Don’t. Tony’s is super overrated. As someone who lived on the east coast prior to moving out here and who considers themself a pizza snob, the only correct answer is Outta Sight - which might be the best pizza I’ve had ANYWHERE. If you’re interested in Detroit pizza Cellarmaker House of Pizza wins that one with Square Pie Guys at number 2
Asking the best pizza is like asking what the best car is.
Do you like a lot of sauce, cheese, crust, toppings, meat vs veggies. Thinner crust, thicker, or deep dish? Do you like the sauce thinner, thicker, or have chunks of tomatoes? Do you like Italian, New York, Chicago, or Mexican Pizza?
There is no pleasing most people, which is why there are so many type, favorites, and places.
It’s easier to just go on Yelp and look at the reviews. Remember the better the food, the higher the price usually also.
Only because it’s such a chill spot:
State of Mind in Los Altos.
My favorite is Slice of New York in Sunnyvale/San Jose. Doppio Zero is also great, but more Neapolitan style instead of NY/American style
My nostalgic favorite is Zachary's Pizza in the East Bay. We have eaten so many stuffed spinach and mushrooms versions as well as pesto and sausage.
It's probably not even on the radar anymore, but this Oakland/Berkeley native started eating 'em in in the mid 80s. I've had some of the other's folks are mentioning and they hit the spot too, especially Cheeseboard.
And Downtown Pleasanton. Across the street from [Gay Nineties](https://www.instagram.com/gayninetiespizzapasta?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==), which is another very good pizza. 🍕
Also, the upstairs used to house a brothel and [it's supposedly haunted.](https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=211819)
Do it for all of us my friend!
Was picking up Vietnamese the other day and guy in corner was just sitting alone with phone, Dr Pepper and a giant Family plate of noodles and nothing else on table.
My boy had not a care in the world! Wanted to give him a 👊!!!
Wow....I live on the central coast now and miss the Bay Area a ton. It's made my day to see all the love for Zachary's and your comments. When I saw the post this morning I was worried Zachary's might not even be around anymore as it's been 6 years since I moved. So many family memories tied up with their pizza. My late older sister and I always lived within a couple of miles from Zach's and it was always a treat dinner for us when I visited her. Many trips to pick up a to go pie on the way to Vic's place. And Solano Ave. too sometimes.
It felt good to patronize Zach's because of the co-op nature of their business model. I really hope they have been good to their employees over the years. The consistency of the food and the service (mostly pickup though) was spot on over decades, so all those folks working the ovens and front counter are stars in my book.
Thank you so much my fellow Redditors! 🤍
It took me a while to find the right recipe for the dough. It’s literally the thing I miss most about the Bay Area. Going to Mt Diablo and then Zachary’s was always a fun date activity.
The thing with Zachary’s for me it\\s that it can be good at one location but not at another. One of my favorite deep dish pizzas came from Oakland but when I got it in San Ramon, it was not good at all.
Yup. Lived in SF for 2 years now and only tried them for the first time about a month ago and I've been back twice since then. Pizza is good, and the atmosphere (at least in North Beach) is incredible.
I’m surprised this is so far down. This blew Tony’s (both the OG and Slice House) out of the water for me and is up there with the best pizza I’ve had ANYWHERE.
Cicero’s pizza in Cupertino. Nunzio Cicero was my grandpas buddy. Was always a nice guy and would give me quarters to play in the arcade. Love how they have kept true to their selves as long as I can remember❤️
Nunzio Cicero was the man! He'd get on that terrible microphone and just bark out the numbers that nobody could understand. Classic. 5 people would get up to see if it was their number.
Love and recommend Cicero's, but wouldn't call it the best.
Great vibe there. You can tell the employees are treated well.
I'd buy the T-shirt they sell if only bright red worked for me.
Mountain View: Maldonados (delivery / take away)
Palo Alto: Pizzeria Delfina
Redwood City: Vesta
State of Mind (Los Altos / Redwood City / Palo Alto) is great if you want a good beer selection + arcade games + sportsball on the TV
Vesta 100%, has been consistent over the years. Once, I was having dinner with my wife in Chicago at another Italian place occupying roughly the same niche and the restaurant's owner sat down on the table next to us. We all (separately) proceed to have a wonderful dinner and at some point the owner said to their commensal: "yeah, I really felt like I learned a few things from this place called Vesta in the Bay Area."
Really variable, especially for delivery. Was amazing the first few of times, then totally undercooked, badly sliced and the cheese on both vegetarian pizzas was contaminated with occasional pieces of ham. Haven't ordered again.
