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Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria

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Here are the best damn places to eat pizza in San Diego, from thin-crust slices to deep-dish pies.

San Diego

Courtesy of Sam Wells 

Pizza is so ubiquitous that we often forget how much time and effort goes into producing a really great pie. So we turned to Chef Luca Zamboni of the <a href="http://www.buonaforchettasd.com/" target="_blank">Buona Forchetta</a> empire, to answer the eternal question -- what makes a truly great pizza?&nbsp; 
 
“A pizza recipe is very simple: flour, water, yeast, and salt,” Zamboni explains. “The way the dough is prepared, the ingredients need to be kneaded perfectly, the way the dough is handled, the timing and the temperature management are crucial. Leaving the dough rising for long times helps to release the tastes and scents of the flour.” 
 
Hailing from a small town north of Rome called Tarquinia, Zamboni takes a holistic approach to pizza, drawing from his experience under the tutelage of legendary pizzaiolo <a href="https://www.bonci.it/" target="_blank">Gabriele Bonci</a>. 
 
“Of course, the ingredients need to be top quality and the oven can make a difference,” he says. “Each style of pizza requires a specific type of oven. Sometimes the dough is not perfect, but if the pizzaiolo knows how to work with the oven, the quality of the pizza can still be excellent.”&nbsp; 
 
With all that in mind, we’re never taking a great slice of pizza for granted again. We set out to find the most legit pizza joints in San Diego, from no-frills slice shops to tavern-style restaurants with perfect pie/pint pairings to fine dining establishments using the most luxurious ingredients. Here are the best places to eat pizza in San Diego.

Pizza is so ubiquitous that we often forget how much time and effort goes into producing a really great pie. So we turned to Chef Luca Zamboni of the <a href="http://www.buonaforchettasd.com/" target="_blank">Buona Forchetta</a> empire, to answer the eternal question -- what makes a truly great pizza?&nbsp;

“A pizza recipe is very simple: flour, water, yeast, and salt,” Zamboni explains. “The way the dough is prepared, the ingredients need to be kneaded perfectly, the way the dough is handled, the timing and the temperature management are crucial. Leaving the dough rising for long times helps to release the tastes and scents of the flour.”

Hailing from a small town north of Rome called Tarquinia, Zamboni takes a holistic approach to pizza, drawing from his experience under the tutelage of legendary pizzaiolo <a href="https://www.bonci.it/" target="_blank">Gabriele Bonci</a>.

“Of course, the ingredients need to be top quality and the oven can make a difference,” he says. “Each style of pizza requires a specific type of oven. Sometimes the dough is not perfect, but if the pizzaiolo knows how to work with the oven, the quality of the pizza can still be excellent.”&nbsp;

With all that in mind, we’re never taking a great slice of pizza for granted again. We set out to find the most legit pizza joints in San Diego, from no-frills slice shops to tavern-style restaurants with perfect pie/pint pairings to fine dining establishments using the most luxurious ingredients. Here are the best places to eat pizza in San Diego.

Pizza is so ubiquitous that we often forget how much time and effort goes into producing a really great pie. So we turned to Chef Luca Zamboni of the <a href="http://www.buonaforchettasd.com/" target="_blank">Buona Forchetta</a> empire, to answer the eternal question -- what makes a truly great pizza?&nbsp;“A pizza recipe is very simple: flour, water, yeast, and salt,” Zamboni explains. “The way the dough is prepared, the ingredients need to be kneaded perfectly, the way the dough is handled, the timing and the temperature management are crucial. Leaving the dough rising for long times helps to release the tastes and scents of the flour.”Hailing from a small town north of Rome called Tarquinia, Zamboni takes a holistic approach to pizza, drawing from his experience under the tutelage of legendary pizzaiolo <a href="https://www.bonci.it/" target="_blank">Gabriele Bonci</a>.“Of course, the ingredients need to be top quality and the oven can make a difference,” he says. “Each style of pizza requires a specific type of oven. Sometimes the dough is not perfect, but if the pizzaiolo knows how to work with the oven, the quality of the pizza can still be excellent.”&nbsp;With all that in mind, we’re never taking a great slice of pizza for granted again. We set out to find the most legit pizza joints in San Diego, from no-frills slice shops to tavern-style restaurants with perfect pie/pint pairings to fine dining establishments using the most luxurious ingredients. Here are the best places to eat pizza in San Diego.

