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Best Pizza in Santa Monica (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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Having sampled pizzas from all corners of the world, I can confidently say that Santa Monica has some of the best pizza around. To prove it, I’ve reviewed 12 different pizza places. With humor and lightheartedness, I’m about to share my findings with you so that you know exactly which restaurants serve up the best slices in town.

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

#1 SaMo Pizza

First of all, the atmosphere is top-notch and I could hardly contain my excitement. It looks like an Italian trattoria out of a movie – with painted murals on the walls and more Vespa scooters than you can count!

The pizza oven is front and center in the middle of the restaurant, filling the room with the warm aroma of freshly baked pies. The menu offers up many options to suit any craving – from classic cheese to zany custom creations.

I had the pleasure of sampling a few different kinds of slices, and they all had one thing in common: flavor! All toppings were fresh, with exceptional quality cheeses making each bite so much more enjoyable. The crust was incredibly delicious, crispy on the outside with just enough doughiness on the inside.

In short, SaMo Pizza has some of the best pizza in Santa Monica. If you’re looking for a fun night out or even a quick bite between errands, this is your spot!

If you’re willing to go an extra 2 miles, you can get to 56 more pizza places in Marina Del Rey!

#2 Ghisallo

The atmosphere at this little Italian pizzeria is inviting, and the staff are friendly and passionate about their craft. The menu is varied and offers something for everyone. From classic Margherita to more adventurous creations like the Bufala Piccante, there’s something to please even the most discerning of pizza connoisseurs.

I decided to try one of my favourites – the Quattro Formaggi – and I was amazed by how good it tasted! The blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan and pecorino cheeses was incredibly creamy, with just the right amount of kick from the gorgonzola. Even better were the perfectly cooked doughy base and slightly charred edges – an absolute delight!

To top it off, Ghisallo offers a selection of Italian wines too. I enjoyed a glass of Super Tuscans while savouring my superlative Quattro Formaggi – what more could you ask for on a Friday night?

If you’re in Santa Monica looking for great pizza then look no further than Ghisallo! Hungry bellies will not be disappointed here!

#3 Bruno’s Italian Restaurant

I can honestly say that I’ve never tasted a more delightful pizza than the one served at Bruno’s. The crust was perfectly thin and golden, the sauce was savory and full of flavor, and the toppings were simply sublime. Every bite brought me closer to culinary nirvana.

The service at Bruno’s was second to none. From the friendly hostess to the helpful waitstaff, they made sure our every need was met. Plus, they weren’t shy about giving out extra plates and napkins — not something you find in every pizza joint!

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a great pizza experience in Santa Monica, look no further than Bruno’s Italian Restaurant! You won’t be disappointed.

#4 Fritto Misto

I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive about the restaurant when I first arrived. There were only a few people eating inside and it didn’t seem like the most welcoming atmosphere, but I quickly changed my mind once I tasted the pizza.

The presentation was beautiful – it had a perfectly crisp crust, plenty of cheese and vibrant toppings. The flavors were so well-balanced that you could taste each individual topping without any one overpowering the pie.

I’ve been to other pizza places in Santa Monica and none compare to Fritto Misto’s delicious offerings! The staff is friendly and accommodating as well which really adds to the overall experience.

If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Santa Monica, then Fritto Misto is definitely worth a try!

#5 Milo & Olive

As soon as I walked in, the atmosphere was inviting and cozy. The brick oven pizza is cooked to perfection and has a great, crispy crust. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful and there’s something for everyone on the menu.

The service was out of this world – my waiter was attentive, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. He even recommended their signature wood-fired pies, which were delicious! My favorite was their ‘Local Pie’ with ricotta cheese, wild fennel sausage and black pepper- some of the tastiest toppings I’ve ever had!

I think that Milo & Olive serves some of the best pizza in Santa Monica. Not only is the food fantastic, but the atmosphere is friendly, casual and fun. Highly recommended!

#6 Spumoni Pizza Restaurant

Upon walking in, the first thing I noticed was the cozy atmosphere, with festive Italian music playing in the background. It’s really a great place to bring friends and family.

I decided to order their signature dish – the Spumoni Supreme. The combination of fresh mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni and mushrooms was delightful! There were so many options for toppings that I had a hard time making up my mind – luckily, their friendly staff made helpful suggestions.

The pizza was cut into small slices which gave it a good texture – it wasn’t too greasy or dry, but just perfect! And the crust was freshly-baked and flavorful.

Overall, Spumoni Pizza Restaurant is definitely one of the best places for pizza in Santa Monica! Highly recommended!

#7 La Vecchia Cucina

When I arrived at this perennially popular spot, my first impression was that the atmosphere was inviting and cozy. Plus, there were plenty of outdoor seating options to enjoy while keeping a safe distance from other diners – a feature that is incredibly important in these unprecedented times!

The menu had all the traditional Italian pizzas along with some unique offerings like a vegan pizza and spicy Cajun-style pies. After much deliberation, I decided to go with their signature Margherita pizza – and yum! It was perfection. The crust was thin but not too crisp and the tomato sauce was sweet and flavorful. The mozzarella cheese melted perfectly if you let it cool just a bit before biting into it.

