Best Pizza in Salinas (Updated Fall 2023)

I’ve been all over the world tasting the best of the best, so I think I’m well-qualified to give an expert opinion on who makes Salinas’s top pizza. After visiting 12 spots in town, I’m ready to share my verdict. But don’t worry – there might be a bit of humor and lightheartedness mixed in with my assessment as well!

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 Salinas - Straw Hat Pizza

#1 Straw Hat Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-10PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-10PM
Friday: 10:30AM-10PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-10PM
Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM

The restaurant is small and inviting, filled with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff are always willing to help out and make sure you have an enjoyable experience.

As for the pizza itself, it’s phenomenal! They offer a wide selection of toppings, so you can create your perfect pizza. Every pizza I’ve tried has been cooked to perfection; the crust is light, fluffy and buttery and the sauce is flavorful. The cheese they use is top-notch as well – it just melts in your mouth! I’m pretty sure they must put some kind of magical ingredient in their pizza because every bite is truly delicious.

Plus, their prices are surprisingly affordable considering the quality of their food. You can definitely get your money’s worth here!

All in all, I would highly recommend Straw Hat Pizza if you’re looking for the best pizza in Salinas. Trust me – after eating here, you won’t be disappointed!

If you’re willing to go an extra 16 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Monterey!

#2 best pizza place in Salinas - Alisal Pizzeria

#2 Alisal Pizzeria

Open Hours
Monday: 12-8PM
Tuesday: 12-8PM
Wednesday: 12-8PM
Thursday: 12-8PM
Friday: 12-8PM
Saturday: 12-8PM
Sunday: 12-8PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Nice tourist spot


From the moment I stepped in the door, I knew this was going to be a special experience. The aromatic smell of pizza dough and melted cheese drew me in and the friendly staff only added to my anticipation.

The crust was perfection: perfectly thin and crispy with just enough chewiness for texture. The sauce had that sweet, tomato flavor that is so important for great pizza. But what really made Alisal Pizzeria stand out for me were the toppings – fresh and flavorful, they completed the picture of this perfect pizza parlor.

To top it all off, my server offered me a generous portion of garlic knots as an appetizer! Delicious, freshly-baked knots seasoned with herbs and sea salt got my taste buds ready for the main event: a piping hot slice of Alisal’s signature ‘Grandma Pie.’

I couldn’t have asked for better pizza in Salinas. Experience truly did make Alisal Pizzeria one of the best pizzerias I’ve been to!

#3 best pizza place in Salinas - MOD Pizza

#3 MOD Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-10PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-11PM
Friday: 10:30AM-11PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-8PM
Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM

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


The moment I stepped in the restaurant, I was struck by all the delightful aromas of freshly-baked cheese and spices. I couldn’t help but smile and think to myself, “this is going to be good!”

The service at MOD Pizza was absolutely outstanding! The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, answering my questions quickly and accurately. Plus, they had a great sense of humour that made me feel welcomed right away.

My pizza experience was superb! The crust was thin and crispy with just enough bite for flavor. Then there were the toppings – fresh vegetables, Italian sausage, salami, black olives – all melted together under a thick blanket of cheese. It truly was a masterpiece!

In conclusion, MOD Pizza is definitely one of the best places for pizza in Salinas. The atmosphere was enjoyable; the service top-notch; and the flavors simply unbeatable! So if you’re ever in town looking for quality pizza, look no further than MOD Pizza.

#4 best pizza place in Salinas - Piara Pizza

#4 Piara Pizza

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

First off, the atmosphere is fantastic! When I walked in, I was greeted by an enthusiastic staff who genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs. The restaurant itself is decorated with a variety of charming wall art and decorations, making for a cozy atmosphere that instantly put me at ease.

The pizza was phenomenal! My go-to order is a pepperoni and mushroom pie, and Piara Pizza’s rendition knocked it out of the park! The crust was cooked to perfection, while the toppings were flavorful and savory. It easily rivaled some of the best Italian restaurants I’ve visited.

