Dishing on the best pizza spots in San Diego that the whole family will love
Best known for its fish tacos, craft brews and tasty juice bars, San Diego is quietly leveling up its pizza game too. And, since most families agree that the perfect pie is an instant mood booster, we’re thrilled to share the best pizza joints in the county. From artisan pizzas in Little Italy to authentic Chicago slices, keep reading for the 12 best pizza spots in San Diego that will have the whole family rejoicing, “That’s amore!”
Buona Forchetta: After biting into a slice of pizza at Buona Forchetta you’ll immediately understand why the business, that started as a small Italian restaurant nestled on a corner in South Park, has grown into a “family of restaurants throughout the county. The owners have mastered the Neapolitan style pie—think blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil. The pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and everyone’s favorite salami to shine. If you’re starving and want to treat the kids to an appetizer try the pizzelle, a deep-fried pizza dough (like a pizza before the pizza).
South Park, Liberty Station & Encinitas
Online: buonaforchettasd.com
URBN Pizza: For delicious coal-fired pizza, this is your pizza place. Their craft pies have a paper-thin crust and toppings that range from the simple pepperoni to the more complex and rich-tasting (B)URBN BBQ Chicken or fresh littleneck clams. Or if you really want something new, try the famed garlic mashed potato and bacon pie. Good to know, the pizza is oblong, so you will have both triangular and square pieces. If you’re looking to add some greens to your meal, the URBN Salad is an excellent choice!
Vista, Encinitas, Del Mar Heights, North Park & San Diego
Online: urbn.com
Blue Ribbon: Slip into a booth in this cozy Encinitas spot after a long day and the whole family will exhale. The restaurant is welcoming and the pies are “blue ribbon” worthy. Be sure to try their “Signature” pizza which has lemon EVOO, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parm-Reg, lemon zest, red onion, and basil. Don’t leave without trying the butterscotch pudding with sea-salt caramel and housemade whipped cream.
897 S. Coast Highway
Encinitas
Online: blueribbonpizzeria.com
Monello: Order the Monello pizza special to satisfy your pizza craving! It comes with spinach, roasted bell peppers, sausage, and a bunch of cheese. Half-pints will happily dig into the Margherita pizza. Also, for dessert, the chocolate custard with berries or the gelato made daily make the meal complete!
750 W Fir St., Ste. 102 B
San Diego
Online: lovemonello.com
7-Mile Kitchen: Where to eat pizza after a visit to LEGOLAND? Try 7-Mile Kitchen, named for Carlsbad’s seven miles of coastline. The pizzas are crafted with house-made dough and baked in a wood-fired pizza oven. Their gluten-free pizza is one of the best tasting around. You’ll also find rotating taps of San Diego’s favorite local, craft beers. And finally, top off dinner with a scoop from their gelato bar.
5420 Grand Pacific Dr
Carlsbad
Online: 7milekitchen.com
Sisters Pizza: Voted runner-up for Best Pizza in San Diego Magazines in San Diego Magazines’ latest poll, Sisters Pizza is making a name for itself throughout the city. Established in loving memory of Kate Green, the older Sisters’ sister, the community-focused pizza restaurant delivers on its passion for pizza and how sharing a slice brings together family and friends. They offer east coast-style pizza you can order by the pie or by the slice, as well as a full Italian-inspired menu with plenty of kid-friendly options. Most pizzas are available gluten-free and come 16″, 18″ or 20″.
3603 Fourth Ave. (corner of 4th & Brookes)
San Diego
Online: sisterspizzasd.com
Leftys Pizza: Only true Chicago expats can deliver the deep-dish beasts that land on your table at Lefty’s Pizza. The husband-wife duo moved to San Diego from the Windy City and strive to bring the best Chicago-style pizza along with a few of their home-town city’s other infamous street treats like Chicago Hot Dogs and Chicago Polish Sausage Dogs to San Diegans. Bite into the “Meaty Pie” or the “Monster of the Midway” and you’ll know they’ve succeeded.
North Park & Mission Hills
Online: leftyspizza.com
Pizzo’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar: This Eastlake spot is the perfect place for families to sit down for an authentic Italian pizza in the South Bay. Pizzo’s is beautiful inside with huge windows that provide a great view of the city. Outside you’ll find patio seating with a grassy area for the kids to play. Besides tempting slices heaping with cheese, your fam will enjoy fresh huge salads with shaved parmesan too. Try their Salsiccia or fennel sausage pizza with roasted peppers, basil, roasted onions, and fresh mozzarella with organic tomato sauce.
2322 Proctor Valley Rd.
Chula Vista
Online: pizzospizzeria.com
Bronx Pizza: Craving a genuine New York slice? Bronx Pizza has been serving New York-style thin-crust pizza to San Diego since 1997. Sit down at this family-friendly, casual spot and take in a little slice of the East Coast while you gaze up at the New York memorabilia that adorns the walls. Not sure which pizza to try? The Whitestone and the Bronx Deluxe are both local favorites.
111 Washington St.
San Diego
Online: bronxpizza.com
Pauly’s Pizza Joint: This friendly, laid-back pizza place known for its thin, crispy New York crust draws in families from all over the county. With outdoor seating, your family can enjoy a fun slice of Christmas Pizza (spinach, bacon, pepperoni, garlic and feta cheese) in the sunshine any time of year. Kiddos also like their Hawaiian-style slices.
6780 Miramar Rd. Ste.105
San Diego
Online: paulyspizzajoint.com
