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Best Pizza in Santa Cruz (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve been all around the world, from Rome to Tokyo and beyond, tasting the very best pizza that those regions have to offer. And now I’m here in Santa Cruz – a small, coastal city on the Central California coast – with 12 pizza places ready for my full review.

With my taste buds ready to go and my appetite as high as ever, I’m determined to find out which place really serves up the best pie in town. Let’s get started!

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

#1 Bookie’s Pizza

Bookie’s offers an array of delicious toppings, from the more classic pepperoni to the adventurous pineapple and salami. As for the crust, it was light and crispy – not too doughy or crunchy, but just right!

The atmosphere of the place is great too. It’s always bustling with plenty of customers, and you can order your pizza to stay or take out. The staff were all friendly and helpful – a definite bonus!

Overall, I’d highly recommend Bookie’s Pizza if you’re looking for an amazing pizza experience in Santa Cruz. Whether you opt for a classic pie or something more daring, I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with what Bookie’s has to offer.

If you’re willing to go an extra 12 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Los Gatos!

#2 Pizza My Heart

I was blown away by the unique toppings and delicious crust. The menu offers something for everyone – from traditional classics like a classic cheese or pepperoni to creative vegetarian options and fun specialty pizzas. Each pizza is made with fresh, quality ingredients that highlight the flavors perfectly.

The atmosphere is cozy but hip, with bright colors, modern décor, and a relaxed vibe. The waitstaff are always friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive; they know the menu inside-out!

All in all, Pizza My Heart is well worth a visit if you’re in Santa Cruz looking for the best pizza around. From classic combinations to new favorites, you won’t be disappointed! So be sure to check it out – it’s truly some of the best pizza I’ve had on my travels!

#3 Engfer Pizza Works

When walking in, I was transported to pizza heaven with the aroma of delicious Italian pies wafting through the air. It didn’t take me long to decide what kind of pizza I wanted to try.

The customer service was excellent and the staff were even able to make suggestions based on my dietary requirements. For example, they had some great vegetarian options – perfect for me!

In addition to the amazing pizza, I was also impressed by their selection of drinks. They have an extensive beer selection as well as some cocktails, so you can enjoy a few drinks while you wait for your pizza. Plus, they also offer dessert after if you still want more!

Unfortunately, Engfer Pizza Works doesn’t offer delivery which could be a bummer for some customers. But all in all it’s worth checking out this spot if you are looking to experience some of the best pizza in Santa Cruz!

#4 Tramonti

The experience of eating pizza at Tramonti is nothing short of remarkable. From the moment you walk in, you get a strong sense of old-world charm coupled with modern sophistication — their decor is a mix of classic Italian and contemporary styles.

I sampled the traditional Margherita pizza upon stepping foot in the restaurant, and I must say that my taste buds were delighted! The crust was thin and crispy yet still chewy — just how it should be. And the sauce to cheese ratio was perfect!

The atmosphere at Tramonti also contributes to its charm. The music playing overhead adds a nice touch and makes for an enjoyable time. Plus, the wait staff is friendly and helpful too — giving great advice on food choices as well as providing excellent customer service throughout your meal.

In conclusion, I must say that Tramonti is sure to impress any pizza lover looking for one of the best pies in Santa Cruz!

#5 Woodstock’s Pizza Santa Cruz

I went in with no expectations, but the team at Woodstock’s quickly blew me away. The atmosphere is inviting and the decor is hip and modern.

Their pizza, however, is why I’m writing this review. Everything from their crust to their sauce to their cheese was perfect. As a food critic, I can safely say that the combination of all these elements was unbelievably delicious.

What’s more, their extensive selection gave me plenty of options to choose from. From classic combinations like pepperoni and mushrooms to unique flavors like pesto and artichoke hearts, it was hard for me to choose!

In the end, my experience at Woodstock’s Pizza Santa Cruz made me confident in saying that they serve some of the best pizza in Santa Cruz! If you’re looking for an amazing dinner out or just a great slice of pizza on-the-go, this place is definitely worth checking out!

#6 Pizzeria La Bufala

As soon as I stepped through the doors, I knew something special was afoot. The place is simple yet inviting, with a warm ambiance and bright colors. The staff were friendly and helpful, and they definitely know their stuff when it comes to pizza.

The highlight of my visit was the pizza—my taste buds were in pizza heaven! The classic Margherita pizza was simply divine—the dough was thin and crispy, the tomato sauce was flavorful, and the cheese was gooey and melted perfectly in my mouth. They also have some unique creations with inventive toppings that you won’t find anywhere else.

All in all, Pizzeria La Bufala is an amazing spot for pizza lovers like me who love authentic Italian pizzas. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for the best pizza in Santa Cruz!

#7 Robbie’s Pizza & Subs

While I’ve tasted some impeccable pies in New York and Rome, none of them compare to the sheer deliciousness of Robbie’s. The crust is perfectly crispy, with a subtle hint of garlic that provides just the right amount of flavor. The sauce is tangy and intense; it’s almost like they added a few drops of pure joy into their recipe! As for the cheese, words fail to describe how exquisite it is – it’s simply divine.

But don’t forget about the toppings! Robbie’s offers the full range of traditional favorites, from pepperoni to mushrooms, but they also have some creative combinations sure to please any pizza connoisseur. My personal favorite is the ‘surf & turf’, which features both delicious shrimp and savory bacon. Yum!

Not only does Robbie’s provide great pizza, but their Subs are equally fantastic – especially their famous Italian Sub with its several layers of delightfully fresh ingredients. It’s enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it!

It’s no surprise that Robbie’s Pizza & Subs has been named the best pizza in Santa Cruz. After tasting amazing pies at all corners of the world, I’m inclined to agree – this place has something special that sets it apart from other restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an amazing slice or a tasty sub, you can’t go wrong at Robbie’s Pizza & Subs!

If you’re willing to go an extra 22 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Campbell!

#8 Pizzeria Avanti

The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. The pies were perfectly crafted and they also had some vegetarian options, which is a nice addition.

You can also get your drink on at Pizzeria Avanti! They serve beer and wine – something I always appreciate when I’m digging into the perfect pie.

My only complaint about Pizzeria Avanti is that they don’t deliver. Boo! But don’t let that stop you from experiencing the delectable deliciousness that awaits you there in person.

After you’ve chowed down on pizza, treat yourself to a sweet dessert from their menu as a reward for making it all the way through your meal without licking the plate clean.

Overall, Pizzeria Avanti is the best pizza place in Santa Cruz, hands down. You won’t be disappointed – just go hungry!

#9 Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta

The atmosphere was something out of my dreams. The restaurant has a cozy, inviting feeling that puts you at ease. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful!

The pizza itself is heavenly. From the crispy thin crust to the thick and juicy toppings, every bite was full of flavor. Their signature blend of cheeses is extraordinary and their homemade sauces are out of this world.

I tried a few different combinations during my experience at Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta, but my favorite has to be their pepperoni pizza with extra cheese and garlic sauce – it was absolutely divine!

All in all, Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta has quickly become one of my favorite pizza joints in Santa Cruz – they’ve clinched the title of “best pizza in Santa Cruz” in my book!

#10 Round Table Pizza

The atmosphere at Round Table Pizza is great – the perfect casual environment to enjoy a delicious pizza. The staff was friendly and accommodating, which added to my overall experience.

As for the pizza itself, it’s superb! The crust is nice and crisp, the cheese perfectly melted, and just enough sauce. And don’t even get me started on the toppings – there are so many options that I didn’t know what to choose! I finally decided on pepperoni and sausage, which was an excellent combination.

I’m confident in saying that Round Table Pizza makes some of the best pizza in Santa Cruz. If you’re looking for a great place with good food and a fun atmosphere, then Round Table is definitely worth checking out!

#11 Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery

As soon as I walked in, I was charmed by the quaint charm of the cozy pizza parlor. The cheerful staff and eclectic decor made it feel like a home-away-from-home.

When it came time to order, there were so many delicious choices that I wasn’t sure where to start. From the classic marinara sauce to the unique blue cheese barbecue sauce, everything looked too good to resist! In the end, I went with a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese – and boy, am I glad I did! The crust was thin and crispy but still had plenty of flavor. The toppings were plentiful and flavorful as well.

I also sampled their special house salad – let me just say that it was one of the best salads I’ve ever had! The perfect combination of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy dressing – it all came together for an amazing treat.

All in all, Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery offers some of the best pizza in Santa Cruz – hands down! Everything was fresh and flavorful, not to mention reasonably priced. If you’re looking for great food without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth a visit!

#12 Pleasure Pizza

The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, with an endearing mural of a smiling slice of pizza on the wall and a bubbly staff. The menu features all your classic favorites like cheese, pepperoni and veggie, but also has some interesting twists like ranch chicken, breakfast pizza and even vegan options. And to top it off, they have their own speciality pizzas that are something else entirely!

I recently sampled one of their speciality pies – the “Taco Supreme” – which was topped with taco-flavored beef crumbles, peppers, onions, olives and salsa for extra kick. It was mouthwateringly delicious!

The crust was cooked to perfection; light and airy with nicely browned edges that were slightly crisp yet still had great flavor. The toppings were fresh and flavorful; each ingredient blended perfectly together in a way that created its own unique flavor. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything quite like it before – it was simply divine!

It’s no wonder Pleasure Pizza is known as one of the best pizza restaurants in Santa Cruz – there’s nothing else quite like it out there!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta

Picture this: I walk into Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta in the beautiful city of Santa Cruz, expecting another average pizza joint. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a cheesy adventure that would have my taste buds doing a happy dance!

As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I’ve had my fair share of deep dish pizzas from Chicago to Naples, but Upper Crust takes the crown in Santa Cruz. The moment I sank my teeth into their thick, doughy crust, I felt like I was floating on a cloud made of mozzarella. The combination of gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh toppings was a symphony of flavors that even Mozart would appreciate.

Now, let’s talk about the size. This thing is massive! I could barely fit it through the door of my apartment, but hey, who needs a coffee table when you can have a pizza table? It was like having a personal pizza universe all to myself. I suppose I should’ve invited friends over to share, but let’s be real, this pizza is way too good to be shared.

The service at Upper Crust is friendly and accommodating, but let’s be honest, as soon as that pizza hit the table, I completely forgot about everything else. Time stood still as I devoured slice after slice of cheesy perfection.

So, if you find yourself in Santa Cruz and you’re longing for a deep dish pizza that will make your taste buds rejoice, look no further than Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta. Your belly will thank you, and your taste buds might even write a love letter to the chefs.

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Pizza My Heart

Alright, picture this: you walk into Pizza My Heart and the first thing that catches your eye is their impressive selection of alcoholic beverages. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crisp, cold brew while sinking your teeth into a delicious slice of pizza. It’s a match made in heaven, like finding your favorite pair of yoga pants with pockets.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, But Edward, I’m a vegetarian! Well, fear not my green-eating friend, because Pizza My Heart has got you covered. They offer a decent array of vegetarian options that will have you skipping through the streets, spreading the good word of cauliflower crust.

But wait, there’s more! Not only can you tantalize your taste buds with their mouthwatering pizzas, but Pizza My Heart also doubles as a tourist spot. It’s like an all-in-one vacation package! You can munch on your favorite slice while taking in the sights of Santa Cruz.

Now, I have to admit, there is one downside to this pizza paradise. Pizza My Heart does not accept reservations. So be prepared to battle it out at the door like it’s the Hunger Games, but instead of a bow and arrow, you’ll be armed with your appetite and a smile.

But hey, the best things in life are worth waiting for, right? And let me tell you, Pizza My Heart is definitely worth the wait. So grab a drink, bring your vegetarian friends, and embark on a pizza adventure that will leave you craving for more.