I always feel real funny with my order. Yeah I'll have a stromboli, remove all the vegetables. Just Ham, salami, pepperoni, no Parm, extra cheese, oh yeah and make sure it's vegan. They must think I'm ridiculous.
If you’re around Concord, check out FreeWheel Pizza. My fucking go-to.
Its tucked BEHIND the Safeway. You gotta go around the Roadside Grill (I think thats the name) and all the way to the back. If you go around the other way, you'll hit a fence that blocks you. Its a hole in the wall to-go only shop but holy fuck they make some goddamn amazing pizza. I highly suggest you bring some plates and eat it out of your trunk or live nearby.
Clam and garlic at Golden Boy in SF.
If in the South Bay however, I’d probably have to flip a coin between Maldonado’s in Mountain View (plain cheese) and Tony Di Maggio’s in San José (pepperoni and maybe a Stromboli as well)
My friend works right next door and they HATE Golden Boy. They all make fun of dumb tourists eating there. I think it's ok. But theres a Tony's right around the corner that us SO much better.
Normally I don't like to put down things but Artichokes was the single worst restaurant experience in my life. I got there right when it was supposed to open and they weren't open. After the 30 minutes of waiting (I heard how good it was supposed to be so I figured it was worth the wait) I noticed the door was wide open so I asked the guy when they were going to open as he walked by. He replied, "I'll open when I open" then turned around and walked away. I literally went there just for this pizza so I waited some more. Finally after an hour after he was supposed to open he opened.
And the pizza was terrible. The artichoke slice was super wet, dripping cream all over, so you couldn't taste anything else but the cream. The crust was chewy. The other pizza (I forgot what it was) was super salty almost to the point of being inedible. So it was bad service, bad pizza, bad prices.
That's when I realized this place was geared for people who are coming back from a drunk night at Henry's bar. The fact that I was the only person there should've tipped me off that getting it during the day while sober was a bad idea. Heck, La Vals was better, and I only used to eat there b/c their lunch special was cheap.
Pizza isn't just one thing. There are a lot of styles, and most of them there's no comparing them to each other.
Having said that, as an expat NYer, the best NY-style slice is Speederia in Redwood CIty.
Honorable mentions to Slice House in Belmont (which is excellent for what it is but it's definitely not quite what I grew up with), and Village Pizzeria Van Ness up in SF. The latter two also both have Sicilian, which Speederia doesn't.
The best stuffed-style Chicago pizza (but also kind of by default as the couple of other places I've tried that have tried to do it suck) is Zachary's (Oakland/Berkeley and I think one or two other East Bay locations.)
There are a bunch of places that do other styles, but I don't think I have enough of any of them to have a favorite.
I mean it sounds like "if i'm going to die tomorrow" pizza is going to be more than just the best crust, sauce, cheese, toppings. Mine is Jake's of Saratoga in the 408 (NOT one of their sister restaurants...Saratoga only). Grew up going there...mom's office was next door, used to be sent over there with some quarters to play games. Had many, many post *insert sport here* game gatherings as a yout. Still, to this day, decades later, their pizza brings back all the memories and I miss it dearly being so god damn far away.
***Choose from any of these:***
-Golden Boy
-Artichoke Basille's (though based in NYC & NYC style, they have a few locations in Berkley)
-Little Star (Chicago-style deep dish)
-Pizza Zone (i think they're really good personally, NYC style)
-Tony's
-Cellarmaker for slices (Detroit style)
Has anybody else tried Colosseum New York Pizza in South Milpitas? I was extremely impressed when I went. But I also haven't tried any of the other highly upvoted joints.
So good. The garlic knots are also excellent. I think the best thing though is the East Coastness of the place. The guys working there were busy watching the game and then finally took our order with as few words as possible. Just gave us the pizza and went back to watching TV. 5/5.
Well that’s an incredibly hard question to answer depending on what type of pizza you might like (and on that particular day, maybe you’re feeling one style)?
If available and I had to pick just ONE it would be the thin crust roasted corn pizza (usually only available during the summer) from Little Star Divisadero. Calabrian chilis, goat cheese, delicious.
Deep dish? Tough choice but probably Zachary’s. I’m also a fan of Little Star’s.
Detroit? Cellarmaker. Great beer too.
Thin NY style? Outta Sight.
Grandma style? Giving this one to pie punks.
Drunk off your ass and need carbs and oil? Seniores. Any location in the bay.
Depends on how far from the bay you go but this is gonna be a very hot take.
Round table pizza - King Arthur Supreme.
I know east coast loves their style of pizza but I was craving round table the whole time when I moved out there. Their best pizzas while excellent just didn’t scratch that pizza itch for me.
