Best Pizza in La Jolla (Updated Fall 2023)

I’m sure many would argue that there’s no such thing as bad pizza, but I’ve found enough bad slices to know better! After carefully tasting twelve of La Jolla’s pizzerias, I have finally come up with my list of the best. If you’re looking for a great pizza, these are the places to check out.

This review will be humorous and lighthearted – a deep dive into my taste buds in search of pizza perfection. So read on if you want to know which La Jolla restaurants had me coming back for more – and which ones had me heading straight for the garlic knots instead.

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

#1 best pizza place in La Jolla - American Pizza Manufacturing

#1 American Pizza Manufacturing

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 3-8:30PM
Wednesday: 3-8:30PM
Thursday: 3-8:30PM
Friday: 3-8:30PM
Saturday: 12-4PM
Sunday: Closed

From the moment I stepped through their doors, I was warmly greeted by the staff and could smell the delightful aroma of freshly made pizza. The ambience was inviting and I immediately felt at ease.

I decided to try their classic cheese pizza and it did not disappoint! The crust was perfectly thin and crispy and the cheese was perfectly melted. The toppings were fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection – a true testament to the care they put into each dish.

I also had a chance to sample some of their specialty pizzas like their Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which had a great buffalo sauce kick that wasn’t overpowering. They have something for everyone here – even vegans can get a delicious vegan pizza with Daiya cheese!

Overall, American Pizza Manufacturing is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for some truly exceptional pizza in La Jolla. With top-notch ingredients and great attention to detail, this place is sure to please any pizza connoisseur!

If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 23 more pizza places in San Diego!

#2 best pizza place in San Diego - Mom's Pizza & Pasta

#2 Mom’s Pizza & Pasta

Open Hours
Monday: 9AM-5PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-8PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:30AM-8PM
Friday: 10:30AM-8PM
Saturday: 4-8PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol


My first impression of Mom’s Pizza & Pasta was one of comfort and hominess. The atmosphere was welcoming and inviting, which I always appreciate in a restaurant.

The menu included a large selection of Italian favorites served with a modern twist. But, of course, the stars were the pizzas! I had heard great things about their famous New York Style pizza so that was the dish I chose to sample first.

It did not disappoint! Each bite was bursting with flavor and my taste buds thanked me for choosing such an amazing creation. The crust was thin, yet sturdy enough to hold all the fresh ingredients that topped it off including pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and olives that made each slice perfect in every way. The dough was cooked to perfection which added an extra layer of deliciousness to it.

I also tried their classic Lasagna which again brought me back to Italy with its delicious layers of cheese filling and aromatic spices. I could feel the warmth radiating from this hearty meal as soon as it arrived at the table.

In short, Mom’s Pizza & Pasta definitely serves some of the best pizza in La Jolla! If you’re looking for a place with great food and even better vibes then look no further than Mom’s Pizza & Pasta.

#3 best pizza place in La Jolla - Carino's Restaurant

#3 Carino’s Restaurant

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4-9PM
Wednesday: 4-9PM
Thursday: 4-9PM
Friday: 4-9PM
Saturday: 4-9PM
Sunday: 4-9PM

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has a kid’s menu


The restaurant itself is quite cozy and inviting, with a spacious dining area and good customer service. I was immediately impressed!

But of course, the pizza is what really matters. Thankfully, Carino’s delivers in spades! They offer a variety of delicious pizzas that all topped off with fresh and flavorful ingredients. The crust was perfectly cooked and had just the right amount of crunch – perfect for those who like their pizza a little bit extra crispy.

Topping it all off, the prices are very reasonable. Considering how delicious the food is, you won’t have to break your budget to enjoy a great meal at Carino’s.

All in all, I highly recommend Carino’s Restaurant if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in La Jolla!

#4 best pizza place in La Jolla - Catania

#4 Catania

Open Hours
Monday: 4-8:30PM
Tuesday: 4-8:30PM
Wednesday: 4-8:30PM
Thursday: 4-8:30PM
Friday: 4-9PM
Saturday: 11:30AM-9PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Has insanely good dessert


Their menu is impressive and my personal favorite pizza was their Lasagna Pizza. The cheese blend was creamy, the sauce was flavorful, and the crust was cooked to perfection. It almost melted in my mouth!

The atmosphere of Catania is great as well. Their cozy indoor seating area with rustic decor provides an inviting ambience that reminded me of the best hole-in-the wall pizzerias in Italy. Plus, they have plenty of outdoor seating if you’re looking for an al fresco experience.

