From New York and Chicago styles to vegan and gluten-free, here's a guide to the many types of pizza you can find in San Diego County and where to try them.
With Charles Rico
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Pizza comes in all shapes, styles and flavors, and most of them can be found in San Diego County.
One of the original styles of pizza is Neapolitan, originating from Naples, Italy. Thefirst pizzeriain the USA it opened in New York in the early 19th and early 20th centuries. Now there are many types of pizza from different parts of the United States and cakes based on dietary restrictions.
This guide describes some of the different styles of pizza you can find in San Diego County and some places to try them.
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Chicago
Chicago style pizza from Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria.
(Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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As the name suggests, Chicago-style pizza hails from the windy city anddates from the 1940s. It is a round pizza with a deep dish and the toppings are reversed compared to traditional pizza: tomato sauce on top, cheese and other ingredients below. It is traditionally baked in a cast iron pan.
Chicago Bros. Pizzeria: This Mission Valley restaurant offers nine deep dishes, from classic cheese pizza and meat lovers, to veggie and grilled chicken.10423 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego. (619) 280-7703.chicagobrospizzeria.com
Pizzeria Lefty’s Chicago: With two locations where you can get slices or whole pies, Lefty's menu includes 10 specialty pizzas that can be made deep dish style and the classic 16-inch deep dish cheese pizza.4030 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills. (619) 295-1720. 3448 30th Street, North Park. (619) 299-4030. leftyspizza.com
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Detroit
Detroit-style pizza from Square Pizza Co. in Pacific Beach
(Courtesy of Square Pizza Co.)
Like the Chicago style, Detroit pizza is made from a deep dish but cooked in a rectangular tray or cast iron pan with a thick and chewy crust. Covered to the brim with cheese and toppings, with slices cut into squares.
Square Pizza Co.: To pay homage to Detroit, this Pacific Beach restaurant names its deep-dish pizzas after Michigan car companies like Ford, the classic cheese pie. Pontiac, pepperoni pizza; and Dodge with baby spinach, mushrooms, ricotta and garlic.4508 Cass St., Apartament C, San Diego. (858) 412-4469.kwadratpizzaco.com
TNT pizza: At the corner of Market and 14th Street, TNT Pizza makes over 10 different Detroit-style pizzas with ingredients like buttermilk chicken, fennel sausage and eggplant. Served in slices or as a whole 10-by-14-inch cake.550 14th Street, #116, San Diego. (619) 915-6312.instagram.com/tntsdpizza
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Mexican
Me Gustan Tus Piñas is just one of the many Mexican pizzas at Pizzeria El Jefe in Chula Vista.
(courtesy of Jose Rios)
One of the perks of living in San Diego is that Tijuana is our neighbor and Mexican ingredients are readily available. So it's no wonder there's Mexican pizza in San Diego. This style includes traditional side dishes like chorizo, frijoles and jalapenos.
El Jefe pizzeria: This place has 12 pizza options with Mexican ingredients like La Paisa, with black beans, chorizo, jalapenos and cilantro. and Me Gustan Tus Piñas with pork adobada, pineapple, red onion, diced jalapeno peppers, cilantro and a lime wedge. Additionally, each pizza is served with a pair of sauces that can be drizzled or dipped onto the pizza.1655 Broadway, Chula Vista. (619) 591-9686.pizzeriaeljefe.com
Mam Mia Pizza: This Mexican pizza chain is located in San Ysidro, where you can find a pie based on refried beans, cheese, cheese, jalapenos, onions and bacon. You can also add chicharrón as an extra topping.2004 Dairy Mart Road, Unit 100, San Ysidro. (619) 690-4040.mamamiapizzaus.com
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Daisy
A variation on the Neapolitan pizza, the Margherita pizza creates the colors of the Italian flag, highlighting mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil. It is a round cake with a thin bottom and a wide, airy crust.