But perhaps what impressed me most about Piara Pizza was how reasonably priced it was. Despite offering top-notch pizza, they also provide great deals on their combos—my two-topping pizzas only cost me $10 each! Outside of the restaurant industry, you won’t find better prices like that around here.

In conclusion, Piara Pizza is well worth checking out if you’re ever in Salinas looking for some of the best pizza you’ll ever eat!

#5 best pizza place in Salinas - Salinas Pizza & Pints

#5 Salinas Pizza & Pints

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

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


The pizza was amazingly delicious. The crust was light and fluffy, with the perfect amount of crunch. The sauce was flavorful and just the right amount of sweet. The toppings were fresh and cooked to perfection.

The atmosphere at Salinas Pizza & Pints is really relaxed and cozy. There’s plenty of seating and a wide selection of beer on tap to pair with your slices of pizza. Plus, there’s TVs around the restaurant so you can watch the game while chowing down!

The staff at Salinas Pizza & Pints are friendly and welcoming. They make sure you’re taken care of and always offer great suggestions for what to order.

If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Salinas, then look no further than Salinas Pizza & Pints! I highly recommend it!

#6 best pizza place in Salinas - Blaze Pizza

#6 Blaze Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-8PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-8PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-8PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-8PM
Friday: 10:30AM-9PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-8PM
Sunday: 11AM-8PM

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


The first thing I noticed when I walked into Blaze Pizza was the bright and colorful decor. The staff was also extremely friendly and welcoming, which I always appreciate in a restaurant.

Now, onto the pizza! The pie is cooked to perfection with a light and crispy crust that was still crunchy after lightly adding some of their amazing sauces. The ingredients are all high-quality, making each slice flavorful yet not overly heavy or greasy. My favorite part may have been the abundance of topping options – there are so many combinations you can choose from!

I have to say that I don’t usually like to give anything five stars but this pizza definitely deserves it. It is hands down the best pizza in Salinas! If you’re ever around these parts and looking for delicious Italian food, Blaze Pizza needs to be at the top of your list.

#7 best pizza place in Salinas - Ryli's & Papa's Pizzeria

#7 Ryli’s & Papa’s Pizzeria

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

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol


The pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients, like fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. The crust is perfectly crisp, yet light and airy – the perfect vehicle to deliver a delicious bite. There’s an impressive selection of toppings, too. From classic pepperoni to more daring options like pesto or eggplant, there’s something for everyone!

The vibe of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with a nice balance of traditional Italian decor and modern touches. The staff members are knowledgeable and friendly – they know their stuff!

But let’s get down tobusiness: how does the pizza taste? Well, I’m glad you asked! In my opinion, Ryli’s & Papa’s Pizzeria makes some of the best pizza in Salinas! Every slice is loaded with flavor – from the tomato sauce to the cheese – and each bite melts in your mouth. Simply put: it’s amazing.

If you’re looking for great pizza in Salinas, look no further than Ryli’s & Papa’s Pizzeria! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

If you’re willing to go an extra 18 miles, you can get to 17 more pizza places in Carmel-By-The-Sea!

#8 best pizza place in Salinas - Casa Sorrento Pizzeria

#8 Casa Sorrento Pizzeria

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-8PM
Tuesday: 11AM-8PM
Wednesday: 11AM-8PM
Thursday: 11AM-8PM
Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 11AM-9PM
Sunday: 12-8PM

Benefits
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Offers dessert
  • Nice tourist spot


It was hard to choose from the extensive menu of classics and specialties, but I eventually opted for a simple margherita pizza. The dough was airy yet crunchy, the perfect base for the rich tomato sauce and creamy Wisconsin mozzarella cheese. It was clear that every ingredient used was of top quality, and the combination made for an incredible pizza experience.

The service at Casa Sorrento Pizzeria is also exceptional. Our server was friendly and attentive, answering all our questions and ensuring our drinks were always full. Plus, they even allowed us to use their outdoor wood-fired pizzeria right next door – how cool is that?

