After tasting twelve different pizzas from around the area, I have narrowed down the best places in town. I’m ready to dish out my top picks for the best pizza in Berkeley having experienced delicious slices all over the world.
So get ready to hear about the tastiest pies in town as I take you on an epic pizza journey! Be prepared for some stories and a bit of humor along the way.
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California
#1 State Flour Pizza Company
The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the staff are friendly. The decor is modern and hip. It almost felt like I was in Italy!
As for the pizza itself, it’s simply outstanding. I had a tomato-basil special and it was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. The dough was soft and light, with just the right amount of crunch on the outside. They use only fresh ingredients to make their pizzas, so you can taste the difference. The toppings were top-notch too; everything was flavorful and authentic.
I’m also impressed with their specialty cocktail menu, which includes some unique creations that I haven’t seen anywhere else. My favorite has to be the ‘Fruit Pizza’, which comes with fresh fruits, syrups, and an incredible flavor combination that you won’t easily forget!
In conclusion, State Flour Pizza Company is a great place to grab a slice of pizza or a unique cocktail while visiting Berkeley CA! My verdict? This place serves some of the best pizza in town – definitely worth checking out!
If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Oakland!
#2 Rose Pizzeria
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
From the moment you step inside, you can tell that this place is special. The staff is friendly and welcoming, the interior is inviting and warm, and the tantalizing aroma of pizza baked to perfection fills the air.
Rose Pizzeria boasts a wide selection of delicious pizzas for any taste or preference, with options like classic cheese pizzas to white pizzas topped with garlic and herbs. No matter what I’ve ordered, it’s been cooked up perfectly in their wood burning ovens.
The crisp crusts are light and crunchy, making for a great foundation for all their topping combinations. Plus, since they only use premium ingredients like fresh mozzarella cheese and homemade sauces, you know that each bite will be packed full of flavor!
If you’re ever in Berkeley CA looking for good pizza then look no further than Rose Pizzeria – they make some of the best pies I’ve ever had!
#3 Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
- No delivery
My experience was nothing short of amazing. The decor was inviting and the staff were very friendly.
The best part about my visit was, without question, the pizza! With a delicious blend of topping combinations that made me want to try them all, I truly felt like I had stepped into a dream.
And, as an added bonus, they serve alcohol so you can pair your perfect slice with the perfect drink! They also had some decent vegetarian options for those looking for a meatless option.
If your sweet tooth is anything like mine though, the dessert menu (which changes daily) will make you swoon.
One small downside is that Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria does not offer delivery – so you’ll have to trek on down to enjoy the pizza in-person! But I promise it’s worth it! All in all, this spot is definitely worth adding to your list of must-visit places when you’re in Berkeley CA – it offers some of the best pizza around!
#4 Emilia’s Pizzeria
- No delivery
The moment I stepped in to Emilia’s, the inviting and cozy atmosphere made me feel right at home. Upon seeing the menu, my mouth started to water; they had so many delicious options! After some deliberation (and soul-searching), I decided to go with the classic Margherita pizza.
It arrived hot and smelled amazing. The thick crust was golden and crispy on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside – it was perfect! As for the toppings, generous amounts of fresh mozzarella cheese made up the base, followed by pockets of sweet tomato sauce and fragrant Italian herbs. It was absolutely delectable!
My only complaint would be that they don’t do delivery, which is a bit annoying if you want to enjoy their delicious pies from home. However, I can understand why they don’t – after all, there’s really nothing like eating their pizza right out of the oven in their cozy dining room.
Overall, my experience at Emilia’s Pizzeria was fantastic; their pizza is hands-down one of the best things I’ve ever tasted!
#5 Casa Barotti
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
In my opinion, their secret is in the crust. It’s crispy and chewy at the same time and has a buttery flavor. Their sauce is also very flavorful and not too sweet. The ingredients are always fresh and they use top-quality cheeses.
The staff at Casa Barotti really know how to make a great pizza! I ordered some of their specialty pies and they were amazing! The garlic shrimp pizza was one of my favorites – it had a light creamy sauce with succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. The flavors melded together perfectly!
The restaurant itself is very cozy and inviting. I loved the rustic decor and your waitstaff was friendly and attentive. They even made sure that I tried some of their house-made gelato for dessert – it was absolutely delicious!
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Berkeley CA then look no further than Casa Barotti! With its delicious food and warm atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed!
#6 Nabolom Bakery – Pizzeria.
- No delivery
From the first bite, it was clear that I’d hit the jackpot. The combination of a perfectly thin and chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and freshly-grated cheese created a pizza-eating experience unlike any other.
I also loved their combination of classic and unique toppings. The Hawaiian-style pizza with its pineapple and ham topping was like taking a trip to the islands without leaving Berkeley. And the Caprese pizza brought back memories of Italy with its mozzarella and basil topping.
My favorite part though is probably the friendly service from their staff. Everyone was so helpful in helping me pick out just the right slice for my tastes. They even seemed to remember me when I came back for more!
The only downside to Nabolom Bakery – Pizzeria is that they don’t offer delivery, so you have to go there to get your fix every time. But it’s worth it! Highly recommended if you’re ever in Berkeley looking for an unforgettable pizza experience.
#7 Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
The atmosphere at Zachary’s is homey and welcoming. You can immediately feel the Chicago pizza vibe when you arrive! The tables are filled with locals who all seem to agree that this is the best place for pizza.
