15 Best Pizza Places in California You Have To Taste In 2026
Okay, hands up if you’ve ever made a life decision based on pizza.
(No? Just me? Cool, cool.)
Look, I didn’t set out to become California’s accidental pizza detective-I just really, really love a good slice.
But after two years, six counties, and approximately 72 slices later (shoutout to my loyal stretchy jeans), I’ve compiled the ultimate list: the 15 best pizza places in California you have to try in 2026.
From wood-fired wonders in Sonoma to late-night slices that taste like street magic in LA, I’ve eaten my way across the Golden State so you don’t have to.
Well… okay, you should-because trust me, every slice on this list is worth the carb coma.
1. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
When a pizzaiolo wins multiple World Pizza Championships, you know something magical happens in that kitchen.
Tony Gemignani has turned his North Beach restaurant into a pizza temple where dough becomes art.
Located at 1570 Stockton Street in San Francisco, this spot serves seven different pizza styles under one roof.
The Margherita pizza here earned a perfect score, and one bite explains why critics go absolutely wild.
Each pizza style gets baked in its own specialized oven, from wood-fired to coal-burning beauties.
Watching the pizza masters toss dough feels like witnessing a carefully choreographed performance.
The crust achieves that ideal balance between crispy exterior and pillowy soft interior that dreams are made of.
Reservations fill up faster than you can say “extra cheese,” so plan ahead or prepare to wait.
This place proves that dedication to craft creates unforgettable dining experiences worth every single minute.
2. Pizzeria Mozza
Nancy Silverton’s genius transforms simple ingredients into flavor explosions that redefine what pizza can become.
Situated at 641 North Highland Avenue in Los Angeles, Pizzeria Mozza attracts celebrities and food lovers alike.
The fennel sausage pizza has achieved legendary status among locals who crave bold, unforgettable tastes.
Silverton’s background in bread baking shines through every perfectly blistered crust that emerges from the oven.
Creative topping combinations push boundaries while respecting traditional Italian pizza-making principles beautifully.
The squash blossom pizza with burrata makes vegetables taste like the most decadent indulgence imaginable.
Getting a table requires patience, but the reward is experiencing culinary innovation at its absolute finest.
Every pizza tells a story about quality ingredients meeting expert technique in the most delicious way.
This restaurant reminds us that pizza can be both comforting and sophisticated without losing its soul.
3. Flour + Water
Pasta gets plenty of attention here, but the pizza program deserves its own standing ovation.
Located at 2401 Harrison Street in San Francisco, this Mission District gem balances tradition with California flair.
The dough ferments slowly, developing complex flavors that make each bite more interesting than the last.
Seasonal toppings change regularly, showcasing the best produce Northern California farms have to offer right now.
My cousin visited last spring and still talks about the asparagus pizza like it changed her entire life.
The wood-fired oven creates those signature char marks that add smoky depth to every single slice.
Chefs here understand that restraint often creates more impact than piling on excessive toppings.
The minimalist approach lets quality ingredients shine without unnecessary distractions or overwhelming flavors.
Reservations book quickly, especially on weekends when everyone craves their exceptional handcrafted pies.
4. Pizzeria Delfina
Neighborhood pizzerias don’t get much better than this Mission District treasure at 3611 18th Street.
Pizzeria Delfina keeps things beautifully simple, focusing on perfect execution rather than trendy gimmicks.
The Margherita here sets the standard by which all other Bay Area pizzas get judged.
Fresh mozzarella melts into pools of creamy goodness atop tangy tomato sauce and chewy crust.
Locals treat this place like their personal kitchen, stopping by for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming without any pretentious attitude or stuffy formality whatsoever.
Prices remain reasonable despite the restaurant’s well-deserved reputation for consistently excellent food.
Kids love watching pizza makers work their magic through the open kitchen design.
This spot proves that doing a few things exceptionally well beats offering mediocre variety every time.
5. Golden Boy Pizza
Since 1978, this North Beach institution has been serving square slices that fuel late-night adventures.
Golden Boy Pizza sits at 542 Green Street, filling the neighborhood with irresistible garlic and tomato aromas.
The focaccia-style crust comes thick and fluffy, totally different from thin Neapolitan pies elsewhere.
Clam and garlic pizza sounds unusual but tastes absolutely phenomenal, converting skeptics with every bite.
The no-frills counter service keeps things moving quickly even when lines stretch out the door.