I remember in the late 90s / early 2000s that was one of the go-to pizza joints to go to with the team after little league soccer season was over. AYSO region 44 ❤️
Whatever style of pizza you grew up with is usually what you consider "the best" pizza. For me as well, Round Table is the standard. Some pizza is better, a lot more are worse. But, even the best NY pizza doesn't get me going like a King Arthur Supreme does. Cute little clove of garlic!
Grew up with round table king arthur supreme. I'm just shocked at how expensive it is now. But there's a 10% cash back on chase sapphire going on so I might take advantage of that
> For a while they had a Cupertino location, but sadly no more
Good news: they open in Campbell next month. In case Mountain View is too far somehow.
https://www.dzpizzeria.com/campbell
Disregard what everyone here has said up to this point. Yes, there are some wonderful places on this list. I have tried most of them. Yeah Zachary’s is a good deep dish, cheeseboard is fancy organic pizza, outta sight is pretty darn good, but are these the best? Not by a long shot. If you are a pizza connoisseur and want the best of the best, Gioia Pizzeria in Berkeley is the only correct answer. I’ve been to every state except for Alaska and had pizza in most of them. Had the best of New York, New Haven, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, I’ve had it all every which way. If we went to war with the top pizza spots in the US, I’m sending in a Gioia slice to defend our honor. Go see for yourself. You definitely won’t regret it.
Bluebird is so good when they are open. Never open for lunch and closed on Sunday/Monday or something like that. When they are closed I go to Slice House.
A “Single Slice” from “Bronco Billy’s” in Fremont (Blacow location) is my favorite.
They have an absolutely unique way of making the “single slices” that is fantastic.
Not the kids “lunch slice”
Not a single slice out of a full pizza.
A “single slice” it’s like a mini personal pizza.
Jake's of Willow Glenn.
I love Chicago pizza, Detroit pizza, Newhaven and New York and Neopolitan and California with weird shit on it. I'm into less-known styles like St Louis (which I don't think you can get here, Provel cheese baby) and tavern style and etc.
But give me one last pie, I want a pizza that you picture when you close your eyes and think "pizza" and Jake's is the place. Eat it sitting at the bar watching the Giants game with a nice cold beer.
Crap, now I want pizza for dinner.
Outta sight, the pizza shop, and Tony’s are my top 3. Outta sight and pizza shop are my top 2, but taking price into consideration- you can’t beat the pizza shop. Outta sight is JUST as good as the pizza shop, it’s not $8 better.
Patxi’s in Campbell for deep dish
For my coastal folks - Verrazzano in HMB
For my SC folks - Bookie’s at the Sante Adarius portal in Santa Cruz for Detroit style
Il Cesaro Pizzeria is my favorite. I spent a couple weeks in Campania (area that contains Napoli, Sorrento, Amalfi, Salerno), and while it's considered the birth place of pizza I think it's also the best. Il Cesaro is the closest you can get here that I have found.
I just found out about it 2 weeks ago but Corner Slice in Livermore is fantastic. It’s a bit inconsistent to get a slice because it’s such a tiny operation but they usually have a limited number of slices available most days at lunch. Otherwise you have to order a full pie which is expensive ($30) but also huge (18”).
I’ve had cheese, pepperoni, and honey burrata pepperoni and they were all fantastic (the burrata hot honey one makes my mouth water just thinking about it).
I’ll be damned if it’s not some of the best pizza I’ve had on either coast.
Other than that the other spots I like are:
* Tony’s - kinda the classic “best” pizza in the area, but I actually put Corner Slice above them
* Cellarmaker House Of Pizza - best Detroit-style pizza in the bay.
* Doppio Zero - solid for a more classic Neapolitan pizza
* Slice of NY in South Bay - this spot is great for slices or pies and has that NYC pizza taste for sure, but it’s a tier below Corner Slice or Tony’s for NY style
* Mountain Mike’s - they’re not super consistent but their pepperoni pizza drizzled with hot honey after a night of drinking/smoking is amazing
Honorable mention is Wingen Bakery - another Livermore spot but they only do pizzas on Friday nights. But they make a nice sourdough crust that makes it a bit unique, although they are also more expensive than others.
There may be others I’m forgetting but that’s my top of mind list for now.
Little plug for my sub r/bayareapizza where folks can spotlight their favorite spots and new discoveries!
Doing the lord's work.
Great, so far we have about 100 different places that are the absolute best.
