For many people, pizza plays an important part in their lives. Whether they needed a filling and delicious dinner after a long day of school or they found themselves looking for a late-night snack, pizza was always the preferred choice. Luckily, San Diego is filled with a number of exciting and vibrant restaurants that serve delicious pizza.
But because there are so many options in this bustling city, it can be hard to find one that just gets your needs. That’s why we’ve researched far and wide for the top 6 restaurants that serve some of the best pizza in San Diego.
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Chicago Bros Pizzeria
10423 San Diego Mission Road
Small Pizza Joint Known for its Authentic Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago Bros Pizzeria was founded after the owner spent one fateful trip in Chicago. After falling in love with the deep-dish pizza the city is known for, the founder dedicated himself to crafting the perfect Chicago deep-dish pizza for citizens in his hometown of San Diego. Since its humble beginnings, Chicago Bros Pizzeria holds a strong reputation for selling some of the best pizza in San Diego.
If you come hungry, remember to order a plate of appetizers to share with the table. Try the garlic bread with cheese or share some chicken wings with friends. When it comes to choosing your deep dish stuffed pie, you have numerous options to select from, including BBQ chicken, veggie, spinach, and meal lovers pizzas. If thin, New York style pizza is more your vibe, you can order that instead. Chicago Bros Pizzeria
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“Even though I was hungry I could only eat 2 slices which means it lasted 3 meals! The sauce was delicious and I loved that it wasn't overly cheesy. It was chock full of veggies and a nice delicious thick crust that was equally crispy and chewy.” - Yelp Review
Bronx Pizza
111 Washington St, Hillcrest
No-Frills Pizza Joint in San Diego Known for its Savory Thin-Crust Pies
For a flavorful New York style thin-crust pizza in San Diego, the Bronx Pizza is your go-to destination. This popular restaurant’s savory pizza can come with a number of toppings, including anchovies, basil, eggplant, pepperoni, and roasted peppers. Guests can also select from a handful of specialty pies such as the Bronx Deluxe, which features pepperoni, green peppers, black olives, garlic, and mushrooms. The Porko pie is also a popular option as it comes with pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs.
“Hands down the best pizza in San Diego. Thin, crispy, New York style pizza with great toppings to mix and match. I like to get the pepperoni with cherry peppers or sausage with eggplant. The pizza is always piping hot and nice and greasy (in a good way).” - Yelp Review
De Luca’s Pizza
3226 Thorn St, North Park
Colorful and Vibrant Restaurant That Serves Some of the Best Pizza in San Diego
De Luca’s serves delicious pizza inside an inviting atmosphere. All of their pizzas are under $10, making them a great choice for people on a budget. Not in the mood for pizza? No worries. De Luca’s serves a wide variety of Italian specialties. If you are in the mood for something light, try the Greek Salad. This savory dish is filled with cucumbers, black olives, and feta cheese. For something a little more hearty, try the Fettuccine Alfredo. In addition to their extensive food menu, De Luca’s also offers a full beer and wine menu.
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“De Luca's is conveniently located in the heart of North Park and offers more than just pizza. Today I stopped in to pick up a XL Margherita pizza and when they say XL, they MEAN it. This pizza was over 20'' across and the box barely fit in my car. And the taste was just as big. De Luca's Margherita pizza is loaded with tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Yum!” - Yelp Review
Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way, North Park
Modern Restaurant in San Diego Known for its Wood-Fired Pizza
Located in the old North Park Post Office, Tribute Pizza offers a historic view into San Diego. Guests can enjoy creative wood-fired pizza while also enjoying the restaurant’s unique interior design that features the original Post Office Signage.
The restaurant’s signature Tribute PIzzas are 13 inches in diameter and are cut into 8 slices. Gluten free options are also available for all guests. The creatively named “bees mode” pizza is one of the restaurant’s most popular options. Featuring organic crushed tomatoes, peppadew sweet piquante peppers, and ricotta, this pizza will quickly show new customers why it is so popular. If you are vegan, we recommend trying the “super vegan VII: censored.” This pizza is topped with shaved red onion, pickled peppers, and fresh basil to create an unforgettable pie.
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“LOVED Tribute Pizza! Several friends have long lauded them as serving up some of the best pizza and I'm so glad we stopped by. First off, the restaurant is housed in a gorgeous space that was formerly a post office. It's located in the heart of North Park so grab street parking and swing by. The awesome thing about their menu is it's inspired by pizzas from around the world.” - Yelp Review
Basic Bar & Pizza
410 10th Ave, East Village in Downtown San Diego
Gourmet Thin-Crust Pizza and Craft Beer Await You at This Bustling Bar
Known for its award-winning pizza and downtown warehouse vibe, Basic Bar & Pizza can usually be spotted serving tables of hungry customers on a Saturday night. While things have changed since the pandemic, San Diego residents can still order their favorite pizza online for pick up. For people who are in the mood for a glass of red wine or their favorite cocktail, Happy Hour is also offered everyday from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Customers can choose from a wide variety of classic pies, such as the Marg, So Meaty, and Pepper. All pizza can be served as either small or large pies. If none of the options appeal to their specific cravings, customers can build their own pies. Everything from the base of the pie to the type of meats can be customized.
