After scouring the area, I decided to get serious and crunch some numbers to see which places have the best scores. I don’t take food criticism lightly, so I visited 12 different pizza places in Oakland CA to compare them across a range of factors.
My criteria included taste, cost, atmosphere, and quality of ingredients. With that in mind, let’s take a look at where you should be going if you’re looking for the best pizza in Oakland CA!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California
#1 Edible Happy Pizzeria
The staff is friendly, the space is cozy – it’s just a great atmosphere to enjoy a meal. The menu has something for everyone, and the options are enough to customize your order just the way you like it.
But I’m here to talk about the pizza – and it does not disappoint! The crust is thin but crispy and holds up perfectly against the toppings. The cheese melts evenly and adds a depth of flavor that really makes each slice pop. My favoriteSpecialty pie is The Sicilian, which comes loaded with pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, and garlic that could probably make a vampire run for cover!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for great pizza in Oakland CA then Edible Happy Pizzeria can’t be beat! With generous portions, fresh ingredients, and unbeatable prices this should be your go-to spot when you need your pizza fix.
If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Alameda!
#2 Hesher’s Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- Great place to watch sports
The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven that gives the dough a perfect, smoky flavor. The simple yet flavorful toppings are fresh and delicious as well. I had the classic pepperoni which was full of flavor and blew me away with its gooey cheese and crisp crust.
Service at Hesher’s Pizza is always on point and the staff is very friendly and welcoming. Everything about this place screams comfort food heaven. It’s the kind of atmosphere where you can relax, grab a beer from their selection of craft brews, and dig into some great pizza.
Overall, if you want to experience the best pizza in Oakland CA, give Hesher’s Pizza a try – you won’t be disappointed!
#3 Pizzeria Violetta
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
My first visit to the restaurant was a pleasant surprise indeed. The staff were super helpful, and the atmosphere was welcoming. I especially enjoyed the Italian music playing in the background, which added to the overall experience!
When it came to the food, well let me just say – WOW! This was some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. The crust was nice and crispy with a hint of sweetness that only made it even more delicious. Their toppings were flavorful and plentiful – perfect for someone who loves their pizzas loaded with toppings like me. As for the sauce – it was oh-so-tasty and had just right balance of spices.
All in all, Pizzeria Violetta certainly deserves its reputation as some of the best pizza in Oakland CA. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in town!
#4 Dimond Slice Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
From the moment I stepped into the family-owned pizza shop, I was greeted with a warm welcome and an inviting atmosphere. The staff took great care to explain their menu of specialty pies—each with unique ingredients and cooked to perfection.
The pizza itself was nothing short of amazing. Dimond Slice offers several types of wood-fired pizzas, each made with fresh ingredients that gave it a delightful smoky flavor. The crust was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle—just like you’d expect from a top-notch pizza place!
My favorite pizza topping at Dimond Slice is their house-made sausage. It’s juicy, flavorful, and not too spicy; it goes wonderfully with the house marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Oakland CA, look no further than Dimond Slice Pizza! From friendly service to delicious food, this eatery will definitely satisfy even the pickiest of palates.
#5 Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
It’s no wonder why this restaurant is so popular – their deep dish pies are truly something special. The crust is perfectly light and crunchy, and the toppings are savory and generous. Not only that, Zachary’s has a great selection of pizzas to choose from, all with unique flavor combinations.
I recently tried the bacon cheeseburger pizza at Zachary’s and it was amazing! The beef was cooked to perfection and the bacon added a great smokiness to the pie. The cheese melted perfectly and enhanced all of the flavors to create a memorable culinary experience.
The atmosphere at Zachary’s is also top-notch. They have an open kitchen with an Italian-inspired interior, so you can watch them as they prepare your pizza right in front of you. Plus, they have a lively bar area where you can enjoy delicious cocktails while waiting for your order.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Oakland CA, look no further than Zachary’s Chicago Pizza! From the amazing flavors in each dish to the inviting atmosphere, this restaurant will definitely exceed your expectations!
