Heat seekers should head straight for the Spicy Pizza.

Dietary needs get plenty of attention here. You’ll find full vegan and vegetarian menus, plus a gluten-free crust option.

The pizzeria is closed Monday and Tuesday. It stays open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Plan ahead, since there’s no restroom on site. Still, few pizza trips in California pack this much variety into one small room.

Address: 8879 N Laurel Canyon Blvd # A, Los Angeles, CA 91352