California’s pizza scene sizzles with innovation, blending traditional Italian techniques with West Coast flair. From sourdough crusts to farm-fresh toppings, these pizza havens redefine what makes a perfect slice.
So settle in, get comfy and let’s check this delicious gems out!
🍕 Pizzeria Sei
Los Angeles boasts a pizza boom, with styles from around the world popping up on every corner.
Among these contenders, Pizzeria Sei stands apart as the city’s only Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzeria.
Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team William Joo and Jennifer So, this small but mighty establishment has quickly risen to pizza fame.
Ranked #8 on the 50 Top Pizzas in the United States and #33 in the world, Sei (meaning “six” in Italian) refers to the number of slices in each pizza.
William Joo, who immigrated from South Korea, perfected his craft by studying videos from famous Tokyo pizzerias after working at Providence and Pizzana.
His dedication to the Tokyo-Neapolitan style shines through in every pie.
This unique style features fluffy, pillowy crusts with a distinct aesthetic created by pinching and knotting the dough during shaping.
The result? A perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures that pizza enthusiasts rave about.
What makes Tokyo-style pizza special is the meticulous attention to ingredients and technique.
Joo uses a combination of specialty flours and even adjusts the hydration based on local humidity.
Before each pizza enters the 800°F wood-fired oven, he adds a signature “salt punch” – throwing a bit of salt under the dough while it cooks.
The result is pizza perfection that’s unlike anything else in Los Angeles.
Food Highlights
- Margherita Special: A dine-in only treasure that showcases the essence of Sei’s style with fresh tomatoes, basil, and fior di latte cheese. Many consider this the benchmark for Neapolitan excellence.
- Diavola Pizza: Features soppressata salami, olives, and basil with the perfect amount of spice. At $23, this personal-sized pizza delivers big on flavor with its spicy kick from chili flakes.
- Potato Pizza (Patate): 🥔 A rich, creamy combination of golden Yukon potatoes, shallot cream, ricotta, provolone, thyme, oregano, and pecorino romano. This seasonal favorite consistently ranks as a table favorite.
- Bismarck Pizza: A culinary masterpiece combining fior di latte, prosciutto cotto, egg, pecorino, basil, truffle oil, and sea salt. One reviewer described it as creating “dessert-level culinary euphoria.”
- Tiramisu: The restaurant’s only dessert option, but it’s all they need. Made with mascarpone, lady fingers, espresso, and Valrhona cocoa powder, even non-tiramisu fans call it one of the best they’ve had. 🍮
Atmosphere
Pizzeria Sei occupies a tiny space in Pico-Robertson with an intimate, minimalist vibe that puts all focus on the food.
Bar seating offers prime views of the open kitchen where diners can watch Joo work his pizza magic with mechanical precision.
The space is so small that reservations are highly recommended and sometimes difficult to secure.
Good news for fans: they’re planning to relocate to a larger space in Palms in 2025 that will feature 30-34 seats inside plus patio seating for 15-20 more diners.
While the current space limits their menu expansion, the move will allow for a more comprehensive dining experience.
Even with the size constraints, the service remains attentive and friendly, with staff who know their regulars and their orders.
For the full experience, dine in rather than taking out – these pizzas shine brightest when eaten immediately from the oven. 🔥
Bottom Line
For pizza enthusiasts seeking something truly special, Pizzeria Sei delivers an unforgettable experience.
The Tokyo-Neapolitan style brings together the best of both worlds – Italian tradition with Japanese precision.
While the prices might seem steep ($20-25 for personal pizzas), the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship justify every dollar.
Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or simply someone who appreciates culinary excellence, Pizzeria Sei should top your Los Angeles must-visit list.
Address: 8781 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
📞 (424) 279-9800
🕔 Open Wed-Sun (closed Mon-Tue)
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
In the heart of San Francisco’s Little Italy, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana serves up some of the most exceptional pizza you’ll find anywhere in America.
Owner Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, creates authentic pies in multiple styles, each with dedicated ovens and specific techniques.
The restaurant has earned prestigious accolades, including being rated #2 in the United States and #6 in the world by Italian pizza rating site 50toppizza.it in 2024.
Prepare for a wait – but also prepare for pizza perfection. 🍕
Tony’s isn’t your average pizza joint.
The pizzeria brings together seven different oven types to create authentic renditions of pizza styles from around the world.
From Detroit to New Haven, each style remains true to its roots with specific cooking methods and ingredients.
Tony Gemignani made history as the first American and non-Neapolitan to earn the World Champion Pizza Maker title at the World Pizza Cup in Naples, Italy.
His passion for pizza shines through in every bite.
Most impressively, Tony’s was the first restaurant to introduce several regional pizza styles to California, creating a veritable pizza tour under one roof.
The menu features everything from thin-crust Neapolitan to thick, chewy Detroit-style squares.
The restaurant imports authentic specialty Italian ingredients directly from Naples, ensuring genuine flavors in every slice.
Beyond pizza, visitors can enjoy pastas, Italian entrees, and an extensive wine list featuring both imported and domestic selections.
