9 California Pizzerias That Deserve a Spot on Your Pizza Bucket List

California knows how to make amazing pizza. From crispy thin crusts to deep-dish Chicago style, the Golden State serves up some of the best pies in America. Whether you love classic pepperoni or fancy toppings, these pizzerias will blow your mind with their delicious creations.

1. Apollonia’s Pizzeria

Wood-fired ovens create magic at this beloved San Francisco neighborhood gem. Every pizza comes out with perfectly charred edges and bubbling cheese that stretches for miles. Local families have been gathering here for decades, sharing stories over steaming hot slices.

The secret lies in their homemade dough, which rises for 24 hours before hitting the flames. Try their famous margherita pizza with fresh basil picked from their own garden. The simple ingredients let each flavor shine through beautifully.

2. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

Championship pizza skills meet North Beach charm at this award-winning spot. Owner Tony Gemignani has won more pizza competitions than anyone else in America, and it shows in every bite. Seven different ovens cook seven different pizza styles under one roof.

From New York thin crust to Sicilian squares, each style gets its own special treatment and temperature. The Cal Italia pizza topped with house-made salami represents California pizza at its finest. Book ahead because pizza lovers line up around the block daily.

3. Pizzeria Mozza

Celebrity chef Nancy Silverton brings her bread-making genius to pizza perfection. The crust here tastes like the best sourdough you’ve ever had, crispy outside and chewy inside. Famous people often sit at nearby tables, but the real star is the butterscotch budino for dessert.

Start with their bone marrow pizza if you’re feeling adventurous, or stick with the classic pepperoni. Located in trendy West Hollywood, this spot feels fancy without being stuffy. Reservations fill up weeks ahead, so plan your visit early.

4. Lucali LA

Brooklyn pizza royalty opened this Los Angeles outpost, bringing East Coast vibes to the West Coast. Paper-thin crust gets topped with the freshest ingredients money can buy. Only two choices exist here: cheese pizza or pepperoni pizza.

This simple menu keeps the focus on perfect execution rather than fancy combinations that might not work. The olive oil drizzle on top adds richness without making the pizza greasy. Expect to wait for a table, but the experience is worth every minute of anticipation.

5. Gjelina

Venice Beach coolness meets farm-to-table pizza excellence at this trendy hotspot. Seasonal vegetables from local farms top their crispy, charred crusts throughout the year. The mushroom pizza changes based on what’s growing in California soil that week.

Summer brings tomato and corn combinations, while winter features hearty root vegetables and fresh herbs. Sitting on the patio feels like dining in a garden, with string lights and plants everywhere. The restaurant gets packed during sunset, so arrive early for the best experience.

6. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

Deep-dish dreams come true at this Bay Area institution that rivals Chicago’s best pizzerias. Thick, buttery crust holds layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings in perfect harmony. Each pizza takes 45 minutes to bake, but the wait gives you time to work up an appetite.

The sauce goes on top, protecting the cheese from burning during the long cooking process. One slice fills most people up completely, making it perfect for sharing with friends. Multiple locations serve the East Bay, but the original Berkeley spot has the most character.

7. Delfina Pizzeria

Mission District magic happens when Italian tradition meets California ingredients at this neighborhood favorite. The Neapolitan-style pizzas cook quickly in blazing hot ovens, creating perfect leopard spots on the crust. Fresh mozzarella arrives daily from local cheese makers, while the San Marzano tomatoes come straight from Italy.

Every ingredient gets chosen for maximum flavor and authenticity. The salsiccia pizza with house-made sausage represents their philosophy perfectly. Simple preparations let high-quality ingredients speak for themselves without unnecessary complications.

8. Sliver Pizzeria

Berkeley’s quirkiest pizza shop serves only one type of pizza each day, and you’ll love whatever they’re making. The rectangular slices come topped with unexpected combinations that somehow always work perfectly together. Today might feature arugula and goat cheese, while tomorrow could bring corn and jalapeños.

The element of surprise keeps regular customers coming back to see what creative combination awaits them. Counter service keeps things casual and affordable for college students and families alike. The thin, crispy crust provides the perfect base for their daily culinary experiments.

9. Pizza My Heart

Santa Cruz beach culture meets New York pizza traditions at this beloved local chain. Surfers and students grab huge slices after long days in the ocean or classroom. The oversized slices fold perfectly in half, making them easy to eat while walking along the boardwalk.

Late-night hours keep hungry beachgoers fed until the early morning hours arrive. Multiple locations throughout the Bay Area serve the same quality pizza with local charm. The pepperoni slice remains their most popular choice, but vegetarian options satisfy health-conscious California appetites too.