San Diego’s pizza joints might be facing another wave of unpredictable hours, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to another night of frozen cardboard crusts. You can still snag a perfect pie for pickup or delivery, supporting local pizzerias while you do it. We’ve curated spots for every craving—from Neapolitan perfection to When You Need That Detroit-Style Square—and this list stays fresh, so dig in.
ZoZo’s Pizza Mission Beach
$ | (858) 488-9696 | WEBSITE
ZoZo’s Pizza is perhaps the best pizza spot in Mission Beach, so it makes sense that it’s also one of the best for a quick lunch. There are excellent slices available, including pepperoni and spicy soppressata with fresh basil and truffle oil, and the pizza is cooked to perfection with a thin crust reminiscent of New York or Little Italy.
We could write hundreds of words about this menu, but a quick rundown of our favorites is the calzone, the lemon pepper chicken, and the classic pepperoni slice.
Herb & Wood
$$$ | (619) 955-8495 | WEBSITE
This San Diego pizza spot has a solid menu of steaks, seafood, and pasta. But the reason we’re writing about them right now is because they’re offering half-price pizzas on weeknights while the holiday rush winds down. That means you can get your bone marrow with oysters and swordfish steak, and your table can share (discounted) margherita and pepperoni pies. They’re open for reservations or walk-ins.
Lucrezia La Jolla
$$$ | (858) 352-6266 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’ve been craving authentic Italian flavors for weeks and have started dreaming about perfectly charred pizza crusts (this is definitely not from personal experience). Anyway – satisfy that craving at Lucrezia La Jolla. This spot in a sophisticated La Jolla setting serves some of the best (and most refined) Italian cuisine around. The Italian chopped salad is a required order – be prepared for the beautiful presentation – and add some grilled lamb chops to split with your date.
The espresso martinis and heavenly tiramisu make the perfect finish, and the service is both attentive and fun with impeccable wine pairings. The cozy, warm atmosphere creates a memorable experience that’s absolutely worth the visit.
HillCrust Pizza
$$ | (619) 505-2627 | WEBSITE
A pizza joint in Hillcrest that’s secretly also one of San Diego’s best spots for a solo meal or group hang, HillCrust Pizza is serving killer Neapolitan-style pies, along with classic favorites and gluten-free options. Their whole menu is available, meaning you can order pizzas you’d never dream of making with your at-home oven, including the Meatball Hilly, the Golden Hill, and the refreshing Caesar salad. It’s the happiest you’ll ever be eating a slice off a sturdy, crispy-thin crust.
Pitchers Sports Bar
$$ | (858) 484-3777 | WEBSITE
Are we really putting Pitchers Sports Bar on this list? Yes, we really are – because in addition to having super-affordable, high-quality pub fare, they’re also offering a welcoming vibe with indoor and outdoor seating right now. So that means you can feed your entire group of friends a solid meal while catching a game for under $60. Our favorites are the burger with sautéed mushrooms and garlic fries and the huge chicken Sammy but it’s Pitchers – you know what your favorite is.
TNT PiZZa
$ | (619) 915-6312 | WEBSITE
If you tell us there’s a better way to make us forget about our cravings than TNT Pizza’s Detroit-style pizza, we won’t believe you. This deeply flavorful, cheese-laden pie is one of the most substantial, satisfying, and fantastic pizzas around, and it costs less than $25 for a whole pie.
Beyond that, it’s hard to go wrong with the rest of the menu, but our other favorites are the Grandma pizza with its perfect blend of Detroit style and thin crust, and the vegan pepperoni pizza with plant-based sausage and cheeses. Heads up, though – this is another spot where you might encounter long wait times for pickup on busy days.
Square Pizza
$ | (858) 412-4469 | WEBSITE
We’re not nutritionists, but we’re pretty sure pizza has a lot of joy you’re supposed to be eating. Square Pizza is a great pizza restaurant in San Diego that offers extremely high-quality, gluten-free and vegan options you rarely see. Most pizzas here are around $14, and specialty pies are all about $18. Our move, though, is always the Dodge, which involves ricotta cheese, baby spinach, mushrooms, and garlic for $16. Just remember to grab a seat outside.
The Friendly
$ | (619) 892-7840 | WEBSITE
The Friendly is a great place to grab a quick bite with your friends, and it’s an equally great place to pick up dinner to bring home for your whole crew. They’ve got New York-style pizza slices that serve one hungry person, and smash burgers that can satisfy a craving for two for $15-20. These include either the classic pepperoni pizza or the white pizza with sausage and ricotta, and toppings like crispy crusts, cheesy pulls, or grilled onions with garlic aioli.
And perhaps most importantly, they’re also serving the smash burger to-go – get one for now, and another one to stash in your bag for later tonight.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch
$$ | (858) 586-0888 | WEBSITE
If you need to clear your mind, and eat something extremely comforting, head straight to Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Scripps Ranch. Your order should definitely include the Prime Rib dinner, with many praising its size and seasoning, and maybe split some pizza or subs if you’re ordering with someone else.
Amardeen Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine
$$ | (858) 404-1395 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in San Diego’s vibrant dining scene, there’s a good chance that wherever you are in the city, you’re not too far from Amardeen Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine. Which is a very good thing, because no matter what kind of authentic Lebanese dish you’re in the mood for – falafel, chicken kabob, BBQ combo, mezze platter – they serve it, and most likely for under $18.
