San Diego's culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, and nowhere is that more evident than in its pizza scene. From classic New York-style pies to innovative gourmet creations, San Diego offers a pizza for every palate. This comprehensive guide explores 34 of the best pizza places in San Diego, categorized for your convenience. This list is a starting point for your San Diego pizza adventure; your personal taste may lead you to discover your own hidden gem!
Neapolitan & Thin Crust Pizza Havens
Neapolitan pizza, with its charred crust and blistered edges, is a favorite among pizza aficionados. These San Diego spots expertly craft this style:
- Pizzeria Luigi: Known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Their San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella are imported from Italy.
- Mona Lisa Italian Foods: A family-owned gem serving up traditional Neapolitan pies with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Buon Appetito: This charming spot offers Neapolitan pizzas made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their margherita is a must-try.
- Galaxy Taco: While known for tacos, their wood-fired pizzas are a hidden gem, offering a unique twist on Neapolitan flavors.
Thin Crust Options:
- Brooklyn Pizzeria: A classic New York-style pizzeria with thin crust and a wide variety of toppings. Their Sicilian slices are legendary.
- Tony's Pizza Napoletana: While technically in nearby North Beach, it's close enough to merit inclusion for its renowned thin-crust pizzas. Their extensive menu showcases pizza-making mastery.
- The Mission: A casual spot with creative thin-crust pizzas, offering unique topping combinations.
- California Pizza Kitchen (Various Locations): While a chain, their thin crust pizzas are consistently good and readily available throughout the city.
Deep Dish & Chicago Style Delights
If you crave that deep-dish, cheesy goodness, San Diego has you covered:
- Spinato's Pizzeria: Offers a truly authentic Chicago deep-dish experience, with a thick, buttery crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings.
- Lou & Mickey's: A popular spot known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Be prepared to wait, as it's often crowded.
- Piesanos Pizza: Another Chicago-style option providing a hearty, satisfying deep-dish experience.
Gourmet & Unique Pizza Experiences
San Diego's pizza scene is also known for its innovative and gourmet offerings:
- Noble Experiment: Located in a speakeasy, their pizzas are as unique as their setting. Expect creative toppings and unexpected flavor combinations.
- Serious Pie: Offers artisan pizzas with high-quality ingredients and interesting flavor profiles. Their seasonal pizzas are always a highlight.
- Busalacchi's: This family-run spot creates delicious, wood-fired pizzas with fresh ingredients.
- Civico 1845: While known for its upscale Italian cuisine, their pizzas are a highlight, incorporating high-quality ingredients and Italian traditions.
Casual & Family-Friendly Pizza Joints
These spots are perfect for a casual night out or a family gathering:
- Pizza Port (Various Locations): A San Diego institution known for its craft beer and delicious pizzas.
- Hodad's: Famous for its burgers, Hodad's also serves up surprisingly good pizzas.
- Vacca Pizza: Offers delicious, affordable pizzas in a casual setting.
- Old Town Mexican Cafe: While known for its Mexican food, their pizzas are a tasty surprise.
- The Cottage: This charming spot boasts a delightful atmosphere and offers tasty pizzas alongside its other menu items.
Unique Pizza Styles and Concepts
San Diego's pizza scene is full of surprises. Here are some unique approaches:
- Modern Times Beer: While a brewery, their pizzas are crafted with care, complementing their craft beers.
- Ballast Point: Another brewery with excellent pizza pairings.
- Green Street Pizza: Offers a variety of pizzas with interesting and inventive flavor combinations.
Beyond the Main Players: Hidden Gems
These are some lesser-known spots worth exploring:
- Nick's Pizza: A local favorite known for its consistently good pies.
- Romeo's Pizza: A reliable option for a quick and tasty pizza.
- D'Angelo's Pizza: Another solid choice for a casual pizza night.
- Little Italy Pizza: Located, unsurprisingly, in Little Italy, this spot provides traditional Italian flavors.
- Secret Pizza: This hidden gem is located in a back room and serves excellent pizza.
Pizza with a View
Enhance your pizza experience with stunning San Diego views:
- George's at the Cove: Offers amazing ocean views alongside their delicious pizzas.
- Mitch's Seafood: While primarily a seafood restaurant, their pizzas provide a nice alternative with beautiful harbor views.
Specialty and Unique Pizza Experiences
- The Crack Shack: Unexpectedly, this spot serves up creative pizzas alongside their rotisserie chicken.
- Barbusa: While known for its Mediterranean fare, their pizzas are equally delicious.
Expanding Your Pizza Horizons
These spots offer diverse experiences, broadening the scope of "pizza" in San Diego:
- Potato Champion: A unique twist; their pizzas incorporate potatoes!
- The Nativist: While not strictly pizza, they offer interesting flatbreads that push the boundaries of the genre.
This list is just a starting point for your San Diego pizza adventure. Remember to check websites for hours, locations, and menus before you go. Happy eating!
