From the delicious thin-crust options to the hearty stuffed-crust pies, this California city has been a pleasant surprise. I’ve tried eleven different pizza places in and around Goleta in my quest for the best slice, and I’m here to report on my findings. It wasn’t an easy task narrowing it down to just one place; there are some tasty pies out there!
In this article, I’ll be sharing my experiences with each of these restaurants so you can decide which pizza joint is right for you. Let’s get started discovering the best pizza in Goleta!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California
#1 Valentino’s Take ‘n Bake Pizza
- No delivery
I admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard of Valentino’s. They don’t offer delivery, and take’n bake isn’t exactly a novel concept. But boy, was I impressed! The pizza has just the right combination of crunch and chewiness and is packed with flavor.
But it’s not just the taste that sets Valentino’s apart – their selection is also top-notch. From classic favorites like cheese and pepperoni to more adventurous pies like arugula and roasted garlic, there’s something for everyone. Plus, their pricing is very reasonable – definitely worth it for the quality you get!
So if you’re looking for the best pizza in Goleta, go to Valentino’s Take ‘n Bake Pizza. You won’t be disappointed!
If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 22 more pizza places in Santa Barbara!
#2 Home Plate Grill
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has a kid’s menu
The atmosphere and decor was pleasant, no doubt a product of their focus on quality. The staff were friendly and accommodating as I asked lots of questions about the ingredients and preparation that went into each pizza.
As for the pizza itself? Outstanding! The crust was thin but crispy, just the way I like it. The toppings were both plentiful and delicious – my favorite being their famous “Home Plate Special.” Loaded with pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives and more, it definitely lived up to its reputation.
I also have to note that the garlic butter dip served with every pizza was truly sublime. It added an extra level of flavor to an already tasty dish.
All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Goleta (and frankly who isn’t?), Home Plate Grill is the place to be!
#3 Rusty’s Pizza Parlor
- Serves alcohol
- Has a kid’s menu
The restaurant itself is a bit of a dive–it could use some sprucing up–but it has character, which I appreciate. Besides, the real star here is the pizza.
The crust was perfectly crispy with just the right amount of chew. The sauce had great flavor and was wonderfully balanced by the quality cheese. And speaking of toppings, Rusty’s offers an amazing variety that can easily satisfy any pizza fan’s cravings. From classic pepperoni to roasted veggies and even vegan options, there’s something for everyone at Rusty’s Pizza Parlor.
I can honestly say that my experience at Rusty’s Pizza Parlor was truly unique, and I’m sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did! In my opinion, they serve some of the best pizza in Goleta.
If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Santa Barbara!
#4 Woodstock’s Pizza Isla Vista
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Great place to watch sports
The atmosphere of Woodstock’s is like no other; it feels like you’ve stepped into the high-end restaurants in Italy. The red and white checked table cloths, the pictures of Italian scenery on the walls, and the smell of freshly made pizza all contribute to this atmosphere.
The pizzas here are divine! Their signature “Paul Revere” pizza features a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices. Topped off with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, it will take your taste buds on a journey through Italy!
My favorite part about Woodstock’s Pizza Isla Vista is their attention to detail. Every ingredient used is fresh and the crust is perfectly cooked every time. I don’t just mean that it’s crispy either – it’s light and fluffy on the inside as well. Even if you order one of their specialty pizzas (which I highly recommend!), each component stands out in its own right.
Overall, I cannot recommend Woodstock’s Pizza Isla Vista enough! There really isn’t any better place for pizza in Goleta or anywhere else for that matter. It simply doesn’t get any better than this!
#5 A Slice of Woodstock’s
- Great place to watch sports
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- No delivery
The atmosphere here is one of the highlights – plenty of TVs to watch your favorite team, and the option to have a nice cold beer while you wait. The staff is always friendly and more than willing to go above and beyond to make sure you have an enjoyable experience.
Speaking of that experience, the pizza itself is great – even as a vegetarian I can still find something on their menu. The crust has just the right amount crunch to it, and all their toppings are flavorful and fresh. As for dessert? They do not disappoint!
The only downside with A Slice of Woodstock’s is that they don’t offer delivery. But if you can manage to get there in person, it will be worth your while. All in all, this unique little pizza place truly stands out against its competitors, making it my go-to for the best pizza in Goleta!
If you’re willing to go an extra 30 miles, you can get to 13 more pizza places in Ojai!