Eating this food is like being welcomed into a family home for a comforting meal, which, conveniently enough, you can experience in their recently remodeled, inviting space while enjoying their Lebanese red wine or Almaza beer.
Oasis Snack Shack
$ | (760) 747-8702 | WEBSITE
Oasis Snack Shack has quietly been San Diego’s go-to pizza spot for years. That’s because it’s super-welcoming and delicious, and their Australian Hot Stone Prime Rib has been known to brighten even the worst days. Get the Smoked Salmon Scramble or the Avocado Toast. And whatever you order, the friendly staff will check in right at your table in the fun atmosphere, so you don’t even have to lift a finger to enjoy it.
Scuderie Italia
$$ | (858) 352-6912 | WEBSITE
Dining at this Italian eatery has always felt like a meal in a charming trattoria. And now, their entire menu is available to-go. This includes everything from bruschetta with creamy burrata to short rib tortellini, but if you’re serious about your pizza cravings, get the Salsiccia with penne pasta. It’s a standout dish of all the hearty options on the menu, and exactly what you want after another long day of work. Available for takeout and delivery.
Nolita Hall
$$ | (619) 255-8000 | WEBSITE
If you’ve never been to Nolita Hall, you’ve been missing out on one of the most vibrant dining experiences in San Diego. Even though it’s a popular spot in Little Italy perfect for drinks, food, and sports, you can enjoy it in a variety of ways.
And whether you’re there for the excellent pizzas, cheese boards, salads, or unique off-menu drinks like the ‘Nolita Hall’ mule, you’re going to get a beautiful space with indoor and outdoor dining, friendly and attentive staff, and an energetic atmosphere. Nolita Hall also has a hit brunch menu on Sundays with dishes like hot honey pizza, truffle fries, Moroccan spiced crab cakes, steak & eggs, and cinnamon rolls, along with a great wine selection.
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria
$ | (619) 299-4030 | WEBSITE
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria has a location in San Diego, and should be right at the top of your list when you’re looking for authentic Chicago-style eats. Their menu includes a hearty mix of fantastic traditional, fill-you-up Chicago dishes like the Stuffed Monster of the Midway deep dish pizza and delicious pasta with meatballs. Get a real Chicago-style beef sandwich with sausage, giardiniera peppers, and au jus on a soft, crusty bun, and a traditional Chicago dog to balance it all out.
CUCINA urbana
$$ | (619) 239-2222 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Italian-inspired fare, look no further than this modern favorite in San Diego. They’ve got crudo, polenta with short rib, and pepperoni pizza – all of which are so satisfying, they pair perfectly with a well-recommended glass of wine. Plus, we’re not sure there’s a more decadent dessert in town than their chocolate budino, which is basically a rich, creamy pudding.
Bonus points for attentive staff like Kevin, who provide fast and friendly service when things are running smoothly.
Elvira
$$ | (619) 224-2884 | WEBSITE
Beloved Italian spot Elvira has one of the most solid menus around, especially considering every single thing on it is $18 or less. That includes the $14 fettuccine maiale e spuntature and the $16 parmigiana pizza, which probably won’t jump out to you at first glance, but you should order them regardless. Only somewhat related: Elvira also offers fantastic ambiance – like a cozy home-like setting – which you cannot eat, but you can enjoy for the duration of your meal.
Coastal Italian Restaurant & Bar
$$$ | (858) 551-5105 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Italian with a view, we’re not sure there’s a better (or more satisfying) option than Coastal Italian Restaurant & Bar, the welcoming spot by the ocean. Three dishes can easily be shared amongst four people, especially if one of those options is the stunning, fantastic bucatini with spicy pork guanciale and shrimp. Which it should be, because the dish involves perfectly cooked pasta served with balanced smokiness, acidity, and sweetness.
Add whichever starters you want to go with it – our favorites are the tuna crudo and the garlic focaccia.
Pizzeria Luigi
$ | (619) 539-7025 | WEBSITE
With its spot near the beach in San Diego, chances are you’re not too far from Pizzeria Luigi right now. And that’s a great thing – because this shop gives you exactly what you want from a casual pizza joint: Fresh slices with crispy texture and plenty of topping options. Our favorite is the ‘Crime Scene’ pizza, but you can’t go wrong with the classics, either.
They’re also welcoming to pets and have a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home, especially the gracious hostess at the bar area. The draft beer and liquor selection pairs perfectly with the affordable pizza and soda deal, making it a solid choice for lunch specials or a quick bite. Just be prepared for limited seating inside, though the back patio offers a nice alternative when it gets busy on that popular street.
Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza & Eats
$ | (858) 886-7666 | WEBSITE
The best pizza spot in San Diego, and among the top places for wholesome eats in the entire city, Powerhaus will put every single person in your group in a great mood. The whole wheat pizza crust, fresh veggie toppings, and gluten-free desserts are all non-negotiable parts of your order, and maybe add some vegan cookies or chicken wings. Just don’t volunteer to pick it up – we suspect it’s impossible to drive it home without “sampling” a bit of everything.
Blind Lady Ale House
$$ | (619) 255-2491 | WEBSITE
Blind Lady Ale House has some of the most delicious pizzas in town, which means we had to order some when we saw they started offering them for delivery. They’ve got Margherita, Salsiccia, and Crispy Prosciutto pizzas you’ll actually want to eat (just be careful with them – they’re insanely tasty), and, if you can’t make up your mind, they’re also offering pizza combos at a reasonable price.