Best Pizza in Santa Monica
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best pizza in Santa Monica

SaMo Pizza consistently delivers an excellent pizza experience, renowned for its reasonable prices, generous portions, and incredibly kind staff. Patrons frequently praise the perfect crust and fresh, flavorful toppings on specialty pizzas like the Capricciosa and BBQ Chicken. This spot stands out for its accommodating nature, offering gluten-free and vegan options without extra charge for vegan cheese, making it a reliable choice for diverse dietary needs and late-night cravings.

Fritto Misto, while celebrated for its pasta, also offers a notable pizza selection within its relaxed and welcoming Italian cafe atmosphere. Diners consistently rave about the amazing pasta dishes, generous portions, and the friendly, attentive staff who enhance the overall dining experience. It's considered a solid neighborhood Italian spot where you can always expect a great meal, with many recommending the calamari and the unforgettable garlic knots.

Bruno's Italian Restaurant offers an authentic Italian dining experience in a cozy, modest setting, delighting guests with delicious, affordably priced food. The handmade pizzas, expertly crafted by Eduardo, are a particular highlight, praised for their perfect bake and fresh ingredients. Beyond pizza, the menu features generous portions of Italian staples like meatballs and eggplant Parmesan, all served by an incredibly friendly and welcoming staff that makes every visit feel like home.

North Italia presents a stylish and vibrant Italian dining experience, consistently impressing with its delicious food and genuinely great service, even during peak times. While known for its diverse Italian menu, their pizzas are solid and satisfying, complementing standout dishes like the perfectly crisp calamari and the rich Braised Short Rib Marsala. The restaurant's cool vibe and appealing aesthetics make it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable visit.

Joe's Pizza is a beloved Santa Monica institution, celebrated for its authentic New York-style thin-crust pies and slices. Patrons consistently praise the fresh, crispy dough and the perfect ratio of sauce and toppings, with the Grandma slice being a particular favorite. Located just minutes from the Santa Monica Pier, this simple joint offers a delightful dose of classic pizza, friendly service, and convenient late hours on weekends, making it an ideal stop for a quick, delicious bite.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best pizza in Santa Monica
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Santa Monica pizza
What is the highest-rated pizza in Santa Monica?
SaMo Pizza has the highest Google rating in our list of the best pizza in Santa Monica, with 4.8 stars across 928 reviews.
Which pizza in Santa Monica has the most reviews?
North Italia has the most reviews of any pizza on this list — 2,246 ratings averaging 4.4 stars on Google.
How are the best pizza in Santa Monica ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best pizza in Santa Monica was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite pizza on the list of best pizza in Santa Monica?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Santa Monica area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.