#6 Rusty’s Pizza Parlor
- Serves alcohol
I entered the pizzeria with my tastebuds tingling and my stomach growling, and I was not disappointed. The service was friendly and warm, as if they were welcoming me into their own home. And the pizza…oh, that delicious pizza! The perfectly seasoned crust that gave each slice just the right amount of crunch was like a dream come true. And the cheese – so savory and creamy – complemented the toppings perfectly.
The best part? It didn’t leave me feeling overly full or bloated like some other pizzas have done in the past. In fact, I was able to walk out of the restaurant energized and ready to explore more of Goleta!
Overall, Rusty’s Pizza Parlor definitely has some of the best pizza in Goleta! With its friendly service, flavorful toppings, and delicious crust, it’s easy to see why this little gem is quickly becoming a local favorite. Now if only I could find some great gelato in town as well…
#7 Rusty’s Pizza Parlor
- Has a kid’s menu
The atmosphere at Rusty’s is really something special. The walls are covered with vintage posters and memorabilia, creating a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for a peaceful evening of pizza indulgence.
The pizza itself is amazing! From their classic margherita pizza to their more inventive creations like the cream and sardine or pineapple and gorgonzola pies, they have something to satisfy every palette. The crust is the perfect balance of crispy yet chewy, while the ingredients are fresh and flavorful.
The servers are also top-notch! They’re friendly and helpful, responding quickly to any requests or questions you might have. Plus, they usually have a few jokes to share as well!
Overall, I can confidently recommend Rusty’s as the best pizza in Goleta. If you’re looking for an amazing night out with friends or family, this is definitely the place for you!
If you’re willing to go an extra 34 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Ventura!
#8 Little Caesars Pizza
- Offers dessert
When I entered the restaurant, I was met with a friendly staff and the delicious smell of fresh pizza. The atmosphere was clean and inviting and I felt like I could stay all day!
I decided to try the pepperoni and cheese pizza, which had generous portions of both toppings. On top of that, the crust was perfectly cooked – not too soft, but still fluffy and flavorful. The amount of melted cheese on top of the pizza was also just right – enough to make it creamy without being overbearing.
Overall, it’s clear why Little Caesars Pizza is seen as some of the best pizza in Goleta: excellent ingredients, great flavors and great service. If you ever find yourself in Goleta looking for an unforgettable pizza experience – look no further than Little Caesars Pizza!
#9 Domino’s Pizza
From the moment I walked in, I was impressed. The atmosphere was welcoming and inviting and the staff were incredibly friendly. Plus, the selection of pizza toppings was truly impressive – more than I’ve seen anywhere else!
Once my order was placed, I waited anxiously for my pizza to arrive. I wasn’t disappointed. When it arrived, it looked beautiful and smelled heavenly. The crust was perfectly baked and the toppings were flavorful and evenly spread across the top. Plus, it was so large that there were enough leftovers for me to have lunch the next day!
I’m a big fan of Domino’s Pizza now – it definitely serves some of the best pizza in Goleta! Highly recommend trying them out if you’re ever in town and looking for some great pizza!
#10 Domino’s Pizza
When I ate at Domino’s Pizza, I was blown away by the quality of their pizzas. The dough was perfectly cooked to a crisp on the outside and light and slightly chewy on the inside. The sauce was perfectly balanced with robust flavor, and their cheese was high quality and melted flawlessly.
I also loved the variety of toppings they offer, from classic pepperoni to more unique choices such as jalapenos. They even had my favorite – banana peppers! It’s clear they’ve put in a lot of effort to make sure there is something for everyone here.
What really set Domino’s Pizza apart from other pizza joints in Goleta was their customer service. Every person I interacted with during my visit had genuine smiles on their faces and answered any questions I had quickly and politely. They went out of their way to ensure that my experience was top-notch.
All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Goleta then look no further than Domino’s Pizza! From the great variety of toppings to their amazing customer service, it truly is an enjoyable dining experience that won’t disappoint!
#11 Ca’Dario Goleta
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol
- Has insanely good dessert
The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with plenty of rustic charm that made it easy to settle in for a nice dinner. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, happy to answer any questions we had and make sure our experience was top-notch.
But let’s get to the pizza – it was truly out of this world! From the classic Margherita to the spicy Diavolo, there was something for everyone. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, the crusts were perfectly cooked, and all the pies were made with care by the passionate chefs in this restaurant. And don’t forget about their signature burnt crust pizzas – they’re definitely worth trying!
All in all, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Goleta, be sure to check out Ca’Dario Goleta! You won’t be disappointed!