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Best Pizza in Montecito (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve had the privilege of enjoying pizza in many different places around the world, so I’m excited to share my findings from Montecito. From Manhattan style slices to classic Neapolitan pies, I scoured the area and visited twelve pizzerias to find the best pizza in Montecito.

Along the way, I tasted some truly delicious creations and interacted with some very passionate people. Even more amusing (and delicious!) were some of the unique combinations that were crafted into masterpieces. It was quite an adventure!

Stay tuned for an entertaining review of my top recommendations for pizza in Montecito.

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

#1 4 Eggs & Pizza

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy dinner with friends. The staff is friendly and helpful, so you’re always sure to get the best service.

But let’s talk about the pizza—that’s what I’m here for! This is some of the freshest and most flavorful pizza I’ve ever had. They use a unique combination of four different types of cheeses that give it an amazing depth of flavor. The crust is perfectly cooked and lightly crispy, not too hard or too soft, just right. They also have a variety of unique toppings that add additional layers of flavor, like their signature eggs pizza!

Overall, 4 Eggs & Pizza truly stands out as the best pizza in Montecito. If you’re looking for great tasting and unique pizzas that will make your taste buds go wild, then 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 Rusty’s Pizza Parlor

The atmosphere of Rusty’s is one of the best things about it. You walk in and you instantly feel like you’re part of a great pizza family, filled with laughing customers and the fresh smell of pizza pies cooking.

Rusty’s has a wide variety of pizzas, from classic pepperoni to bold new veggie combinations. I had the “Rocket” – an absolutely heavenly combination of spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, onions, black olives – and let me tell you, it was outta this world! The crust was perfection – crispy on the outside yet still doughy on the inside. Honestly, after all my travels I feel confident in saying that Rusty’s Pizza Parlor makes some of the best pizza in Montecito!

#3 Bettina

My recent visit to Bettina’s was a treat for my taste buds. The ambience is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

The menu offers a wide selection of toppings, from classic Italian favorites to more eclectic choices like pineapple. I opted for the classic Margherita with extra cheese (of course!). The crust was perfectly cooked and flavorful, while the tomato sauce was tangy and fresh. As for the cheese – it melted in my mouth!

To top it off, all their dishes are cooked in an authentic, wood-fired oven – adding to the delicious flavor.

As a food critic, I take great pride in giving honest reviews and usually don’t give out compliments lightly…but I have to say — this pizza is definitely one of the best I’ve ever had! If you’re looking for some truly great pizza here in Montecito, you absolutely must dine at Bettina’s.

#4 Lucky Penny

I was somewhat skeptical upon arrival – it’s a small, unassuming place hidden away in a strip mall. But boy was I wrong! The pizza was unbelievable.

The crust had a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy, with just the right amount of seasoning. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, ranging from classic pepperoni to some of Montecito’s unique picks like roasted eggplant or artichoke hearts.

I’m also one to judge a pizza joint on its desserts, and Lucky Penny did not disappoint. They offer an amazing selection of cheesecakes and other treats that really hit the spot after a big slice of their famous pizza.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Montecito, you’ve found it at Lucky Penny!

#5 Petrini’s Italian Restaurant – Santa Barbara

The atmosphere here is great – it’s the perfect spot for a date night, a family dinner, or to just hang with friends. They serve alcohol, have a kid’s menu, and offer dessert! What more could you ask for?

I sampled their pizza offerings while I was there, and they were simply outstanding. The crust was cooked to perfection, the sauce was flavorful and had just the right level of spice, and the toppings were fresh. I had a hard time deciding which one to order because they all looked so delicious!

The only downside is that Petrini’s doesn’t deliver – you’ll have to get your pie in-store or by takeout. But trust me when I say that it’s worth driving to Montecito for this pizza! In my experience, it’s some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted.

#6 Honor Market

I arrived at Honor Market armed with my latest pizza-tasting mission, keen to sample their offerings. As I stepped in through the door, I was welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere, along with delicious aromas that made my mouth water. The staff were friendly and attentive, helping me decide on the perfect pizza for me.

When it arrived at my table, I almost couldn’t believe how good it looked! The thin crust had been cooked to perfection and the toppings were fresh and plentiful. With every bite, I could taste all the flavors working together to create an incredible taste sensation. Everything about this pizza was exceptional – from the flavorful sauce to the crunchy cheese… it truly can be described as one of the best pizzas I have ever tasted!

The only downside of eating at Honor Market is that after my first visit there, I dread having to return home because it means having to go back to ordinary pizzas again! For anyone looking for truly amazing pizza in Montecito – look no further than Honor Market!

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

#7 Olio Pizzeria

I’m not sure if it’s the wood-fired oven or the quality of the ingredients, but each slice is an absolute masterpiece. Plus, they serve alcohol (and hard liquor!), so you can grab a few drinks to enjoy with your dinner.

