Sacramento, the city of trees, culture and the best food, is a hub for some of the best pizzerias you’ll find in the US. Even though the city doesn't have its original pizza style bearing its name, the local gems celebrate the confluence of flavours from the major US cities, creating an unmatched cultural fest that’s hard to see anywhere else.
Be it thin Neapolitan pies, foldable New York slices or thick Chicago pies, there are countless options to try in the city. While embracing the cultures of different cities, Sacramento gems put their own local spin on dishes, which is why every food trail becomes a unique adventure worth treasuring.
There are several long-standing hotspots that are in harmony with the trendy newcomers. And all the options seem too good to miss out on, but it's still quite impossible to cover the area in a few days. Therefore, to start off with the best, here are the top seven picks that you must visit first and try out their signature recipes before going anywhere else.
1) Uncle Vito's Slice of NY
Image Credit: Uncle Vito's Slice of NY
Uncle Vito's Slice of NY is a cherished local pizza joint where people gather to savour the best New York pizza in Sacramento. This pizzeria was opened in honour of the memory of the late Uncle Vito, whose passion for pizza began in Sicily. With three spots across town, Uncle Vito’s pizza is famous all over the city for its genuine New York-style pies, crafted from scratch with top-notch ingredients. The irresistible scent of their freshly baked pizzas calls pizza lovers from every corner, while their delicious cooked wings and drink selections complete the experience.
Location: 1800 15th St ste e, Sacramento, CA 95811
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 5 pm–12 am; Thu-Sat: 5 pm–2 am; Sun: 4 pm–12 am
Must Try: Handcrafted New York-style pizzas, cocktails and beers, "Uncle Vito's Special" Pizza, Wings
Price for two: $20 approx.
2) Giovanni's Old World New York Pizzeria
For the taste of authentic old-school New York-style pizza, Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria in East Sacramento is the best spot. This pizzeria is owned by a family and has been serving the best scratch-made pizza for 20 years. The friendly staff and mouth-watering pizzas make it a go-to spot for pizza lovers in the city. Their thin crust is perfectly crispy, and the flavour combinations are spot-on. Options of take-out and dine-in make it even more convenient. Every week, they introduce a new section of toppings.
Location: 6200 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: Classic Pepperoni Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Supreme Pizza, Meat Lover's Pizza, Veggie Delight Pizza, Giovanni's Special Calzone, Neapolitan Pizza of the Week (rotating specials), Giovanni's Garlic Bread, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza
Price for two: $20 approx.
3) Federalist Pizza
Federalist Pizza is a well-known destination for the best wood-fired pizza in Sacramento and Californian craft beer. This family-run pizzeria offers an awesome menu of drool-worthy pies, with their Pepperoni topping the charts as one of the city's best. From Neapolitan-style to deep dish, the menu features everything you need to curb the cravings, all cooked in locally sourced almond wood-fired ovens. Pair your slice with a selection from their taproom, featuring local brews, craft sodas, and speciality sangria.
Location: 2009 Matsui Alley, Sacramento, CA 95811
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 5–9 pm; Fri: 5–10 pm; Sat-Sun: 12–10 pm
Must Try: Pepperoni Pizza, Neapolitan-style Pizzas, Deep Dish Pies, Freshly Baked Bread, Succulent Grilled Mushrooms, and Choco Taco Dessert
Price for two: $30 approx.
4) Masullo
Masullo is known for their farm-to-table Italian delights. Situated in a charming building, this spot is celebrated for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and daily house-made pasta. Whether you're on a date or out for a casual meal, Masullo will give you the best experience with an array of delectable dishes, from classic pies topped with local produce to interesting appetisers and salads. Vegan-friendly options are also available. With all the creative things going on, you might not notice that they do not add the standard tomato sauce for the base.
Location: 2711 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818
Open Hours: Wed-Thu: 3–9 pm; Fri: 3–9:30 pm; Sat: 12–9:30 pm; Sun: 3–8 pm; Mon-Tue: Closed
Must Try: Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizzas, Daily House-Made Pasta, Appetisers, Salads, And Gourmet Desserts
Price for two: $20 approx.
5) Luigi's Pizza Parlor
Luigi's Pizza Parlor has been an iconic pizza hub in Sacramento since 1953. Upon entering, you’re welcomed by its warm ambience and revamped space. Their delicious speciality pizzas, salads, and sandwiches are served alongside cold beer, making it a memory etched in your heart. Whether you dine in or opt for takeout, Luigi's guarantees mouthwatering pies and friendly service. Open from 2 pm to 8 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, it's the perfect spot for a late lunch or dinner.
Location: 3800 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820
Open Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: "Luigi's Supreme" Pizza, "Classic Margherita" Pizza, "Italian Sub" Sandwich, "Caesar Salad," "Build-Your-Own Pizza,"
Price for two: $20 approx.
6) Zelda's Original Gourmet Pizza
Zelda's Original Gourmet Pizza in downtown Sacramento is famed for its award-winning pizzas, including Chicago-style deep-dish pies like the veg-friendly "Spinoccoli" and zesty "Pesto.” These iconic pizzas are paired with the $1.50 half-pint beers, which makes it a favourite among locals. With options ranging from classic toppings to unique combos like zucchini and pesto, Zelda's offers something for everyone, along with appetisers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta.
Location: 1415 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Open Hours: Fri-Sat: 4–9 pm; Sun-Thu: 5–9 pm
Must Try: "Spinoccoli" and "Pesto" Chicago Style Pizza
Price for two: $30 approx.
7) Delish Pizza
Image Credit: Delish Pizza
Delish Pizza is where you'll get some of Sacramento’s classic treats with standard options and nothing too extravagant. Classic favourites like Hawaiian pizza and Supreme Pizza with Pesto are the bestsellers that you must try first. Pair your meals with desserts like cookie or brownie dessert pizzas, salads, wings, pasta dishes, calzones, and cheesy garlic bread. Their perfected dough and house-made sauces ensure a tasty experience on your every visit.
Location: 2200 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95818
Open Hours: Fri-Sat: 10 am–11 pm; Sun-Thu: 10 am–10 pm
Must Try: Hawaiian pizza, and Supreme Pizza, Dessert Pizzas, Salads, Wings Pasta Dishes, Calzones, Cheesy Garlic Bread
Price for two: $20 approx.