10 California pizza places are among best in the US, Yelp says. Here’s who made the list
California has some of the best pizzerias in the United States, according to Yelp.
The popular review website recently released its 2024 list of the Top 100 Pizza Spots in the nation, ranking the best restaurants for thin-crust slices, Chicago-style deep dish and more.
Winners were selected by Yelp Elites, described by the site as its “most passionate and trusted reviewers and influencers.”
California and New York tied for the title of the state with the most pizza places on the list. Each had total of 10 pizza restaurants ranked.
Here’s where to find the best pizza in the country:
Where is the best pizza restaurant in the US?
Pequod’s Pizzeria in Chicago was named the best pizza restaurant in the United States, according to Yelp’s list.
The pizza eatery is renowned for its caramelized cheese crusts, soft bready centers and crispy bottoms.
“We call it pan pizza, but really, it’s just our pizza: a unique take on traditional Chicago pizza,” general manager Sean Asbra said.
The restaurant rolls a layer of cheese into the dough and uses specialty pans to create its one-of-a-kind crunchy crust, Asbra said.
The pizzeria has been serving up pies since 1971.
In recent years, it’s captured the attention of Hollywood. Pequod’s was featured on two seasons of popular FX TV show “The Bear.”
According to Yelp, long lines are typical at Pequod’s due to its popularity. However, many Yelp reviewers said it’s worth the wait.
“I usually don’t rant or rave about pizza… but this one’s a winner!” Yelp reviewer Greg F said.
What are the top pizzerias in California?
According to Yelp’s Top 100 Pizza Spots list, a tenth of the nation’s best pizzerias can be found in California.
Bestia in Los Angeles was the highest ranking California restaurant on the list, coming in second place.
The upscale eatery is owned by Ori Menashe and his wife, Genevieve Gergis. Since opening in 2012, the restaurant has racked up nearly 8,000 Yelp reviews.
The Michelin-recognized restaurant, which is run out of a converted warehouse, is known for its wood-fired pizzas. Dough is fermented for three days to create a sweet and sour flavor.
“I was just amazed at the flavors,” Yelp reviewer Yvette N. said.
Yelp reviewers also love Mama D’s Italian Kitchen in Newport Beach, giving it the No. 4 spot on the list.
The Southern California restaurant has been selling traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas for two decades.
The recipe for the eatery’s thin-crust pizzas originated from owner Diane “Mama D” Davidson’s Italian grandmother.
In addition to top-tier pizza, diners get complimentary warm bread and mini-chocolate chip cookies at the end of every meal.
“We put a lot of love into all of our food and make everyone feel special,” restaurant manager Hannah Goodman said.
Where are the best pizza restaurants in California?
These were the California restaurants ranked among Yelp’s Top 100 Pizza Spots in 2024, and where they landed on the list:
2. Bestia in Los Angeles
4. Mama D’s Italian Kitchen in Newport Beach
5. Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe
10. Cucina Urbana in San Diego
13. Bronx Pizza in San Diego
15. Golden Boy Pizza in San Francisco
18. Masa of Echo Park in Los Angeles
20. Cheese Board Pizza in Berkeley
22. Naples Ristorante E Bar in Anaheim
32. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco
How Yelp came up with its rankings
Yelp said it looked at businesses in the pizza category and then ranked them based on a variety of factors, including the volume of five-star reviews and reviews from members of the Yelp Elite Squad.
Eligible restaurants had to be open and have a passing health score as of December 2023 to make the list.
