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Best Pizza in Orange County CA (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve been around the world in search of delicious slices and consider myself an expert on the matter. In my travels I’ve tasted pizza from Rome to Tokyo and almost everywhere in between.

But now I’m here in Orange County CA, trying to find the best of the best when it comes to pizza. I’ve already eaten at 12 places across the county, so I’m ready to tell you all about it! Join me on this humorous and lighthearted journey as I review each one and crown the ultimate Best Pizza in Orange County CA!

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

#1 Trenta Pizza & Cucina

The first thing that struck me when I arrived was the atmosphere. It has a cozy, inviting vibrancy with rustic accents and modern touches. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, providing an easy transition from the moment you walk in the door.

As for the pizza, it’s absolutely delicious! There are a wide array of pizzas to choose from so even the most discerning palate is sure to be pleased. The crust is perfectly crisp yet pliable and every bite bursts with flavor from the rich sauces and juicy toppings.

I’m used to finding decent pizza wherever I go, but Trenta Pizza & Cucina offers something special that can’t be found anywhere else. From the delicious food to the warm atmosphere, it’s worth every penny to experience this gem in Orange County CA!

If you’re willing to go an extra 5 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Irvine!

#2 Kuro Artisanal Pizza

The first thing that caught my eye was their eclectic menu of pizzas from around the world. You can choose between 12-inch and 15-inch sizes and mix up your toppings for something truly unique. I went for a classic Margherita with buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, olive oil, and basil – a perfect combination of flavors.

The service at Kuro Artisanal Pizza is top notch. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. They were able to answer all my questions about the menu and suggest great combos for me. As a food critic, getting the right advice is essential!

Once it arrived, my pizza was cooked perfectly in their wood-fire ovens. The dough was light and fluffy while the topping combinations were amazing – this really is gourmet pizza!

If you’re looking for great pizza in Orange County CA, then Kuro Artisanal Pizza should definitely be at the top of your list!

#3 Terra Mia Pizzeria

The pizza here is cooked to perfection – the crust is perfectly crisp, not overcooked like many other pizzas I’ve sampled. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness, and the toppings are always fresh.

The service staff here is great as well – they always greet you with a smile and are very friendly. I was particularly impressed by their attention to detail when making sure that the pizza was cooked exactly how I wanted it. They even let me customize my own topping combination, which was a great touch!

The atmosphere at Terra Mia Pizzeria is also top-notch. It’s cozy yet modern, with a good selection of beers and wines to enjoy with your meal. And best of all, the prices are very reasonable for such delicious pizza!

So if you’re looking for the best pizza in Orange County CA, look no further than Terra Mia Pizzeria! You won’t be disappointed. Trust me – I’m a professional food critic who travels around the world trying new things. This place definitely gets my seal of approval!

#4 Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana

When I walked into this pizzeria, the inviting and bustling atmosphere made me feel like I was in Italy! The staff’s warm hospitality also made me feel right at home.

The pizza itself is just incredible. The traditional Neapolitan crust is so light and fluffy that it practically melts in your mouth. And the ingredients? Well, let’s just say you won’t find fresher or higher quality toppings anywhere else. The dough has a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors that really make it stand out from the rest. Plus, the wood-fired oven is key to getting the perfect crust every time!

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Orange County CA, look no further than this place – you won’t be disappointed!

#5 Steel Pan Pizza

I had the opportunity to feast on the famous Grandma slices and let me tell you, it was an out of this world experience. The crust was light and crispy with a hint of sweetness that really made my taste buds dance.

The cheese had melted perfectly and tasted so creamy, like a blanket of deliciousness wrapping around each bite I took. As for the toppings, they were cooked just right, while still retaining that delicious crunch that pizza lovers crave.

The best part was the Steel Pan Pizza sauce which was full of flavor with a nice tangy kick – it truly elevates this pizza to epic levels! All these amazing flavors combined in one slice makes Steel Pan Pizza the best pizza in Orange County CA!

#6 Massimos Pizza and Pasta

The atmosphere is casual but inviting, and the staff are welcoming and friendly. The toppings selection is massive, with something to satisfy everyone. From classic pepperoni and cheese to more creative combinations like a caprese pizza, there’s always something new to try.

The crust at Massimos Pizza and Pasta is the best of the best. It’s perfectly cooked every time – crunchy outside and chewy inside. No soggy bottom here! And the sauce…oh my goodness. Rich, tangy tomato flavor that’ll have you wanting seconds (or thirds!).