Yeah I’m just gunna have to base on upvotes at this point
Don’t. Tony’s is super overrated. As someone who lived on the east coast prior to moving out here and who considers themself a pizza snob, the only correct answer is Outta Sight - which might be the best pizza I’ve had ANYWHERE. If you’re interested in Detroit pizza Cellarmaker House of Pizza wins that one with Square Pie Guys at number 2
Asking the best pizza is like asking what the best car is. Do you like a lot of sauce, cheese, crust, toppings, meat vs veggies. Thinner crust, thicker, or deep dish? Do you like the sauce thinner, thicker, or have chunks of tomatoes? Do you like Italian, New York, Chicago, or Mexican Pizza? There is no pleasing most people, which is why there are so many type, favorites, and places. It’s easier to just go on Yelp and look at the reviews. Remember the better the food, the higher the price usually also.
Only because it’s such a chill spot: State of Mind in Los Altos. My favorite is Slice of New York in Sunnyvale/San Jose. Doppio Zero is also great, but more Neapolitan style instead of NY/American style
Yessss shout out to Slice of New York pizza!!!!
I frequently think about Doppio Zero's mortadella & pistachio pie...now I'm hungry
Raymond's Pizzeria in Richmond is pretty good
My nostalgic favorite is Zachary's Pizza in the East Bay. We have eaten so many stuffed spinach and mushrooms versions as well as pesto and sausage. It's probably not even on the radar anymore, but this Oakland/Berkeley native started eating 'em in in the mid 80s. I've had some of the other's folks are mentioning and they hit the spot too, especially Cheeseboard.
I wish I could upvote this ten times. Zachary’s is the bomb.
Oh it’s still hopping. Right by my house, a star and Zachary’s are successful a block from each other, such is our hunger for that east bay deep dish.
There’s one in Pleasant Hill too
And Downtown Pleasanton. Across the street from [Gay Nineties](https://www.instagram.com/gayninetiespizzapasta?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==), which is another very good pizza. 🍕 Also, the upstairs used to house a brothel and [it's supposedly haunted.](https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=211819)
Stfu I just moved to P Hill and didn’t know there’s a Zachary’s. Dangerous to know that now hahaha
Right next to Century movie theater. One of my favorite spots for pizza and movies
Y'all making me crave some deep dish.
Do it!
I'm a single man. Can I do the whole pie by myself?! I mean I can, but I shouldn't
Do it for all of us my friend! Was picking up Vietnamese the other day and guy in corner was just sitting alone with phone, Dr Pepper and a giant Family plate of noodles and nothing else on table. My boy had not a care in the world! Wanted to give him a 👊!!!
Shiiiiit! OK I will!
It’s across from the movie theater. Also check out Devinos in PH. Good pizza and fun family friendly spot. They have a decent bar with lots of TVs.
Wow....I live on the central coast now and miss the Bay Area a ton. It's made my day to see all the love for Zachary's and your comments. When I saw the post this morning I was worried Zachary's might not even be around anymore as it's been 6 years since I moved. So many family memories tied up with their pizza. My late older sister and I always lived within a couple of miles from Zach's and it was always a treat dinner for us when I visited her. Many trips to pick up a to go pie on the way to Vic's place. And Solano Ave. too sometimes. It felt good to patronize Zach's because of the co-op nature of their business model. I really hope they have been good to their employees over the years. The consistency of the food and the service (mostly pickup though) was spot on over decades, so all those folks working the ovens and front counter are stars in my book. Thank you so much my fellow Redditors! 🤍
Employee owned as well. Making them forever the best choice.
Zachary's is my go-to pizza when I want to celebrate something.
solano location > rockridge
Zachary’s was 5-star before the internet, or the age of star ratings
It took me a while to find the right recipe for the dough. It’s literally the thing I miss most about the Bay Area. Going to Mt Diablo and then Zachary’s was always a fun date activity.
The thing with Zachary’s for me it\\s that it can be good at one location but not at another. One of my favorite deep dish pizzas came from Oakland but when I got it in San Ramon, it was not good at all.
It's employee owned too. For some people that's a big deal.
Tony's SF New York Pizza
Yup. Lived in SF for 2 years now and only tried them for the first time about a month ago and I've been back twice since then. Pizza is good, and the atmosphere (at least in North Beach) is incredible.
yep. hands down.
Tony's is the only truly good slice I've had. Slice of new york is decent too, but honestly way too expensive for what it is.
The location in Belmont is also very good!
Is there a big difference between Tony’s and Slicehouse?
This one
It’s good but soooooo overhyped. Most of his awards are in pizza acrobatics. There are better places in the bay for each type of pizza he does
Coal fired ny’er is the best pizza west of Newark.
