Because We All Love a Good Pie, Here is the Best Pizza in Laguna Beach
Pizza is to humanity what palm trees are to California.
It’s an imperative part of life, and — lucky for us Lagunians — Laguna loves itself some pizza as well.
We’ve rounded up the best pizza in Laguna Beach.
While there are many great spots to enjoy the cheesy goodness that is le pizza, these are a few of our very favorite mouthwatering pizza joints in town that you gotta try next time you’re craving a good pie. (If we missed you, sorry, we love all pizza in its own special way.)
Gina’s Pizza
Started in 1975 by Gina Costa, an Italian immigrant from Sicily, the Costa family still runs the beloved pizzeria — and continues to practice Gina’s famous recipes and traditions. Get a “Piccolo” for one or a 28-inch “Biggapie” for up to 12 people. The Godfather is a fan fave, boasting pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, meatballs, and pastrami. Contrarily, if you want something a bit more healthy, try their seasonal veggie pizzas with vegan cheese. Healthy or delicious AF… either way you can’t go wrong.
Slice Pizza and Beer
While many go to Slice for their build-your-own pizza and wide selection of toppings, it’s the rustic ambiance and huge selection of craft beer that makes this place extra noteworthy. Gone are the days of waiting for an hour at the bar for your brewskie — at Slice you simply self-serve from the tap and it will conveniently calculate how many ounces you’re drinking as you go. (Be careful… it’s quite fun!) Enjoy your Slice and brew at a long wooden table for a total beer hall vibe.
Neopolitan Pizzeria and Birreria
Located in South Laguna, Neapolitan has a range of authentic pies that will have you feeling like you’re actually in Naples (widely known as thee best pizza in the world). Ranging from the classic Margherita pizza to an inventive Blackberry pie, they are known for their high quality and locally sourced ingredients. (Their tomatoes are grown organically in California derived from a seed in San Marzano, Italy!) Doesn’t get much more authentic than that, my fellow pizza lovers! While you’re there, enjoy the quaint patio and don’t forget dessert — tiramisu, cannoli, affogato, it’s all so very bellissimo.
WINE GALLERY
For those who want to pair their wood fired pizzas with a glass of vino to perfectly match, you won’t want to miss the communal experience that is Wine Gallery WoodFire Kitchen & Wine Bar. Customer favorites include their Bianco Lemon Garlic Arugula and their Three Meat Pete served with pairings like Frank Family Chardonnay and Chappellet, as well as Wine Gallery’s own Mile 216 La Encantada Pinot, which is from founder Chris Olsen’s own wine label and is a homage to the number of miles from his home in Orange County to the Santa Ynez Valley.
Laguna beach beer company
Located in the hotspot that is the Hive in Laguna Canyon, chances are you’re already familiar with Laguna Beach Beer Company. Their bold mural has become a staple in the canyon and their craft beer an essential part of the OC beer scene. With locations in Laguna, Huntington Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita, they will soon be expanding to Vista and Coto De Caza as well. Nothing pairs better with their beer than one of their hot-out-of-the-oven pizzas on their patio (BBQ Chicken Bacon, anyone?), so whether you’re coming back from a day at the Sawdust Festival or you’ve popped in for a meal in the sun, you’ve found your spot… and it’s delicious.
Pizza Bar Laguna
While everyone knows Pizza Bar has great pizza, the best thing about it may just be its unbeatable location (just steps to the beach on South Coast Highway) and its lively atmosphere. Boasting all the necessary pizza things but also all the go-to appetizers that accommodate a late night out oh-so-perfectly… we’re talking fries, wings, chicken tenders, onion rings, and even a house burger for those non-pizza people. (Do they exist? ) Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and till 10 during the week you know there’s always going to be some excitement going on. (Just check out all the fun on their Instagram!) Is it pizza time yet?
Photos by Grant Puckett.