Students, tourists, and old-timers all gather here, united by their love for affordable, satisfying slices.
Each pizza gets baked in rectangular pans, creating crispy edges that crunch perfectly between your teeth.
The casual vibe encourages grabbing a slice and wandering through historic North Beach streets nearby.
Golden Boy represents classic San Francisco pizza culture at its most authentic and unpretentious best.
6. Pizzeria Sei
Chef William Joo brings serious Italian training to 8781 West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Pizzeria Sei focuses on authentic techniques while sourcing ingredients that meet rigorous quality standards.
The dough recipe comes from Naples itself, creating that characteristic soft, elastic texture everyone craves.
Imported Italian tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala make each pie taste like a vacation to Italy.
Attention to detail extends from ingredient selection through cooking times measured down to the second.
The mushroom pizza showcases how simple combinations create extraordinary results when executed with precision and care.
Prices reflect the premium ingredients, but value comes through in unforgettable flavors and textures.
The modern, clean space lets the pizza take center stage without distracting decorations or unnecessary fuss.
Sei proves that respecting tradition while maintaining high standards creates pizza worth traveling across town for.
7. Truly Pizza
Orange County’s coastal gem sits at 24402 Del Prado in Dana Point, bringing serious pizza to beach communities.
Truly Pizza combines California’s love for fresh, local ingredients with time-honored Italian pizza-making traditions.
The sourdough crust adds tangy complexity that sets these pies apart from standard offerings elsewhere.
Creative seasonal pizzas rotate regularly, keeping the menu exciting for repeat visitors who crave variety.
Beach vibes meet culinary excellence in a relaxed setting perfect for post-surf meals or family dinners.
The prosciutto and arugula pizza delivers peppery greens atop salty meat in perfect harmony.
Local ingredients mean peak freshness, with vegetables picked at their prime and used within days.
Staff members genuinely care about creating memorable experiences, not just serving food and collecting payments.
This pizzeria shows that excellent food can thrive outside major metropolitan areas when passion drives quality.
8. Tribute Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has conquered San Diego thanks to this innovative spot at 3077 North Park Way.
Tribute Pizza bakes rectangular pies in seasoned pans, creating caramelized cheese edges that crunch like magic.
The thick, airy crust supports generous toppings without becoming soggy or losing structural integrity.
Pepperoni cups up beautifully when baked, creating little grease pools that pizza enthusiasts consider liquid gold.
Each pizza gets topped with sauce stripes after baking, keeping the crust crispy while adding bright tomato flavor.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over slices while chatting with friends or watching sports on screens.
My neighbor drove two hours just to try the pizza here and immediately planned a return trip.
Creative monthly specials keep regulars guessing what delicious combination will appear next on the menu.
Tribute proves that pizza innovation comes from respecting regional styles and executing them with absolute dedication.
9. Nardò Italian Restaurant
Huntington Beach’s culinary scene got infinitely better when Nardò opened at 21022 Pacific Coast Highway.
This Italian restaurant serves pizza that transports diners straight to southern Italy’s sun-drenched coastline.
The oceanfront location adds romantic ambiance while you savor perfectly charred crusts and quality toppings.
Traditional Neapolitan methods meet California’s relaxed coastal lifestyle in every beautifully balanced pie.
Fresh basil releases its aromatic oils when it hits the hot pizza, creating an intoxicating scent.
The margherita pizza demonstrates that sometimes the simplest preparations showcase true mastery and skill.
Beyond pizza, the full Italian menu means you can start with antipasti before diving into main attractions.
Date nights feel extra special here, combining excellent food with stunning Pacific Ocean sunset views.
Nardò reminds us that pizza tastes even better when enjoyed in beautiful surroundings with great company.
10. Flour House
San Luis Obispo’s bakery-turned-pizzeria at 690 Higuera Street has become a Central Coast destination.
Flour House started as a bread bakery, so naturally their pizza crust achieves extraordinary heights.
The sourdough base provides complex flavors and perfect chew that commercial yeast simply cannot replicate.
College students and visitors alike flock here for pizzas that honor craftsmanship.
Seasonal vegetables from nearby farms top pizzas that celebrate California’s incredible agricultural bounty.
The rustic atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, perfect for casual meals that still feel somewhat special.
Watching bakers transform flour and water into edible art never gets old, no matter how often you visit.
Prices stay reasonable despite the exceptional quality, making this a regular stop rather than occasional splurge.