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Pizza Bar on the island: This restaurant says they use a wood-fired pizza oven imported from Naples to bake their cakes at both locations. It offers two types of Margherita pizza: one with mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil, and Margherita DOP with mozzarella di bufala DOP, tomato sauce, basil and extra virgin olive oil.1526 India St., Little Italy. (619) 255-4230. 7734 Girard Ave., La Jolla. (858) 412-5566.isolapizzabar.com
Pizzeria Pummarò:This pizzeria in Point Loma serves up a classic tomato, mozzarella and basil Margherita pizza. It's a slim 12-inch version, soft and has a folding skin. Also available in a gluten-free version.1101 Scott St., San Diego. (619) 224-2272.pummaropizzeria.com
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New Paradise
Named after a town in Connecticut,this stylePizza has a very thin crust and charred base and is often baked in charcoal ovens.
BasicBar/Pizza: This East Village spot has eight specialty pizzas, including a white (cheese-based, as opposed to tomato-based) pizza with mozzarella, mashed potatoes and bacon, and a J Street pizza with mozzarella, chicken, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto.410 10th Ave., San Diego. (619) 531-8869.barbasic.com
City: Here you can create your own New Haven cake with over 25 ingredients and you can choose from a tomato base or a cheese base, with locations in Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, North Park and Vista. These cakes are small, good for two. and large, ideal for three to four people.urbnpizza.com
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New York
A slice of New York style pizza from Bronx Pizza.
(Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
This Big Apple pizza style is handmade with a thinner crust and is crispy on the edges. It is often sold sliced and folded in half for consumption.
BronxPizza: Since 1997, this pizzeria offers different types of slices every day, except on Mondays when it is closed. Whole pizzas are 18 inches and cut into eight slices. One of her specialty pies is the Bronx Deluxe with pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives and garlic.111 Washington Street, San Diego. (619) 291-3341.bronxpizza.com
Pizzeria Pauly'ego: Located in Miramar and Ranch Bernardo, you can get New York style pizzas from this restaurant. Menu options include classic pepperoni cheese pies, as well as a Pauly's specialty with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, fresh mushrooms, red onions, green peppers and black olives.16588 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego. (858) 673-1234. 6780 Miramar Road Suite 105, San Diego. (858) 566-8646.paulyspizzajoint.com
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Sicilian
Πίτσα Slice of Sicilian Thing.
(Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Similar to the Detroit style, Sicilian pizza is usually served in the United States in a rectangular shape with a spongy crust, but has a heavier sauce and is baked on a griddle.
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Sicilian pizza: This North Park restaurant serves Sicilian-style square pizzas with seven topping combinations, as well as eight vegetarian options and the option to create your own.4046 30th St., San Diego. (619) 282-3000.sicilianthingpizza.com
sisters pizzeria: This Hillcrest restaurant offers only limited slices of Sicilian pizza, so call for availability. Accompanied by red sauce, mozzarella and thick crust.3603 Fourth Avenue, San Diego. (619) 255-4200. siostrzanespizzasd.com
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vegetarian
Pizza Widow by Donna Jean.
(Courtesy of Lindsay Kreighbaum)
These pizzas do not contain ingredients of animal origin and are usually plant-based.
Donna Jean: This plant-based restaurant has six different pizza options. One option is The Widow, which has black garlic puree, dates, ricotta, red onion, pickled peppers and cabbage. All pizzas are 12 inches and made with 72-hour whole wheat dough.2949 Fifth Avenue, San Diego. (619) 299-5500.donnajeanrestaurant.com
Pizza at the red house: This restaurant in University Heights offers over 10 specialty vegan pizzas and the option to create your own with over 20 ingredients.4615 Park Blvd., San Diego. (619) 546-7430.redhousepizzasd.com
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Gluten free
Gluten-free pizza is made without wheat flour, which is usually replaced with another gluten-free alternative, such as almonds, rice, potatoes, corn or beans.