#6 Spinning Dough
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
The pizza at Spinning Dough is like no other. Their crust has the perfect balance of crunch and chewy. The toppings are always fresh and flavorful, and the pizzas have a unique spin on traditional flavors. From their classic Margherita to spicy Soppressata, there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re looking for a special treat, try their signature deep-dish creation! It’s like a giant calzone filled with cheese and your favorite toppings. The thick crust and gooey center make it an eating adventure that shouldn’t be missed.
But what really makes Spinning Dough stand out from the rest is their service. They always seem to find the perfect balance between friendly conversation and efficient service – you don’t ever feel rushed when you order your food.
From their dimly lit atmosphere to delicious food, Spinning Dough definitely gives you an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in Oakland CA – in my opinion, they make the best pizza in town!
#7 Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
When I walked in, I could tell that the restaurant staff was passionate about their pizzas. The smells emanating from the open kitchen tantalized my taste buds and made it impossible to resist ordering a large pie.
The pizza itself was cooked to perfection – crispy and chewy crust, generous toppings, and just the right amount of cheese. The balance between the flavors of the sauce and cheese was spectacular! It’s no wonder they’ve won numerous awards for their pies.
I also loved their creative topping combinations – like roasted sweet peppers and mushrooms, margherita with artichoke hearts, or pesto vegetarian – all of which are sure to please any pizza lover! And as an added bonus, you can also order specialty pies like Sicilian-style deep dish or stuffed with pepperoni.
To top it off, Zachary’s Chicago Pizza has great service that pairs perfectly with delicious food. My server was friendly and knowledgeable about their menu offerings and helped me make a delicious selection that left me completely satisfied.
To sum up my experience at Zachary’s Chicago Pizza: it was one of the best experiences I’ve had when it comes to pizza in Oakland CA. Their high-quality ingredients, amazing topping combinations, fantastic service, and great atmosphere all contribute to this being one of the best pizza places I’ve ever visited!
#8 Nick’s Pizza and Bakery Made in Oakland
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
The atmosphere of Nick’s is fun and inviting; it has all the charm of a classic Italian pizza joint. The wood-fired ovens are always busy with chefs making mouth watering pies. They offer many unique varieties including traditional classics, house specialties and vegan options.
The pizzas at Nick’s are all made with fresh ingredients and their signature blend of spices. You can easily customize your order to make something that suits your personal preference – they even let you pick the size!
The crust on the pizzas is always light and crispy, with just the right amount of charring. On top, you will find fresh, flavorful ingredients in abundance – from cheesy sauces to savory meats and juicy vegetables. Each slice has a perfectly balanced flavor profile that truly elevates it above the ordinary pizza experience.
My favorite thing about Nick’s Pizza is their incredible selection of desserts – no matter what you’re in the mood for, they have a delicious option! I’ve personally tried their cinnamon rolls, lemon bars, and cannolis – all were absolutely amazing!
So if you’re looking for some great pizza that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience, look no further than Nick’s Pizza and Bakery Made in Oakland – it’ll be one of the best pizza experiences you’ll ever have!
If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Berkeley!
#9 Lo Coco’s
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
The moment I stepped inside, the lively atmosphere and tantalizing smells immediately grabbed my attention. As I looked around, I was pleased to see that the restaurant had a cozy vibe with bright colors, comfortable seating, and plenty of decorations.
The menu features a variety of classic pizzas as well as some unique creations that were tempting enough for me to try them all! The best part is that they offer vegan options too. I decided to go with their popular double pepperoni pizza and it did not disappoint! It was cooked perfectly and came loaded with flavorful toppings.
I’m usually picky when it comes to crust but Lo Coco’s got it right! It had just the right amount of crunch and chewiness that I look for in a good slice of pizza. Plus, they serve up some delicious house-made sauces which really add to the flavor.
