California has always been a food lover’s paradise, but when it comes to pizza, the state truly takes things to another level. From San Francisco’s award-winning wood-fired pies to Los Angeles’ creative fusion pizzas, California’s pizza scene in 2025 is stronger than ever. If you’re planning to eat your way through the Golden State this year, here are the 15 best pizza places in California 2025 that you absolutely must try.
1. Pizzana – Los Angeles
Pizzana is redefining pizza in Los Angeles with its signature Neo-Neapolitan style. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, giving it a light, airy texture with just the right amount of crunch. Chef Daniele Uditi, originally from Naples, blends authentic Italian techniques with California’s farm-fresh ingredients.
Cacio e Pepe Pizza – a twist on the classic Roman pasta dish.
Diavola – for spice lovers, topped with spicy salami and Calabrian chili oil.
- 📍 Location: Brentwood & West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- Visit Pizzana
- Why people love it: Pizzana has been featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table: Pizza, which skyrocketed its popularity. It’s a place where tradition meets creativity.
2. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco
When you think of pizza royalty, Tony Gemignani’s name is at the top. A 13-time World Pizza Champion, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana offers over 10 different styles of pizza, from authentic Neapolitan cooked in a 900-degree wood oven to Sicilian, Roman, and New York styles.
Margherita Napoletana – award-winning, made with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala.
New Yorker – loaded with pepperoni, Italian fennel sausage, and ricotta.
- 📍 Location: North Beach, San Francisco
- Visit Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
- Why people love it: Tony’s dedication to authenticity (each pizza style has its own oven!) makes it one of the most respected pizzerias in America. Expect long waits—but it’s worth every bite.
3. Mozza – Los Angeles
Founded by celebrity chef Nancy Silverton, Pizzeria Mozza has become an LA landmark for pizza lovers. The crust is crisp yet chewy, and the toppings showcase California’s seasonal ingredients.
Fennel Sausage Pizza – topped with house-made sausage and mozzarella.
Squash Blossom Pizza – a unique seasonal favorite with ricotta and blossoms.
- 📍 Location: Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
- Visit Pizzeria Mozza
- Why people loveit: Mozza’s menu is bold, inventive, and designed for true foodies. The pizzeria has earned recognition in Michelin guides and remains a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.
4. Flour + Water Pizzeria – San Francisco
Known for its artisanal approach, Flour + Water Pizzeria focuses on long-fermented sourdough crusts and creative toppings. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability, working with local farms and producers to keep the menu seasonal and fresh.
Pepperoni & Honey Pizza – a sweet and spicy combination.
Clam & Garlic Pizza – a nod to East Coast-style white pizzas.
- 📍 Location: Valencia Street, San Francisco
- Visit Flour + Water Pizzeria
- Why people love it: The vibe here is casual but elevated, making it perfect for date nights or group dinners. Their dough is chewy, tangy, and perfectly charred.
5. Beretta – San Francisco
Beretta has been serving some of the best pizzas in San Francisco for years, and in 2025, it still holds its crown. The pizzeria is known for thin-crust pies baked in wood-fired ovens, alongside excellent cocktails.
Margherita with Burrata – creamy, rich, and a fan favorite.
Funghi Pizza – earthy mushrooms, fontina cheese, and truffle oil.
- 📍 Location: Mission District, San Francisco
- Visit Beretta
- Why people love it: Beretta is more than just a pizza place—it’s a complete dining experience with late-night hours, great drinks, and an energetic atmosphere.
6. Del Popolo – San Francisco
What started as a mobile pizza truck with a wood-fired oven has grown into one of San Francisco’s most beloved pizza restaurants. Del Popolo is known for its rustic, wood-fired sourdough pizzas with blistered crusts and bold flavors.
Margherita – simple, balanced, and perfectly executed.
Potato, Rosemary & Garlic Pizza – a cozy, earthy choice.
- 📍 Location: Nob Hill, San Francisco
- Visit Del Popolo
- Why people love it: The focus here is on simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and rustic flavors. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined.
7. Apollonia’s Pizzeria – Los Angeles
If you’re into Detroit-style square pizzas, Apollonia’s is a must. Their thick, caramelized cheese crust and generous toppings have gained them a cult following.
Pepperoni Square – iconic crispy edges with layered pepperoni.
White Pie – ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- 📍 Location: Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
- Why people love it: This spot has been praised by food critics and pizza influencers alike. The massive square slices are Instagram-worthy and deeply satisfying.
8. Mulberry Street Pizzeria – Beverly Hills
Bringing true New York-style pizza to the West Coast, Mulberry Street Pizzeria is a celebrity favorite. Founded by Cathy Moriarty, it’s been serving giant, foldable slices since 1991.
Classic Cheese Slice – thin, foldable, and nostalgic.
Meat Lovers – loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs.