To top off the meal, I indulged in one of their desserts which included homemade cannoli with thick ricotta cream and chocolate chips – an absolute must-have for any pizza aficionado!

Overall, La Vecchia Cucina offers some of the best pizzas around Santa Monica. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or something more special, this restaurant should be at the top of your list. It’s definitely become one of my favorites – no doubt about it!

#8 Prime Pizza

To say I was impressed with the pizza there would be a severe understatement. The pizza dough was light and fluffy, with just the perfect amount of crunch. The sauce was thick but not overly so and had just the right flavor. And the toppings! Oh my, the toppings! Every topping they offered was incredibly fresh and flavorful – it was clear that no shortcuts were taken in preparing them.

The atmosphere at Prime Pizza is great too! It’s definitely a place to go with friends or family, since it has plenty of seating and room to move around. The staff are friendly and helpful, making sure that your food arrives quickly and just the way you want it.

All in all, I can confidently recommend Prime Pizza as having some of the best pizza in Santa Monica. It’s truly an experience worth repeating!

If you’re willing to go an extra 2 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Los Angeles!

#9 Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen

The pizza here is second to none. Their thick, fresh-baked crust with just the right amount of crunchiness creates a canvas for their seemingly endless number of topping combinations. From the classic pepperoni and cheese, to the more adventurous Italian Sausage and Parmigiano, I can confidently say that Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen does not disappoint.

If you really want to take it up a notch, then try one of their specialty pizzas like the “Garden of Eden” which comes loaded with eggplant, zucchini, roasted red bell peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and mozzarella cheese – all on top of a delicious pesto sauce – yum!

Not in the mood for pizza? Then how about an order of their homemade calzone or steak pizzaiola? They are both amazing! The freshest ingredients make these dishes stand out amongst the competition.

Plus, the atmosphere at Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen is great. The décor has a modern twist with large flat screen TVs playing sports and music videos; always adding to the electricity in this lively restaurant. But even with all of this entertainment going on around me, I still managed to find some quiet moments while enjoying my meal.

Overall I was very pleased with my visit and would easily recommend Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen to anyone looking for some great pizza!

#10 Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

I’ve tried a lot of different pizzas over the years, but nothing quite compares to the pizza at Stella Barra. The crust is thin and crisp, with just the right amount of char. The sauce and toppings are flavorful and fresh. Every bite bursts with flavor!

But what really makes Stella Barra stand out is their attention to detail. From the selection of wines to pair with your meal, to the friendly service, it’s clear that this restaurant is passionate about creating an enjoyable experience for its customers.

What’s more, their prices are very reasonable for such high-quality pizza. You can enjoy a delicious dinner without breaking the bank!

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Santa Monica, look no further than Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar! It’s simply delicious!

#11 Dagwoods

The first thing that stuck out to me was the interior decor. Dagwoods is like a classic, Italian pizzeria right out of a movie! I felt like I had gone back in time! Every detail was thought out – from the checkerboard tile floors to the old-style wood booths.

The pizza itself was outstanding! It’s no surprise that they’ve been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers over the years. From their classic Margherita to their daring (and delicious!) Buffalo Ranch Pizza, every slice was melted cheese heaven! The crust was thin and crispy and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. My favorite topping combination had to be the Sausage and Mushroom – it was so good I could have eaten it all by myself.

As for service, it was second-to-none. Our waiter was friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our meal. And when it came to paying for our meal, there were no surprises – which can’t be said for some other places I’ve been to in my travels.

Overall, Dagwoods is an excellent pizza place that deserves all its praise. In my opinion, it’s definitely one of the best pizza restaurants in Santa Monica!

#12 North Italia

I was skeptical at first, but once I took that first bite of their signature margherita pie I knew this place meant business. The chew of the crust, the ooey-gooey cheese, and the perfectly balanced tomato sauce were all on point and had me coming back for more.

To top it off, North Italia has an incredible atmosphere too. The staff are all incredibly knowledgeable about their pizzas and always have a joke or two to keep the energy up. Plus, they even offer some unique Italian wines and beers for sipping alongside your meal.

Overall, North Italia is definitely one of my go-to spots for great pizza in Santa Monica!

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen

Now, let me tell you about my experience at this joint. First off, I have to commend them on their vegetarian options. As someone who occasionally strays away from the meaty delights, I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent variety of veggie toppings. Who needs pepperoni when you can have roasted bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes?

But let me get to the real star of the show. The pizza! Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen knows how to make a killer thin crust. It’s crispy, it’s flavorful, and it’s foldable – what more could you ask for? Every bite was a burst of cheesy, saucy goodness that left me wanting more. I even contemplated ordering a second pizza, but my conscience and my waistline urged me to resist.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, and I’m happy to report that Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen delivers in that department too. Their homemade cannoli is to die for! The creamy ricotta filling wrapped in a delicate shell was the perfect sweet ending to my pizza feast.

Now, onto the downsides. The one thing that left me slightly disappointed was their no-reservations policy. As a food critic with a busy schedule, it would’ve been nice to secure a spot without having to wait. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?

In conclusion, if you’re in Santa Monica and you’re craving the best thin crust pizza around, make your way to Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen. Just be prepared to wait a little, but trust me, it’ll be worth it.