I traveled near and far, from Italy to Fiji, always tasting the local pizza offerings. After trying out 12 different pizza spots in Santee, I’m ready to weigh in on the best of the bunch. Seeing as how great pizza is more than simply delivery-style cheese pies, you can trust my words!
From thin-crust to deep dish; sausage to anchovies; and a wide array of specialty slices – I’m here to give you my honest recommendations for where to get the tastiest ‘za in Santee.
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of California
#1 Ace New York Giant Pizza
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Offers dessert
I recently visited Ace New York Giant Pizza and was blown away by their selection. I’m familiar with the classic New York style pizza, but they had it all—from calzones to strombolis and even deep dish pizza!
The dough is made fresh daily, so you know you’re getting a fresh pie every time. They also use only the freshest ingredients. From what I sampled, I could tell that everything was very carefully selected and of top quality.
The service here is also exceptional. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the kitchen wasn’t afraid to customize the pie for me when I asked.
All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Santee, Ace New York Giant Pizza is where you should go!
If you’re willing to go an extra 6 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in La Mesa!
#2 Ottavio’s Italian Restaurant
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has insanely good dessert
I have to say, the pizza here is truly divine. From their signature Neapolitan-style dough to their fresh toppings and decadent cheese blends, Ottavio’s delivers an unforgettable flavor experience.
The atmosphere at Ottavio’s was also top notch. The restaurant had a laid-back vibe, with old Italian posters lining the walls and string lights hanging from the ceiling. It really gives off that Italian pizzeria feel.
I’m also very pleased to note that their prices are incredibly affordable for such high-quality pizza. All of their 14″ pies come in at $12 or less, and you can even get a tasty 12″ personal pie for just $8.50! The portions were generous and worth every penny.
The service at Ottavio’s was attentive and friendly—they even provided me with samples of some of their other menu items while I waited for my pie to be cooked!
I’m not sure how they do it, but Ottavio’s has definitely earned its reputation as having some of the best pizza in Santee. If you want a slice (or two) of delicious pizza without breaking your wallet, definitely pay them a visit!
#3 Italia Pizza
- Offers dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol
It has a cozy atmosphere that just radiates warmth and nostalgia, as if all the conversations around you are about your next slice of pizza. The staff are friendly and attentive, always making sure that your experience is a great one.
The menu offers classic Italian favorites like their signature pepperoni pizza or the tomatoe basil pie. They also offer some unique choices like the salmon and artichoke or my favorite, the Chipotle Chicken Supreme. I’m always impressed when I try something new!
The crust is thin but has the perfect amount of crunchiness to make it enjoyable in every bite. The sauce is red and tangy with a hint of herbs – enough to give it an Italian flair without overpowering. The toppings are fresh and generous, loaded with flavor and texture.
I can confidently say that Italia Pizza serves up some of the best pizza in Santee – no wonder why they’re so popular! I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for a delicious slice while they’re in town. With excellent food and wonderful service, you won’t be disappointed!
#4 Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Santee
- Nice tourist spot
- Has insanely good dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
The pizza here is superb. The crust is crisp yet chewy, with delicious charred air pockets just begging for your fork and knife. The sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that come together flawlessly in every bite. And the toppings are always fresh, abundant, and cooked to perfection.
The atmosphere at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Santee is also awesome. The decor has a classic Italian vibe going on – think rustic wooden tables and twinkle lights everywhere – which makes it the perfect spot for dinner or a hangout session with friends.
Plus, the staff is some of the friendliest I’ve ever met! Everyone from the hostess to the chef was exceptionally accommodating and helpful, even offering advice on their recommended pizzas for me to try.
If you’re looking for an amazing pizza experience in Santee, then head over to Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Santee – it’s where I go when I’m craving a slice!
#5 Giant Bambino’s Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
I was recently in town and decided to give it a try. I was immediately impressed by the ambiance – the decor was modern but with a classic Italian pizzeria vibe. The staff were friendly and helpful in getting my order just right, too.
When I got my pizza, I could tell they really take their craft seriously. The crust had that perfect balance between crispy and chewy, the sauce had just enough spice, and the cheese was melted to perfection. Every bite was an absolute delight!
If you find yourself in Santee, Giant Bambino’s Pizza is definitely worth a visit. Hands down some of the best pizza I’ve ever had!
If you’re willing to go an extra 12 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Poway!
#6 Fox’s Giant Pizza
- Offers dessert
I had the privilege of trying their signature pizza, and it was out of this world. The dough was cooked to perfection. It was light and flaky with just enough crunch. The sauce was seasoned to perfection – tangy yet sweet. And the toppings were some of the freshest I’ve ever tasted!
The service at Fox’s Giant Pizza was outstanding as well. Our waitress took the time to explain all our options and make sure we were ordering what we wanted. When it arrived, our pizza was delivered hot and ready to devour in no time flat.
