By: Haley Bosselman, Isabel Haglund By: Haley Bosselman, Isabel Haglund | August 16, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Year-round, the warm aroma of freshly baked pizza is irresistible. From classic Neapolitan to Italian-American favorites, San Diego offers pies for every palate. Read on for the 14 best pizzerias to visit in San Diego.
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An exploration of great San Diego pizza begins just north of downtown in Little Italy at Ambrogio15 (or elsewhere across the city at its multiple locations). This chic and modern pizzeria offers an authentic experience with Milan-style pies, imported burrata and a cocktail list highlighting spritzes. The blistered and chewy crusts make tasty bases for creative and classic pizzas finished with the perfect kiss of char.
Website/ 2734 Lytton St 92110
At Angry Pete's Pizza, a casual vibe pairs perfectly with Detroit-style pies topped with hearty amounts of creamy mozzarella and toppings that pop with flavor. Their secret is making the dough from scratch daily with a little bit of "Angry" Pete's sass added in for attitude.
Website/ 111 Washington St 92103
For thin crust aficionados, Bronx Pizza in North Park crafts authentic New York style pies with a perfectly crisp, slightly charred crust that provides a sturdy foundation for piles of cheese and fresh, high quality toppings. Their classic pepperoni slice is a local favorite. Be sure to bring cash!
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Another Neapolitan star is Buona Forchetta with multiple locations across San Diego. They keep it simple with traditional wood-fired pies and appetizers like montanara and bruschetta.
Website/ 7863 Girard Ave 92037
Neapolitan pizza rules the menu at Catania in La Jolla, with artisanal pies blistered to perfection in a wood-burning oven. Grab a seat on their charming patio and savor tradition done right in the heart of SoCal. Don't skip the inventive seasonal pizzas for a truly creative dish.
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Website/ 1747 India St 92101
Head to Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy for authentic tastes of the Old Country. Their drool-worthy pizzas are crafted with care using family recipes with dough left to rise patiently and fresh-shredded mozzarella.
Website/ Various
For gourmet pizza in a chic setting, Isola Pizza Bar in La Jolla and Little Italy offers pies that artfully combine Italian and Californian ingredients. Try unique options like the prosciutto and arugula or the burrata and tomato— sophisticated flavors in a casual, convivial space.
Website/ Various
Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria brings a taste of the Windy City out West with deep dish creations that are as impressive looking as they are irresistibly delicious. Its freshest ingredients are stacked sky-high so you'll want to save extra room when its time to load up on pies.
Website/ 415 S Market St 92101
Hailing from NYC, Prince Street Pizza set up shop in San Diego to share East Coast pizza joy through its signature, square-shaped Sicilian slices. Consider the OG Spicy Spring pizza, which dazzles with the bright flavors of spicy pepperoni, pecorino romano and Fra Diavolo sauce.
Website/ 4150 Regents Park Row 92037
No pizza tour is complete without a stop at Regents Pizzeria. This neighborhood spot makes an addictive thin-crust pizza (or thick Chicago style, should you choose) alongside salads, sandwiches and wings. With outdoor seating and 32 taps of rotating beer, it’s a laidback spot for enjoying the quintessential slice.
Website/ 3959 30th St 92104
Siamo Napoli brings the tastes of Napoli to life through artisanal pizzas in a setting that transports you across the globe. Fans of heat should order the Piccante pie, which showcases pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella and Calabrian peppers for purity of flavor.
Website/ 4046 30th St 92104
For Sicilian-style pizza in San Diego, hit up none other than Sicilian Thing Pizza and bring your appetite. Its thick, square pies are generously laden with cheese and toppings for a mouthwatering meal in every slice. Don't miss the signature The Thing Pizza, which comes complete with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, meatballs, onions, olives and green bell peppers.
Website/ 4508 Cass St 92109
Square Pizza Co. puts their own spin on Sicilian and Detroit-style pies with square-cut creations topped with creative, craveable ingredient combos. The surprisingly light, crisp crust ensures you'll go back for more. The Firebird pizza packs serious flavor.
Website/ 3077 North Park Way 92104
Last but not least, Tribute Pizza pays homage to tradition while infusing their pies with distinctly Californian sensibilities. With options like the Dirty Dancin’ with organic tomato sauce, mozz, onion, fresh jalapeno, fresh pineapple and house made ranch or the classic-leaning Neo Margherita, there are creations for every palette.
See also: The 20 Best Sushi Spots In San Diego
Photography by: iStock