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Best Pizza in Santa Barbara (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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With all the pizza places I’ve visited around the world, it’s always exciting to find a new gem. That’s why I decided to do a round-up of some of the best pizza in Santa Barbara.

I tasted twelve different pizzas from several local restaurants and cafes. The results were a mixed bag: some good, some bad, but most surprisingly delicious!

Through my pizza-tasting journey, I discovered some unique combinations that elevate ordinary slices to heavenly heights as well as more traditional offerings that never disappoint.

So whether you’re in town for a quick bite or looking for an unforgettable meal, come with me on this culinary adventure to find the best pizza in Santa Barbara!

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California

#1 4 Eggs & Pizza

When I first walked into the restaurant, I was excited. It smelled like fresh dough and tomato sauce, and there were beautiful decorations around the walls. As soon as I dug my fork into a slice of their cheese pizza, however, I knew that this place was special. The crust was crunchy on the outside while still being fluffy inside, and the sauce had just the right amount of sweetness.

The toppings were even more impressive – they clearly put a lot of effort into each one to make sure they tasted amazing. And let me tell you – they did! Everything from their vegan options to their sausage ones were cooked to perfection.

I’m not usually one for dessert pizzas, but 4 Eggs & Pizza knows how to make them properly. Their apple cinnamon pizza was buttery, sweet and tart all in one bite!

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Santa Barbara, look no further than 4 Eggs & Pizza!

If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 11 more pizza places in Goleta!

#2 Lucky Penny

I was greeted by friendly staff and an even friendlier atmosphere. The decor was warm and inviting with a touch of whimsy — you can’t help but smile when you walk in the door.

The pizza itself was the perfect blend of crispy and chewy, with fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations. On my most recent visit, I had the “Estate Pizza” which was piled high with roasted tomatoes, spinach, goat cheese, truffle oil and balsamic reduction — heavenly!

The best part of Lucky Penny may be the prices. You won’t break your wallet when enjoying a nice dinner out — they really provide value for your money. Top it off with their rotating selection of craft beers — what a way to spend an evening!

All in all, I highly recommend Lucky Penny for anyone looking for the best pizza in Santa Barbara. It’s worth it both for the amazing food as well as the great atmosphere!

#3 Bettina

I’ve tried pizzas from every corner of the world but none have compared to the cheesiness, freshness, and flavor of Bettina’s pizza. From the moment I stepped foot in this delightful Italian restaurant, its quaint atmosphere made me feel like I was in a cozy pizzeria somewhere in my homeland.

The menu has plenty of options that will satisfy any pizza lover’s taste buds. Their signature dish is their Bettina-style cheese pizza, which is composed of three types of cheeses and topped off with their homemade tomato sauce. This is definitely something you can’t miss if you visit this place!

The staff at Bettina are super friendly and accommodating as well. From taking your order to bringing out your piping hot pie, they make sure to check up on you throughout your meal which really makes the dining experience so much more enjoyable.

Overall, Bettina has quickly become my top choice when it comes to finding the best pizza in Santa Barbara! With their delicious selection of pizzas, warm atmosphere and great service, there’s no way you can go wrong here!

#4 Petrini’s Italian Restaurant – Santa Barbara

The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with an excellent selection of alcoholic drinks to help my taste-testing efforts. To top it off, there was also a kid’s menu, so everyone can come and enjoy the deliciousness that is Petrini’s pizza.

Speaking of deliciousness…I took a bite and was immediately smitten by their unique flavor combinations! I couldn’t get enough. And for those with a sweet tooth, Petrini’s offers some delectable desserts to round out your pizza experience.

Unfortunately, they don’t offer delivery services, but I’m more than happy to make the trip out each time in order to savor their amazing pies. Overall, I highly recommend Petrini’s Italian Restaurant – Santa Barbara if you’re looking for the best pizza in Santa Barbara!

#5 Presto Pasta

The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and inviting, and the staff were super friendly. I was glad to see that the restaurant only uses fresh ingredients for their pizzas, making sure each one is just as delicious as the last.