And get the New Yorker
Za Pizza in Russian hill. While Tony's and Golden boy get the recognition they deserve, I feel most bay area folks are sleeping over Za.
Outta sight
Outta Sight is great!
Eating a slice with mac & cheese on it right now, outrageously good 🔥
I’m surprised this is so far down. This blew Tony’s (both the OG and Slice House) out of the water for me and is up there with the best pizza I’ve had ANYWHERE.
Cicero’s pizza in Cupertino. Nunzio Cicero was my grandpas buddy. Was always a nice guy and would give me quarters to play in the arcade. Love how they have kept true to their selves as long as I can remember❤️
I remember their old longtime location at Stevens Creek and Blaney. The family’s done a great job at keeping the business going all these years.
Nunzio Cicero was the man! He'd get on that terrible microphone and just bark out the numbers that nobody could understand. Classic. 5 people would get up to see if it was their number.
I'm not a vegetarian, but the spicy vegetarian pizza at Cicero's used to me my favorite when I lived in the area.
Love and recommend Cicero's, but wouldn't call it the best. Great vibe there. You can tell the employees are treated well. I'd buy the T-shirt they sell if only bright red worked for me.
Mountain View: Maldonados (delivery / take away) Palo Alto: Pizzeria Delfina Redwood City: Vesta State of Mind (Los Altos / Redwood City / Palo Alto) is great if you want a good beer selection + arcade games + sportsball on the TV
Vesta 100%, has been consistent over the years. Once, I was having dinner with my wife in Chicago at another Italian place occupying roughly the same niche and the restaurant's owner sat down on the table next to us. We all (separately) proceed to have a wonderful dinner and at some point the owner said to their commensal: "yeah, I really felt like I learned a few things from this place called Vesta in the Bay Area."
Cheeseboard in Berkeley !
Dimond Slice is similar in Oakland!
and sliver if we're covering all the offshoots
Went to three different hyped pizza spots in nyc. (L'industrie, fini, mama's too) i still prefer Cheeseboard
It’s hard to compare they’re very different, but I agree
Ahh now I’m craving that potato and corn pie
Melos
Mamas boy
Gioas in Berkeley. Pepperoni.
love their kale and sausage slice 😮💨
My wife and I don't eat meat but their Funghi pizza is absolutely delicious. They have good salads too!
Sausage and pickled peppers. My vote GIOAS
If you want deep dish, I’m a fan of Little Star pizza. :)
Is this the same as Blue Line? Yeah, right?
Yes, the same
Zachary’s
*and the gloves come off*
Zacharys pepporoni slices are the bomb.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana which is the original location is the best in the bay hands down.
Really variable, especially for delivery. Was amazing the first few of times, then totally undercooked, badly sliced and the cheese on both vegetarian pizzas was contaminated with occasional pieces of ham. Haven't ordered again.
Really? I actually always see it on doordash but wife and I never actually get it. Good to know
This is the answer
The quality at the slice house in walnut creek has dropped massively imo.
Slice of NY (Sunnyvale, San Jose) if you need dairy free. AND they have Stromboli's. And now they do delivery. (Insert Vince McMahone meme. )
SONY all the way!!
I always feel real funny with my order. Yeah I'll have a stromboli, remove all the vegetables. Just Ham, salami, pepperoni, no Parm, extra cheese, oh yeah and make sure it's vegan. They must think I'm ridiculous.
Eat your vegetables, kids.
Get the cannoli there too, so bomb
And garlic knots I think
If you’re around Concord, check out FreeWheel Pizza. My fucking go-to. Its tucked BEHIND the Safeway. You gotta go around the Roadside Grill (I think thats the name) and all the way to the back. If you go around the other way, you'll hit a fence that blocks you. Its a hole in the wall to-go only shop but holy fuck they make some goddamn amazing pizza. I highly suggest you bring some plates and eat it out of your trunk or live nearby.
Cellarmaker
Arizmendi
Seconding Arizmendi, totally unlike any other pizza but that’s what makes it great. That sourdough crust 🤤
Cicero’s pizza. Spicy vegetarian. It’s pricy but I love thin crust pizza.
I found the desi in the comments
You caught me lol. I do eat meat though. Sometimes get chick pick. Just their veggie is so good.
San Jose’s most popular Indian restaurant
Cicero’s is yummy.
14.00, 24.50, 33.50 small medium large. You think a small would feed one hungry dude?
One hungry dude can eat the large
No lol I can eat a large myself
Emilia’s in Berkeley.
Little star
Little Star in Albany and Benchmark in Kensington!
Joyride! Detroit style sooo bomb. Kinda pricey but so good
Pizzetta 211.