The newest member of the Buona Forchetta family, Gelati &amp; Peccati is reminiscent of the walk-up pizzerie and gelati shops common in Rome. Baked in sheet pans and sold al taglio, literally “by the cut”, the high-hydration dough ferments for 72 hours and produces a light, airy crumb and crispy bottom. Dozens of combinations rotate throughout the day, and while it’s difficult to pick favorites, standouts include simple marinara; cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil and garlic, or luxurious Lussuria with mozzarella, caciocavallo, guanciale, and fresh truffle. It goes without saying that you’ll want to save room for a scoop or two of gelato, which comes in 18 flavors, and includes vegan options as well as fruit sorbets.&nbsp; How to order: Open for dine-in on a first-come, first-served basis and takeout.

Courtesy of Gelati & Peccati

Gelati & Peccati

Whether you’re in the mood for a fanciful gourmet pizza or a familiar favorite, Barbusa, the Busalacchi family’s popular Little Italy spot, has something on the menu to please everyone. Highlights include Patate con Prosciutto, featuring Magic Molly purple potatoes, Satina gold potaatoes, prosciutto and rosemary or the California, topped with, what else? Avocado, of course, plus arugula, lemon and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.&nbsp; How to order: Make reservations for in-house dining via OpenTable.

Barbusa

Dario and Pietro Gallo bring two distinct styles of pizza to their new Bankers Hill digs -- Romana and Calabrian. Using high hydration and a 72-hour ferment, the Romana-style’s flour combines non-GMO rice, soy and wheat flours for an airy, almost puff pastry-like texture, while Calabrian-style employs a biga (similar to a sourdough starter) and a 48-hour ferment for added flavor and texture. Order either style with nduja, fior di latte, pistachio emulsion and mortadella, or parmigiana-style with San Marzano sauce, eggplant and smoked provolone.&nbsp; How to order: Make reservations for in-house dining via OpenTable, or for pickup via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/civicobythepark/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Courtesy of James Tran and Olivia Beall

Civico by the Park

This neighborhood favorite, now with outposts in South Park, Liberty Station, Coronado and Encinitas, offers more than three dozen different pies ready to crush your carb and cheese cravings (all of which can be made gluten-free). You really can’t make a bad call, whether you go for something simple like the margherita or try something more unusual, like the Agenese, which is loaded with porcini mushrooms, shrimp, scallop, ricotta, and mozzarella. Hold onto the olive oil and balsamic from bread service, as you’ll want a puddle of it to drag your crusts through. How to order: Call your favorite location for dine-in reservations or takeout.

Buona Forchetta

The pizza makers at this hopping Italian restaurant owned by the same team behind Bencotto invested some serious dedication into crafting the perfect pizza dough. Made with yeast and flour imported from Italy, it slowly ferments for four days before it’s stretched, topped, and baked in a brick-lined gas oven. The Bencotto pizza -- with ricotta, mozzarella, and the same pink pancetta sauce that tops noodles next door -- deserves a spot on your must-eat list. How to order: Call 619-501-0030 for in-house dining reservations, order takeout through <a href="https://bbot.menu/monellodeliveryorpickup/" target="_blank">Bbot</a> and delivery via PostMates.

Monello

This beloved slice shop is known for classic, NY-style pies that clobber your hunger with the strength of a heavyweight. The Whitestone (a white pie with mozzarella, garlic, and dollops of creamy herbed ricotta cheese) is a must, but so are the calzones and house specialties like the triple-threat Porko (pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs), so it’ll probably take a few visits to find your favorite. The no-frills seating area is fine for a quick bite, but if you want a full pie, it’s better to call ahead for a fresh one to-go. There’s no delivery, and the parking situation is a permanent pain in the butt, but pies this good are worth the trouble.&nbsp; How to order: Currently offering takeout only, stop by or call 619-291-3341 to order.

Bronx Pizza Inc

Bronx Pizza

Regents deserves props for doing many things very well. There’s an excellent draft list, along with worthy appetizers like scorching hot wings, Buffalo cauliflower, and crispy Brussels sprouts, plus all manner of salads and sandwiches. But the pizza is where it really shines, of course. You can get a whole pie if you’re willing to wait, or head directly to the slice case for instant gratification. There are many different varieties of NY-style and Chicago deep-dish pies here (a rarity!), so the only responsible thing is to get one of each. How to order: Open for dine-in on a first-come, first-served basis, call 858-550-0406 or order online for takeout or delivery within five miles.

