11 Must-Try Pizza Spots in Berkeley

This city makes everything from legendary deep-dish to thin crusts piled high with wild toppings. Some spots stick to the classics, others throw the rulebook in the oven and serve something totally original. You’ll find your favorite flavors, gourmet pies, funky fusions, and everything in between in Berkeley’s pizza scene and in our guide to the 11 must-visit pizza spots around town.

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Iconic Must-Visits

Cheese Board Collective

Pizzas from Cheese Board Collective were born from the extra bits of sourdough baguette dough from their bakery, cheese from the counter, and fresh veggies from the nearby market. The result? A delicious pizza that’s been a local favorite since 1985.

Location: 1504/1512 Shattuck Ave
Why It’s a Must-Try: Worker-owned, vegetarian pies, one flavor per day with cult-level following

Jupiter

Housed in an old livery stable from the 1890s, with an interior inspired by the oldest bar in Berlin, Jupiter is a charming spot to grab a slice of pizza. Steps off BART, in the heart of Downtown Berkeley, this brewhouse features two stories of seating, a heated beer garden, live music, and lots of vegan and gluten-free options to customize your favorite pizza.

Location: 2181 Shattuck Ave
Why It’s a Must-Try: There are tons of delicious pizzas to choose from, but if you can't decide, grab a Half & Half pizza for the best of both worlds.

Zachary's Chicago Pizza

Chicago-style pizza in California? It may be unexpected, but Zachary’s is a proven Berkeley staple offering Chicago-style stuffed pizza and traditional thin crust, with tons of options for toppings and sides.

Location: 1853 Solano Ave
Why It’s a Must-Try: Over 225 local and national “Best Pizza” awards

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Hidden Gems & Underrated Classics

Heroic Italian

On a quiet side street two blocks from downtown, Heroic Italian serves gourmet Italian-American dishes. Sandwiches, salads, pastas, and traditional Roman pinsas are crafted from imported meats and cheeses with locally sourced herbs and produce.

Location: 2020 Kittredge Street
Why It’s a Must-Try: You've never had pizza like this before! Pinsa is a lighter dough that's cripsy on the outside, soft on the inside, and some go as far to say it's even better than pizza.

Passione Pizza

Before opening in Berkeley, the family behind Passione ran a pizzeria in Cinque Terre, so you know that the pizza-making craft has been studied and developed to perfection. You can taste the difference in their dough, which is made with American grains and rises for several days.

Location: 2326 Fifth Street
Why It’s a Must-Try: Organic ingredients and gluten-free crust made with California’s home-grown sweet rice, white rice, and brown rice flours

Red Tomato Pizza House

Handcrafted pies and organic ingredients make Red Tomato a treasured spot in the community. They offer classic flavors you can expect from most pizza joints, as well as exciting options like Thai curry eggplant, pesto pine nut, and barbecue tofu.

Location: 2017 University Ave
Why It’s a Must-Try: Black-owned and community-focused with weekly comedy and live music, a customizable menu, and lots of vegan and vegetarian options
Pro Tip: There are tons of vegetarian and vegan spots around Berkeley. Click here to view more.

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Groups and Nights Out

Bobby G’s Pizzeria

Local craft brews, house-made organic marinara and soy cheese, New York-style pizza? What more could you need! Pair Bobby’s G's delicious pizza and cold beer with their fun environment, with trivia nights and NFL Sundays, and you’ve got the perfect spot for your next night out.

Location: 2072 University Ave
Why It’s a Must-Try: East Coast–inspired, local beers on tap, and a comfortable space for hanging out

three.one four pizzeria

The lounge and bar at three.one four pizzeria has the perfect vibe for a sophisticated night out on the town in Berkeley. In addition to decadent pastas, they offer inventive pizzas complete with locally-sourced ingredients.

Location: 1329 Gilman Street
Why It’s a Must-Try: Romantic atmosphere, hand-crafted food and drinks, and a cannoli flight that you should not pass up

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Gourmet with a Twist

Lucia’s Berkeley

Traditional options with a modern twist are what it’s all about at Lucia’s. They specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza with soft dough and a blistered crust. Any of their delicious pies can be made gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Location: 2016 Shattuck Avenue
Why It’s a Must-Try: Stylish and modern, known for balanced flavors and fresh ingredients

Nabolom Bakery & Pizzeria

Owned and operated by two childhood friends, this community staple has been a Berkeley institution for over 40 years. They make one pizza flavor a day, along with fresh breads, muffins, scones, and cookies.

Location: 2016 Shattuck Avenue
Why It’s a Must-Try: A unique menu for each day of the week- check their website for today’s pizza.

Pizzeria da Laura

New York, Sicilian, Detroit, or Grandma-style. Anything you like, Chef Laura is cooking it up! Pick your style, pick your toppings (including vegan items!), or choose from one of many signature pies like La Regina, Lil’ One, or Elotero.

Location: 2049 Shattuck Avenue
Why It’s a Must-Try: Wood-fired and Italian-inspired with a fine-dining chef’s touch

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