Best Pizza In Orange County By Neighborhood
(Credit: Pieology)
Pizza. Although from Italian roots, the dish has become as American as Apple Pie. Orange County pizza connoisseurs have a variety of options when seeking out a pie; from New York style to traditional Italian roots to create-your-own and unique twists on the classic dish, there is truly something for everyone. Here's our list of the best pizza in Orange County, broken down by city.
The Pizza Press
1534 S Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 323-7134
www.thepizzapress.com
With a devoted following, The Pizza Press in Anaheim is one of Orange County's favorite pizza locations. Using only the freshest ingredients from local growers and distributors, the pizzas here were created by American Culinary Institute chefs and include local favorites like "The Chronicle," made with olive oil, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, red onion, mushroom, chèvre, roasted peppers, and finished with fresh basil and pesto sauce, to the "The Times," made with olive oil, mozzarella, chicken, grape tomatoes, red onions, and gouda cheese, finished with fresh cilantro BBQ sauce. Patrons can also "publish their own pizza" concepts from an extensive list of artisan toppings and sauces including craft meats and charcuterie. The root beer float bar, craft beer, wine, and artisan salads and sides round out the menu. Gluten-free options are also available.
Pitfire Artisan Pizza
353 E 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 313-6333
www.pitfirepizza.com
This Los Angeles-based chain boasts one premier location in Orange County, and Costa Mesa is in love. The hip vibe, handcrafted beer and drinks on tap, and excellent ingredients work together to create a perfect pizza experience. Staples include The Burrata Pie, with tomato sauce, caramelized onion, hazelnut, burrata cheese, wild arugula, and pesto; The Sausage Party boasting fennel sausage, assorted Zoe's salumi & bacon, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and saba; and Big Sur, with marinated wild shrimp, four varieties of cheese, roasted garlic, marinated tomato, parsley, and red chile flake. Seasonal specialties, such as fall's Pumpkin Pizza or Fire-Grilled Egglplant Pizza offer something creative and new throughout the year, while adventuresome guests can create their own pizza from their imagination. A full menu, including pasta, salads, sandwiches, and sides, in addition to gluten-free and vegan options for all the pies, are available.
Pizzeria Mozza
800 West Coast Hwy.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 945-1126
newportbeach.pizzeriamozza.com
The brainchild of celebrity chef Mario Batali, Pizzeria Mozza in Newport Beach is one of OC's best pizza restaurants. Chef Nancy Silverton expresses her artisanship and creative ability in the pies offered onsite at this sit-down establishment located along PCH. With 15 pizza options on the current menu, there is something for every pizza lover from the simple Margherita, to the Prosciutto di Parma with rucola, bianco diNapoli tomatoes & mozzarella di bufala, to unique creations including egg, bacon, yukon gold potatoes & the Bermuda onion pizza. An extensive wine list, available both by the glass and the bottle, complement your meal. In addition to the fabulous pizza and full menu, the mozzarella bar is a must-try experience! Takeout service is not available at all times; call ahead for detailed information.
Pizza Port
301 N El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 940-0005
www.pizzaport.com
Pizza Port has been serving up delicious pies and craft brews since its original Solana Beach opening back in 1987. Owned by Gina and Vince Marsaglia, the casual restaurant has served up classic pizza and wings at this shop with a "San Diego" twist in the San Clemente location since 2003, to the praise of locals and visitors alike. Original pizzas with traditional toppings are available on the menu as well as their selection of "Anti-Wimpy Gourmet Pizzas" such as their BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza with tangy BBQ sauce, seasoned meatballs, bacon, mozzarella & cheddar cheese with red onions, and the Garlic Veggie Pizza, topped with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, feta & mozzarella. Locals recommend you try the signature wholegrain beer crust or the stout or porter float!
First Class Pizza
6420 Irvine Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 552-5358
www.firstclasspizzawoodbury.com
First Class Pizza has been serving Orange County for over 30 years, and founders Jeff and Angie Sustacek make it a priority to use the best possible ingredients at all times. Making quality items from scratch daily is the name of the game here, and to not weigh or ration out toppings is a rule, giving diners an excellent pizza made with care and smothered with everything you expect in a great pie. Build-your-own pizza topping options are available, with plenty of meat and veggies to create something unique, or you can enjoy one of their curated pies including their ultimate thin crust, with pepperoni, a toasted layer of thin parmesan, fresh garlic, sliced pepperoncini and FCP seasoning; the Great White, with grilled chicken breast, Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, fresh parmesan, and FCP seasoning; or the Popeye's Favorite, aptly topped with spinach, broccoli, artichoke hearts, olive oil, parmesan, and garlic. Consider finishing your meal with a delicious dessert pizza as well!
A Slice of New York Pizza
16821 Algonquin St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
(714) 846-1900
www.thebestsliceofnewyork.com
Far from pretentious, this Huntington Beach pizza joint serves New York style pizza like no other on this coast. The hand-tossed and stone-baked pizzas served here come in 13 varieties including the traditional New York style cheese to the Buffalo Chicken Pie (with spicy buffalo sauce and grilled chicken) to the House Signature Pie, topped with artichokes, marinara, and pesto. Gluten-free fans can enjoy Cozette's delight, made with a delicious, GF thin crust as a base. Catering, dine-in, take-out, and delivery are also available.
NEApolitan
31542 S. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 499-4531
www.nealaguna.com
A strict philosophy on making great, quality food runs the show at NEA, located on PCH in Laguna Beach. Old-world methods from pizza-making ancestors in Naples, Italy are strictly adhered to, presenting imported pizza dough without bleach, proofed with a 48-step regimen, organic tomatoes originally seeded from San Marzano Italy, and only the very finest cheese money can buy. Pizzas are cooked onsite in the built-in-Naples Stefano Ferrar 900 degree oven too to add some authenticity to each slice or pie that's given to customers. The Asterita Pizza, Funghi (with Shitake and Oyster mushrooms, potato, fontina, and egg), and unique Blackberry (with spiced jam, ricotta, applewood smoked bacon, and arugala) can't be missed.
Pieology
516 N State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 447-4064
www.pieology.com
Quick service, custom artisan options, great value, and unlimited toppings are just part of the reason for Pieology's success. The other reason? The delicious tasting pizza served up daily to hundreds of hungry guests. Each pie, created by diners from the assortment of artisan toppings including typical toppings, as well as Kalamata olives, spinach, gorgonzola, feta, fresh basil, and banana peppers, or chosen from the recommended creations from the company's very own Pieologist's Favorites, is perfected in the open flame oven in just under five minutes. Gluten-free and vegan options are available at most locations.
Buccaneer Pizza
2757 N Grand Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 639-9610
www.buccaneerpizza.com
With a devoted following, Santa Ana's Buccaneeer Pizza began with a goal to be better, not bigger, than other pizza establishments. Better ingredients include made-from-scratch ingredients and premium meats, bigger portions, generous toppings, and a wide variety of complementary dishes. Guests at Buccaneer Pizza can "Create Ye Own Pizza" from a list of specialty toppings and sauces, or order one of the pre-designed specialty pizzas. The Lasagna Pizza, combining two Italian favorites, includes a rich meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian sausage, meatballs, and Italian seasoning. The Fire-in-the-Hole Pizza includes tomato sauce and mozzarella, a meaty base of pepperoni, Canadian bacon and Italian sausage, topped with zesty wax peppers and spicy jalapeños.