After tasting slices of pizza from over a dozen places in this Bay Area city, I’m happy to share with you my pick for the best pizza in Castro Valley!
It’s been an adventurous journey around town, full of cheesy surprises and some interesting toppings. Hopefully you’ll get a chuckle out of my humorous and lighthearted review.
But don’t let that fool you – I’m taking my pizza seriously. Read on for an honest assessment of the 12 places I visited in order to determine the very best pie Castro Valley has to offer.
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California
#1 Susie Q’s Pizza
When I walked through the door, I was immediately charmed by the jazzy music in the air and friendly staff. The atmosphere was inviting, and had me looking forward to what would come next!
I wasn’t disappointed when it came to the pizza. It was cooked to perfection, with a light and crispy crust that wasn’t too thick or thin. The toppings were generous, but not so much that it overwhelmed the taste of their delicious dough.
I tried two pies—the Veggielicious and the Supremo. The Veggielicious was in its own league, with lots of flavor from mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, zucchini and more! Not to mention a generous helping of cheese. And while the Supremo is pretty typical among pizzas out there, Susie Q’s version stood out due to its perfect execution—it didn’t feel heavy or greasy despite all of its toppings!
In short: Susie Q’s Pizza has definitely earned my seal of approval as the best pizza in Castro Valley! Whether you’re looking for a classic slice or something new and exciting like their Veggielicious pie, it’s worth checking out this hidden gem!
If you’re willing to go an extra 3 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in San Leandro!
#2 Marina Pizza Parlor
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
My first visit to Marina Pizza Parlor was an experience I’ll never forget. The delicious smells of fresh pizza emanating from the restaurant were enough to make my mouth water. But the real surprise came when I tasted their pizza — it was amazing!
The crust was perfectly thin and crispy with just enough chewiness, and their sauce had the perfect balance of spices. The toppings were generous and flavorful, without overpowering the other flavors in the pizza. As a hardcore food critic, I can say that this is some of the best pizza I’ve had in my travels!
Aside from their amazing pizzas, Marina Pizza Parlor also offers an extensive selection of other Italian favorites such as lasagna, calzones, and more. This place is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for some good old-fashioned Italian food in Castro Valley.
#3 MOD Pizza
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
This place is seriously a hidden gem. It has modern decor, friendly staff, and their signature pizzas are simply delicious. I tried their “MOD Original” which was topped with mozzarella cheese, classic red sauce, and pepperoni – it was absolutely scrumptious.
The great thing about MOD Pizza is that you can customize your own pizza as well! You get to choose from a variety of toppings including sausage, mushrooms, jalapeños, pineapple etc. And the best part is that you don’t have to pay extra for each topping – one price covers all of your choices!
The service here is also better than most places. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to recommending different toppings and flavors; they really make sure you get the best pizza possible.
In conclusion, if you’re ever in Castro Valley looking for some of the best pizza out there – look no further than MOD Pizza!
#4 Villa Roma Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
From the moment I walked in, the buzzing energy of the restaurant was palpable. The friendly staff welcomed me with a smile and made sure my experience was as enjoyable as possible.
The menu features classic Italian dishes like calzones, strombolis, and chicken parmesan in addition to their delicious pizzas. I sampled a few slices of the pizza and each one was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of sauce-to-cheese ratio. The crust was perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – absolute perfection!
But what really made this place stand out among its competitors is their selection of locally sourced toppings that really kick up their pies to another level. The mushroom topping had just enough truffle oil to give it an earthy flavor without overpowering everything else, while the pepperoni provided a nice spicy kick that provided great contrast when combined with the mozzarella cheese.
Overall, I can confidently say Villa Roma Pizza has some of the best pizza in Castro Valley – if you’re ever in town craving something good, be sure to stop by!
#5 Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
The first thing that stands out about Papa Murphy’s is the service. The staff members are friendly and always willing to help. They make sure that each order is custom-tailored to your preference without fail.
The quality of pizzas that Papa Murphy’s serves up is top-notch too! Each one is made with love and care using only the freshest ingredients from local farms. The crusts are delicious, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside. The toppings are generous, flavorful, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness.
On top of all this, they offer some amazing deals on large orders so you can satisfy your craving for great pizza without breaking the bank.
All in all, I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience at Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza! It has easily earned its place among some of the best spots for pizza in Castro Valley!
#6 Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace
- Serves alcohol
- Great place to watch sports
- Has a kid’s menu
As soon as I walked through the door, I could smell the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. After being seated, I started to peruse the menu and couldn’t decide what to get. I decided to go with an old classic – a cheese pizza. After placing my order, it didn’t take long before I was presented with a steaming hot 12-inch pie.
