7 California Pizzerias Are Ranked Among Top 50 In U.S.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Some of the best pizza in the country is found in California, according to the new 50 Top Pizza guide based on the findings of a team of inspectors who anonymously evaluate pizzerias around the world.

“Year after year we are noticing changes in pizzerias across the United States that have led to increasingly interesting ideas and that are good for the entire industry,” guide curators Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro, and Albert Sapere said in a statement. “We would also like to mention that the different styles of pizza that our inspectors get to enjoy are also getting more numerous. This is a good thing because it creates a wider variety for the customer.”

According to their list, the best pizza in California can be found at Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles, which ranked 2nd on the list of the nation’s top pizzerias, according to an international taste test.

The review (translated from the original Italian) says: “Pizzeria Sei is a gem in the heart of Los Angeles that has earned a loyal following thanks to its essential yet refined approach to pizza. The menu is concise, designed to enhance the quality of the ingredients and the precision of the preparations. The aesthetics of the restaurant and attention to detail reflect a minimalist taste that perfectly complements the city's atmosphere. Each pizza is made with meticulous care, respecting timing, temperatures, and proportions that enhance every element. The experience at Pizzeria Sei is intimate and focused: few seats, attentive service, and a quiet energy that invites contemplation of taste. It is a perfect destination for those seeking a modern and refined interpretation of pizza, without frills, but with deep expertise. A successful balance of elegance, technique, and respect for simplicity.”

Other Pizzerias that ranked high in California, (along with their national rank,) are:

#2. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. #3 on the list. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, 1570 Stockton Street, San Francisco.
“The ingredients are of the highest quality, many coming from Naples and Italy. His commitment to social causes is great, and his search for artisanal producers who focus on quality is strong. Excellent selection of Italian and Californian wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits. The service is perfect.

#3. Truly Pizza. #9 on the list. Truly Pizza, 24402 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point.
“The multi-champions Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen are busy in the wood-fired ovens at Truly Pizza. Great care in the beverage selection, perfect and professional service. A must-visit.”

4. FLOUR HOUSE: #19 on the list. Flour House, 690 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
"Among the Neapolitan-style pizzas, we recommend trying the Queen Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil to finish. A really great dessert menu.”

#5. NARDO: #24 on the list: Nardò, 21022 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach.
“The selection of appetizers and first courses is good, but the pizza is the real highlight. A pleasant stop for those looking for authentic flavors in a relaxed atmosphere just a stone's throw from the ocean.”

#6. TRIBUTE PIZZA: #34 on the list: Tribute Pizza, 3077 North Park Way, San Diego.
“The restaurant’s aim is to recreate the atmosphere of a neighborhood pizzeria where everyone feels comfortable. In addition to pizzas, the menu includes salads and sandwiches, as well as a variety of pizzas to suit all tastes."

#7. ROSE PIZZERIA: #50 on the list: Rose Pizzeria, 1960 University Avenue, Berkeley:
"A small restaurant in downtown Berkeley. “We try to make the best pizza we can using thoughtful ingredients.”

If you’re a connoisseur of pizza and are traveling this year, here’s the complete list:

1. Una Pizza Napoletana, New York City
2. Pizzeria Sei, Los Angeles
3. Tony;’s Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco
4. Jay’s, Kenmore, New York
5. Ribalta, New York City
6. Robert’s, Chicago
7. Don Antonio, New York City
8. Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Portland, Oregon
9. Truly Pizza, Dana Point, California
10. ’O Munaciello and La Leggenda, both of Miami (tie)
11. Pizzeria Beddia, Philadelphia
12. Razza, Jersey City, New Jersey
13. Pasquale’s, South Kingstown, Rhode Island
14. Kesté, New York City
15. Ops, New York City
16. Pizza Secret, New York City
17. Partenope Ristorante, Dallas
18. MPN - Mission Pizza Napoletana, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
19. Flour House, San Luis Obispo, California
20. Fabrica Pizza, Tampa, Florida
21. Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana, Gaithersburg, Maryland
22. Il Forno, San Antonio
23. Coals, Louisville
24. Nardò, Huntington Beach, California
25. GRANA, Portland, Oregon
26. Craft 64, Scottsdale, Arizona
27. Valentina’s, Madison, Alabama
28. Bricco, Haddon Township, New Jersey
29. Nostrana, Portland, Oregon
30. Antico Pizza, Atlanta
31. Pizza Delicious, New Orleans
32. A Modo Mio, Arlington, Virginia, and Salsa, New York City (tie)
33. Pizza Rock, Las Vegas
34. Tribute Pizza, San Diego
35. Zeneli, New Haven, Connecticut
36. Posto, Somerville, Massachusetts
37. Audace, New York City
38. Leña, Cleveland
39. Pizzeria Florian, East Aurora, New York
40. Pasquale Jones, New York, City
41. Pizza Baby, Charlotte, North Carolina
42. Penelope Pizza, Tucson, Arizona
43. Double Zero Pie and Pub, Las Vegas
44. Coda di Volpe, Chicago
45. Angeli’s Pizzeria, Baltimore
46. Lincoln Winebar, Mount Vernon, Iowa
47. Hapa Pizza, Beaverton, Oregon
48. Stretch Pizza, New York City
49. Si Cara, Cambridge, Massachusetts
50. Rose Pizzeria, Berkeley, California