Santa Monica is home to some of the best pizza places in Los Angeles

13 Best Pizza Places In Santa Monica (2023)

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Looking for the best pizza in Santa Monica? Keep reading to the full scope of the best pizza places Santa Monica has to offer.  

Santa Monica is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to fun and food. While the Los Angeles area is well-known for great hikes, world-class beaches, and fast-paced living, Santa Monica is easily one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles with fantastic beaches, art galleries, delicious dining options, and outdoor spaces.

Check my complete guide to the best day trips from Los Angeles

Located west of the downtown region, Santa Monica is one of Southern California most popular neighborhoods for both vacationers and locals.

Not only does Santa Monica have a variety of things to do and places to go, but it is also home to a high number of some of the top-rated pizzerias in LA. Whether you want a late-night bite or a trendy sit-down meal, let’s dive into our guide to the best Santa Monica pizza places.

Where to find the best pizza in Santa Monica

Best Pizza Places in Santa Monica are located near the beach

1. Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar

With a trendy atmosphere, artisanal pizzas, and an airy patio, Stella Barra is a Santa Monica favorite when it comes to the best pizza restaurants in the area.

In addition to some of the best thin-crust pizza in Santa Monica, this restaurant serves a variety of antipasti, salads, vegetables, pasta, entrees, and desserts, so there’s something here for everyone. Come for the pizza, and stay for the tasty, handcrafted cocktails!

Address: 2000 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

2. Joe’s Pizza

If you love New York-style pizza, Joe’s Pizza is a pizza joint that won’t disappoint! These New York-style pies are made with all-natural cheese – and no preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients.

Choose from some of the best classic NY-style pizza favorites like pepperoni, sausage, or cheese pizza, in addition to unique flavors like “White Pizza,” “Grandma Pizza,” or Sicilian pepperoni.

Because the interior is small, this is an excellent spot for takeout or delivery or devouring a slice (or five) in the outdoor patio dining area. It’s also open for a late-night quick bite!

Address: 111 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

3. Milo & Olive

Milo & Olive serves some of the best thin-crust pizza in Santa Monica! This quaint yet trendy pizzeria is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many visitors arrive early in the morning for the housemade coffee, pastries, and bread – but the full breakfast menu includes items like omelets, breakfast pizza, and bagel sandwiches.

In the evening, you can order a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas (tip: be sure to try the Margherita pizza), pasta, and desserts like vanilla pound cake or a brownie sundae – so don’t forget to save room!

Address: 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Bodega Wine Bar is one of the best pizzerias in Santa Monica, if you are looking for a special experience.

4. Bodega Wine Bar

Bodega may specialize in wine, but it is also home to some of the best pizzas in Santa Monica!

Set in a chic space with a street-side patio, this eatery serves several different pizza options, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and charcuterie boards. For those with dietary restrictions, Bodega is an excellent spot for gluten-free pizza in Santa Monica.

Additionally, there’s no shortage of wine at this delicious dinner joint, which you can order by the glass, bottle, or carafe.

Address: 814 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

4. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen

This family-friendly restaurant specializes in Tuscan cuisine with seemingly countless menu options ranging from pizza and pasta to paninis and calzones. 

This joint also has separate menus for those who are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making this a more inclusive dining option. There truly is something on the menu for everyone at Rosti Tuscan Kitchen!

Address: 931 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

5. North Italia

North Italia specializes in handmade Italian cuisine, offering weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and happy hour. Pizza is one of the top menu highlights, but other popular items include beef short ribs and chicken strozzapreti. 

The Pig Pizza, topped with a variety of pork, is a must-try while you’re here. If you have dietary restrictions, North Italia also has some of the best gluten-free pizzas in Santa Monica.

To top it off, North Italia has a wide selection of great Italian wines if you’re a wino

Address: 1442 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

6. True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen specializes in healthier fares made with local and seasonal ingredients. This spot serves everything from grain and poke bowls to salads and burgers – and pizza, of course. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free pizza is available.

Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl Suite 172, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Fresh brothers is one of the best places in Santa Monica if you are looking for vegan and gluten-free options.

7. Fresh Brothers Pizza Santa Monica

Fresh Brothers Pizza uses fresh ingredients to create a menu with dietary restrictions in mind – including vegan and gluten-free options. Choose from a variety of signature pizzas, like chicken sausage, artichoke pesto, vegan pepperoni, or Hawaiian, in addition to deep dish options. All in all, Fresh Brothers serves up some really good pizza.

Address: 1447 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

8. The Penthouse

Not only does The Penthouse have great pizza, but it’s also one of the best sunset-watching spots in Santa Monica. This place has a very welcoming atmosphere and the menu includes several different appetizers, pasta, pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, and happy-hour bites. 

When it comes to Santa Monica Pier Pizza, you can’t go wrong with The Penthouse!

Address: 1111 2nd St The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica, CA 90403

9. Bruno’s Italian Restaurant

Bruno’s Italian Restaurant has been around for over 30 years – so you know it has to be one of the best spots for Santa Monica Pier pizza! 

With red checkered tablecloths, comfortable seating, and an unpretentious atmosphere, this restaurant is all about the food. Enjoy handmade pizza, soups, pasta specialties, and several different entrees.