To top off my experience at Lo Coco’s, their friendly staff always goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service. Whether you’re in for a quick bite or staying for dinner, you’re always treated like family here. And who doesn’t love great service?
Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Oakland CA, then look no further than Lo Coco’s!
#10 Philomena
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Great place to watch sports
From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was inviting and cozy, and the staff welcoming. But what really impressed me was the pizza! The crust had an irresistible crunch with just enough chewiness, and their toppings were fresh and flavorful.
The best part about Philomena’s pizza is that they don’t skimp on quality. The cheese melted perfectly over each slice, creating just the right balance of salty-sweet goodness. And although they offer a wide variety of toppings, my favorite (by far) is their house-made pepperoni–it has a delightful zing to it that really takes the flavor to the next level.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Oakland CA then look no further than Philomena. Whether you’re craving a classic marinara pie or something more creative and unique–you won’t be disappointed!
#11 Bare Knuckle Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
The minute I stepped through the door, I knew that this place was something special. The smell of freshly-baked pizza wafted through the air and I was instantly excited to try some!
The inside of the restaurant has a unique atmosphere with brick walls that give it a warm, cozy feel. On top of that, there’s a ton of vintage arcade games to enjoy while you wait for your meal!
I had the opportunity to try several different pizzas here and they were all amazing. My favorite one is their signature Bare Knuckle Pie which features a homemade garlic crust topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, asiago sauce and grilled onions. It was truly one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had in my life!
Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Oakland CA, then look no further than Bare Knuckle Pizza. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is great – you won’t be disappointed!
#12 Pizzaiolo
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has insanely good dessert
- Nice tourist spot
The first thing I noticed about this restaurant were the fresh ingredients. The tomatoes were juicy, the mozzarella was creamy, and the dough was light and fluffy – all the makings of a fantastic pizza! But what really blew me away were all the topping choices; there were so many options that I couldn’t decide which combination to get!
I eventually settled on their “Signature” pizza, which had a generous amount of pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives. The pie was thin and crispy with noticeable charring. It was cooked perfectly – not too soggy or chewy. Every bite was a delightfully cheesy explosion of flavor!
But honestly, it’s not just about the pizza at Pizzaiolo – it’s also about atmosphere. The place is cozy yet lively, perfect for a casual night out with friends or family. The staff are friendly and willing to cater to your every need. Plus, they have an impressive selection of beers and wines at reasonable prices.
At the end of the day, Pizzaiolo is simply one of the best places in Oakland CA for pizza lovers like me. If you’re ever in town looking for some quality pies (and perhaps some beer!), do yourself a favor: check out Pizzaiolo!
Best Wood Fired Pizza – Forge Handcrafted Pizza
- Offers dessert
- Great place to watch sports
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
Picture this: a cozy restaurant with a wood-fired oven that is hotter than the sun. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the intoxicating smell of smoky goodness. It’s like a siren calling you towards the pizza paradise.
The menu features an impressive array of toppings, from classic margherita to inventive creations like the El Diablo with fiery spices and jalapeños that will make your taste buds dance with delight. The dough is stretched and slapped around like a pizzaiolo taunting gravity, ensuring the perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness.
The waitstaff is as lively as the pizzas they serve, and they have a knack for making you feel like an old friend. The service is prompt, but not too rushed, giving you ample time to marvel at the rustic decor and ponder life’s most important question: how many slices can I fit in my stomach?
And let’s not forget the beverage selection! From local craft beers to carefully curated wines, Forge has you covered. Trust me, nothing pairs better with pizza than a pint of hoppy goodness or a glass of velvety red.
As I reluctantly bid farewell to this temple of dough and fire, I realize that Forge Handcrafted Pizza has achieved the impossible: it has made me question my life choices. How can I ever eat a slice of pizza without comparing it to the masterpiece that I have just experienced?
In conclusion, Forge Handcrafted Pizza is not just a restaurant; it’s a wood-fired wonderland that will transport your taste buds to new heights. Don’t walk, run there now and say hello to pizza perfection!
