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Best Pizza in San Diego Little Italy (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve tasted pizza all around the world, so I’m no stranger to good pies. That’s why I was excited to take a deep dive into the best pizzas San Diego Little Italy has to offer. After trying 12 places and eating more than my fair share of cheese, garlic, and dough, I am ready to crown the winner.

My journey for great pizza took me over several bridges and under plenty of palm trees in search of that perfect slice. Join me on this delicious expedition as I review the best pizza San Diego Little Italy has to offer!

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

#1 Mona Lisa Italian Foods

Upon entering Mona Lisa, I was welcomed with a warm atmosphere and a delicious smell of freshly baked pizza. I immediately knew that I had made the right decision to visit this restaurant.

The menu had an impressive selection of pizzas – from classic Margherita to spicy Diablo. After much deliberation, I eventually chose to go with the house specialty, the Famous Tuscan Pie. It was truly something special – a thin crust pizza piled high with gorgonzola, mozzarella, and peppery salami, along with garlic-infused olive oil and fresh basil. The combination of flavors was exquisite!

I also sampled some other dishes – the wild mushroom risotto and the veal meatballs were both noteworthy in their own right. But if you’re looking for best pizza in San Diego Little Italy, Mona Lisa Italian Foods should be at the top of your list. Every bite was simply divine!

If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 21 more pizza places in Coronado!

#2 Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy

From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew this place was special. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their offerings.

Now for the pizza: oh my! Every bite was bursting with flavor. The crust was perfectly crisp and golden brown around the edges, while remaining chewy in the center. The cheese was melty and delicious, and there were several options for toppings to choose from. I would definitely recommend adding their signature sauce – it really takes it up a notch!

The only downside (for me at least) is that they don’t offer any gluten-free options. But even if you’re not gluten sensitive like me, it’s worth a visit just to enjoy their amazing pizzas! Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy has truly earned its place as one of the best pizza places in San Diego Little Italy – I can’t wait for my next trip there!

#3 Isola Pizza Bar

The atmosphere at Isola Pizza Bar is incredible. The rustic woodsy feel of the interior and the open kitchen create a truly inviting environment to enjoy your meal.

The pizza itself is absolutely amazing! It’s hands down some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted, with perfectly executed crusts and flavorful sauces. You can definitely tell that Isola Pizza Bar takes their craft seriously, as each pie is cooked to perfection and loaded with flavor.

I had the opportunity to sample a few of their pizzas during my visit, and I was knocked off my feet by their excellence in every single one! The portions are generous, so no matter how much you order it will definitely be enough for several hearty meals.

Aside from their delicious pizzas, Isola Pizza Bar also offers some great appetizers and salads that pair well with all of their pizzas. Plus they have an extensive selection of beer to choose from, making this place ideal for anyone looking for a full Italian experience.

The only downside to this restaurant is that it can get quite crowded on weekends, so make sure you arrive early in order to get the best seats in the house!

Overall, I would highly recommend Isola Pizza Bar for those looking for an awesome Italian dining experience. The quality of their food speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence and passion for crafting some of the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy!

#4 Solunto Restaurant & Bakery

As soon as I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat. The mouth-watering aromas wafting from the ovens drew me in and reminded me of a real Italian pizzeria.

The staff were friendly and welcoming and immediately directed me to their wood-fired ovens. The sight of these handcrafted masterpieces sitting amongst the flames made my heart skip a beat!

I wasted no time diving in, tucking into the margherita pizza with its thick tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil – this was just what I needed to start my journey!

After that delicious starter, I moved on to sampling some of the other creations such as their veggie lovers pizza with zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, sundried tomatoes and ricotta cheese – it was simply amazing!

If you’re looking for a great pizza spot then Solunto Restaurant & Bakery is definitely worth checking out. If you want to experience the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy then this is your place!

#5 Nolita Hall

The atmosphere was great – it felt like an Italian tavern, complete with dark lighting and the occasional soccer match being displayed on the TVs. I knew I had come across a good place when I realized that not only did they serve beer and wine, but also hard liquor!

It was nice to see that there were some vegetarian options on the menu too, as well as yummy desserts like cannolis and zeppoles. Nolita Hall really makes sure that everyone is taken care of – even those looking for something sweet!

As great as this pizza spot is though, one downside is that they don’t offer delivery. But that’s ok because it gives you a chance to get out and enjoy your surroundings while taking in some of the touristy sights. Plus, if you stick around long enough you can catch a game or two – making it a great spot for catching up with friends over some drinks and pies.

Overall, Nolita Hall is definitely my top pick for getting the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy!