The pasta options at Massimos are also out of this world. I tried their classic lasagna and was absolutely blown away by how flavorful it was – I couldn’t help but order another plate for dessert!

Overall, Massimos Pizza and Pasta has some of the best pizza in Orange County CA – you won’t regret trying it out!

#7 ZeroZero39 Pizzeria

This place knows pizza! From the delicious crust to the delectable toppings, they have it all. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable and the atmosphere is welcoming and inviting.

The pizzas here border on works of art. Even the basic cheese pizza is well-made and loaded with flavor. My favorite specialty pizza is their Margherita, a truly perfect combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, garlic and oil. The creaminess of the mozzarella goes perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce. It’s a masterpiece!

I also had one of their Calzones which was equally scrumptious. Full of ricotta cheese, Mozzarella and your choice of filling (I went for pepperoni), it was cooked perfectly in a crisp crust.

Overall, ZeroZero39 Pizzeria delivers excellent food in an enjoyable setting at an affordable price – what more could you ask for? I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Orange County CA!

#8 Pizza Amore Cafe

The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, with a lot of seating both inside and out. The staff were really friendly and helpful, taking the time to explain all their menu items to me.

The pizza here was outstanding! Perfectly thin and crispy base with lots of great toppings – I had the pepperoni, mushroom and olive. So delicious. And although I’m usually a fan of thick crust pizzas this one changed my mind – it’s absolutely perfect!

I’d highly recommend Pizza Amore Cafe if you’re ever looking for great pizza in Orange County CA. It’s definitely the best pizza you’ll find in the area, and you won’t be disappointed!

If you’re willing to go an extra 5 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Huntington Beach!

#9 Pizza 900 Wood Fired Pizzeria

To start, the place has a great atmosphere. The interior is warm and inviting and their pizza oven is always blazing in the background. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful too, so no matter what kind of pizza experience you’re looking for, they can help you out!

As for the food – wow! This pizza is like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. They have these incredible wood-fired pizzas that are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of charring on them. Plus, each pie comes with a unique combination of fresh ingredients that you won’t find anywhere else.

I’m especially fond of their classic tomato-based pizzas but they also offer creative topping combinations like fig and gorgonzola or caramelized onion and mushroom. If something more traditional is your preference then they also have some delicious New York-style slices as well!

No matter what kind of pizza you crave, Pizza 900 Wood Fired Pizzeria has it all. It’s no wonder why this place has been heralded as one of the best pizza joints in Orange County CA!

#10 Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store

From the moment I walked in the door, I could tell this was a special place. The staff was friendly, the atmosphere inviting and the aroma of freshly cooked pizza irresistible!

My first bite of the pizza was pure heaven! The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, with just enough cheese and toppings to enhance the flavor without overpowering it. Every single slice had perfectly balanced flavors – a testament to Sgt. Pepperoni’s focus on quality ingredients and cooking technique.

I sampled many things on their menu – from traditional Margherita pizza to gourmet specialty pies like their famous BBQ Burger Pizza. Every single item was delicious! They also offer an impressive selection of local craft beers to pair with your pizza – making my dining experience even more enjoyable.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Orange County CA. Not only will you be treated to some amazing food, but you’ll also get to experience true hospitality at its finest.

#11 Wise Guys Pizzeria

My first bite of Wise Guys Pizzeria was life-changing. The crust was fluffy, but still had that delicious crunch I crave in a pizza. The cheese was melty and stretchy, and the toppings were fresh. Every bite was as heavenly as the last!

The staff at Wise Guys Pizzeria really knows how to make a pizza experience special. They were friendly, attentive and always made sure my order came out perfect. Plus, they have an amazing selection of specialty pies that are sure to please even the pickiest pizza eater.

But the best part? The price! Not only is their pizza top-notch quality, it’s also surprisingly affordable given their premium ingredients. I’m definitely coming back for more!

In conclusion, Wise Guys Pizzeria has some of the best pizza in Orange County CA and I highly recommend it for any pizza lover looking for an amazing meal that won’t break their budget.

#12 Whata Lotta Pizza

I stopped in for a quick slice of pepperoni, and I was impressed. The pizza was cooked to perfection – the crust was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The sauce had just the right amount of sweetness, and the cheese perfectly melted together.