When I took my first bite of this cheesy goodness, all of my expectations were met. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside and light in the center. The cheese was melted to perfection and had just the right amount of flavor. The sauce had a nice blend of spices that complemented all of the other flavors nicely.
I’m used to not having any leftovers after eating my pizza meal, but this time it was different! Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace is generous with its portions and there were still plenty of slices left for me to take home for another day (or maybe two!).
All in all, if you’re ever looking for some great pizza in Castro Valley, then Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace should definitely be your choice! Their quality ingredients and generous portions make it one of the best pizzas around!
If you’re willing to go an extra 9 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in San Ramon!
#7 Red Apple Pizza
The establishment itself is unassuming, but don’t let that fool you. The pizza is absolutely delicious. The owners clearly know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting the perfect slice.
The crust was perfectly cooked every time I visited, and the sauce was not too sweet or salty. They had plenty of different toppings available to choose from as well – everything I had tasted fresh and flavorful.
I must also say that the staff was exceptionally friendly and welcoming during my visits. They always make sure to take the time to talk with their customers and ensure that everyone is happy with their meal. Their commitment to customer service shows in their great food!
Overall, Red Apple Pizza definitely lives up to its reputation as having some of the best pizza in Castro Valley – if not all of northern California. I’d highly recommend giving it a try if you are ever in town!
#8 El Triunfo Pizzeria
- Great place to watch sports
The first thing that struck me when I stepped into El Triunfo Pizzeria was the atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with quirky pizza-themed decorations, which added to the jovial mood in the room. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which helped to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As for the food, it’s simply sublime! Their traditional pizzas are incredible; thick, flavorful crusts with fresh ingredients that really bring out the flavor. My absolute favorite was their signature garlic-crusted creation – it was truly divine. But if you’re looking for something different, they also have seafood and vegetarian options as well. All of their pizzas are made fresh and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
The final verdict is clear: If you want some of the best pizza in Castro Valley, head to El Triunfo Pizzeria! I highly recommend it for your next dining experience – you won’t be disappointed!
#9 Americana Pizza & Taqueria Hayward
From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I could tell it was a special place. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a hint of southwestern charm. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful – I especially appreciated their willingness to accommodate my vegetarian request for a vegan version of one of their signature pies!
Once it arrived on the table, it became obvious why so many people recommend Americana Pizza & Taqueria Hayward as having some of the best pizza in Castro Valley. The crust was flaky and golden brown, with just enough crunch to provide an excellent texture. The sauce had just the right amount of zing to make it memorable without overpowering the other flavors. Toppings were plentiful and perfectly cooked – especially those sweet peppers.
All in all, this pizza surpassed my expectations. It’s no wonder that Americana Pizza & Taqueria Hayward is regarded by locals as having some of the best pizza in Castro Valley! If you’re ever in town, do yourself a favor and swing by for a slice!
#10 Pizza Express Redwood Rd
- Has some vegetarian options
The atmosphere was the perfect blend of casual and upscale—not too stuffy and not too relaxed. The seating inside was spacious and comfortable, so it was easy to relax and enjoy my dining experience.
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about their menu offerings, which made ordering a breeze. I ended up with their Classic Margherita, which wasn’t overly cheesy but still had that perfectly balanced flavor I crave in a pizza. It had just the right amount of sauce and cheese, as well as a nice crunch from the crust.
I highly recommend Pizza Express Redwood Rd for anyone who wants great tasting pizza without all the fuss! For me, it has definitely become my go-to place for when I’m in Castro Valley looking for good pizza!
#11 Pizza Express Center Street
On my last visit I tried the thin crust pizza with a few toppings. It was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and soft and chewy inside. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, making each bite even more delicious. What really impressed me, though, was the sauce. It had the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spices that made it out of this world.
The restaurant itself is cozy and inviting with a friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The prices are also quite reasonable considering the quality of food they serve.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Pizza Express Center Street when looking for the best pizza in Castro Valley! You won’t regret it!
If you’re willing to go an extra 11 miles, you can get to 24 more pizza places in Danville!
#12 Mountain Mike’s Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
- Great place to watch sports
When I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff were so friendly and attentive, showing me to my table with a smile.
The menu had an impressive selection of items to choose from – from classic pepperoni to more exotic options like double garlic and Canadian bacon. After much deliberation, I decided to try the Triple Threat; it was worth waiting for!
The pizza crust was cooked just right, with the perfect amount of crunch. It was topped generously with fresh vegetables, premium meats, house-made cheeses, and a special blend of seasonings that I must say left me wanting more.
I also sampled some of their delicious desserts before leaving. The Chocolate Volcano Cake had layers of moist chocolate cake dripping in hot fudge – it was the best way to finish off my meal!
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has earned its reputation as having some of the best pizza in Castro Valley – it’s simply divine!