#6 Mr. Moto Pizza Little Italy

I’ve been to a lot of places trying out the different crusts and toppings, but nothing compares to Mr. Moto Pizza Little Italy. Their crust is just right – not too thick and not too thin. And the topping selection is just amazing! From classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas to wild concoctions with all sorts of toppings, there’s something for every pizza lover here.

The service is great too – everyone at Mr. Moto Pizza Little Italy is so friendly and accommodating. Plus, their prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality you get!

In short, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy, you won’t go wrong with Mr. Moto Pizza Little Italy! I highly recommend it – I know I’ll be back soon!

#7 Caps Pizza & Bar

When I first stepped foot into Caps, my mouth was already salivating. The smells of the fresh ingredients used to make their pizza were like no other. It was obvious that the ingredients were top notch and freshly made.

The pizza itself was absolutely delicious! It had a light, crunchy crust that was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of cheese and toppings spread evenly across it. The tomato sauce had a rich, savory flavor and the herbs sprinkled on top really brought out all of the flavors in the pizza.

I especially liked how they used creative recipes and toppings to come up with unique pizzas like their Smoked Pepperoni Pizza and their Grilled Garlic Chicken Pizza. All of these special pies were beyond delicious!

At Caps Pizza & Bar, you can also order appetizers, salads and pasta dishes to go along with your pizza. No matter what your choice is, you’re sure to be pleased with your meal!

In conclusion, I highly recommend Caps Pizza & Bar for anyone looking for some of the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy!

If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in San Diego!

#8 Giovanni’s Trattoria

I’ve tried a lot of different places around the world, but there’s something special about Giovanni’s Trattoria. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Plus the pizza itself is amazing — it has the perfect blend of flavors, with a thin crust that’s just cooked to perfection.

The best part is that they use only the freshest ingredients in their pizzas. Every time I go there, I can taste the difference between freshly-made dough and sauce compared to chain restaurants. It really adds an extra layer of flavor to the pizza that you just can’t get anywhere else.

What can I say? If you’re looking for great pizza in San Diego Little Italy, Giovanni’s Trattoria should be your first choice! Not only do they have some of the best pizza in town, but they also offer an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re at home — just without all your family members arguing over who gets what topping. That alone is worth more than enough for me!

#9 Ambrogio15 Little Italy

The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting. Aside from the mouth-watering aroma of pizza wafting through the air, you’ll be delighted by the vintage decorations and Italian music playing in the background.

The menu features an extensive selection of signature pizzas, each of which are handmade with homemade dough, ingredients sourced from Italy, and local produce. You can also create your own pizza with a variety of delicious toppings and sauces to choose from.

I had their signature Margherita pizza and it was absolutely divine! The crust was light and fluffy with just the right amount of char flavor imparted by their traditional wood-fired oven. The balance between mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, basil leaves and olive oil was perfection.

In addition to their delectable pizzas, Ambrogio15 Little Italy also offers pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads made fresh with some of the finest ingredients available in San Diego Little Italy.

If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine in San Diego Little Italy served up with great hospitality, then look no further than Ambrogio15 Little Italy! In my opinion, they have some of the best pizza around!

#10 Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant

I mean, when you can have alcohol and dessert with your pizza, what’s not to like? The service was really friendly and accommodating – they even gave me some excellent wine recommendations.

The pizza was delicious, the crust was cooked just right and the toppings were fresh and tasty. I also enjoyed their wide selection of different toppings that made it easy to customize your pizza.

The downside is that they don’t offer delivery, so you’ll have to go there to get it. But trust me, it’s worth it!

In short, I can safely say that Vinarius Wine Bar & Restaurant has the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy!

#11 RoVino Restaurant + Bar

The atmosphere of the restaurant is inviting, with an open kitchen where you can watch your pizza being made. The waiters are friendly and attentive and there’s plenty of seating options.

I started off with a traditional Margherita pizza that was cooked perfectly – just enough cheese, a light, crisp crust, and fresh tasting tomatoes. For my main course, I had a RoVino favorite, their BBQ Chicken Pizza with creamy mozzarella and tender chicken pieces. It was heavenly!

The ingredients at RoVino are very fresh, so you know you’re getting quality pizza each time. They even have gluten-free options and vegan options if you’re looking for something different.

Overall, I’d highly recommend RoVino Restaurant + Bar as the go-to place for the best pizza in San Diego Little Italy! Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner out or an intimate experience with friends and family, there’s something here for everyone!

#12 Bencotto

I was immediately impressed when I stepped foot into the restaurant. The interior was beautifully designed, with its wood-paned walls and Italian-inspired decorations. Not to mention, the service was top-notch.

