I’m pretty picky when it comes to pizza, so don’t expect me to settle for anything less than perfect. I’ve sampled 12 different pizza places in the area, and I’m ready to share my findings!
Strap in folks – it’s time for a humorous and lighthearted journey through some of the best pizza in San Marcos CA!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California
#1 Cal-Italia Wood Fired Pizza
- No delivery
I was pleasantly surprised at how good the pizza tasted. From the first bite, I could tell that this pizza was made with love. The crust was cooked just right to give it a slight crunch, while still keeping it soft and fluffy. The sauce was flavorful and had a nice kick of spice, while the cheese melted perfectly over the top. Not to mention, they had an amazing selection of toppings!
The atmosphere in Cal-Italia is also worth mentioning! It’s a cozy little spot with friendly staff and stunning decor. And I have to say that their wood-fired oven creates some of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted!
My only complaint about Cal-Italia is that they don’t offer delivery – so you’ll have to go pick up your pizza yourself. But by no means does that make this place any less great.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best pizza in San Marcos CA, look no further than Cal-Italia Wood Fired Pizza – you won’t be disappointed!
If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Encinitas!
#2 Sorrento’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
It was like a party in my mouth! The first bite was incredible – the cheese melted in my mouth and the freshly-made dough had a nice, chewy texture. The ingredients were also top-notch – from the sun-dried tomatoes to the fragrant herbs and spices, there was an abundance of flavor.
The atmosphere at Sorrento’s is like no other. With traditional Italian decor and music playing in the background, I felt right at home. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which made it even more enjoyable.
All in all, I can confidently say that Sorrento’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant offers some of the best pizza in San Marcos CA. If you’re looking for an amazing experience with good vibes and great food, look no further than Sorrento’s!
#3 Pizza Union
- Offers dessert
I’m always a little skeptical of claiming best-of-anything titles, but Pizza Union truly has earned it with their delicious pies. The crust is perfectly thin and crispy, the cheese is gooey and flavorful, and the toppings are always fresh.
The atmosphere was also enjoyable; the staff was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about their menu items. Plus, all of their ingredients are locally sourced—so you know you’re getting the freshest flavors around.
But what truly sets Pizza Union apart is their unique Italian infused creations. From their Calabrese broccoli rabe pizza to their savory fennel sausage pie, there’s something for everyone! Plus, they offer vegan options too!
If you’re ever in San Marcos CA, make sure to check out Pizza Union for some of the best pizza around!
#4 Eugenio Italian Ristorante
- Serves alcohol
- Has insanely good dessert
- No delivery
The pizza crust was perfectly crunchy and the topping combinations were delicious. My favorite was probably the prosciutto, wild arugula, and truffle oil, though they all had me licking my fingers! But the absolute best part of visiting Eugenio Italian Ristorante is that they serve alcohol. With a glass of red wine in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other, I could really relax and savor every bite.
Not only does this restaurant have amazing pizza, but it also has insanely good desserts! Between their tiramisu, cannoli, and torta cioccolato, I had to choose my favorite – Tiramisu! And if that wasn’t enough to put Eugenio Italian Ristorante on your list for dinner plans this weekend – there’s one more thing: no delivery option! That means you’ll have to visit in person to try out these amazing pizzas! So save up your appetite, grab your friends and head down to San Marcos CA for some of the best pizza around!
#5 Killer Pizza From Mars
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Great place to watch sports
- Nice tourist spot
- No delivery
This unique pizzeria not only serves some of the most delicious pizza I’ve ever had, but they also offer beer, dessert, and a great spot for tourists to experience. Plus, it’s a great place to watch sports!
The downside? They don’t deliver. But with pizza this good, it’s worth the drive! My personal favorite is the Killer Pizza: loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, and extra cheese. However, if that’s too much for you there are dozens of other delicious options.
If you’re looking for the best pizza in San Marcos CA – look no further than Killer Pizza From Mars!
#6 Manhattan Giant Pizza
- Offers dessert
To start off, I have to say their pizza crust is out of this world. It had the right amount of crunch, and was cooked to perfection. The sauce was just tangy enough to make it really stand out.
The toppings were definitely some of the best around – from pepperoni to sausage to mushrooms, everything was flavorful and fresh. There wasn’t one topping that felt out of place or unappetizing.
The overall size of their pizza was impressive – not too big, not too small. It’s the perfect meal for sharing or indulging all on your own (which is what I did).
I’ve tried a lot of different pizzas in my travels, but Manhattan Giant Pizza stands above the rest. If you’re ever in San Marcos CA, head on over for the ultimate pizza experience!
#7 Station Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Great place to watch sports
- No delivery
When it comes to atmosphere and ambiance, I always feel at home at Station Pizza. On top of that, they serve alcohol, making it a great spot to watch the big game with friends.
Pizza-wise, the toppings are always fresh and perfectly seasoned. The crust is cooked perfectly every time and not too thin or thick. Whether you like your pizza deep dish or thin crust, their pies will satisfy any craving.
The only downside is that they don’t offer delivery, so you have to come on down for a slice! That being said, it’s still one of my favorite pizza spots in all of San Marcos. I’m pretty sure that once you try Station Pizza for yourself, you’ll be hooked in no time!
#8 Buona Forchetta – San Marcos
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol
- Has insanely good dessert
- No delivery
The atmosphere was very inviting, with subtle decor and a lovely outdoor seating area. I decided to sit inside and take advantage of the full bar. The selection of alcohol was great and the bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable.
