Berkeley combines university intellectual energy, progressive politics, and California culinary innovation in this distinctive Bay Area city.
These five pizzerias represent Berkeley’s best in 2025.
1. Cheese Board Pizza Collective
This legendary cooperative creates distinctive vegetarian sourdough pizzas that have defined Berkeley’s unique approach to food since 1971.
Operating as a true worker-owned collective, their business model embodies Berkeley’s progressive values.
Their daily-changing single pizza option with seasonal ingredients from local farms creates both urgency and trust in their culinary judgment.
2. Emilia’s Pizzeria
This tiny Telegraph Avenue gem creates authentic East Coast pizza with California sensibility through meticulous technique and obsessive quality control.
Limited daily production ensures perfect execution of their thin, foldable crust with ideal texture and balanced toppings.
The passionate owner-operator’s hands-on approach guarantees consistency while building personal connections with regular customers.
3. Jupiter
Housed in a converted 19th-century livery stable, this brewpub creates wood-fired pizzas in a setting that perfectly captures Berkeley’s blend of historic preservation and contemporary culture.
Their thin, crispy crusts with perfect charring provide the foundation for both traditional combinations and creative offerings featuring seasonal California ingredients.
4. Gather
This farm-to-table restaurant creates exceptional wood-fired pizzas as part of their comprehensive sustainable dining program.
Their commitment to organic, locally-sourced ingredients and environmental responsibility aligns perfectly with Berkeley values, while their naturally leavened dough develops complex flavor through extended fermentation.
The “Berkeley Hills” featuring seasonal vegetables from nearby farms demonstrates their dedication to regional sourcing, while their thoughtful wine program emphasizing natural and biodynamic producers complements the menu perfectly.
5. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
This Berkeley institution has delivered authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizza since 1983 with remarkable consistency and quality.
Their distinctive approach features a bottom crust, substantial layer of toppings, generous cheese, and another layer of dough all topped with chunky tomato sauce.
The “Berkeley Special” with spinach and mushrooms has achieved legendary status throughout the Bay Area, while their efficient operation accommodates both dine-in and takeout customers.
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