Oakland, a city brimming with culinary diversity, boasts a surprisingly vibrant pizza scene. From classic New York-style pies to innovative, gourmet creations, there's a pizza to satisfy every craving. This comprehensive guide explores 23 of the best pizza places in Oakland, ensuring your next pizza night is an unforgettable experience. We've included a variety of styles and price points to cater to all tastes and budgets.
Neapolitan Nirvana: The Authentic Italian Experience
Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its airy crust and simple toppings, has gained immense popularity. Several Oakland establishments excel in this category.
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Pizzeria Delfina: Known for its exceptional sourdough crust and high-quality ingredients, Pizzeria Delfina consistently delivers an authentic Neapolitan experience. Their Margherita pizza is a must-try, showcasing the simplicity and perfection of classic ingredients. Expect a slightly higher price point reflecting the quality.
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Arizmendi Oakland: This worker-owned cooperative offers delicious, ethically sourced Neapolitan pizzas. Their commitment to sustainability and community makes them a popular choice among Oakland locals. The constantly rotating menu keeps things interesting.
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Little Star Pizza: While not strictly Neapolitan, Little Star Pizza offers a thin-crust style that shares many similarities, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative topping combinations. Their unique pizzas often feature unexpected flavour pairings.
New York Style: A Big Slice of Tradition
For those who crave the classic New York-style pizza, Oakland has several excellent options.
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Zachary's Chicago Pizza: While known for its Chicago-style deep-dish, Zachary's also offers excellent New York-style thin-crust pizzas. It's a great option for a casual, family-friendly setting.
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Sliver Pizzeria: This popular spot serves up generous slices of New York-style pizza throughout the day, making it perfect for a quick bite or a casual meal.
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The Starlite Diner: This classic diner offers a surprisingly good pizza alongside their traditional diner fare, creating a nostalgic and satisfying experience.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Unique Pizza Styles
Oakland's pizza scene isn't limited to traditional styles. Many establishments are pushing boundaries and offering unique and innovative options.
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L'oven: Offering a modern take on pizza, L'oven focuses on high-quality ingredients and unique flavour combinations. Their pizzas are often works of art, both visually and in terms of taste.
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Slice House: A great option for late-night pizza cravings, Slice House offers various unique specialty pizzas with unconventional toppings.
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Pizz'a Chicago: Despite the name, Pizz'a Chicago is also known for its amazing selection of New York Style and California style pizzas.
Deep Dish Delights: A Chicago-Style Experience
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a culinary experience in itself. Here's one place you won't want to miss:
- Zachary's Chicago Pizza (revisited): As mentioned previously, Zachary's is the go-to spot for Chicago-style deep dish in Oakland. Their generous portions and flavorful ingredients make it worth the wait.
Finding Your Perfect Slice: A Guide to Choosing
The best pizza place for you will depend on your personal preferences. Consider these factors:
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Style: Do you prefer thin crust, deep dish, Neapolitan, or something else?
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Toppings: Are you a classic Margherita fan or do you prefer more adventurous combinations?
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Atmosphere: Are you looking for a casual spot, a fine-dining experience, or something in between?
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Price: Pizza prices can vary greatly.
Oakland Pizza Map & Further Exploration
(Note: A visual map integrating all listed pizza places would be ideal here. This would need to be created separately and integrated into the markdown.)
To fully explore Oakland's pizza landscape, consider venturing beyond this list. Check out local blogs and reviews for even more hidden gems. Many smaller, independent pizzerias offer unique and delicious pies waiting to be discovered. Happy eating!
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a great starting point for your pizza adventures in Oakland. Remember to check individual restaurant websites for menus, hours, and locations. Enjoy your pizza journey!