The atmosphere at Whata Lotta Pizza is also great. It has an old-school Italian charm that makes it feel like you’re actually in Italy instead of Orange County CA.

For those of you who prefer thin crust pizza, there’s also a wide selection of those options as well. No matter what type of pizza you like, Whata Lotta Pizza is sure to have something for everyone.

Overall, I’d recommend Whata Lotta Pizza to anyone looking for a delicious slice in Orange County CA! It’s definitely some of the best pizza around!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Rance’s Chicago Pizza

As soon as I walked through the door of Rance’s Chicago Pizza, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce tickled my nose, sending my taste buds into a wild frenzy. I glanced around and noticed the quirky Chicago-themed decor, complete with a mini Statue of Liberty sporting a Cubs cap. Talk about ambiance!

Now, onto the star of the show – the deep dish pizza. Holy Cannoli, Batman! This pizza was a mountain of cheesy goodness. The crust was thick and buttery, with just the right amount of crispiness. It was like biting into a cloud made of pizza dough. Toppings? They had it all: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and even a medley of brightly colored bell peppers. I almost expected to find a pot of gold at the end of this pizza rainbow.

What really sets Rance’s apart from other pizza joints is their attention to detail. The cheese was perfectly melted, creating long, tantalizing strands that stretched from my plate to my mouth. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, like a party in my mouth that only Chicago could throw.

But wait, there’s more! Rance’s also offers a variety of other delicious dishes like their mouthwatering cheese-filled garlic bread and tangy Caesar salad. And let’s not forget the friendly and enthusiastic staff who made my experience truly unforgettable. They even let me wear a chef’s hat and join in on the pizza-making fun!

So if you’re looking for the best deep dish pizza in orange county ca, look no further than Rance’s Chicago Pizza. Your taste buds will thank you, and your waistline… well, let’s just say it’s worth every glorious bite.

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Rance’s Chicago Pizza

As soon as I walked into Rance’s, the aromas of melted cheese and crispy crust wafted through the air, teasing my taste buds. I couldn’t help but salivate as I ogled their pizza creations lining the counter like edible art. And let me tell you, this place is not your average pizza joint.

The first bite of their thin crust pizza was a revelation. It was so thin and delicate, I felt like I was eating a cloud with a cheesy, tomato sauce surprise. The toppings were perfectly balanced – not too heavy, not too light – just enough to satisfy my hunger without overwhelming my stomach. Each bite was like a symphony of flavors, with the tangy sauce playing lead and the cheese providing the harmonious backdrop.

And the cheese! Oh, the cheese. It stretched and melted like a cheese lover’s dream. I almost felt guilty as I devoured slice after slice, but hey, a traveling food critic has to do what a traveling food critic has to do, right?

The ambiance of Rance’s added to the whole experience. The dim lighting and cozy booths made me feel like I was in a Chicago speakeasy, hiding from the mob, except, you know, with amazing pizza. The staff was friendly and efficient, making sure my glass was never empty and my pizza was always hot.

In conclusion, if you’re in Orange County and craving the best thin crust pizza around, Rance’s Chicago Pizza is your go-to. Just make sure to bring your appetite and maybe some elastic waistband pants. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Best Wood Fired Pizza – Pitfire Pizza

First off, let me just say that walking into Pitfire Pizza feels like entering some sort of pizza wonderland. The scent of freshly baked dough and bubbling cheese fills the air, instantly making your mouth water. It’s like being enveloped in a warm, cheesy hug.

Now, I’ve had my fair share of wood fired pizzas, but the ones at Pitfire Pizza take the cake (or should I say, pie?). The crust is perfectly charred, with just the right amount of chewiness. It’s so good that I actually shed a tear of joy. And let me tell you, it takes a lot to make me cry – I’ve survived eating pizzas from all corners of the globe!

But it’s not just the crust that steals the show at Pitfire Pizza. The toppings are out of this world! They have everything from classic Margherita to inventive creations like the Pitfire Special – a combination of caramelized onions, mushrooms, Gruyere cheese, and truffle oil. I honestly thought I had died and gone to pizza heaven.

And the best part? The staff is friendly and always ready with a witty pizza pun. They truly understand the power of a well-delivered pun. It’s like doughing it right in the humor department!

So, if you’re in the mood for some top-notch wood fired pizza in orange county, look no further than Pitfire Pizza. Trust me, your taste buds will thank me later. And who knows, you might even shed a tear of joy yourself!