Six California pizzerias earned spots among the nation’s top 50, according to a recent report from 50 Top Pizza USA.
The Italy-based industry group released its annual rankings last month, highlighting standout pizza destinations across the country, with California claiming six entries on the list.
“The pizza sector in the United States of America is constantly evolving,” the group’s three curators — Barbara Guerra, Luciano Pignataro, and Albert Sapere — said in a news release. “With many different offerings and an overall quality that continues to grow steadily in terms of variety and excellence, all to the benefit of consumers.”
Here’s what to know about how California pizzerias performed in the rankings and how they compare nationwide.
Six California pizza shops among top 50 in nation
Two eateries — Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco — tied for the second spot in 50 Top Pizza USA’s rankings.
The remaining pizza shops, aside from Flour House (#22) in San Luis Obispo, are located in Southern California: Truly Pizza (#4) in Dana Point; Nardò (#25) in Huntington Beach; and Tribute Pizza (#38) in San Diego.
Here’s what to know about each of the California eateries on 50 Top Pizza USA’s annual list.
Pizzeria Sei (#2): Los Angeles
Pizzeria Sei, opened in 2022 by Chef William (Sang Woo) Joo and his wife and partner Jennifer So, “is known for its take on Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza in Los Angeles,” according to the shop’s website.
“Since opening in 2022 in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, the restaurant has built a following for pizzas that are meant to be eaten right out of the oven,” the restaurant’s website says.
Joo was born in South Korea and raised in Los Angeles, with a love of pizza, the website says.
“While he was inspired by the rise of Japanese interpretations of Neapolitan pizza, what drew him in was how expressive it could be while still staying grounded in tradition,” the website says. “The pizzas are rooted in a Neapolitan foundation, cooked at high heat with a quick bake, then shaped using a crimping technique that creates more variation in texture, with soft, airy sections, crisp edges, and charred bubbles that add a light smokiness.”
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (#2): San Francisco
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, which includes a full bar, seven ovens and 12 pizza styles, was founded by Tony Gemignani, who was inspired by a pizzeria in Naples, Italy, the pizza shop’s website says.
“Tony’s passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza led him to master the craft & open a one-of-a-kind restaurant,” the website says. “Since 1991, Tony has won numerous awards, including World’s Best Pizza titles.”
Truly Pizza (#4): Dana Point
“Truly Pizza’s menu is guided by a philosophy of respect for tradition while exploring the creative opportunities made possible by California’s unique culinary and cultural sensibilities,” according to the restaurant’s website.
In addition to whole pies, the kitchen dishes up salads, sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese boards, premium soft-serve desserts, and more, the website says.
The restaurant’s flagship spot in Dana Point “is a two-story open‑air modern piazza, with a garden-level patio and rooftop mezzanine wrapped around an exhibition kitchen where long-fermented, California-sourced pizzas and vibrant salads are served in a lively, neighborhood atmosphere that feels both world-class and deeply welcoming,” the eatery says.
Flour House (#22): San Luis Obispo
A husband-and-wife team’s “shared love for Italian culture and cuisine compelled them to open Flour House, a modern eatery offering housemade pasta, aperitivi, and specializing in Pizza Napoletana—a heritage style so precious that it’s guarded by Italian law,” the eatery’s website says.
Flour House’s menu changes frequently, depending on the couple’s “inspiration of different dishes and traditions throughout Italy.”
Nardò (#25): Huntington Beach
Nardò, founded by award-winning restaurateur Gianni Chiloiro, offers “authentic Italian dishes with stunning ocean views,” the restaurant’s website says.
“Nardò combines authentic Italian cuisine with innovative dishes and a modern atmosphere,” the website says. “Located just minutes from the beach, Nardò’s oceanside location features a stunning interior with a full-service bar, imported wood-fired oven, and an in-house pasta station.”
Tribute Pizza (#38) San Diego, California
“We’re located in the old North Park Post Office. Our building was built by the local shipbuilders union in 1951, and was the North Park Post Office until July 3, 2010,” the eatery’s website says. “We’ve retained the original Post Office signage, and the original barrel vault ceiling with exposed steel trusses.”
The restaurant says it updates the menu frequently, as it is inspired by local farmers markets, specifically the North Park Farmers Market.
“We think the most traditional thing we can do is to buy from our neighbors, and make what makes us happy,” the website says. “Simply put, we make the pizza that we want to eat, that we want to share, which is inspired by and shares the traits of many styles of pizza from around the world.”
Full list of national rankings, according to 50 Top Pizza USA
Among the restaurants ranked by 50 Top Pizza USA, the state of New York leads, with a dozen spots. California follows with half a dozen eateries, while Florida has five pizzerias on the list. Oregon and Massachusetts are tied, with four each.
Here’s a full list of 50 Top Pizza USA’s 2026 rankings:
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Six California pizzerias among the nation’s top 50. See the list
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
