The coastal climate, Mediterranean vibes, and buzzing population make touring San Diego a memorable experience. This experience gets even more exciting when you taste the city’s classic eats like fish tacos and California-style pizza.
If you were to choose between one treat that describes the true essence of the city, it would be none other than San Diego's Pizza. In this city, you’ll find everything from thin Neapolitan crusts to thick Chicago-styled pies. You’ll also get a variety of flavours ranging from traditional Italian to classic American.
The selection gets increasingly impressive when you know the choices of toppings and dips. Dotting all over the city, covering every hotspot, these pizza places are hard to avoid and will surely delight you upon your visit.
7 Pizza Spots In San Diego To Visit
1) Regents Pizzeria
Image Credit: Regents Pizzeria
Regents Pizzeria in UTC serves tasty appetisers like hot wings and crispy Brussels sprouts, but their real star is the pizza. Whether you like New York-style or Chicago deep-dish, they've got you covered. You can grab a whole pie to enjoy later or dive into a slice right away. With 32 beers on tap and a motto about eating pizza and being happy, this spot is about good food and fun times.
Location: 4150 Regents Park Row #100, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 11 am–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–11 pm
Must Try: Hot wings, Buffalo cauliflower, Crispy Brussels sprouts, New York-style pizza, Chicago deep-dish pizza
Price for 2: $20 approx.
2) Angry Petes Pizza
Bringing back a taste of nostalgia, Angry Petes Pizza proudly serves up Detroit-style pizza in San Diego. Founded by Michigan native Pete Harbison, this spot offers a unique pizza experience. Their signature pies feature light and fluffy crusts, topped with ingredients in reverse order for maximum flavour. There's something for everyone from traditional Ezzo SS Pepperoni Pizza to inventive options like McClure’s Motor City PBR. Visit one of their three locations to indulge in crispy, caramelised edges and flavours that have won hearts across the city.
Location: 2734 Lytton St, San Diego, CA 92110
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue: 5–9 pm; Wed-Sat: 5–11 pm; Sun: 5–9 pm
Must Try: Ezzo SS Pepperoni Pizza, McClure’s Motor City PBR (pickles, bacon, ranch), Loose meat "burgers", Coney dogs
Price for 2: $20 approx.
3) Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza
Blue Ribbon has been serving delicious pizzas in North County for over 13 years. Chefs Wade and Kristi Hageman make their pizzas with super thin crusts and a lovely char. They ferment the dough for three days, making it crispy outside and soft inside. Try their Signature pizza with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and lemon zest, or the Staff Favorite with sausage and basil. Save room for their yummy Butterscotch Pudding dessert.
Location: 897 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, San Diego County, CA 92024
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 4–8:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30 am–9:30 pm; Sun: 11:30 am–8 pm
Must Try: Signature pizza, Staff Favorite pizza. Butterscotch Pudding
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) Tribute Pizza
Opened in 2016, Tribute Pizza is a cosy spot in a former post office, run by a true pizza enthusiast. Owner Matt Lyons has carefully crafted every aspect of the operation to make top-notch pizzas, even going as far as sourcing special flour and installing a high-quality wood-fired oven. They offer a variety of pizzas inspired by famous spots like Roberta’s and Pizzeria Bianco, as well as vegan options. Visit their North Park location to enjoy delicious pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, along with local beers and appetisers.
Location: 3077 N Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 4–8 pm; Fri-Sat: 4–9 pm; Sun: 4–8 pm
Must Try: "Neo-Neapolitan" pizzas, Vegan pizzas
Price for 2: $30 approx.
5) Buona Forchetta
Image Credit: Buona Forchetta
Buona Forchetta serves Roman-style pizzas named after the Seven Deadly Sins. Their dough ferments for three days, resulting in a light and airy crust. Over a dozen varieties are available, including favourites like Lussuria with truffle and Invidia with zucchini. Don't forget to try their delicious gelato, with flavours like Roasted Pistachio and Cherry Hazelnut. Visit their new spot, GP Diner in Encinitas, to taste Italy in San Diego.
Location: 3001 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Fri: 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm; Sat: 12–10 pm; Sun: 12–9:30 pm
Must Try: Neapolitan Pizza, Lussuria, Invidia, Montanara
Price for 2: $30 approx.
6) Ambrogio15
Ambrogio15 serves Milan-style pizza with light, thin crusts and organic wines. You can find them at Little Italy Food Hall and Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Their pizzas are made with Petra flour from Italy and rise for 48 hours. Try classics like Margherita or go for the indulgent Hannibal Lecter with spicy salame. You can dine in, order pickup, or get delivery. Enjoy the Milan pizza experience with Ambrogio15.
Location: 926 Turquoise St h, San Diego, CA 92109
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 12–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 12–10 pm
Must Try: Margherita pizza, Hannibal Lecter pizza
Price for 2: $30 approx.
7) Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
Wayfarer Bakery in Bird Rock is renowned for its delicious breads and pastries, and their pizzas are just as good. Every Friday and Saturday, they offer different kinds of pizzas, like ones with meat or veggies, as well as classics like cheese and pepperoni. You have to order ahead and pick up your pizza between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. To complete your meal, they also have salads made with local greens and drinks like wine, beer, or cider that go perfectly with pizza.
Location: 5525 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037
Open Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 8:30 am–2:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 8:30 am–2:30 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm; Sun: 8:30 am–2:30 pm
Must Try: Monthly meat-topped pizza, Seasonal vegetarian pie, Classic cheese pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Salad made with local greens
Price for 2: $20 approx.
While there are numerous pizza places in the city, these seven spots stand out for their delectable pies creating a memorable experience. When you visit, don't forget to order the must-try dishes to make the most out of your trip.