Pizza Giant Brothers: A gluten-free crust is available here for 14-inch pizzas and is made from potato, corn and rice starches. There are 11 types of gluten-free pizza, including Buffalo Chicken Pizza and Philly Steak Pizza.6690 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego. (619) 906-2121.brosgiantpizza.com
Woodstock Pizza: Serving a gluten-free cake made from rice flour and potato starch, this College Area restaurant offers made-to-order pizzas or 11 specialty cakes, including one with Sriracha sauce, crispy bacon, pineapple and green onions.6145 El Drawer Blvd. (619) 265-0999.woodstockssd.com
FAQs
What are the top 5 most popular pizzas? ›
- Pizza with cheese. It's the little things in life that can make a big difference. ...
- Pepperoni Pizza. You say pizza if I say pepperoni! ...
- Personalized (Build-Your-Own) Pizza. ...
- Meat Pizza. ...
- Veggie Pizza. ...
- Margherita Pizza. ...
- Chicken BBQ Pizza. ...
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
Pepperoni. Poll after poll, pepperoni always tops the list of America's favorite pizza toppings.
What is the most popular pizza place? ›Total number of U.S. stores: 6,708
Domino's is the largest pizza chain in the world in terms of revenue and second in terms of stores opened. It has over 15,900 stores across 85 different countries.
Margherita Pizza
Deceptively simple, the Margherita pizza is made with basil, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes. There's a reason it's an Italian staple and one of the most popular types of pizza in the country.
The popularity of pepperoni pizza had only started to rise in the 1950s. Nowadays, beef pepperoni pizza is the most popular pizza variety, but there are also versions such as fish pepperoni pizza and port pepperoni pizza.
What is America's most loved pizza? ›This may not come as a surprise, but pepperoni is by far the most popular pizza topping in the United States.
What tastes surprisingly good on pizza? ›- Beetroot pesto with goat cheese. ...
- Caramelised onions, apples and goat cheese. ...
- Breakfast pizza. ...
- Bacon, sausage, jalapeno and sriracha sauce. ...
- Rhubarb, basil and apple honey BBQ sauce. ...
- Grilled honey chicken with sriracha sauce. ...
- Calamari. ...
- Red peanut curry.
Both are equally delicious and you won't break your budget. In fact, the menu items available at each restaurant tend to mirror one another. So whether you choose Pizza Hut or Dominos for dinner tonight—you really can't go wrong either way!
What is America's favorite pizza place? ›#1 Domino's
And as our top vote-getter, it's clear that many consider Domino's to be up there with the very best pizzas in America.
For the second year in a row, Detroit earned the title of America's best city for pizza, according to a new study that ranked pizza scenes in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S.
What type of pizza is eaten the most? ›
Deep Dish Pizza
Also known as a Chicago-style crust, deep-dish pizza has a thick buttery crust that's more bread-like than other thin-crust pizzas. Deep-dish pizza is so popular because the crust ledge helps to hold loads of sauce, creamy cheese, and tons of toppings that won't fall off when you bite into the slice.
Thin Crust
It has a nice crunch to it, and the pizza's toppings shine on their own. You won't get overpowered by a huge piece of bread at the end of each slice. So, if you judge a pizza by the quality of its toppings, this is the best type of pizza crust for you.
In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples and enjoyed their first slice of pizza. The queen fancied hers with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and from there on out, this iconic combo has been called the Margherita pizza. This meal is also credited as the first pizza delivery!
What are the best 3 toppings on a pizza? ›- Pepperoni. It's clearly no surprise that pepperoni is first on the list. ...
- Sausage. A sweet Italian or spicy sausage is another popular option that most can agree on. ...
- Bacon.
Neapolitan pizza comes in three variants, with pizza Margherita being the most popular. The other two are pizza Marinara, which leaves out the cheese, and pizza Margherita Extra, which uses mozzarella di Bufala.
What is the least popular pizza? ›Pizza News
Sixty-one percent of respondents to a YouGov survey named anchovies as their least favorite pizza topping.
Italy – The Home of Pizza
Each day, approximately 1 million pizzas are consumed in Italy.