The pies are thick and cheesy – in true Chicago style. There are plenty of topping options, from traditional pepperoni or sausage to non-traditional veggies like roasted eggplant. Everything is always cooked to perfection, so no matter what you choose you know it will be delicious!
I was even surprised by their salads, which I wouldn’t typically expect to find on a pizza menu. They offer a great selection of fresh greens, along with toppings like candied pecans and tangy balsamic dressing.
All in all, I can confidently say that Zachary’s Chicago Pizza is the best pizza in Berkeley CA! Stop by if you’re ever in the area – you won’t regret it!
#8 Lo Coco’s
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
The restaurant itself is small yet cozy, with a friendly and welcoming vibe. I love the décor, which feels like a little corner of Italy right here in the East Bay.
When it comes to the pizza, Lo Coco’s does not disappoint. The crust is perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of crunch and chew. Toppings are always fresh and flavorful, and their specialty pies are truly unique! One thing I particularly appreciate is that their pizzas are artfully crafted – no two slices look exactly alike.
I’ve sampled every kind of pizza on their menu at least once (and some twice) and have never been disappointed. Their garlic knots don’t disappoint either – they’re always crispy on the outside and pillowy soft in the middle!
In conclusion, if you’re ever looking for amazing pizza in Berkeley CA then Lo Coco’s should be at the top of your list!
If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Alameda!
#9 Pollara Pizzeria
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
The atmosphere of the pizzeria was great – a cozy Italian restaurant that felt like you were in the streets of Naples. The staff was very friendly and helpful, providing me with some great recommendations for my order.
As for the pizza, wow! It tasted so fresh and delicious! The dough was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The toppings were generous and flavorful; I especially enjoyed their creative combination of cheese, mushrooms and truffle oil. Not to mention the sauce – it had a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors that I can’t get enough of!
Overall, my experience at Pollara Pizzeria exceeded all expectations. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for some delicious pizza in Berkeley CA! In my opinion, Pollara Pizzeria is absolutely worth a visit – it’s definitely one of the best pizzas around town.
#10 Sliver Pizzeria
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
The first thing you notice as soon as you walk in the door is the lively atmosphere. Everyone inside is having a great time, and the staff are so friendly and helpful. But of course, the most important thing is the pizza!
I immediatley noticed how fresh and flavorful all the ingredients were – especially the hand-tossed crust. I ordered the classic pepperoni and it was cooked just right – not too crispy and not too soggy. The toppings were incredibly generous, making for a fantastic combination of flavors.I even tasted some spicy salami which really elevated it to another level.
Overall, I had an incredible experience at Sliver Pizzeria, eating some of the best pizza I have ever had! If you’re ever in Berkeley CA, make sure to stop by this place for the ultimate pizza experience!
#11 Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
I recently visited the restaurant and was almost overwhelmed by the sheer variety of toppings available. From classic Margherita to spicy Fire Roasted Jalapeno, there’s something here for everyone! The pizza crust was delicious – crispy and full of flavor, definitely one of the best I’ve ever had.
The staff at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza were also extremely helpful when it came to choosing my perfect pizza. They answered all of my questions with great knowledge and were very friendly while doing so, which is always a plus in my book!
As far as I’m concerned, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is one of the best pizzas in Berkeley CA. Whether you’re looking for a quick slice or an out-of-this-world gourmet creation, this place has got you covered! So go on and try it; I guarantee you won’t regret it!
#12 GIOIA Pizzeria
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
The atmosphere is great and the staff are extremely friendly. I especially appreciated their knowledge of Italian cuisine, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
When it comes to the pizza, I’m always a little hesitant to rate the best – after all, everyone has different tastes. But GIOIA Pizzeria really takes it up a notch! The crust was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of crunch. The cheese was melted perfectly and had an amazing flavor. And of course, there’s nothing like their homemade Italian tomato sauce – sweet and tangy at just the right time!
I could go on and on about GIOIA Pizzeria’s delicious pizza – from classic Margherita pies to creative Veggie pizzas – but you’ll have to try them for yourself! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner or a special occasion meal, this is definitely one of the best pizza places in Berkeley CA. Bon Appetit!
Best Deep Dish Pizza – Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Does not accept reservations
As a seasoned pizza connoisseur, I was thrilled to stumble upon this little pizza gem. The moment I walked in, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of buttery crust and gooey cheese. My taste buds were dancing with joy, and that was before I even took my first bite.
Let’s start with the deep dish itself. This thing is a masterpiece, a magically cheesy heaven stacked high with generous toppings. Each bite is like a warm, cheesy hug from a long-lost friend. And the crust? Oh my, it’s like biting into a cloud made of butter and love.
What sets Zachary’s apart is not just their pizza, but the overall experience. The fact that they serve alcohol is a stroke of genius. Sitting at the bar, sipping on a cold beer while waiting for your cheesy delight is pure bliss. Plus, they have a few vegetarian options for those herbivore friends of yours who just can’t seem to wrap their heads around the concept of meat.
One downside to Zachary’s is their policy of not accepting reservations. I mean, seriously? Don’t they know who I am? I could’ve easily called ahead and secured a table for my esteemed self. But hey, I guess the popularity of this place speaks for itself. So, if you’re planning on visiting, be prepared to show up early and possibly engage in some friendly elbow jostling to secure your spot. It’s all part of the Zachary’s experience!
Overall, Zachary’s Chicago Pizza is a delightful and delicious tourist spot that serves up some of the best deep dish you’ll find in Berkeley. Just make sure to bring your appetite and a sense of adventure!