The service at Catania is also top-notch. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve been welcomed with a warm smile by the friendly staff. They take time to answer any questions you may have and they make sure your drinks stay topped up!

In conclusion, I can confidently say that Catania is home to some of the best pizza in La Jolla. From their delicious food to their lovely atmosphere and attentive service, I highly recommend it!

#5 best pizza place in San Diego - Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach

#5 Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach

Open Hours
Monday: 12-9PM
Tuesday: 12-9PM
Wednesday: 12-9PM
Thursday: 12-9PM
Friday: 12-10PM
Saturday: 12-10PM
Sunday: 12-9PM

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has insanely good dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options


I arrived at the restaurant hoping for something special, and it certainly did not disappoint. The atmosphere was modern and inviting, with a modest yet stylish decor.

The staff were friendly and helpful; they were more than happy to provide recommendations on the best pizzas on the menu. I decided to go with their wild mushroom pizza, which completely blew my expectations out of the water. The crust was perfectly crisp and golden brown with just the right amount of flavor in every bite. The chefs also spared no expense when it came to quality toppings; from succulent mushrooms to bold cheeses, each topping provided a tantalizing taste that elevated this pizza to a level of gastronomic perfection.

To sum up my experience at Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach I’d say that it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in La Jolla looking for some of the best pizza around!

#6 best pizza place in La Jolla - Isola Pizza Bar

#6 Isola Pizza Bar

Open Hours
Monday: 4-9PM
Tuesday: 4-9PM
Wednesday: 4-9PM
Thursday: 4-9PM
Friday: 4-9:30PM
Saturday: 2:30-9:30PM
Sunday: 2:30-9PM

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Has insanely good dessert
  • Serves alcohol


The moment I walked in, the atmosphere was inviting and made me feel right at home. The staff were friendly and professional and knew that I had come expecting something special.

The most important factor for a great pizza is the crust and Isola Pizza Bar nailed it. The dough was so light and fluffy, cooked to perfection in their hand-built brick oven. The tomato sauce was fresh and flavorful, with just enough spice to set it apart from other pizzas I have tried. To top it off, they had an amazing selection of gourmet toppings — from artichoke to feta cheese — that really elevated the flavor profile of their pies.

Without a doubt, Isola Pizza Bar has some of the best pizza in La Jolla. They truly understand what makes a good pizza and put care and love into each one they make. If you’re ever in La Jolla, don’t miss out on this amazing experience!

#7 best pizza place in La Jolla - Dough Momma Pizzeria

#7 Dough Momma Pizzeria

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: 11AM-9PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Nice tourist spot


First of all, the atmosphere of the restaurant is great. It’s a cozy spot and clothing is definitely optional if you want to get comfortable while enjoying your meal – which I fully embraced!

The menu is also fantastic. They offer a wide selection of toppings and crusts, so you can customize your own pizza. I’m a big fan of the classic style with pepperoni and mushrooms, but I decided to be adventurous this time around and went for something with pineapple and Canadian bacon – an unexpected surprise that really hit all the right notes.

But what really stands out about Dough Momma Pizzeria is their incredible, mouth-watering pizzas. The dough was cooked to perfection, the sauce had just the perfect amount of spice, and their cheese was so tasty I almost wanted to lick my plate clean. This truly was some of the best pizza I’ve ever had, easily earning it its title as La Jolla’s best pizza joint!

I have no doubt that once word gets around about Dough Momma Pizzeria they’ll be gaining tons of new customers. If you’re looking for an amazing slice of pizza then look no further than Dough Momma Pizzeria!

If you’re willing to go an extra 7 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in San Diego!

#8 best pizza place in La Jolla - Regents Pizzeria

#8 Regents Pizzeria

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-10PM
Tuesday: 11AM-10PM
Wednesday: 11AM-10PM
Thursday: 11AM-10PM
Friday: 11AM-11PM
Saturday: 11AM-8PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Has a kid’s menu


I walked into the restaurant, overwhelmed by the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. Knowing that I was in for a treat, I stepped up to the counter and ordered a pizza. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, taking the time to explain their menu and make recommendations – it’s always nice when someone takes an interest in what you’re about to eat!

The pizza itself was incredible. The crust was light and fluffy yet crisp, with perfect amounts of charring from their brick ovens. The toppings were perfectly balanced; each one complementing the others while standing out as unique flavors in their own right. I was especially impressed by how fresh everything was; they clearly have high-quality ingredients here at Regents Pizzeria!

Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in La Jolla then look no further than Regents Pizzeria! Trust me on this one – you won’t be disappointed!

#9 best pizza place in La Jolla - Pizza Pronto

#9 Pizza Pronto

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options


The restaurant itself is small, yet warm and inviting. As soon as I walked in, the smell of freshly-baked pizza wafted through the air – it was divine! The interior had a lot of character, with rustic wood panels and brick walls adorned with pictures of Italian scenery.

The staff were friendly and attentive. They always had a smile on their face when I asked for recommendations. This place also has an impressive selection of drinks to choose from and they have some inventive toppings that you won’t find in any other pizzeria.

I tried their signature pizza – it was unbelievably delicious! The crust was thin and crisp yet fluffy inside. The sauce had a rich flavor that complemented the melted cheese perfectly. And the topping combination – spicy pepperoni, mushrooms, and red onions – was unique and incredibly flavorful.

Pizza Pronto is hands-down one of the best pizza places in La Jolla! If you’re looking for a great slice of pizza, then look no further!

#10 best pizza place in La Jolla - Pizza On Pearl

#10 Pizza On Pearl

Open Hours
Monday: 12-9PM
Tuesday: 12-9PM
Wednesday: 12-9PM
Thursday: 12-9PM
Friday: 12-10PM
Saturday: 12-10PM
Sunday: 12-9PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Offers dessert
  • Nice tourist spot


I was skeptical at first; the shop is small and unassuming, but the pizza really packs a wallop. The crust is fluffy and flavorful with just enough crunch to make it enjoyable. The sauce was very well-balanced – not too sweet or salty – with plenty of herbs giving a unique depth of flavor. My favorite part, though? The cheese! It was so creamy and flavorful that I could hardly contain myself.

The staff at Pizza On Pearl were also very friendly and helpful. They even gave me some great recommendations on what toppings to get, which they executed perfectly. The ingredients were all fresh, perfectly cooked, and perfectly spread out across my pizza so every bite had something amazing in it.

If you’re looking for delicious pizza in La Jolla, Pizza On Pearl should be your first stop. It may not seem like much from the outside, but trust me – this place has some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted!

#11 best pizza place in La Jolla - Wheat & Water

#11 Wheat & Water

Open Hours
Monday: 4-9PM
Tuesday: 4-9PM
Wednesday: 4-9PM
Thursday: 4-10PM
Friday: 12-11PM
Saturday: 4-10PM
Sunday: 4-9PM

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Has a kid’s menu

Downsides
  • No delivery


I recently visited this small pizza parlor, and from the moment I walked in, I was impressed. The decor was simple but made for a great atmosphere; just perfect for a night out with friends or family.

The menu was great! There were many vegan and vegetarian options. Plus, they even had a kid’s menu for those with little ones. And of course, being an adult, I appreciated that they offer alcohol (including hard liquor!).

Of course, the best part of the evening was eating their pizza – it was amazing! Their thin crusts cook up perfectly and their unique topping combinations make it truly stand out among other pizzas.

Plus, Wheat & Water is great to watch sports at – there are always some games on the big screen TV’s when you visit. And if you’re traveling through La Jolla, it’s definitely worth stopping by as a tourist spot – their location is near the beach and many other places of interest around town.

Finally, even though Wheat & Water doesn’t offer delivery (which is my only reservation about them), it doesn’t take away from the fact that this is one of the best pizzerias in La Jolla. If you’re ever in town looking for great pizza, don’t pass up this place!

#12 best pizza place in La Jolla - The Pizza Taproom

#12 The Pizza Taproom

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: 11AM-9PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Offers dessert


First, the atmosphere was awesome – it had a real authentic Italian vibe that was incredibly inviting. And once I tasted their pizza, I understood why they had such an incredible reputation. I got the “Supreme” pizza and let me tell you, it was simply divine. The crust was light and crispy with perfect seasoning, the sauce was flavorful and zesty, and the toppings were fresh and delicious – truly one of the best pies I’ve ever had.

But not only is The Pizza Taproom known for its scrumptious pizzas – they also have some amazing sides. Their breadsticks were crunchy and garlicky, and their garlic knots were light and fluffy with just the right amount of seasoning. Plus, they have a great variety of beers to choose from which pair perfectly with their pizzas.

Overall, The Pizza Taproom is definitely worth checking out if you’re in La Jolla looking for the best pizza around. The quality of food combined with a warm atmosphere make this place an absolute must-visit!

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