My favorite part of the experience was how creative they get when it comes to their pizza toppings. From something as simple as mushrooms to something more indulgent like sundried tomatoes, Presto Pasta offers an incredibly diverse range of choices.

I also have to give a shout out to their crust – it’s truly unique! You can taste the freshly baked dough in every slice, and it has a nice chewy texture that adds an extra dimension to each bite.

To wrap up my review, if you’re ever in Santa Barbara and looking for the best pizza around town – look no further than Presto Pasta!

#6 Olio Pizzeria

I recently had the chance to visit the restaurant, and boy am I glad I did. Not only did they have a great selection of alcoholic beverages (including hard liquor), but they had some wonderful vegetarian options as well.

The pizza was undeniably delicious – it was thin and crispy, yet still managed to maintain a hint of doughiness that made each bite truly heavenly. Plus, the toppings were so fresh and flavorful – there’s no way you won’t find something that caters to your tastes.

Unfortunately, Olio Pizzeria does not offer delivery services – so if you’re looking for convenience you’ll have to look elsewhere. But, if you enjoy dining out then this is definitely the place for you! Not only does it make a great tourist spot (it has nice views!), but their desserts are insanely good. After having my fill of pizza I moved onto the cannoli – and it was easily one of the best I’ve ever had!

All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Santa Barbara then Olio Pizzeria is definitely worth checking out.

#7 Cali-Forno Pizzeria

I wasn’t expecting much when I stepped into the place – it has a nice atmosphere but doesn’t look like anything special. But boy, was I wrong!

The pizza is out of this world. The crust has just the right amount of crunch, and the sauce is perfectly balanced with a lot of flavor. The toppings are plentiful and of high quality. It’s truly one-of-a-kind pizza!

The service here is top notch, too. Everyone was so friendly and helpful in ensuring that my experience was enjoyable. They even recommended some great pairings with the pizza that complimented it perfectly.

Overall, Cali-Forno Pizzeria really blew me away with its amazing pizzas! If you’re ever in Santa Barbara looking for some good pizza, this is definitely the place to go. I highly recommend it and can confidently say that it’s the best pizza in Santa Barbara!

#8 Gino’s Sicilian Express

When I walked into the restaurant the classic Italian music immediately put me in a great mood. Everything from the quaint atmosphere to the mouthwatering scents of freshly made pizza just hit me like a ton of bricks.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating, allowing me to customize my own pizza so I could make sure it was exactly what I wanted. The end result? A large Sicilian-style pizza with all my favorite toppings!

The crust was cooked perfectly, the cheese melted in just the right way and the toppings were fresh and full of flavor. Every bite of this delightful pie really took me away! And if that wasn’t enough, Gino’s offers a variety of other delicious options and sides for those who don’t want traditional pizza.

All in all, Gino’s Sicilian Express definitely earned itself a five-star rating as far as I’m concerned – they may just have the best pizza in Santa Barbara! If you’re ever looking for an amazing slice in town, this is definitely the place to go.

If you’re willing to go an extra 26 miles, you can get to 13 more pizza places in Ojai!

#9 Taffy’s Pizza

On my first visit, I was immediately greeted with a warm smile and friendly hellos. This set the tone right away as Taffy’s Pizza definitely fits the definition of a family-friendly restaurant. And while it has a cozy atmosphere, don’t think this means they skimp on the quality of their pizza. Quite the opposite – Taffy’s knows how to craft some seriously delicious pies!

The first thing that stands out is the crust – thick but not doughy or overcooked. They strike just the right balance here that makes you want to keep eating more slices. Toppings are also top notch and you can get creative here if you’d like. My favorite is their Hawaiian Pizza which comes with ham, pineapple and caramelized onions for an extra sweet kick!

Overall, if you’re in Santa Barbara it’s definitely worth stopping into Taffy’s Pizza. It may take a bit of searching before you find it as its tucked away in an old shopping center, but it’s worth seeking out as they have some of the best pizza around town!