Regents Pizzeria

When you want a nice night out but aren’t prepared to ignore your pizza craving, this <a href="https://www.urbankitchengroup.com" target="_blank">duo of restaurants</a> is the perfect compromise. The thin-crust pies baked in a 600-degree oven tend to lean slightly cheffy, but familiar flavors ensure they’re never too precious. The pancetta and Brussels sprouts (a béchamel sauce pie with fontina, red onion, roasted garlic, and chili) is an excellent choice. Want something more traditional? The spicy coppa (a red sauce pie with spicy salami, house-made mozzarella, pepperoncini, Calabrian chili, and basil) is like a grown-up pepperoni pizza. How to order: Cucina Ubana is currently operating as a pop-up at <a href="https://julepvenue.com" target="_blank">JULEP</a>, book on OpenTable. Cucina Enoteca is available for dine in, reservations through <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=114037&amp;restref=114037&amp;partysize=2&amp;datetime=2020-10-08T19%3A00&amp;lang=en-US&amp;r3uid=Ol7I2Q2u55&amp;corrid=69146bda-c32e-4550-8835-d70420f2a185" target="_blank">OpenTable</a>, takeout through <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/cucina-enoteca-del-mar/v3#!/" target="_blank">Toast</a>, or delivery through DoorDash.

CUCINA urbana

Thin-crust pies with crisp, blistered edges and an excellent selection of brews keep this Normal Heights pizzeria busy. It should come as no surprise to hear we wish there was <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/san-diego/9-san-diego-restaurants-that-should-be-chains" target="_blank">another location</a> (or locations) in the works. For now, we’re more than happy with the cheese-heaped quattro formaggi and meat lovers' pies topped with house-made sausage and chorizo. How to order: Pickup only is available Wednesday through Sunday from 4-8pm, order <a href="https://blindladyalehouse.square.site" target="_blank">online</a>.

Blind Lady Ale House

Sicilian-style pizza is difficult to find in San Diego, but nobody does it better than this longstanding shop in North Park. Don’t be fooled by the modest digs: Aside from perfecting the namesake style, it also does a bang-up job on New York-style pies. Not sure what to order? The Sicilian-style Almost Lasagna is a great pick, featuring loads of meatballs, ricotta and savory red sauce. <a href="https://sicilianthingpizza.com/san-diego-north-park-sicilian-thing-pizza-happy-hours-specials" target="_blank">Daily specials</a> like the $12.99 two slices-and-a-beer deal on Tuesdays encourage mid-week pizza consumption, while everyday prices are so reasonable that it makes sense to order one pie of each style and plan on lots of leftovers. How to order: Open for dine-in and outdoor seating on a first-come, first-served basis, order online for pickup or delivery within five miles.

Sicilian Thing Pizza

BIGA gets top marks for offering quality pizza, made with fresh local or imported Italian ingredients, in a light-filled space you’ll want to linger in. Two 850-degree ovens crank out carefully charred crusts in just 90 seconds. You really can’t go wrong here, but Camila, a Napoli pizza with sopressata, house-made Italian sausage, guanciale, rosemary, and house-made fior di latte is pretty much perfection. How to order: Order takeout via <a href="https://order.ritual.co/menu/biga-sixth-broadway-san-diego/3f0b?r=BIGAWEB#" target="_blank">Ritual</a> or delivery via GrubHub.

Biga San Diego

Biga

Launched in 2016 by a bonafide pizza nerd, this cozy neighborhood spot situated in a former post office pays homage to beloved pies from pizzerias across the nation, like <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/new-york/restaurants/robertas-pizza" target="_blank">Roberta’s</a> in Brooklyn, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/nation/restaurants/pizzeria-bianco" target="_blank">Pizzeria Bianco</a> in Phoenix, and the food court in <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/how-costco-makes-its-pizza" target="_blank">Costco</a> (no joke!). Owner Matt Lyons finely tuned every detail of the operation to turn out the best possible pizza, including sourcing a specific brand of flour, splurging on a 1,500-pound wood-fired Renato oven, and installing a reverse osmosis system to make the water just right. How to order: Call 619-450-4505 or order via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/tributepizza/v3#!/order" target="_blank">Toast</a> for pickup or delivery within North Park, South Park, and the surrounding area.

