San Diego’s pizza scene combines laid-back California creativity with serious East Coast influences and a love for local, high-quality ingredients.
From artisanal wood-fired pies to classic New York and Chicago styles, the city’s best pizzerias reflect its dynamic, diverse culture.
Here are the top five pizza spots in San Diego for 2025—each excelling in flavor, uniqueness, and a loyal following.
1. Regents Pizzeria
A San Diego institution, Regents Pizzeria serves both hand-crafted New York–style thin crust and thick, double-layered Chicago stuffed crust pizzas.
Every recipe begins from scratch, using only the highest-quality purveyors for their ingredients.
Known for creative specialty pizzas (like the “Cali Dreamin’” with carne asada and french fries), wings, and one of the city’s top rotating craft beer selections (30 taps!), Regents is a prime destination for pizza and beer lovers alike.
No-touch delivery, family value meals, and dine-in make it convenient and crowd-pleasing.
2. Bronx Pizza
Famed for its authentic New York–style pies, Bronx Pizza is the city’s go-to for a quick, gigantic foldable slice.
No-nonsense ordering, crisp and chewy crusts, and a cash-only, counter-serve model mean you get your pizza hot and fast. Locals swear by their pepperoni, white pies with spinach and ricotta, and old-school East Coast vibes.
It’s a favorite for lunch, a late night out, or anytime a true NY slice is the craving.
3. Buona Forchetta
Bringing Italy to San Diego, Buona Forchetta is famous for its certified Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Cooked in wood-fired ovens imported from Naples, their dough is light, airy, and beautifully blistered; topping choices range from classic Margherita to inventive seasonal specials.
Their cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and dedication to traditional Italian techniques have earned them awards and a devoted following at several locations around the city.
4. Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria
For a true taste of the Midwest, Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria specializes in authentic Chicago deep-dish and stuffed pizzas, as well as thin-crust tavern pies.
The buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese and meats deliver nostalgia and flavor in every slice.
The casual ambiance and a full menu of Italian-American classics, from hot beef sandwiches to Italian sausage, round out a classic Chicago experience in SoCal.
5. Pizza Port
Pizza Port brings a unique Southern California blend of surf culture, award-winning house-brewed beers, and inventive, chewy-crusted pizzas loaded with fresh, local ingredients.
Build your own pie or pick from their specialty menu, and enjoy the lively, beachy atmosphere.
With several coastal locations, they are a staple for families, craft beer fans, and anyone who wants to experience the best of San Diego’s laid-back vibe with a killer slice.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