Don’t miss their specialty cocktails, including their popular Negroni. 🇮🇹
Food Highlights
- Margherita Pizza: Winner for Best Pizza in the World in Naples, Italy, this simple yet perfect combination showcases Tony’s mastery of the Neapolitan style.
- Cal Italia: A gold medal winner at the Food Network Pizza Champions Challenge, this white pizza features asiago, fresh mozzarella, Italian gorgonzola, imported Parmigiano, prosciutto di parma, Croatian sweet fig preserve, and a balsamic reduction drizzle – a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
- New Yorker Pizza: Named “Best Traditional Pizza in the World” at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo, this crowd-pleaser comes loaded with sliced mozzarella, tomato sauce, house-made fennel sausage, pepperoni, garlic, olive oil, oregano, Romano, and dollops of ricotta.
- Detroit-Style Pizza: The Motorhead is a customer favorite, with people from Detroit claiming it’s better than what they get back home – high praise indeed! The thick, chewy crust with caramelized edges delivers pure comfort. 😋
- New Haven Clam and Garlic Pizza: One of Tony’s personal favorites, this East Coast specialty brings authentic New England flavors to San Francisco.
Atmosphere
Located among the Italian restaurants and cafes of North Beach, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana exudes a lively, passionate energy.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but you can join the waitlist through Yelp before arriving. Be prepared for a wait – sometimes up to 90 minutes – but most patrons agree the pizza is worth every minute.
The space brings together pizza lovers from around the world, all drawn by Tony’s reputation for excellence. The restaurant offers indoor seating and some outdoor options, making it suitable for groups, couples, or solo diners on a pizza pilgrimage. 🏆
Bottom Line
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana isn’t just a meal – it’s a pizza education and a taste of championship-winning techniques.
Whether you’re a pizza purist or an adventurous eater, Tony’s diverse menu offers something exceptional.
Few restaurants in America take pizza as seriously as Tony’s, and that dedication is evident in every bite.
For anyone who appreciates the art and science of perfect pizza, Tony’s is a must-visit San Francisco destination. 👨🍳
Address: 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
📞 (415) 835-9888
🕔 Open daily, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (hours may vary by day)
2 For 1 Pizza House
Pizza lovers in Fresno have discovered something extraordinary at the corner of First Street.
2 For 1 Pizza House combines traditional pizza with authentic Indian flavors to create a unique dining experience that’s capturing taste buds across the city.
The restaurant offers a twist on conventional pizza that has locals coming back for more.
Their innovative approach to pizza making sets them apart from the crowd.
When customers walk into 2 For 1 Pizza House, they’re greeted with smiles and the aromatic blend of pizza and Indian spices.
The menu boasts an impressive selection of pizza combinations that you won’t find at your average pizzeria.
The Butter Chicken Pizza stands out as a customer favorite, featuring the classic Indian butter chicken sauce as the base, topped with tender chicken pieces and cheese that creates an unforgettable flavor profile. 🍕
Reviews consistently mention the perfect balance of spices that don’t overwhelm but rather complement the pizza components.
The Tandoori Chicken Pizza brings the distinctive tandoori flavor to a pizza format.
The chicken pieces maintain their traditional tandoori marinade flavor while blending with cheese and sauce to create harmony on your taste buds.
Their Chicken Wings also receive praise, with the Bombay Wings specifically mentioned in multiple reviews as being exceptional. 🍗
Food Highlights
- Family Pleaser Deal: Any 2 Large Specialty Pizzas plus get 1 10″ Cheese Pizza Free – perfect for group gatherings.
- 7 Days Manager’s Special: Order Any 2 Large Specialty Pizzas for the price of 2 Medium Pizzas – a value deal that customers love.
- Butter Chicken Pizza: The undisputed customer favorite combining Indian butter chicken with pizza fundamentals.
- Tandoori Chicken Pizza: Traditional tandoori flavors reimagined on a pizza crust.
- Bombay Wings: Spiced just right with Indian flavors that complement the pizza options.
Atmosphere
The restaurant maintains a small but clean and welcoming environment.
Customers describe the seating as “nice and cozy,” making it suitable for casual dining experiences.
The restaurant combines the comfort of a pizza place with the excitement of trying something new.
The owner takes pride in creating an authentic Indian pizza experience, treating the kitchen like a laboratory where pizza innovation happens daily.
Music plays in the background, adding to the pleasant dining environment. 💃
Bottom Line
2 For 1 Pizza House deserves a visit for anyone looking to expand their pizza horizons.
The fusion of Indian flavors with traditional pizza creates something truly special in Fresno’s food scene.
With generous portions, reasonable prices, and unique flavor combinations, it offers excellent value for adventurous eaters.
The restaurant transforms pizza night from ordinary to extraordinary without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian food looking for something familiar in a new format or a pizza lover seeking new flavors, 2 For 1 Pizza House bridges both worlds deliciously. 🌶️
Address: 7797 N First St, Fresno, CA 93720
🕔 Open Every Day, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM