Best Pizza in Santa Maria (Updated Fall 2023)

I’ve made it my mission to sample the very best pizzas around the world and, on my latest trip to Santa Maria, I set out to discover who had the tastiest pies in town. Out of twelve pizza places I tried, I narrowed it down to what I believe are the top three pizzerias in Santa Maria.

Ready to embark on an exciting journey of cheesy deliciousness? Let’s start with the very best pizza that Santa Maria has to offer!

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 Santa Maria - Pi Whole Pizza Express

#1 Pi Whole Pizza Express

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

I may be biased since I haven’t tried every place in town, but this one takes the cake for me. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the pizza is delicious.

Their selection of toppings is delectable- they have everything from classic sausage and pepperoni to veggie options like mushrooms and artichokes. Not to mention their signature deep dish pizza that’s made with homemade sauce and hand-tossed dough!

But what really puts Pi Whole Pizza Express over the top? It has to be their creative fusion pizzas. Who knew that pineapple and jalapenos would taste so good together on a pizza? Or that barbeque chicken could pair perfectly with red onions? The possibilities are endless here!

I highly recommend Pi Whole Pizza Express for anyone looking for an amazing pizza experience in Santa Maria. After all, it just might be home to the best pizza in town!

If you’re willing to go an extra 17 miles, you can get to 14 more pizza places in Arroyo Grande!

#2 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Klondike Pizza

#2 Klondike Pizza

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

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


The first thing that stands out to me about Klondike Pizza is their menu selection. They have more pizzas than I’ve ever seen before! From classic cheese pizzas to gourmet mushroom pies, there’s definitely something for everyone here.

Their crust is incredible – it’s the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy. It’s light and fluffy inside, with just enough crispiness on the outside. And their sauce is something special – it’s tangy, sweet, and has a little bit of spice. No matter what toppings you choose, you’re in for a real treat!

What really sets Klondike Pizza apart from other restaurants is the service. Every person on staff is friendly and helpful, willing to answer any questions you might have about the menu or give recommendations based on your preferences. Their pizza makers take great pride in their craft – they take time to make sure each pie looks perfect before sending it off to the ovens.

Overall, Klondike Pizza serves up some of the best pizza in Santa Maria. I can’t wait to come back again soon!

#3 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza

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

Open Hours
Monday: 10AM-7PM
Tuesday: 10AM-8PM
Wednesday: 10AM-8PM
Thursday: 10AM-8PM
Friday: 10AM-8PM
Saturday: 10AM-8PM
Sunday: 10AM-7PM

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options


The first thing that jumps out at you when ordering from Papa Murphy’s is the size of their pizzas. They are huge! I’m talking bigger than your head huge – it’s truly something to behold. Plus, they have plenty of topping options, so you can build the perfect pie for whatever type of pizza craving you have.

The crust at Papa Murphy’s is to die for. It’s thick, chewy and flavorful – just how I like it! And the sauce? They don’t skimp here either – it’s always bold and brimming with flavor. Melted cheese and fresh veggies top off each slice in perfection.

All in all, I give Papa Murphy’s two thumbs up for being the best pizza in Santa Maria! Every time I’m passing through this region, a trip to Papa Murphy’s is always a must-do.

#4 best pizza place in Orcutt - Pizzeria Bello Forno

#4 Pizzeria Bello Forno

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:30AM-2PM,4:30-8PM
Wednesday: 11:30AM-2PM,4:30-8PM
Thursday: 11:30AM-2PM,4:30-8PM
Friday: 11:30AM-2PM,4:30-8:30PM
Saturday: 11:30AM-8:30PM
Sunday: 11:30AM-7:30PM

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


The restaurant is designed to look like a traditional Italian pizzeria, complete with wood-fired ovens and a delicious aroma that wafts through the air. The menu offers a variety of classic pizzas like Margherita, Bianca and Diavola, but also some more unique offerings like Prosciutto and Arugula, Smoked Salmon and Caponata.

The first thing I noticed when my pizza arrived was the perfectly cooked dough. It had just the right amount of crunch on the outside while still staying light and fluffy in the middle. The topping combinations were flavorful and well balanced – especially with their house made sauces!

If you’re looking for pizza in Santa Maria, Pizzeria Bello Forno is definitely worth checking out. Their excellent pies are sure to blow your mind. Plus, their friendly staff will have you feeling like family before you know it!

#5 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Fatte's Pizza of Santa Maria

#5 Fatte’s Pizza of Santa Maria

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

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot


From the first time I walked through the door, I knew this was going to be something special. The bright red walls and the aroma in the air were enough to get me salivating.

The pizza itself was delectable; thin-crust with a perfect blend of flavors. The sauce was perfectly cooked and added a great depth of flavor to each slice. Every bite brought a delicious balance of cheese and toppings that was like nothing else I’ve ever had!

What really sets Fatte’s Pizza apart is their staff; they are both friendly AND informative. They take pride in preparing the best pizza, and it shows in every dish they create. They provide customers with detailed descriptions of all their signature pizzas, which really helps one decide if a slice is right for them or not.

In conclusion, if you’re ever passing through Santa Maria, you absolutely have to stop by Fatte’s Pizza – it’s simply the best pizza in Santa Maria!

#6 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria

#6 Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-8PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-8PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-8PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-8PM
Friday: 10:30AM-8PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-8PM
Sunday: 12-7PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options


I haven’t laughed this hard or smiled this much in a long time. The staff at Cugini’s make the experience even more enjoyable. From the moment you walk in, they greet you with warmth and enthusiasm, like you are part of the family.

The pizza itself is truly excellent. The dough is light and fluffy, the toppings are generous, and it all comes together with a perfectly baked crust that gives off an aroma that wafts through the entire restaurant. But it’s not just taste they’ve mastered here – every bite is loaded with flavor and texture as well; there are savory sausages, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and rich cheeses used to craft each slice.

If I had to come up with one word to describe Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria it would be “tradition.” They take pride in sticking to classic recipes that have been perfected over generations, using quality ingredients sourced from nearby farms. There’s no question that Cugini’s has some of the best pizza in Santa Maria!

#7 best pizza place in Santa Maria - La Vera Pizzeria

#7 La Vera Pizzeria

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

When I walked in the door, I was overwhelmed by the delicious smell of pizza baking in the oven. It was clear that La Vera Pizzeria puts a lot of care and effort into making their pizza. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, going out of their way to make sure my experience was perfect.

The pizza itself was simply divine! The thin crust was cooked to perfection without being too crunchy or burnt, and the sauce was flavorful with just the right amount of spices. To top it off, the toppings were generous and fresh – no processed ingredients here! Overall, it was one of the best pizzas I’ve had in a while.

I can honestly say that La Vera Pizzeria serves some of the best pizza in Santa Maria. If you’re looking for a tasty treat, this is definitely worth a visit.

If you’re willing to go an extra 17 miles, you can get to 20 more pizza places in Pismo Beach!

#8 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Great Scotts Pizza

#8 Great Scotts Pizza

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

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Serves alcohol


From the moment I entered, I knew that this place was a winner. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was inviting. Plus, who doesn’t love a restaurant with Scottish-themed decor?

Speaking of Scottish themes, their signature pizza is the “Scottish Pie.” This pizza has all my favorite toppings – pepperoni, onion, mushrooms, and garlic – but also adds Scotch whisky to give it an extra kick. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before!

Of course, traditional pizzas like pepperoni and cheese are also available. Great Scotts uses only the freshest ingredients and bakes those delicious pies in a brick oven for added flavor. The crust is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – just perfect.

Besides great pizza, you can also get hand-crafted sandwiches (which I always recommend). All of their sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and they come on homemade bread – to die for!

In conclusion, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Santa Maria then Great Scotts Pizza is where it’s at. Bon appetit!

#9 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Straw Hat Pizza

#9 Straw Hat Pizza

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

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


The atmosphere is very inviting, with its cozy booths and bright colors. They also have giant arcade games for kids (and adults who are young at heart). I love that even if you’re there with a big group, everyone gets to have their own mini-arcade experience instead of competing for one controller.

The pizza is incredible! It’s the perfect mix of crispy and chewy, the crust is cooked to perfection, not too thick and not too thin, and it’s got the right amount of sauce. The topping combinations are inventive and delicious—from classic pepperoni to their signature Chicken Bacon Ranch. Not only do they offer traditional pies but their deep dish pizza is a must try as well!

All in all, Straw Hat Pizza has become my go-to spot every time I’m in Santa Maria. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for the best pizza in town!

#10 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Mountain Mike's Pizza

#10 Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-10PM
Tuesday: 11AM-10PM
Wednesday: 11AM-10PM
Thursday: 11AM-12AM
Friday: 11AM-12AM
Saturday: 11AM-12AM
Sunday: 11AM-10PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Nice tourist spot


Upon tasting the pizza, I was blown away. The crust was perfectly crispy and the sauce had just the right amount of spice. And what can I say about the cheese? To die for! Mountain Mike’s definitely knows how to put together a good pie.

But that’s not all – the toppings are top-notch as well. From pepperoni to mushrooms, they have it all – and they all tasted so fresh!

I also liked the atmosphere inside, which is cozy and inviting. The staff were super friendly and helpful in answering any questions I had about their pizzas.

In conclusion, Mountain Mike’s Pizza is one of the best places for a great pizza in Santa Maria – you won’t be disappointed!

#11 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Ricky's House of Pizza

#11 Ricky’s House of Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 3-8PM
Tuesday: 3-8PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 11AM-9PM
Sunday: 11AM-9PM

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Offers dessert
  • Serves alcohol


The pizza here is always cooked to perfection and the quality of ingredients is top-notch. I can’t tell you enough how great the crust was – it was crispy yet soft, just like the Italians do it! Adding to that, they give you generous amounts of cheese and toppings, making sure all your cravings are satisfied.

What I also love about Ricky’s House of Pizza are the specials. Every time I visit, there is something new to try, whether it’s a limited edition pizza or a special price for a combination order.

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Santa Maria, be sure to check out Ricky’s House of Pizza!

#12 best pizza place in Santa Maria - Giavanni's Pizza

#12 Giavanni’s Pizza

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

Benefits
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Serves alcohol


It’s probably one of the oldest pizzerias in town, but that doesn’t stop them from making an amazing pie. I ordered the pepperoni pizza and it was delightful. The cheese was perfectly melted and the pepperoni was crispy and flavorful. The crust was crunchy on the outside but still soft and chewy on the inside – just how it should be!

My server knew all about their menu items, which made ordering a breeze. And even though they had great customer service, they didn’t try to oversell me on anything; not once did I feel pressured to buy something I didn’t want.

Overall, Giavanni’s Pizza is my go-to when visiting Santa Maria. They serve up some of the best pizza around – no doubt about it!

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