For those looking for vegetarian options, Olio Pizzeria has something for you too! Their veggie topping combinations are out of this world. The salads are also a nice touch if you’re not in the mood for pizza.

If you think the pizza is good, just wait until you try the desserts! They have insanely good cakes and pastries. A definite must-try!

The only downside is that they don’t do delivery; however, that doesn’t keep me from making a special trip to Olio Pizzeria any chance I get. It’s definitely worth it! So, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Montecito, visit Olio Pizzeria and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience

#8 Taffy’s Pizza

I tasted all the different varieties of pizza Taffy’s offers, and each one was a delicious masterpiece. My personal favorite pizza was their classic cheese pizza. The blend of cheeses melted together in perfect harmony, creating a rich flavor that I haven’t experienced elsewhere.

Taffy’s also has some incredibly tasty specialty pizzas! Their Meat Lover’s Pie is loaded with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon – it’s a carnivore’s dream come true! And their creamy white Spinach & Garlic pie is to die for.

The service at Taffy’s was also outstanding. All the staff were friendly and welcoming and took the extra time to make sure everything was absolutely perfect with our order. They even offered us complimentary drinks and appetizers while we waited!

All in all, Taffy’s Pizza is hands down some of the best pizza in Montecito. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an amazing culinary experience. Bon Appetit!

#9 Cali-Forno Pizzeria

This restaurant did not disappoint. From the moment I stepped in, I noticed the delicious smell of pizza wafting through the air. The interior was bright, clean and inviting; a perfect setting for a delicious meal.

The pizzas at Cali-Forno Pizzeria come in all shapes and sizes – from traditional hand-tossed rounds to thick, deep dish pies. They also offer unique topping combinations such as spicy pepperoni and pineapple or black olives and roasted red peppers.

As for what really matters – the taste – let me just say this: Holy cow! I’ve eaten pizza all over the world, and Cali-Forno’s pies are definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The crust was thick yet light and airy, with a crispy exterior that made my mouth water with anticipation when each bite passed my lips.

The cheese was gooey but not greasy, while the toppings were fresh and balanced perfectly against each other. In short, these pizzas were nothing short of heavenly!

If you’re looking for an amazing pizza experience right here in Montecito, then look no further than Cali-Forno Pizzeria – it’s simply one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had!

#10 Fatte’s Pizza Santa Barbara

The crust was perfect – crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, just how I like it. The pizza sauce had a nice balance of sweetness and acidity to complement the delicious toppings. And speaking of toppings, my favorite is their four-cheese blend which melts perfectly on top of every slice.

But what really sets Fatte’s Pizza apart from other places around here is their commitment to freshness. Their ingredients are locally sourced and never processed or frozen. That way, you always know that whatever you’re eating has been made with love and attention to detail.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the atmosphere at Fatte’s Pizza Santa Barbara. Friendly staff, cheerful decorations, and a comfortable ambiance make this place as inviting as it is delicious! If you’re ever in town looking for a slice of heaven – this is your spot!

#11 Via Vai Trattoria Pizzeria

The menu had a lot of creative offerings, some of which I hadn’t seen before, so that was definitely exciting. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delicious pizza. Oh, and did I mention they serve alcohol? I mean, what pizzeria experience would be complete without beer or wine?

But the real gem here is the pizza. It’s like no other pizza I’ve ever tasted – the crust is perfectly cooked and has just the right amount of char; the sauce is flavorful but not overwhelming; and they use only top-notch cheese. It must be Italian magic!

Unfortunately, there isn’t any delivery option from Via Vai Trattoria Pizzeria so you will have to visit in person to get it delivered straight from the oven. But don’t worry, it’s well worth it! And if you still have room for dessert afterwards – maybe some decadent tiramisu – then you’re in luck because they offer those too!

All in all, Via Vai Trattoria Pizzeria is well worth your time if you want some of the best pizza in Montecito (and trust me – it’s really worth a try!).

If you’re willing to go an extra 30 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Ventura!

#12 OPPI’Z Bistro and Natural Pizza

From the moment I stepped inside this unassuming little pizza joint, I could tell it was a special place. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the smells of freshly made pizza filled the air.

The staff were friendly and helpful, offering advice on what to try from their expansive menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas. After much deliberation, I eventually settled on the “Tutta Romana” – a classic with mozzarella cheese, basil, and tomatoes – and it did not disappoint!

The crust was thin and crispy without being too thin or too chewy; it had just the right balance of crunch and chewiness. The topping-to-crust ratio was spot on as well; every bite had an even distribution of toppings. As for the flavor, let’s just say it left me wanting more! The combination of fresh ingredients with that unique wood-fired flavor really set OPPI’Z apart from other pizzas I’ve had around the world.

All in all, if you’re ever in Montecito in search of some mouthwatering pizza then look no further than OPPI’Z Bistro and Natural Pizza – they are definitely worth a visit!

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.