- 📍 Location: Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
- Visit Mulberry Street Pizzeria
- Why people love it: If you’re craving an authentic New York slice in California, this is the place to go. Even stars like Frank Sinatra and Madonna have been spotted here.
9. Gioia Pizzeria – Berkeley & San Francisco
Founded in Berkeley, Gioia (pronounced “joy-ah”) offers East Coast–inspired thin-crust pizza with California flair. The dough is hand-tossed daily, and toppings are always seasonal.
Clam Pie – inspired by New Haven’s famous clam pizzas.
Salsiccia – with house-made Italian sausage and roasted peppers.
- 📍 Location: Berkeley & Polk Street, San Francisco
- Visit Gioia Pizzeria
- Why people love it: Gioia bridges the gap between authentic East Coast flavors and California’s fresh produce.
10. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza – Oakland & Berkeley
No California pizza list is complete without Zachary’s, home to the best Chicago-style deep dish on the West Coast. Since 1983, Zachary’s has been a Bay Area staple.
Spinach & Mushroom Deep Dish – their signature pie, rich and satisfying.
Chicken Special – packed with chicken, veggies, and gooey cheese.
- 📍 Location: Oakland, Berkeley & Pleasant Hill
- Visit Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
- Why people love it: Loyal fans voted it the “Best Pizza in the Bay Area” more than 200 times. If you want hearty, cheesy comfort food, Zachary’s is unbeatable.
11. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana – Pasadena
Settebello brings true VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza to California, meaning it’s made according to strict Italian standards. The crust is thin, soft, and baked in a 900-degree wood oven.
Margherita DOC – simple, with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala.
Carbonara Pizza – eggs, pancetta, pecorino, and black pepper.
- 📍 Location: Pasadena, Los Angeles County
- Visit Settebello
- Why people love it: This is as close as you’ll get to a real Naples pizza experience without hopping on a plane to Italy.
12. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Hollywood
The legendary pizzeria from Naples (featured in Eat, Pray, Love) has an outpost in LA. Known for its minimalist menu and authentic pies, it sticks to the classics.
Margherita – the world-famous pie with just tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Marinara – pure simplicity with tomato, oregano, and garlic.
- 📍 Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles
- Visit L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
- Why people love it: It’s an iconic pizza destination with history dating back to 1870 in Naples—perfect for purists.
13. Rocco’s Pizzeria – San Francisco
Rocco’s is a family-owned neighborhood favorite, serving hearty, East Coast–style pizzas since the 1980s.
Combination Special – sausage, pepperoni, peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
Vegetarian Special – loaded with seasonal veggies.
- 📍 Location: Mission District, San Francisco
- Why people love it: It’s casual, affordable, and feels like an old-school pizza joint with loyal locals.
14. Masa of Echo Park – Los Angeles
For those who want Chicago-style deep dish in LA, Masa delivers. Their pizzas are huge, cheesy, and baked to perfection with buttery crusts.
Masa’s Chicago Classic – stuffed with sausage, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Vegan Deep Dish – a great option for plant-based diners.
- 📍 Location: Echo Park, Los Angeles
- Why people love it: It’s one of the most authentic Chicago-style experiences outside Illinois, with a cozy neighborhood vibe.
15. Bootleg Pizza – Los Angeles
Bootleg is known for its thick, cheesy Detroit-style pizza that became a sensation during the pandemic and still thrives in 2025.
Classic Pepperoni Detroit-Style – crispy edges and tons of cheese.
Truffle Mushroom Square – decadent and savory.
- 📍 Location: Los Angeles (delivery-focused, pop-up style)
- Why people love it: Their pizzas are delivery-friendly without losing quality—perfect for LA’s food culture.
Final Thoughts
California’s pizza scene in 2025 is nothing short of extraordinary. From Los Angeles’ innovative Neo-Neapolitan pies to San Francisco’s artisanal wood-fired creations, the state offers a pizza experience for every palate. Whether you crave a classic Margherita, a hearty Chicago deep dish, or a bold Detroit-style square, there’s a pizzeria in California that will satisfy your cravings.
Visiting these 15 must-try pizzerias not only guarantees delicious pizza but also a glimpse into the creativity, passion, and culinary mastery that make California a food lover’s paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best pizza style in California?
A: California offers a variety of styles including Neapolitan, New York, Detroit, and Chicago deep dish—each with its own unique taste.
Q2: Which city has the best pizza in California?
A: Los Angeles and San Francisco are top destinations, but Oakland, Berkeley, and Pasadena also have amazing pizzerias.
Q3: Are these pizzerias kid-friendly?
A: Most of them are casual and family-friendly, though some fine-dining spots may be better for adults.
Q4: Can I order delivery from these pizza places?
A: Yes, many offer delivery or pickup, including Bootleg Pizza, Masa of Echo Park, and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.
Q5: How do I choose the best pizza for me?
A: Consider your preferred crust style, toppings, and pizza style—thin-crust, deep-dish, or square.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
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