Tribute Pizza

Pizza might not be the first thing you gravitate towards at a place like Herb &amp; Wood, but it’s a solid choice for a square (ok, technically round) meal with the same gourmet ingredients and inspired flavor profiles you’ll find in the pasta and meat dishes. When in doubt, opt for the Spanish chorizo and taleggio cheese with peppers, onion, and honey -- it’s a salty/sweet pairing that’s a spicier, more sophisticated riff on the classic ham-and-pineapple combo.&nbsp; How to order: Make reservations for in-house dining via OpenTable or via <a href="https://direct.chownow.com/order/16217/locations/23051" target="_blank">ChowNow</a> for pickup or delivery.

Herb & Wood

Using old-school methods established by the <a href="https://www.pizzanapoletana.org/en/" target="_blank">Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana</a>, Caffe Calabria’s puffy, charred outside and uber-thin, crisp crust is baked for 60-90 seconds in a 905-degree, oak wood-fired oven. There’s no wrong choice here, but the Salsiccia is an absolute knockout, made with organic San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, grana padano and house-made fennel sausage, under a scattering of fresh basil leaves. How to order: Order for pickup or delivery via <a href="https://www.yelp.com/order/v2/cart/d70c3d1845433b4fd3956cad95e61ed3" target="_blank">Yelp</a>.

Caffè Calabria

Caffe Calabria

For almost 10 years, Wade and Kristi Hageman have been turning out impossibly thin, beautifully charred pizzas, made from dough that’s been fermented for three days and baked a few minutes longer than traditional Neapolitan pizza, giving it a crackling crisp crust and soft crumb. Simple, high quality embellishments range from the brightly flavored Signature pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, lemon zest, red onion, basil, and extra virgin olive oil; to the Staff Favorite, house tomato sauce, sausage, basil, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of heavy cream. If you can, save room for their signature dessert, a creamy, delectable butterscotch pudding. How to order: Available for dine-in or takeout, make reservations via <a href="https://www.yelp.com/reservations/blue-ribbon-artisan-pizzeria-encinitas-2?source=yelp_biz&amp;date=2020-10-09&amp;time=1900&amp;covers=2" target="_blank">Yelp</a>.

Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria

Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza

Old Town isn’t the first neighborhood that springs to mind when you’re craving a slice, but Pizza Bella has been serving its award-winning pies there for nearly 50 years. Hand-tossed and stone-baked, these are medium-thick, chewy slices that can stand up to a load of hearty toppings, with pies ranging in size from the personal to the gigantic. Build your own custom creation, or opt for a house combination like the Sigma-Chi: mixed sauces (red and pesto), Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and primavera vegetables. How to order: In-house dining is available on a first-come, first served basis, or call 619-493-3658 for pickup or delivery.

Pizza Bella - Old Town San Diego

Pizza Bella Italian Bistro

Pairing Petra flour imported from Veneto with a 48 hour rising process, Ambrogio15’s paper-thin, Milanese style pizza can be ordered with a custom crust made from either white, whole wheat, or gluten free flour. You can’t miss with the classic Margherita, or the indulgent Hannibal Lecter (with San Marzano tomato DOP, mozzarella fior di latte, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, spicy salame Calabrese, Italian sausage, porchetta, imported prosciutto cotto, and organic grilled red bell pepper). Pair your pie of choice with a bottle of vino sourced from a consortium of small scale biodynamic winemakers in Italy. How to order: Order for pickup from your favorite location online.

Ambrogio15

Lefty’s offers all three <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_pizza" target="_blank">classic Chicago styles</a>: crispy tavern style, deep-dish, and stuffed, along with other non-pizza hometown favorites like Italian beef sandwiches and classic Chicago hot dogs. Toppings range from veggie-laden to big and meaty, and just about every combo between. Call ahead if you’re choosing the stuffed pizza option, as they take an hour to fully bake. How to order: Order from your favorite location online.

The Ultimate San Diego Pizza Places for a Legit Slice

Best Pizza in San Diego: Pizza Places With the Best Slices in Town

Pizza is so ubiquitous that we often forget how much time and effort goes into producing a really great pie.

Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria

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