California is home to some of the most passionate pizza makers in the country, and locals know exactly where to go when a craving hits. From wood-fired Neapolitan pies to deep-dish legends, these spots have built loyal followings that fill tables every single night of the week.
Whether you live in the Bay Area or Los Angeles, great pizza is never far away. Here are 13 California pizza spots that keep the crowds coming back, even on a Tuesday.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco, California
Tony Gemignani is a world pizza champion, and every bite at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana reminds you why. Located in the North Beach neighborhood, this place offers multiple pizza styles cooked in different ovens, each dialed in to perfection.
The Margherita DOC is a crowd favorite, but regulars know to explore the full menu. Lines form early and stay long, even on weekday evenings.
Reservations are smart, but walk-ins are part of the fun here.
Golden Boy Pizza – San Francisco, California
Cash only, counter service, and square slices the size of your face — Golden Boy Pizza has been a North Beach institution since 1978. The clam and garlic slice is legendary among locals and visitors alike.
There is nothing fancy about this place, and that is exactly the point. Late-night crowds pack the tiny shop after concerts and bar crawls.
A few bites of that thick, focaccia-style crust and you will completely understand the obsession.
Flour + Water Pizzeria – San Francisco, California
Flour + Water Pizzeria brings the same ingredient-driven philosophy of its acclaimed pasta restaurant to a more casual, pizza-focused format. The menu rotates with the seasons, so every visit feels a little different and exciting.
Expect naturally leavened dough with a light, airy char that crackles at the edges. The Mission District spot draws a steady crowd of food-savvy San Franciscans who appreciate thoughtful sourcing.
Sharing a few pies with friends here is genuinely one of the city’s great weeknight pleasures.
Pizzeria Delfina – San Francisco, California
Born as a casual offshoot of the beloved Delfina restaurant, Pizzeria Delfina quickly earned its own devoted following. The sausage pie with fennel and housemade links has been a menu staple for years and shows no signs of going anywhere.
Both the Pacific Heights and Mission locations stay buzzing throughout the week. The vibe is relaxed but lively, making it ideal for a low-key dinner that still feels special.
Simple ingredients treated with real care make all the difference here.
Little Star Pizza – San Francisco, California
Deep-dish pizza in San Francisco might sound unexpected, but Little Star Pizza has been winning over skeptics since 2004. Their cornmeal crust gives the deep-dish a slightly sweet, crunchy base that sets it apart from any Chicago original.
The thin-crust options are equally solid if you prefer something lighter. The Diamond Heights and Mission locations both fill up fast after 6 p.m. on weeknights.
Ordering ahead for pickup is a popular move among regulars who know the wait can stretch long.
Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria – Berkeley, California
Every single day, Cheese Board Collective makes just one pizza — and somehow, people line up around the block for it anyway. The daily creation is always vegetarian, always inventive, and almost always sold out before closing time.
This worker-owned co-op in Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto has been a neighborhood anchor since 1985. A live jazz band often plays outside while customers eat on the sidewalk.
It is one of those only-in-Berkeley experiences that feels completely irreplaceable.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza – Oakland, California
Zachary’s has been the East Bay’s answer to Chicago-style deep-dish since 1983, and the stuffed pizza here is something truly special. Layers of cheese and fillings are packed inside a buttery crust, then topped with chunky tomato sauce that bakes into something magical.
Oakland and Berkeley locations both draw long waits, especially during the week when locals treat it as a comfort food ritual. Calling ahead to order a stuffed pie is highly recommended since they take about 45 minutes to bake.
Gjelina Take Away – Venice, California
Gjelina Take Away operates as the grab-and-go sibling of the famous Gjelina restaurant on Abbot Kinney, and the pizzas here punch well above their casual format. Roasted vegetables, interesting cheese combinations, and herb-forward toppings make each pie feel like a mini culinary adventure.
Venice locals pick these up on weeknights as a genuinely elevated alternative to delivery. The thin crust crisps beautifully and holds up well even after a short walk to the beach.
Quality ingredients do the talking here.
Pizzeria Mozza – Los Angeles, California
Nancy Silverton co-created one of the most celebrated pizza restaurants in the entire country when Pizzeria Mozza opened in Hollywood in 2007. The crust here is a masterpiece — crispy at the edge, chewy in the middle, with just the right amount of char.
Toppings like squash blossoms, burrata, and guanciale elevate every pie far beyond ordinary pizza night expectations. Weeknight reservations fill weeks in advance, yet the energy inside always feels warm and celebratory.
This place genuinely changed how Los Angeles thinks about pizza.
Quarter Sheets – Los Angeles, California
Quarter Sheets brought Detroit-style pan pizza to East Hollywood and immediately developed a cult following that shows no signs of slowing down. The rectangular pies come out of the oven with those iconic caramelized cheese edges that crunch and pull in the most satisfying way.
Toppings rotate frequently, keeping regulars curious and coming back. The casual counter-service setup and natural wine list give it a cool neighborhood hangout energy.
Weeknights here feel like a party that just happened to serve incredible pizza.
Prince Street Pizza – Los Angeles, California
Originally from New York City, Prince Street Pizza landed in Los Angeles and quickly became one of the most talked-about slices in the city. The Spicy Spring, loaded with cup-and-char pepperoni that crisp up into little grease-filled bowls, is the signature slice everyone orders first.
The Sicilian-style crust is thick, airy, and perfectly chewy with a crunchy bottom that holds everything together. Weeknight lines at the Fairfax location move quickly but rarely disappear entirely.
One slice is rarely enough — plan accordingly.
Apollonia’s Pizzeria – Los Angeles, California
Apollonia’s serves the kind of oversized, foldable New York-style slices that Los Angeles pizza fans have craved for years. The shop on Fairfax has become a neighborhood staple, drawing everyone from skaters to celebrities in the same relaxed line.
Fresh dough made daily gives each slice a satisfying chew that reheated pizza can never replicate. Classic toppings like pepperoni and fresh mozzarella shine brightest here because the foundation is simply that good.
Weeknights at Apollonia’s always have an upbeat, social energy that keeps people lingering.
Square Pie Guys – San Francisco, California
Square Pie Guys turned San Francisco onto Detroit-style pizza with a playful, boundary-pushing menu that changes regularly and always surprises. The cheese-laced, crispy-edged square pies come in creative combinations that feel bold without being gimmicky.
Collaborations with local chefs and pop-up specials keep the menu fresh and social media buzzing. The SoMa location fills up fast on weeknights, especially when a new limited pie drops.
Fans of funky toppings and a lively atmosphere will feel completely at home here.