The menu at Bencotto features a variety of handcrafted pizzas, from classic margherita to creative combinations like fig and prosciutto. I decided to go for the standard margherita and wasn’t disappointed! The crust was perfectly balanced between crispiness and doughiness (yes, that’s a real thing!). To top it off, the flavors of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella combined perfectly.

Needless to say, this is some of the best pizza I’ve ever had – even giving several restaurants in Naples a run for their money! If you’re ever in San Diego Little Italy looking for great pizza, I’d definitely recommend heading over to Bencotto.

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria

Now, before you roll your eyes and say, Deep dish in San Diego? Yeah, right! let me tell you, Lefty’s is the real deal. I stumbled upon this hidden gem while on a quest for the perfect pizza, and boy, did I strike cheesy gold!

Let’s start with the ambiance. Lefty’s is a nice tourist spot, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The dim lighting and cozy booths create the ideal atmosphere for indulging in pizza heaven. And did I mention they serve alcohol? Pizza and beer – a match made in cheesy heaven!

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – their deep dish pizza. It’s like a gooey, cheese-filled dream. The crust is buttery and flaky, forming a firm foundation for the mountains of cheese, sauce, and toppings that await you. Each bite is a cheesy explosion that will make you question all your life choices leading up to this moment.

But here’s the downside – Lefty’s doesn’t accept reservations. So, if you’re a planner like me, you may end up waiting for a table. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Plus, you can use that time to drool over the dessert menu. Their homemade cannoli is to die for, and they have a selection of gelatos that will make you forget you ever had room for pizza!

So, my fellow pizza enthusiasts, if you find yourself in San Diego craving the best deep dish pizza, head to Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria. This place is a slice above the competition, and your taste buds will thank you for it!

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Landini’s Pizzeria

It’s like a slice of heaven wrapped in cheesy goodness, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Plus, the fact that they serve alcohol means you can pair your pizza with a nice cold beer or a glass of wine, because everyone knows pizza tastes even better with a little liquid courage.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. But Edward, I’m a vegetarian! Well, fear not my leaf-eating friends, Landini’s has got you covered. They have some fantastic vegetarian options that will make even the most dedicated carnivore reconsider their preferences. Trust me, I had a friend who claimed to be a meat-loving machine, but Landini’s veggie pizza changed his life. It’s that good.

But wait, there’s more! Not only does Landini’s serve mouthwatering pizza, they also offer delectable desserts. So, if you somehow manage to save room after devouring their pizza, you can treat yourself to a sweet ending. Just be warned, you might have to unbutton your pants after this indulgent feast.

Now, let’s get to the downsides. Unfortunately, Landini’s does not accept reservations. So, if you’re planning on coming here during peak hours, be prepared to wait. But hey, think of it as an opportunity to make new friends and discuss the wonders of thin crust pizza with fellow pizza enthusiasts.

All in all, Landini’s Pizzeria is a great spot for pizza lovers and tourists alike. So, grab a seat, raise a slice, and prepare for your taste buds to be forever grateful. And don’t forget to thank me later for introducing you to this pizza paradise in San Diego’s little Italy!

Best Wood Fired Pizza – Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill

Walking into Sammy’s, I was immediately greeted by the tantalizing aroma of woodfire and melted cheese. As a distinguished food critic, I fancy myself quite the pizza connoisseur, so I jumped at the opportunity to try their famous pies.

First, I ordered their Classic Margherita pizza, which arrived at my table looking like a piece of art. The crust was perfectly charred and crispy, with just the right amount of chewiness. The fresh basil and juicy tomatoes danced harmoniously with the creamy mozzarella, creating a heavenly bite after bite. I couldn’t help but sing That’s Amore with every mouthful!

Next, I dived into their signature Maui Wowie pizza, with its delightful combination of ham, pineapple, red onions, and cilantro. Now, I know the pineapple-on-pizza debate can get heated, but trust me when I say that Sammy’s Maui Wowie will convert any skeptic. The flavors blended together like a tropical symphony, transporting me straight to a beachside paradise with every bite.

Now, let’s talk about variety. Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill offers an impressive selection of non-traditional toppings, like roasted garlic, marinated artichoke hearts, and even truffle oil. As someone who appreciates pizza that thinks outside the box, I was overjoyed with the endless possibilities.

To top it all off, the staff at Sammy’s were an absolute delight. With their cheerful attitudes and witty banter, they provided an unforgettable dining experience. Plus, their recommendations were top-notch.

So, my fellow pizza enthusiasts, trust me when I say that Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill is a slice above the rest. From their perfectly crafted dough to their innovative toppings, they have mastered the art of wood fired pizza. Whether you’re a local or a fellow traveler, make sure to drop by Sammy’s and experience a pizza party in your mouth. It’s a pizza experience that I’ll be