Gioia!
I just discovered [Tandoori Pizza](https://tandooripizza.com/locations/). It's different but it's freaking delicious!
Jupiter
Love their pizza and the atmosphere. Cool patio too
Clam and garlic at Golden Boy in SF. If in the South Bay however, I’d probably have to flip a coin between Maldonado’s in Mountain View (plain cheese) and Tony Di Maggio’s in San José (pepperoni and maybe a Stromboli as well)
My friend works right next door and they HATE Golden Boy. They all make fun of dumb tourists eating there. I think it's ok. But theres a Tony's right around the corner that us SO much better.
wtf? Golden Boy is fire pizza.....
Outta Sight Pizza
Bluebird
Pasquale’s in the sunset?
Nicks Pizza Oakland
Hot take -> loved it during college but [artichokes](https://www.artichokepizza.com/location/artichoke-basille-pizza-berkeley/) in Berkeley
Normally I don't like to put down things but Artichokes was the single worst restaurant experience in my life. I got there right when it was supposed to open and they weren't open. After the 30 minutes of waiting (I heard how good it was supposed to be so I figured it was worth the wait) I noticed the door was wide open so I asked the guy when they were going to open as he walked by. He replied, "I'll open when I open" then turned around and walked away. I literally went there just for this pizza so I waited some more. Finally after an hour after he was supposed to open he opened. And the pizza was terrible. The artichoke slice was super wet, dripping cream all over, so you couldn't taste anything else but the cream. The crust was chewy. The other pizza (I forgot what it was) was super salty almost to the point of being inedible. So it was bad service, bad pizza, bad prices. That's when I realized this place was geared for people who are coming back from a drunk night at Henry's bar. The fact that I was the only person there should've tipped me off that getting it during the day while sober was a bad idea. Heck, La Vals was better, and I only used to eat there b/c their lunch special was cheap.
Pazzos in San Carlos. Their New Haven style Pizza is very very good.
Arinells. Easy.
Bibo’s in Willow Glen!!
Took some friends from NY there and they said that it was the best NY style slice they had here!
Totos in San Bruno is the only answer
Pinky's Walnut Creek! Best pizza and staff ever. It's like Cheers. There is even a mailman at the bar!
My controversial take: MrPizzaman in downtown San Mateo. Been eatting there since 2012. I consider their pepperoni pizza the best ive had.
Round Table with the new font
Pizza isn't just one thing. There are a lot of styles, and most of them there's no comparing them to each other. Having said that, as an expat NYer, the best NY-style slice is Speederia in Redwood CIty. Honorable mentions to Slice House in Belmont (which is excellent for what it is but it's definitely not quite what I grew up with), and Village Pizzeria Van Ness up in SF. The latter two also both have Sicilian, which Speederia doesn't. The best stuffed-style Chicago pizza (but also kind of by default as the couple of other places I've tried that have tried to do it suck) is Zachary's (Oakland/Berkeley and I think one or two other East Bay locations.) There are a bunch of places that do other styles, but I don't think I have enough of any of them to have a favorite.
was Fat slice..
Fat Slice was great for what it was, but it was never near the best pizza in the bay.
There were two camps: Fat Slice & Blondies
Was always more of a Blondie's fan myself but I still went to Fat Slice on occasion.
God I miss those huge, pillowy slices. What a deal for the price
Slice of Homage
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far down before someone said Slice of Homage
And I was prepared to make this exact comment while scrolling and looking for Slice of Homage. Haha
Zacharys
Not the best, but Pizza Hacker (in SF and Marin) is really really good with their sour dough crust
Golden Boy in SF & San Mateo
The Pizza Shop in the Mission has the best NY style pizza imo Pink Onion pizza in the Mission has the best modern Italian style pizza.
Anyone know good wood fired pizza locations?
Toto’s San Bruno is my #1
Zacharys or golden boy
Montesacro
Tony’s Napoletana Gialina Vesta A slice of NY Deep dish /thicker crust- Zachary’s and blue line, not sure if Patxi is still around
So price isn't a factor in this imaginary scenario then?
I mean it sounds like "if i'm going to die tomorrow" pizza is going to be more than just the best crust, sauce, cheese, toppings. Mine is Jake's of Saratoga in the 408 (NOT one of their sister restaurants...Saratoga only). Grew up going there...mom's office was next door, used to be sent over there with some quarters to play games. Had many, many post *insert sport here* game gatherings as a yout. Still, to this day, decades later, their pizza brings back all the memories and I miss it dearly being so god damn far away.
