Strolling through Palo Alto, you’ll notice two things immediately: the tech-bro energy is palpable, and there are more pizza joints than venture capital firms. Not all are worth your venture—some rely on gimmicky toppings or artisanal crusts that promise more than they deliver. But these twelve spots? They’re the real deal, serving slices that’ll make you forget about your stock options.
Il Fornaio
$$ | (650) 853-3888 | WEBSITE
The best pizza in Palo Alto doesn’t have any compromise on service. Il Fornaio doesn’t believe in the stuff, and you’re not going to miss it. The sit-down restaurant that thrives in downtown Palo Alto serves their stretchy Neapolitan-style crusts with minestrone, caprese, and your choice of toppings, held together with ample gooey cheese. Go the bruschetta route, and keep in mind there’s very little quiet.
New York Pizza Palo Alto
$ | (650) 328-6800 | WEBSITE
One of the most reliable pizza spots in Palo Alto is tucked into a straightforward storefront on a busy commercial street. New York Pizza Palo Alto, which serves classic pies and wings for about $20, values consistency as much as flavor. Each slice delivers familiar satisfaction, like a perfectly stretched cheese pull, or a meatball Parmesan sandwich toasted to perfection. It’s a very solid choice for a casual weeknight dinner, where you can rest assured you won’t be disappointed.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
$ | (650) 856-7855 | WEBSITE
Palo Alto has so much good pizza, it’s unfair to other towns. Your first stop should always be Mountain Mike’s Pizza, but after that, head back again. This local spot, which partners with an elementary school for fundraisers, specializes in amazing thin crust pizza heavily layered with fresh vegetables and a good amount of toppings. The cheesy garlic bread and garlic knots are essential, and you should also try the salad bar, like the well-maintained fresh salad or the quality buffet option.
Pizza My Heart
$ | (650) 327-9400 | WEBSITE
Pizza My Heart’s downtown Palo Alto location has been a staple on our best pizza lists for years, and this spot continues to serve the same, satisfying New York-style pies we’ve come to adore. Each slice is loaded with fresh ingredients and generous toppings, and options like the veggie pesto or the Figgy Piggy, which are all made with quality components.
Despite having a surfer-themed decor and offering quick service for both dine-in and takeout, Pizza My Heart remains a casual pizza joint, where a big, tasty slice can fill you up for half the day as you enjoy the friendly vibes.
State of Mind Slice House
$ | (650) 384-6369 | WEBSITE
Like a lot of spots on this list, State of Mind Slice House is tough to pass by. If you manage to grab a seat, prepare yourself to eat pizza and drink something cold in a bright casual space filled with families and locals who look like they talk about school pickups and weekend plans all day. Order a few big slices of the El Blanco, and be sure to try the Heat and Sweet with its jalapeños, bacon, and honey.
For something different, have the Elotero with sweet corn ricotta and chorizo, or the Ultimate with mushrooms and pepperoni. If you’re looking to have lunch in a place that feels like a friendly neighbor’s backyard patio, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Pizzeria Delfina – Palo Alto
$$ | (650) 353-2208 | WEBSITE
There’s a correct way to do Pizzeria Delfina, and this is it: You come with one other person, and you sit at the bar. You order the Tricolore salad and the Clam Pie, and then you share the Carbonara. You drink mixed drinks. You go home happy. Unlike a lot of crowded pizza spots, the decor is modern with an open-air kitchen and a spacious patio, and a dinner here is about as good a casual night out as they come.
You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas, and the gluten-free crust alone is worth coming back for.
Curry Pizza House Palo Alto & Bar
$$ | (650) 319-6400 | WEBSITE
This fusion spot in Palo Alto feels like the vibrant afterparty of a Bollywood film set. If you need a place that immediately sets the tone for a flavorful night out, stop by and eat pizza beneath warm lighting while you listen to a lively Indian pop soundtrack. The food—like the Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza, and the Paneer Pizza with cilantro and red onions—doesn’t hold back, and the creative cocktails keep the mood festive.
Try the signature mango lassi martini, made with fresh mango puree, yogurt, and a hint of cardamom.
Round Table Pizza
$ | (650) 322-5914 | WEBSITE
Round Table Pizza excels at post-remodel comfort classics. The COVID-era takeover and 2023 refresh brought efficient service and a lively atmosphere, though it loses some spaciousness in favor of multiple TVs showing different programs and a large dividing wall. Go big on the lunch buffet from 11am-1pm for $15, offering all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and soda, or indulge in the highly recommended freshly made cookies.
It still has that post-remodel smaller portion feel with pizzas around $29+tax, but you can walk in and enjoy the generous toppings and tasty vegetarian options like Garden delight while the friendly staff’s attentive service washes over you.
Howie’s Artisan Pizza
$$ | (650) 327-4992 | WEBSITE
Howie’s Artisan Pizza manages to get us excited about a menu that calls itself artisan. Even their most basic dishes get unexpected accents, like a Caesar salad with fresh and crunchy romaine or a Sausage & Roasted Red Onion Pizza with crispy crust. And despite the fact that this isn’t a salad-focused restaurant, their Howies Chicken Salad is some of the best in Palo Alto.
(That’s saying something.) The space is casual enough for hanging out with friends, yet special enough for a favorite neighborhood spot. Be sure to save room for another slice.
iTalico
$$ | (650) 473-9616 | WEBSITE
Tucked into a warm and modern space, iTalico feels like a family gathering spot, known for its welcoming vibe and consistently fresh flavors. The Italian food here is excellent (nothing beats the wood-fired pizza), but the overall atmosphere is what truly shines, especially if you settle into a cozy booth with a view of the bustling open kitchen. While occasional slip-ups happen, the staff’s genuine apologies and commitment to making things right are impressive.
Overall, it’s a highly recommended spot for a memorable meal.
Terún
$$ | (650) 600-8310 | WEBSITE
Terún has been serving Palo Alto for years, and it’s become so beloved that it remains one of the area’s top pizza destinations. This is one of the best spots in town to enjoy excellent, wood-fired pizza for around $25 a pie. Grab a seat at the outdoor patio, and after a couple slices of their nduja pizza, you’ll wonder why more places don’t achieve this perfect smoky flavor at this price point.
Their popular pizzas like the napolitana or tricolore start at $22, and they often feature standout options like the San Sldaniele with its generous toppings.
Square Pie Guys at Local Kitchens
$ | (415) 992-8206 | WEBSITE
Have you ever found yourself in Palo Alto thinking: ‘Is there a spot that’s quick and satisfying where I can grab some pizza without a complicated ordering process?’ That place exists, and it’s Square Pie Guys at Local Kitchens. This clean, bright space with modern finishes and straightforward counter service is perfect for either a casual lunch break or a quick dinner with a friend.
Order the Detroit-style pepperoni pizza, the vegetarian mushroom pizza, and maybe share one of those perfectly portioned four-piece squares.