All in all, it’s easy to see why Casa Sorrento Pizzeria is considered the best pizza in Salinas. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining night out with friends or a delicious meal in front of the TV, this place has got you covered!

#9 best pizza place in Salinas - Pizza Factory

#9 Pizza Factory

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

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


My first impression of Pizza Factory was that it had a cozy, inviting atmosphere to it. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, which is always a plus.

The menu at Pizza Factory is diverse and they have something for everyone. I decided to go with their signature pizza, the Pepperoni Lovers Dream. It did not disappoint! It was loaded with pepperoni and cheese, cooked perfectly for an amazing flavor.

I also tried some of their other specialty pizzas such as the BBQ Chicken Pizza and the Mediterranean Spinach Pizza – both equally delicious! They use fresh ingredients that really make their pizzas stand out from others.

The service at Pizza Factory is fast and efficient – we were in and out before I knew it! They also offer delivery services which are great for those who can’t make it into the restaurant.

Overall I would definitely recommend Pizza Factory as one of the best places to get pizza in Salinas! If you’re looking for a quality pizza experience, then this place ought to be on your list!

#10 best pizza place in Salinas - Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza

#10 Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza

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

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options


The pizza here is amazing. From the moment I stepped into one of their locations, I was immediately overwhelmed by the amazing smells that filled the air – garlic, melted cheese, and freshly cooked crusts!

The selection of pizzas is great too; you can pick from many classic styles like pepperoni and veggie, or create your own masterpiece. They also offer tasty side dishes like fresh salads and breadsticks.

When it comes to quality, Papa Murphy’s has definitely earned its reputation as one of the best pizza places in Salinas. The crusts are always cooked to perfection with a delicious crunch on the outside and a soft center. The toppings are always generous and flavorful and there is plenty of cheese – just enough to remind you that this isn’t just any ordinary pizza!

I’d have to say that if you’re looking for the best pizza in Salinas, Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza should definitely be at the top of your list! The experience is delicious and satisfying every time – highly recommended!

#11 best pizza place in Salinas - Pizza Factory

#11 Pizza Factory

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

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


From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a real treat. The interior décor reminded me of a modern slice of Italy; lots of natural wood and exposed brick with a few pops of rustic charm – the perfect atmosphere to enjoy some quality pizza.

The menu was full of traditional Italian pizzas as well as culinary inventions you wouldn’t expect from your typical pizzeria. But, my go-to order is always the classic margarita, which I knew would be the true test of Pizza Factory’s pizza-making abilities.

I was amazed with the result! The crust was perfectly crisp and chewy at the same time, and there were just enough tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella that it melted in my mouth with each bite. It was clear that this pizza had been cooked with precision and skill – something I greatly appreciate in my pizza-hunting adventures!

I have been bragging about Pizza Factory ever since visiting them; they have definitely earned their title as having some of the best pizza in Salinas. If you’re ever in town and you love great pizza like me, make sure to stop by Pizza Factory for a truly incredible meal!

#12 best pizza place in Salinas - Salinas Pizza

#12 Salinas Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 8AM-9:30PM
Tuesday: 8AM-9:30PM
Wednesday: 8AM-9:30PM
Thursday: 8AM-9:30PM
Friday: 8AM-9:30PM
Saturday: 8AM-9:30PM
Sunday: 11AM-7PM

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot


The first time I visited, I was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere and the staff was incredibly friendly. Their menu is filled with classic Italian staples like pizzas, calzones, and strombolis.

It’s hard to pick a favorite item on the menu because everything was so delicious! My personal favorite is their classic Margherita pizza – it’s loaded with fresh tomatoes and basil, drizzled with a flavorful olive oil, and topped with aged mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

The crust on all their pizzas is perfectly thin and crispy and doesn’t overwhelm the flavors of the toppings – something I’ve found can be difficult to find in a good pizza.

I have to say that Salinas Pizza definitely deserves its reputation for having some of the best pizza in Salinas. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or just want to grab a slice (or several!) for lunch, you won’t go wrong here!

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