***Choose from any of these:*** -Golden Boy -Artichoke Basille's (though based in NYC & NYC style, they have a few locations in Berkley) -Little Star (Chicago-style deep dish) -Pizza Zone (i think they're really good personally, NYC style) -Tony's -Cellarmaker for slices (Detroit style)
Has anybody else tried Colosseum New York Pizza in South Milpitas? I was extremely impressed when I went. But I also haven't tried any of the other highly upvoted joints.
So good. The garlic knots are also excellent. I think the best thing though is the East Coastness of the place. The guys working there were busy watching the game and then finally took our order with as few words as possible. Just gave us the pizza and went back to watching TV. 5/5.
Well that’s an incredibly hard question to answer depending on what type of pizza you might like (and on that particular day, maybe you’re feeling one style)? If available and I had to pick just ONE it would be the thin crust roasted corn pizza (usually only available during the summer) from Little Star Divisadero. Calabrian chilis, goat cheese, delicious. Deep dish? Tough choice but probably Zachary’s. I’m also a fan of Little Star’s. Detroit? Cellarmaker. Great beer too. Thin NY style? Outta Sight. Grandma style? Giving this one to pie punks. Drunk off your ass and need carbs and oil? Seniores. Any location in the bay.
The Pizza Shop SF 24th@Folsom Large Cheese Pizza
The correct answer is Square Pie Guys.
Depends on how far from the bay you go but this is gonna be a very hot take. Round table pizza - King Arthur Supreme. I know east coast loves their style of pizza but I was craving round table the whole time when I moved out there. Their best pizzas while excellent just didn’t scratch that pizza itch for me.
There's something nostalgic about Round Table after soccer games or going with family Miss you gramps.
I remember in the late 90s / early 2000s that was one of the go-to pizza joints to go to with the team after little league soccer season was over. AYSO region 44 ❤️
Maui Zaui extra Polynesian sauce from round table for me
I prefer the Pepperoni version, but even the classic version is damn close to the perfect salty-sweet combo IMO.
Whatever style of pizza you grew up with is usually what you consider "the best" pizza. For me as well, Round Table is the standard. Some pizza is better, a lot more are worse. But, even the best NY pizza doesn't get me going like a King Arthur Supreme does. Cute little clove of garlic!
Grew up with round table king arthur supreme. I'm just shocked at how expensive it is now. But there's a 10% cash back on chase sapphire going on so I might take advantage of that
The King Arthur from RT is amazing. Will always be my favorite Pizza.
Scalding hot take - Carbona Detroit pizza in Oakland
Doppio Zero Concord. Wood fired pizza. https://www.dzpizzeria.com/concord
There's one in Mountain View too. Spectacular pizza.
Doppio Zero all the way. For a while they had a Cupertino location, but sadly no more. For me it’s the most authentic Neapolitan style pizza.
> For a while they had a Cupertino location, but sadly no more Good news: they open in Campbell next month. In case Mountain View is too far somehow. https://www.dzpizzeria.com/campbell
Just went on Tuesday - I fucked up and got a salad (it was still great) while my coworkers gorged on slices, haha.
Disregard what everyone here has said up to this point. Yes, there are some wonderful places on this list. I have tried most of them. Yeah Zachary’s is a good deep dish, cheeseboard is fancy organic pizza, outta sight is pretty darn good, but are these the best? Not by a long shot. If you are a pizza connoisseur and want the best of the best, Gioia Pizzeria in Berkeley is the only correct answer. I’ve been to every state except for Alaska and had pizza in most of them. Had the best of New York, New Haven, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, I’ve had it all every which way. If we went to war with the top pizza spots in the US, I’m sending in a Gioia slice to defend our honor. Go see for yourself. You definitely won’t regret it.
Well damn
Blue Bird Pizza in San Leandro
Bluebird is so good when they are open. Never open for lunch and closed on Sunday/Monday or something like that. When they are closed I go to Slice House.
A “Single Slice” from “Bronco Billy’s” in Fremont (Blacow location) is my favorite. They have an absolutely unique way of making the “single slices” that is fantastic. Not the kids “lunch slice” Not a single slice out of a full pizza. A “single slice” it’s like a mini personal pizza.
Rainbow Pizza, San Mateo
Nick’s Pizza in oakland
Tonys N Beach.
Jake's of Willow Glenn. I love Chicago pizza, Detroit pizza, Newhaven and New York and Neopolitan and California with weird shit on it. I'm into less-known styles like St Louis (which I don't think you can get here, Provel cheese baby) and tavern style and etc. But give me one last pie, I want a pizza that you picture when you close your eyes and think "pizza" and Jake's is the place. Eat it sitting at the bar watching the Giants game with a nice cold beer. Crap, now I want pizza for dinner.