Address: 1652 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica is one of the most popular neighborhoods in West Los Angeles known for its great restaurant scene where you can find anything from vegan and vegetarian places to international cuisines.

10. Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen

This family-owned pizzeria serves gourmet salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and New York-style pies, which happen to be some of the best thin-crust pizzas in Santa Monica. 

This shop is small – so takeout is likely the best option!

Address: 1318 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

12. Spumoni Pizza Restaurant

This casual neighborhood chain provides a warm and friendly atmosphere, Italian comfort food, and excellent service. You can expect New York-style pies with toppings like pepperoni, meatballs, chicken, and sundried tomatoes. 

Address: 713 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

13. Vito’s Pizza

Specializing in New Jersey-style pizza, Vito’s boasts a fun, family-friendly environment with a great happy hour and several food options. In addition to pizza, you can order subs, pasta, salads, and cocktails.

Address: 2455 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Best pizza in LA

Pizzeria Mozza offers some of the best pizza in LA if you want to try delicious fire-wood pizza from the oven.

1. Pizzeria Mozza

At Pizzeria Mozza, Chef Nancy Silverton prepares acclaimed wood-fired pizza in a bustling atmosphere. While this place is always busy, it’s worth the wait! This homemade crust creates some of the best pizzas in LA.

In addition to incredible pizza, this restaurant serves antipasti, salad, and decadent desserts.

Address: 641 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

2. Prime Pizza

Prime Pizza has several locations throughout LA, and it’s no surprise why. This pizzeria has incredible New York-style pizza, in addition to square pizzas and gluten-free pizza. Don’t forget to sample the garlic knots while you’re here!

Address: 446 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Santa Monica is home to some of the best pizza places in Los Angeles

3. DeSano Pizza Bakery

Set in a modern cafeteria-style space with counter service and picnic tables, DeSano Pizza Bakery prepares delicious Neapolitan-style pizza in wood-burning ovens. 

Don’t forget to save room for dessert – the cannolis and gelato are some of the local menu favorites!

Address: 4959 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

4. L’Antica Pizzeria de Michele

Established in Naples, Italy, in 1870, the U.S. location in LA is about as authentic as you can get! 

Featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love, this pizzeria is known for its two pizza options – Marinara and Margherita. No matter which one you choose, this is sure to be some of the best pizzas in LA.

Address: 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028

5. 786 Degrees Pizza

786 Degrees Pizza is best known for its Neapolitan pies with creative toppings. The most popular options include the Bombay Tikka Masala, Pepperoni Bumblebee Sting, and the Fungi Lama. 

Address: 8879 Laurel Canyon Blvd unit # A, Los Angeles, CA

Best pizza in Santa Monica: FAQs

Santa Monica has many great pizza places where you can find anything from gluten-free and vegan options to classic New York thin crust pizza.

Where to find the best vegan pizza in Santa Monica? 

Fresh Brothers Pizza has some of the best vegan pizza in Santa Monica. Other great options include Rosti Tuscan Kitchen and True Food Kitchen.

Where to find the best gluten-free pizza in Santa Monica?

There are several excellent gluten-free pizza places in Santa Monica, including Stella Barra Pizzeria and Wine Bar, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen, Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen, and Fresh Brothers Pizza.

Where to find the best pizza with a sunset view in Santa Monica? 

One of the best sunset-watching spots in Santa Monica is The Penthouse, which also happens to serve pizza!

What’s the best pizza place on Santa Monica pier?

Some of the best Santa Monica Pier pizza is at Bruno’s Italian Restaurant, right next to the pier.

Where to stay in Santa Monica 

If you are looking for best pizza places in Santa Monica, check out Santa Monica Pier that offers incredible food and wonderful sunset views

Budget: HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

Situated two blocks from Santa Monica Beach, HI Los Angeles. This hostel provides dorm-style rooms with bunk beds, lockers, and shared bathrooms. Private rooms are also available.

Breakfast and Wi-Fi are complimentary, in addition to a colorful lounge with a game room and shared kitchen.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT HI LOS ANGELES

Mid-budget: Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica

Only a 7-minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the 3rd Street Promenade, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers a fantastic location with clean and comfortable rooms. 

Rooms include free WiFi, flatscreen TVs, minifridges, minirefrigerators, and coffeemakers. Upgrade your room to enjoy a balcony, a separate living area, and ocean views.

Complimentary breakfast is available every morning, and guests can access the open-air pool, hot tub, and fire pit.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT HAMPTON INN & SUITES SANTA MONICA

Luxury: Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Located across the street from Palisades Park, Oceana Santa Monica offers luxe rooms with ocean views, WiFi, iPads, flatscreen TVs, and workstations. 

Enjoy a glass of Prosecco at check-in, weekend surfing lessons, bike rentals, and daily yoga classes. You can also utilize the gym and outdoor pool, featuring a juice bar and fireplace.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT OCEANA SANTA MONICA

Best Pizza in Santa Monica: Final Word  

From New York-style pies to wood-fired crust, there is no shortage of delicious pizza in the Los Angeles area.

With so many pizza restaurants in Santa Monica, it can be challenging to choose where to go! Hopefully, this article helped you narrow down your options so you can sample the best pizza in Santa Monica for yourself.