The menu had a good selection for all types of eaters, including a kids’ menu, which my son really enjoyed! We ordered their signature pizza and it did not disappoint – the toppings were plentiful and the dough was cooked just right. There was even some delicious garlic knots on the side that added an extra something special to our meal!
Although Buona Forchetta doesn’t offer delivery, we did not mind at all since everything tasted so good! To top off our meal, we had their insane desserts, which were out-of-this-world amazing!
Overall, Buona Forchetta is definitely one of the best pizza places in San Marcos CA that I have ever visited. Whether you are looking for a beer after work or an amazing dinner with friends and family, this is definitely the place to go!
If you’re willing to go an extra 6 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Vista!
#9 Amalfi Marina Bar (Dockside)
- Offers dessert
- Great place to watch sports
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
When I first arrived, I noticed the stunning dockside location was quite conducive for a great pizza experience. The outdoor seating was right next to the harbor, and the view of the sunset over the water made me feel like I was dining in another world!
The pizza itself was amazing, with a thin and crispy crust that had just the right amount of char, and a tangy tomato sauce that packed some serious flavor. The cheese was melted perfectly and it came out hot and bubbly! We tried all sorts of toppings including mushrooms, pepperoni, olives and peppers – everything was cooked just right.
I’ve been to a lot of other pizza places around the world, but Amalfi Marina Bar stands apart from its competitors. They clearly take pride in their product; from their quality ingredients to their attention to detail when cooking – they guarantee an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in San Marcos CA, Amalfi Marina Bar is where you should be headed!
#10 Palomar Pizza & Pasta & Salad
- Offers dessert
The menu is vast, with enough choices to please any palate. I had the classic pepperoni slice, which was cooked to perfection and flavored with just the right amount of garlic and oregano. The crust was light and crunchy, making it a divine experience.
The other items on the menu were equally tantalizing, including their wide selection of pastas, salads, and desserts. Even their sides could stand out as some of the best around—their Parmesan toast was especially delicious!
I also appreciate how friendly and helpful the staff are here at Palomar Pizza & Pasta & Salad. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating; you really get a sense that they care about your experience here.
If you’re looking for the best pizza in San Marcos CA, look no further than Palomar Pizza & Pasta & Salad! I highly recommend this place for its delicious food, welcoming environment, and great service!
#11 Pizza Nova
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
- Great place to watch sports
- Has some vegetarian options
The pizza itself is delicious and the service is top notch. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I felt welcomed. The staff was friendly and helpful, eager to answer any questions I had.
The crust at Pizza Nova is perfectly crunchy – not too thick or thin – and full of flavor. Toppings are generous and always fresh and tasty. Plus, the tomato sauce has just the right amount of spice for a great kick!
I often find myself daydreaming about that pepperoni pizza from Pizza Nova! It’s easily some of the best pizza I have ever eaten – and I’m an experienced food critic who has tried plenty of pies in my travels around the globe!
If you’re looking for some amazing pizza in San Marcos CA, look no further than Pizza Nova! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
#12 Shanes Pizza and Pints
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Great place to watch sports
The whole experience was a delight for my taste buds – from the crispy crust, to the savory sauce, and even the unique toppings. The pizza is all made fresh, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best quality ingredients.
I especially love that they offer such a wide selection of pies. Whether it’s plain cheese, pepperoni, or something more exotic, like jalapeno-pineapple, there’s always something that’ll satisfy your craving! Plus, the prices are very reasonable so you don’t have to break your budget to get a delicious pie.
The atmosphere at Shanes Pizza and Pints is also top notch. The restaurant itself has a fun vibe right when you walk in and their staff is super friendly and helpful. And don’t forget about their great selection of pints – nothing goes better with pizza than an ice cold beer!
Overall, I’d highly recommend Shanes Pizza and Pints if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in San Marcos CA!
Best Thin Crust Pizza – Pizza Nova
- Great place to watch sports
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Does not accept reservations
- No delivery
Let’s start with the upsides. Now, any pizza joint that serves alcohol gets a gold star in my book. But Pizza Nova takes it a step further by slinging hard liquor as well! I can enjoy a refreshing beer or get my spirit on with a cocktail while I devour their mouthwatering pizza. And don’t worry, my vegetarian friends, they’ve got some options for you too! You won’t be stuck picking off toppings or getting stuck with a sad cheese-only slice.
Now, here’s the kicker – they have dessert! Because what’s better than indulging in a heavenly slice of pizza? Indulging in a heavenly slice of pizza and then topping it off with a sweet treat! Talk about a match made in pizza heaven.
Oh, and did I mention it’s a nice tourist spot? So, while you’re satisfying your pizza cravings, you can also people-watch and soak in the buzzing atmosphere. And for all you sports fanatics out there, rejoice! Pizza Nova is a great spot to catch a game, so you won’t miss a single touchdown or three-pointer.
Of course, no place is perfect, and Pizza Nova does have its downsides. For one, they don’t deliver. So, if you’re feeling lazy and just want to devour a pie in your PJs, you’re out of luck. And on top of that, they don’t accept reservations. So, be prepared to elbow your way through the crowd, but hey, it’s worth it for that delectable thin crust goodness.
Overall, if you’re in search of the best thin crust pizza in san marcos, Pizza Nova is a must-visit. Great food, fun atmosphere, and the fact that they serve alcohol (including hard liquor!) make it a top choice for any pizza enthusiast like myself.