“The small size pizza is perfect for 2 people (probably about the size of a 14" pizza? They make it oblong so it's hard to tell). Their prices are also very reasonable (I think we pay $25 for the salad and pizza and it's super filling for 2). Staff is always friendly whether we order over the phone or right there at the store and food is always fresh.” - Yelp Review
Pizzeria Luigi
1137 25th St, Golden Hill
Friendly Atmosphere Perfect for Relaxing and Enjoying a Hot Slice of Pizza
Known for its award-winning New York style pizza, Pizzeria Luigi has served as a highly-regarded staple in the Golden Hill community. From its custom cheese pies to its stromboli, everything is made with care and passion. Customers can customize their own pizza and add toppings such as bacon, ham, eggplant, caramelized onions, and squash. They can also select a pizza from the Luigi Classics, such as the Margherita pizza or the El Diablo. If you aren’t feeling pizza, don’t worry. Pizzeria Luigi also serves hearty calzones, strombolis, pasta dishes, and salads to its hungry customers.
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“My only regret here was not ordering another slice of pizza. Came here for my first time before the whole pandemic situation. I loved the vibe in that it was super chill. Guy in the register is super helpful.” - Yelp Review
It’s easy to see why pizza is so popular in San Diego. There are so many exciting and fresh places to try some delicious pizza. What pizza restaurants do you want to try on this list? Tell us in the comments!
Best Pizza & Brew
Hot slices, cold pints, and loyal customers.
9172 Mira Mesa Blvd | Mira Mesa | bestpizzaandbrew.com
Since 2013, this pizza joint has been serving up hot slices and cold pints to loyal customers and visitors to the area alike. You can order your classic cheese pizza and local beer, or you can sample some of their more unique offerings such as Korean Sweet & Spicy Wings or Pesto Goat Cheese Pizza. Whatever you order, excellent customer service is promised.
Be sure to check out the daily specials before you go. You can get two slices and a pint for
$12.50 every day, wings for $0.75 on Mondays (dine-in only), and $4 pints every Wednesday.
You can get a GiftYa to Best Pizza & Brew here!
“We love going to Best Pizza because they have gluten free crust and vegan cheese! Plus they are local. The staff is always very friendly and seems like they enjoy working there. Fridays are always very busy but they still have great service.” - Yelp Review
Sicilian Thing Pizza
Your San Diego source for Sicilian-style thick square pizza and New York-style pizza.
4046 30th St | North Park | sicilianthingpizza.com
You don’t have to travel to Sicily or New York for Sicilian-style or New York-style pizza - you can find these style slices right in the heart of San Diego at Sicilian Thing Pizza. And it’s a good thing too, because now you get to have a San Diego local craft beer alongside your slice.
Try The Thing, one of their neighborhood favorites, a round or square pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, meatballs, onions, olives, and green bell peppers. Or, for a veggie-only option, we recommend the Vegeta, which you can get as a round or square pie, topped with feta cheese, spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and olives.
You can get a GiftYa to Sicilian Thing Pizza here!
“The best pizza spot in San Diego! My favorite is the Nino Espinosa (named after the famous baseball player). It is so delicious and tastes very healthy. If you are in the area you must give this place a try!” - Yelp Review
Pizza E Birra San Diego
“When all else fails, pizza and beer!”
3625 India St | Middletown | pizzaebirrasandiego.com
Happy hour all day Sunday, trivia Thursdays at 6 pm (with happy hour deals all night), fun pizzas of the month, this place isn’t messing around when they say “When all else fails, pizza and beer!”
Their artisan pizzas menu features classics like Margherita and Pepperoni, as well as unique pies such as Mushroom Truffle, topped with grated mozzarella, mushrooms, parmesan, and white truffle oil, and San Diego Pizza, loaded with mozzarella, double pepperoni, mozzarella stick bites, 14 wings on the crusts edge tossed in your choice of sauce, and served with marinara and ranch on the side.
“Varietal menu for a pizza lover, pasta lover, a philly steak lover from Philly, and a vegetarian! Definitely will be back when we come back to sunny San Diego! The best part of our experience was our waiter, Sam!” - Yelp Review
Square Pizza Co.
Serving Detroit, Sicilian, and Boston Beach-style pizza by the square.
4508 Cass St Suite C | Pacific Beach | www.toasttab.com/square-pizza-co
Located in the historical Dunaway Building in the heart of Pacific Beach is this slice shop which serves Detroit, Sicilian, and Boston Beach-style pizza by the square.
They also cater to different dietary needs, so you can find several vegan as well as gluten-free pies on their menu.
Oh, and did we mention the cannolis are to die for? There’s plain, chocolate chip, and pistachio, and they come in small or large (not that you really have a choice, once you set your eyes on the large there’s no going back).
You can get a GiftYa to Square Pizza Co. here!
“This place is a MUST. I can't wait to go back and get this again. Can't help but get the whole pizza each time I go there. Seriously some of the best!!!” - Yelp Review
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria
Authentic Chicago street fare brought from the Windy City to America’s finest city
4030 Goldfinch St | Mission Hills | leftyspizza.com
Inspired by the mom and pop shops the owners grew up with in and around Chicago comes Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria, a Chicago-style pizza shop that strives to bring the best Chicago-style pizza possible along with the Windy City's other infamous street treats to America’s finest city, San Diego.
Enjoy everything Chicago has to offer right in the heart of San Diego, from Deep Dish Pizza to Chicago Hot Dogs.
You can get a GiftYa to Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria here!
“People have their various opinions on who makes the *best* pizza in San Diego, but for me, it's Lefty's. For what it is, Lefty's is popular but still criminally underrated in the SD pizza scene, and it remains one of my favorite hometown staples.” - Yelp Review
It’s easy to see why pizza is so popular in San Diego. There are so many exciting and fresh places to try some delicious pizza. What pizza restaurants do you want to try on this list? Tell us in the comments!
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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