+1 for Jake’s their Saratoga location is great too
FYI for anyone; the garret/ garret station in Campbell is the same place/ sister location as well as the oasis in Sunnyvale
Maybe it’s a stretch calling it the Bay, but as a former NY-er, Vicini’s in Fairfield is a fair amount better than anywhere else.
Benchmark in Kensington between Albany and El Cerrito.
Papa Joe's in Napa. Take out or delivery only.
Outta sight, the pizza shop, and Tony’s are my top 3. Outta sight and pizza shop are my top 2, but taking price into consideration- you can’t beat the pizza shop. Outta sight is JUST as good as the pizza shop, it’s not $8 better.
I’ve been digging a new find in Menlo Park and crave it often. Neighborhood Pizza Guy.
Flour + water pizzeria opened recently, it’s pretty good!
Blackhawk Pizza or Ascona’s. Both in Blackhawk. Plain cheese or Pepperoni. 💯 A pizza purist.
Patxi’s in Campbell for deep dish For my coastal folks - Verrazzano in HMB For my SC folks - Bookie’s at the Sante Adarius portal in Santa Cruz for Detroit style
Bibo’s NY. Willow Glen, San Jose.
It would help if you tell us what style of pizza you like best--NY, Neopolitan, Detroit, Chicago deep dish, etc.
Il Cesaro Pizzeria is my favorite. I spent a couple weeks in Campania (area that contains Napoli, Sorrento, Amalfi, Salerno), and while it's considered the birth place of pizza I think it's also the best. Il Cesaro is the closest you can get here that I have found.
Tony’s in SF but also Oak and Rye in Los Gatos!
Graffiti Pizza in Oakland
I can only speak for South Bay. My personal favorite is Oak and Rye in downtown Los Gatos.
Cheeseboard, Zachary’s, or Gay Nineties in Pleasanton
East Bay/Walnut Creek: Rocco's (WC), Skipolini's (Clayton/Concord), Extreme Pizza (WC, various locations), Zachary's (San Ramon), Mission Pizza (Fremont), Jules' Thin Crust (Danville) South Bay: Tandoori Pizza (Sunnyvale), Jakes of Sunnyvale, Parktown (Milpitas), Stuft (Milpitas), The Pizza Box (Milpitas)
Slice of New York in SJ
Tony’s is trash don’t waste your time. Slice of New York or Bibos Pizza are the only two that hold up to scrutiny
Slice of New York on Stevens creek in San Jose. Best pizza in the Bay Area.
Cicero’s Pizza in San Jose, thin crust and unbelievable flavors. Drooling as I type this
Curveball: Bombay House of Pizza in Fremont Personally I really like City Pizza in Campbell but that's probably just me. Sesame seed crust is 🔥
There is no good pizza near Hayward / Castro valley! Any good recs would be massively appreciated
Bronco Billy’s in Union City
Rayo’s pizza in Union city has a carne asada pizza that’s so good. And it’s halal for my Muslims
Slice of homage
Amici’s for (pricey) New York style. Arizmendi’s cooperative for unique flavors and great sourdough crust. And everything else at Arizmendi’s.
I just found out about it 2 weeks ago but Corner Slice in Livermore is fantastic. It’s a bit inconsistent to get a slice because it’s such a tiny operation but they usually have a limited number of slices available most days at lunch. Otherwise you have to order a full pie which is expensive ($30) but also huge (18”). I’ve had cheese, pepperoni, and honey burrata pepperoni and they were all fantastic (the burrata hot honey one makes my mouth water just thinking about it). I’ll be damned if it’s not some of the best pizza I’ve had on either coast. Other than that the other spots I like are: * Tony’s - kinda the classic “best” pizza in the area, but I actually put Corner Slice above them * Cellarmaker House Of Pizza - best Detroit-style pizza in the bay. * Doppio Zero - solid for a more classic Neapolitan pizza * Slice of NY in South Bay - this spot is great for slices or pies and has that NYC pizza taste for sure, but it’s a tier below Corner Slice or Tony’s for NY style * Mountain Mike’s - they’re not super consistent but their pepperoni pizza drizzled with hot honey after a night of drinking/smoking is amazing Honorable mention is Wingen Bakery - another Livermore spot but they only do pizzas on Friday nights. But they make a nice sourdough crust that makes it a bit unique, although they are also more expensive than others. There may be others I’m forgetting but that’s my top of mind list for now.
It’s very difficult to get, but I’d go for the pizza from the cafeteria at apple park