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Santee, Fox’s Giant Pizza is definitely your spot! I can’t recommend them enough!
#7 Giant Bronx Pizza
- Offers dessert
At first, the place looked like it had a lot of potential. The people working there were friendly and the atmosphere was inviting. But I didn’t know what to expect from the pizza itself until I tried it. Boy, was I glad that I did!
The thin crust was crispy but not too crunchy, just like any world-class pizza should be. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, and each bite melted in my mouth like butter. And the cheese: oh man, the cheese was incredible! It was melty and gooey without becoming greasy at all – definitely some of the best cheese I’ve ever had on a pizza.
All in all, Giant Bronx Pizza is pretty much an unbeatable combination of great quality food, warm service and good atmosphere. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is currently the best pizza in Santee – so if you’re ever in town looking for a great slice (or two!) then look no further than Giant Bronx Pizza!
#8 Grandstand Pizza
- Offers dessert
From the moment I entered this quaint little pizza joint, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of garlic, cheese and freshly-made dough filled the air. My taste buds were already on high alert!
The staff at Grandstand Pizza are friendly and helpful – they clearly take pride in their amazing pizza! After a few minutes of conversation, they warmly recommended their specialty: The Big Cheese. And oh my goodness, did it deliver! The thick crust was cooked to perfection, while the layers of cheese melted deliciously in my mouth. The tomato sauce was flavorful but not overpowering – just right!
Overall, the experience at Grandstand Pizza was simply sensational. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Santee, look no further than Grandstand Pizza – you won’t regret it!
#9 Chicago Pizza Company
I have to say, I was taken aback and impressed with the quality of this pizza when I first stepped foot into the establishment. The menu was huge, ranging from classic combinations like pepperoni and sausage to unique creations like pesto and eggplant!
The pizza itself is absolutely amazing! It’s cooked perfectly, golden brown on top with a delicious crust. The sauce is thick and flavorful, and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. Plus, the presentation is remarkable – they pile them high with toppings so you can really taste each one in every bite.
And if you’re in the mood for something else besides pizza, they also offer some great appetizers as well as Italian dishes like lasagna and ravioli. Also, their deserts are divine – just ask my sweet tooth!
The only downside to Chicago Pizza Company is that it can get pretty crowded at times. But that’s a small issue considering how good their food is. All in all, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Santee – look no further than Chicago Pizza Company!
If you’re willing to go an extra 12 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in San Diego!
#10 New York Giant Pizza
The atmosphere of this restaurant has something special that you can’t get anywhere else – it’s as if you’ve stepped into a New York City pizzeria. From the moment I stepped in, the mouth-watering smell of fresh pizza had me hooked.
The waitstaff was friendly and attentive and my pizza was served up hot, with just the right amount of cheese and toppings. The crust was crunchy but not too crispy, which is exactly how I like it. Plus, the size of the pizzas here are huge! One slice would probably feed two people – so if you’re feeling extra hungry, bring some friends to help devour one pie!
Overall, New York Giant Pizza is an excellent choice for those wanting to experience some of the best pizza in Santee. Highly recommended – and whatever you do, don’t forget to grab a couple slices to take home with you!
#11 Domino’s Pizza
My first bite was of a classic pepperoni pizza and I couldn’t believe my taste buds. The crispy crust, juicy sauce, and perfectly seasoned pepperoni made it an instant favorite. It seemed like every bite was better than the last!
The next pie I tried was their speciality version with multiple toppings. All the flavors were amazing and perfectly balanced. Not only was this one of the most delicious pizzas I’ve ever had, it was also presented beautifully! The presentation of the pizza is second to none!
The last item on my plate was their amazing “bread bites”. These are small pieces of bread that are covered in garlic butter, herbs, and cheese. They were simply irresistible! Every bite sent a wave of satisfaction surging through me with each crunchy morsel.
Domino’s Pizza truly has some of the best pizza in Santee. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with care and attention to detail that you just can’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for delicious pizza and side dishes then Domino’s Pizza has got you covered!
#12 Giant New York Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
The crust was delectable and crunchy, like a New York City sidewalk pizza. The cheese and sauce combo was just perfect – the flavor ratio of just the right amount of cheese, the right amount of sauce, and not too much grease.
My favorite topping is pepperoni, so I tried out their pepperoni pizza. Let me tell you, it was incredible. The pepperonis were cooked to perfection with crisp edges that gave you the most flavor in every bite.
In addition to great tasting pies, the service at Giant New York Pizza is outstanding! Everyone working there is friendly and helpful, making sure customers get exactly what they’re looking for without any wait time.
So if you’re ever in Santee looking for some of the best pizza around, look no further than Giant New York Pizza! You won’t regret it!
