We’ve sliced through the choices to bring you the best options for pizza in La Jolla.

Ready to get saucy? Behold our roundup of the best pizza La Jolla has to offer, and crust us, we’ve done the research. Taking a whole pie home, sharing slices with friends after a day at the beach or grabbing lunch during your work day? We’ve got you covered in style, from Neapolitan to New York.

1. American Pizza Mfg

Pizza takeout. At the end of a long day, those two words are a balm for the soul, and American Pizza Mfg. has you covered.

American Pizza Mfg. on La Jolla Boulevard at Marine Street assembles handcrafted meals, including pizzas and pastas, using the finest, locally-sourced ingredients that spring to life in your oven.

Take it home, bake it and pair it with APM’s fresh salads and savory desserts for a hot, home-cooked meal that’s easy and delicious.

There are 17-plus pizzas to choose from, including “The Hallmark,” a classic Margherita with APM’s signature homemade ruby red tomato sauce and “The Edsel,” with an olive oil base, an earthy mixture of wild mushrooms, truffle oil drizzle and Parmesan sprinkle.

And with vegan and kids’ options, everyone eats well when American Pizza Mfg. is on the table.

2. Catania

For La Jolla pizza that’s literally a cut above the rest, book a spot at Catania, a rooftop restaurant in the La Plaza in The Village.

Envisioned after the owners’ two-week road trip throughout Italy, Catania serves authentic Italian coastal cuisine in a relaxed but elevated setting with views to dine for. 

Among other menu stars that helped Catania land a spot in the Michelin guide are handcrafted pizzas, all crisped to perfection by Beatrice, the 5,000-pound wood burning oven.

In addition to the Italian classics, Catania features a Sicilian pistachio pizza with pork mortadella and pistachio pesto, a grape and pancetta pizza and the Merguez with whipped ricotta salata, olive salsa, lemon and mint.

Add a refreshing cocktail or an appetizer and you’ll be manifesting the perfect al fresco Italian meal!

3. Dough Momma

Momma knows best! At Dough Momma in The Shores, knowledge of old-school New York and the East Coast pizza tradition mixes with West Coast California inspiration and is definitely among the best pizza in La Jolla.

From innovatively topped pizza to a New York slice with that perfectly brown crackling crust, order ahead or belly up to Dough Momma’s finest ingredients and classic culinary cooking techniques.

Take out or eat in, adding wings and a beer for a memorable meal. Build your own pie from the sauce and cheese to the toppings and drizzle or select one of their many favorites, including Momma Signatures the “Magic Mushroom” and “Kick Butt Meatball.” 

Need gluten-free crust, salads or garlic knots? Dough Momma has it all, going beyond the everyday pizzeria for a tantalizing feast after a day at the beach.

4. Isola Pizza Bar 

In the heart of The Village you’ll find Isola Pizza Bar, where they take pizza in La Jolla very seriously. Neapolitan is the theme here, with ovens and ingredients – and professional pizzaiolos – straight from Naples.

The full Italian menu carries all your favorites, but we’re partial to that chewy, scrumptious crust, a perfect base for their asparagus and brie, four meats, eggplant or prosciutto pizzas. 

Isola is also home to a Ligurian-style thicker pizza with anchovies, olives, garlic and oregano, as well as a takeout kit to make pizza at home.

Whether dining inside or on their streetside patio, you’re sure to feel as welcome as if you were at Nonna Isola’s house yourself.

5. Lark & Owl 

Casual Bird Rock spot Lark & Owl specializes in thin-crust pizzas with a spectacularly crunchy edge, and we love their come-as-you-are approach to food.

Blending Italian and American flavors, Lark & Owl carries classics like cheese lovers, meat lovers and pepperoni pizzas, along with signature pies like the Margherita with a garlic-olive oil sauce and a chicken pesto with rainbow sprouts.

Walk up or order ahead and grab a spot on a patio bench for a delightful end to your Bird Rock afternoon, or start your adventure there fueling up with Lark & Owl’s high-quality, seasonal ingredients.

Still hungry? Add a salad, acai bowl or smoothie to your order, and thank us later.

6. Piatti

A La Jolla Shores staple for decades, we love Piatti for a La Jolla pizza moment, where authentic Italian cuisine meets coastal style.

Though Piatti deals in housemade pasta, their pizzas are a fresh take on those at a neighborhood Italian trattoria, all served up in a warm, inviting atmosphere or ready to enjoy at home.

Four options are all you need at Piatti to delight in their expertise: choose from a Margheritap; ham pizza with crimini mushrooms; a hot salami pizza with applewood smoked bacon; or a vegan pizza with roasted brussel sprouts and kennebec potatoes.

Pair your pie with a glass of wine, and don’t forget friends and family for a superbly-served La Jolla dinner.

7. Piazza 1909

Dine in a historic building with truly traditional Italian fare at Piazza 1909 in The Village, where the team focuses on infusing food with love and passion, community and creativity.

The best pizza in La Jolla might be found in the pizza with gorgonzola, pear, walnuts and honey or in the pie served with gorgonzola, ricotta, speck and roasted butternut squash.

And of course, there’s a Margherita, diavola and even fantastic vegan options as well, so pizza at Piazza is always a good idea.

And with a full Italian menu, everyone will find something to love. 

8. Pizza on Pearl

A fast take on fantastic pizza, head to La Jolla icon Pizza on Pearl, which has been serving up authentic New York-style thin crust pizza in La Jolla since 2009.

Known for its fresh ingredients and handmade sauces and dough, this casual pizzeria has built a loyal following.

Whether you’re craving a slice to fold or looking for a hearty stromboli, calzone, or fresh salad, Pizza on Pearl delivers quality with every bite. We love the Miramar pizza with spinach, bacon and pepperoni, the Veggie and the Hawaiian, but we also love to indulge in the rotating “Pizza of the Month” with unexpected – but wonderful – flavor combos. 

Take it by the slice, order a combo of slices and drinks or grab yourself a whole pie for an affordable, amazing meal, and don’t forget the garlic knots!

9. Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza and Grill

A Village favorite since 1989, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza and Grill is exactly as it sounds, with an upscale vibe and creative menu.

Tuck yourself away in the friendly atmosphere while you tuck into one of Sammy’s signature pizzas, like the LaDou’s barbecue chicken with smoked gouda, the organic arugula and pear or the Thai chicken pizza.

Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special evening out, your Sammy’s experience will feature the best ingredients in a welcoming ambiance with service that leaves a lasting impression.

And if you decided not to stop at just pizza and indulge in one of the many other creative menu items, we wouldn’t blame you!

10. Wheat & Water

We will end our tour of the best pizza in La Jolla at popular Bird Rock spot Wheat & Water, which specializes in wood-fired pizza, shared plates and more.

With fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, Wheat & Water’s menu is full of satisfying, familiar flavors, like their spinach and ricotta pizza; baked potato pizza with bacon, jalapeño creme fraiche and chive; and their take on the barbecue chicken pizza with smoked pineapple-mezcal-habanero barbecue sauce.

Kid’s pizza options abound here, as do the choices to add more toppings or a cauliflower crust, and with a variety of beer from local and national breweries plus an extensive cocktail menu, you’re sure to create memories while sharing your meal.

Pie’s the limit for pizza in La Jolla, so try a few and tell us which place has a pizza your heart? 

Hungry for more Italian food in La Jolla? Check out our blog here.

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