The survey, which was commissioned by Columbus, Ohio-based pizza chain Donatos and conducted by OnePoll, revealed that the three least-welcome toppings are, in order, anchovies, pineapple, and jalapeno peppers.
What are the top five pizza sale days? ›After Halloween, Superbowl Sunday comes in at a close second. Other popular pizza days include New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the day before Thanksgiving.
What is the least popular pizza topping in the United States? ›For the YouGov.com poll, 61% of respondents said they disliked anchovies, while nearly half of those surveyed said eggplant was not a good topping on pizza. Artichoke had a disapproval rating of 44%, followed by Broccoli at 39% and pineapple with 35% disapproval.
What is the most popular pizza topping in California? ›
Pineapple is the most popular pizza topping in the 10 U.S states (California, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia). Pineapple goes excellently well with bacon, ham, and savory cheese.
Which cheese is best for pizza? ›What is the best melting cheese for pizza? The undisputed king of meltiness for cheese toppings is mozzarella. Classic mozzarella has the ideal balance of moisture, elasticity, and fat content for meltability.
What are the pizza flavor trends for 2023? ›“One of the fastest growing trends in pizza is international flavors, with Thai, Vietnamese and Mexican flavors topping that ever-growing list,” says Kyle Flottman. This can include everything from familiar favorites like chorizo to bold flavors like salsa verde and chicken tinga.
What celebrity loves pizza? ›Other pizza-loving stars include former Bachelor Matt James, Meryl Streep, Will Ferrell and Kendall Jenner, just to name a few.
Which crust is best in Dominos? ›Hand-Tossed
Hand-Tossed is Domino's default crust option so it shouldn't surprise anyone that this one has ranked this high. Of all the big national pizza chains, Domino's has some of the best crust in the game.
They are known for their quality ingredients and wide variety of pizzas, pastas, wings and other side dishes. Their prices tend to be higher than some other pizza chains due to the quality of their ingredients and customer service.
Is pizza considered healthy? ›Pizza can help you absorb the antioxidant Lycopene. Lycopene is found in tomatoes, which are used to make the base sauce for pizzas. Lycopene helps to lower blood pressure and bring down high cholesterol. It's also more easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes as opposed to fresh tomatoes.
What is the biggest pizza sold? ›In total, 13,653 pounds (6,193 kilograms) of dough, 4,948 pounds of pizza sauce, more than 8,800 pounds of cheese and roughly 630,496 pieces of pepperoni went into making the record-breaking pie.
What is the oldest style pizza? ›A precursor of pizza was probably the focaccia, a flatbread known to the Romans as panis focacius, to which toppings were then added. Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, in the 18th or early 19th century.
How much do you tip for a $20 pizza delivery? ›Generally speaking, delivery orders that are less than $20 are given a minimum tip of $3. If the order is over $20, then it's customary to calculate a tip that is 10%-15% of the order (but never less than $5).
How many slices of pizza should a person eat? ›
Three slices per adult and two slices per child offer a good base to start from when you're estimating how many pizzas to order. If you know in advance that you have guests with major pizza appetites, allow for one or two more slices per person, just to be safe.
What size pizza is the best deal? ›You should always order the large pizza because it will be cheaper per square inch. While a 16-inch pizza is four times the size of the 8-inch pizza, the larger pizza will be far less than four times the price of the small.
What is Southern style pizza? ›There's also Southern-style Tomato Pie, which is made in a pie crust with fresh tomatoes, cheddar cheese, mayo and bacon.
What is a pizza without cheese called? ›Food historians trace pizza's origins to Naples, Italy, in the 1800s, and note that it wasn't until 1889 that cheese was added as a topping. A pizza without cheese is today recognized as one of the three official authentic Neapolitan pizzas and is called pizza marinara.”
What is the thick pizza called? ›Also known as deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style pizza is very different from traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. Instead of a soft, thin-crust pizza like the Neapolitan, Chicago-style pizza utilizes a thick crust with raised edges.