Flour House proves that bread expertise translates beautifully into pizza perfection when passion guides every decision.
11. Rose Pizzeria
Berkeley’s commitment to sustainable, local food shines brightest at 1960 University Avenue.
Rose Pizzeria sources ingredients from organic farms, creating pizzas that taste wholesome and absolutely delicious.
The wood-fired oven imparts smoky flavor while cooking pizzas quickly at extremely high temperatures.
Vegetarian options here rival meat pizzas for satisfaction, proving vegetables deserve starring roles.
The kale and ricotta pizza converts even the most dedicated carnivores into temporary vegetable enthusiasts.
Community tables encourage conversations with strangers who quickly become friends over shared pizza love.
Staff knowledge about ingredient sourcing shows genuine commitment to transparency and ethical food practices.
The casual vibe welcomes students, families, and food activists who appreciate pizza with principles.
Rose demonstrates that environmental consciousness and culinary excellence complement rather than contradict each other beautifully.
12. Mama’s Boy Pizza
New York-style pizza has found a worthy West Coast home at 15 Grand Avenue in Oakland.
Mama’s Boy Pizza serves enormous slices that fold perfectly, just like authentic Manhattan pizzerias demand.
The thin, crispy crust supports toppings without drooping, achieving that ideal slice architecture.
Late-night crowds gather here after concerts and events, craving satisfying food that hits the spot.
Classic pepperoni curls at the edges, creating crispy bits that deliver concentrated meaty flavor.
The no-nonsense approach focuses on execution rather than reinventing what already works perfectly well.
My friend from Brooklyn grudgingly admitted these slices rival his hometown favorites, which says everything.
Affordable prices mean you can grab multiple slices without feeling guilty about your budget.
The casual counter service keeps things moving efficiently even during busy weekend dinner rushes.
Mama’s Boy proves that sometimes the best innovation is perfecting classic styles rather than chasing trends.
13. Croccante Artisan Pizza
Napa Valley’s country deserves pizza that matches its world-class reputation for culinary excellence.
Croccante sits at 976 Pearl Street, serving artisan pizzas that pair beautifully with local vintages.
The thin, crispy crust lives up to the restaurant’s name, delivering satisfying crunch with every bite.
Tourists and locals mingle here, united by appreciation for quality food crafted with obvious care.
The upscale-casual atmosphere works perfectly for date nights or celebrations that call for something special.
Seasonal menus change to reflect what’s freshest, keeping repeat visitors excited about new combinations.
The truffle pizza delivers earthy, luxurious flavors that justify slightly higher prices than standard pizzerias.
Croccante shows that pizza belongs in this country just as much as fancy French cuisine does.
14. Del Popolo
What started as a mobile pizza oven now thrives at a permanent location at 855 Bush Street.
Del Popolo’s custom-built oven travels from Italy created pizza perfection on San Francisco streets before settling down.
The restaurant maintains that innovative spirit, constantly experimenting with unexpected topping combinations that work.
Seasonal ingredients meet traditional techniques in pizzas that surprise and delight adventurous eaters consistently.
The modern, industrial space feels hip without being pretentious or excluding anyone who loves great food.
Creative appetizers and salads complement the pizza menu, making this ideal for sharing multiple dishes.
The chanterelle mushroom pizza celebrates fall flavors with earthy depth that warms you from inside out.
Craft sodas and interesting non-traditional beverages provide perfect pizza pairings for all preferences.
Del Popolo represents San Francisco’s innovative food culture while respecting pizza’s Italian heritage beautifully.
15. Gjelina
Venice’s coolest restaurant at 1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard serves pizzas that define California cuisine.
Gjelina celebrates local farms and seasonal bounty through vegetable-forward pizzas bursting with fresh flavors.
The charred broccolini pizza sounds simple but delivers complexity that keeps people coming back repeatedly.
Wood-fired cooking adds smoky depth while keeping vegetables tender-crisp rather than mushy or overcooked.
The bustling atmosphere buzzes with energy from creative types and food lovers exploring Venice’s hippest street.
Reservations book weeks ahead, but the bar accepts walk-ins willing to wait for available seats.
Each pizza showcases how restraint and quality ingredients create more impact than excessive toppings ever could.
The mushroom pizza with sottocenere cheese proves that vegetarian options can be deeply satisfying and memorable.
Gjelina defines what California pizza should be: fresh, innovative, and absolutely delicious in every single bite.