Nestled in San Diego County’s inland valleys, Escondido blends historic charm, agricultural roots, and suburban convenience into a distinctive community with a surprisingly diverse food scene.
The city’s pizza landscape reflects this character—combining old-school family establishments, creative chef-driven concepts, and pizzerias that showcase California’s agricultural bounty.
Here are the five best pizza places in Escondido for 2025, each bringing something unique to the table.
1. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
A Southern California institution since 1950, Filippi’s Escondido location delivers authentic Italian-American comfort with old-world charm.
Their signature pizza features a medium-thick, slightly chewy crust, zesty tomato sauce made from a closely guarded family recipe, and a generous layer of whole-milk mozzarella that creates the perfect cheese pull with each slice.
The “Special” combines Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers on this exceptional foundation.
2. Bellamy’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
While primarily known as an upscale farm-to-table restaurant, Bellamy’s has developed a devoted following for its wood-fired artisan pizzas that showcase San Diego County’s exceptional produce.
Available primarily during lunch and at the bar during dinner service, these thin-crust creations reflect Executive Chef Collin Smith’s commitment to seasonal ingredients and refined technique.
The “Fig & Prosciutto” pie, featuring locally grown Black Mission figs, imported prosciutto, gorgonzola, and a balsamic reduction, exemplifies their sophisticated approach.
The “Escondido Farmstand” highlights vegetables from nearby farms, changing regularly to reflect what’s freshest.
The dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, developing exceptional flavor and a light, airy texture with the perfect amount of char from the wood-burning oven.
3. Betty’s Pie Whole Saloon
With its unique Western saloon theme and focus exclusively on savory and sweet pies, Betty’s has carved out a distinctive niche in Escondido’s food landscape.
Their “pie-zas”—a creative hybrid between pizza and pie—feature a buttery, flaky crust formed in a pie pan and filled with innovative combinations of toppings.
The “Rawhide” combines barbecue chicken, bacon, and caramelized onions, while the “Gold Rush” showcases three cheeses, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs.
4. URBN Coal Fired Pizza
Bringing authentic New Haven-style pizza to Southern California, URBN stands out with its distinctive thin, oblong pies cooked in a 600-degree coal-fired oven.
The intense heat creates a charred, crispy exterior while maintaining a chewy interior—a textural contrast that defines this regional American style.
Their signature “mashed potato” pizza, topped with creamy potatoes, bacon, and rosemary, introduces many Escondido diners to this Connecticut specialty.
5. Esco Taco Shop & Pizza
Representing Escondido’s multicultural character, Esco Taco Shop boldly combines Mexican and Italian cuisines under one roof—with surprisingly delicious results.
Their “Mexi-Pizza” creations feature traditional pizza crust topped with unique combinations that draw from both culinary traditions.
The “Carne Asada Pizza” with marinated steak, cilantro, and cotija cheese has developed a cult following, while the “Mole Chicken” pizza demonstrates creative fusion at its best.
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