#10 Fatte’s Pizza Santa Barbara

The first thing that caught my attention on arrival was the atmosphere. It’s a cozy Italian-style pizza joint, complete with red and white checkered tablecloths and lighting that sets the mood perfectly.

As for the food, the pizzas here are top notch. The crust is just the right thickness and crunchy on the outside while staying light on the inside. The toppings are fresh and robust with lots of flavor. I loved their unique combinations like chicken parmesan with olives or chorizo with chili peppers!

What really stands out about Fatte’s Pizza Santa Barbara is how attentive and friendly their staff is. From the moment you enter to when you leave, they go out of their way to make sure your experience is enjoyable – from ensuring your drinks are always full to being extra nice when they bring out your order.

Overall, I am highly impressed with Fatte’s Pizza Santa Barbara! If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Santa Barbara then this is definitely one place not to miss!

#11 OPPI’Z Bistro and Natural Pizza

The menu offers a variety of options, so you can really get creative when building your pizza. The crust is perfectly thin and crispy, made with the freshest ingredients that are brought in daily. The toppings are cooked to perfection, leaving them juicy and flavorful. Plus, they offer a great selection of vegan and gluten-free pizzas that taste just as delicious as their regular offerings!

I’m not sure what it is about OPPI’Z Bistro’s pizza that sets it apart from other places – maybe it’s the combination of fresh ingredients, the perfect ratio of cheese to sauce, or even their commitment to using natural ingredients instead of processed ones. Whatever it is, I can definitely say that this was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had!

In short: OPPI’Z Bistro is by far the best pizza joint in Santa Barbara – if you get a chance to try it out, don’t hesitate! You won’t regret it!

#12 Ca’Dario Pizzeria Veloce

From the moment I entered the restaurant, I could tell that this place was serious about its pizza. The ovens glowed with a cozy warmth, and the smell of fresh dough and melted cheese filled my senses.

The chef at Ca’Dario Pizzeria Veloce clearly knows what he’s doing. Every ingredient is top-notch – from the perfectly crisp crust to the juicy tomato sauce to the bubbly melted cheese – it’s all simply divine. The toppings are equally impressive – whether you choose pepperoni, prosciutto, or some more interesting options like anchovies and artichoke hearts.

What really sets Ca’Dario Pizzeria Veloce apart is their creative twist – they have something for everyone. From classic pies to new inventions like “The Works” topped with salami, pesto, and olives – there’s something for everyone here. Even vegans can join in on the fun with their selection of vegan pizzas.

All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Santa Barbara then look no further than Ca’Dario Pizzeria Veloce!

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Olio Pizzeria

Now, before you start thinking I might have lost my marbles from eating too much pizza, let me explain why Olio Pizzeria tickled my taste buds in the most delightful way.

First and foremost, they serve alcohol. And not just your run-of-the-mill beer and wine, oh no! Olio Pizzeria goes the extra mile and offers hard liquor. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a nice cocktail with their slice of heaven? It’s like a match made in pizza and alcohol heaven.

Now, I know some of you out there are vegetarians, and Olio Pizzeria has got you covered. They have a few vegetarian options that even meat-lovers like myself can’t resist. I must admit, I was skeptical at first, but their veggie pizza was surprisingly delicious. I could almost hear the vegetables cheering in celebration.

But the real kicker is their insanely good dessert. I had the pleasure of trying their tiramisu, and let me tell you, it was like a dance party happening in my mouth. It was so good, I contemplated ordering a second slice instead of dessert. Don’t judge me – it was that good!

And let’s not forget that Olio Pizzeria is a great tourist spot. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect place to unwind after exploring the beautiful city of Santa Barbara.

Now, I do have to mention one downside – they don’t do delivery. So, if you’re feeling lazy and want a pizza delivered to your doorstep, you’ll have to look elsewhere. But hey, it’s a great excuse to get out and enjoy the charming ambiance of Olio Pizzeria.

Overall, Olio Pizzeria is a slice of pizza heaven. The best thin crust pizza in Santa Barbara? I’d say it’s pretty darn close, my pizza-loving friends. Give it a try and prepare for a glorious feast of cheesy, crunchy goodness.