Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. San Jose’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 18 places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Map it out
Local legends
A Slice of New York, 2 locations
The only South Bay spot to make Yelp’s “Top 100 Places for Pizza,” this pizzeria serves New York-style, thin-crust pies. Meat lovers should snag a slice of the Rockefeller Center, and those looking for something sweet can round out dinner with New York Cheesecake.
Cicero’s Pizza, 6138 Bollinger Rd.
Nunzio Cicero first opened this shop in 1968 and it has remained a staple in the Bay Area since reopening in 2002 under his grandchildren. Cicero’s serves crispy, thin-crust pies with traditional, vegetarian, or create-your-own options.
Tony & Alba’s, 3137 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Since 1982, this establishment has seen three generations of family serving pies to the San Jose community. Its Sicilian-style pizza has won national + local awards, including the annual Mercury News “Best of” Readers Poll.
Kukar’s House of Pizza, 527 S. Almaden Ave.
Family-owned + operated since 1950, this pizzeria faced closure a few times — but the community showed out strong to save it. The fan favorite is the “George’s Special” made with beef, onion, and jalapeños.
The Last Round Tavern, 354 E. Santa Clara St.
Father and son team Danny + Caleb Orozco began serving sandwiches out of their shop Genuine Heros. They then expanded to a pizza joint with slow-braised and roasted meats, homemade sauces, and tavern-style, sourdough pizza.
The Pizza Box, 148 S. Jackson Ave.
This San Jose community staple is known for its ginormous 24-inch King King pizza + 26-inch Uncle Sam. Also look for specialty combos like Hawaiian, Veggie, All-Meat, and Bullfighter — made with pepperoni, chorizo, and jalapeño.
High Five Pizza, 171 Branham Ln.
Established in 1989, this pizza + sports bar has been family-owned and operated from the beginning. Along with serving pie combos like taco, BLT, and Thai chicken, they also serve BBQ toppings on Wednesdays, 5-9 p.m.
Doesn’t this roasted squash + kale pesto slice look delectable from Pizza Antica?
Photo via @pizzaantica
Fancier fare
Pizza Antica, 3 locations
This artisan pizza spot began 20 years ago in Santana Row and has since expanded to Mill Valley + Lafayette. We recommend the Heirloom Potato made with caramelized onion + white truffle oil.
Pizza Bocca Lupo, 87 N. San Pedro St.
Want to impress someone? Kick back at San Pedro Square with an artisan, wood-fired pizza that includes fancier fare like the Pearzola topped with gorgonzola, pear, and arugula. Pro tip: Most nights you can catch live music on the patio.
Try the Indian-style pizzas from Bossman’s.
Photo via @sazabi_mk2
Variety is the ‘slice’ of life
Bossman’s Pizza, 418 W. Capitol Expy.
This family-owned restaurant has been praised for its vegan Indian pizzas + traditional pies. Bossman’s also offers 20 gluten-free varieties.
Slice of Homage, 163 W. Santa Clara St.
So maybe thin-crust isn’t your thing... Try the thick, fluffy Sicilian slices and Detroit-style pan pies with a caramelized cheese crust at this popular restaurant now located at San Pedro Social.
Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria, 3 locations
In addition to its 64-year-old Foxworthy Shopping Center outpost, this local chain has two locations at the Milpitas Town Center + Morgan Hill. Enjoy daily specials and combos like retro Hawaiian-style, New York, Santa Margherita, and vegetarian.
Sammy G’s Pizzeria, 330 S. 10th St.
Located right off San Jose State’s campus on 10th street, this college student staple offers 15combo pies. Try the Spartan made with salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, tomatoes, and linquica or the Banh Mi Love made with pulled pork, cucumber, and carrots atop a sweet chili base.
Jtown Pizza, 625 N. Sixth St.
This neighborhood joint serves it all — salads, sandwiches, baked pastas, burgers, classic pizzas, and of course, original creations. For a pizza you won’t get anywhere else in San Jose, try Jtown Street (Okonomiyaki) made with shiitake mushroom, lettuce, green onion, Japanese sweet mayo, furikake, nori, and hoisin sauce.
Cross country crusts
Colosseum Pizza, 761 E. Capitol Ave., Milpitas
Established in 2010, this pizzeria tucked in a small strip mall offers a taste of New York with its pizzas, strombolis, calzones, and get this — cannoli cream flown in from Brooklyn. Customer favorites include the New York + Sicilian style pies.
Bibo’s NY Pizza, 1431 Bird Ave.
Two brothers set out to bring East Coast pizza to the West Coast, and started with a used pizza oven behind their dad’s liquor store. Enjoy New York-style thin crust made fresh every day — it’s topped with nearly 1-lb of mozzarella cheese + loads of other goodies.
Blue Line Pizza, 10 locations
Voted “Best Pizza in Silicon Valley” by DineMV + “Best non-thin-crust pizza” by Metro Silicon Valley, this is the ultimate date spot. The restaurant’s award-winning Chicago cornmeal crust deep dish is a must-try.
Square Pie Guys, 2 locations
Look no further for crunchy bottom, fluffy middle, and crispy cheese Detroit-style pizza. Getting recognition from multiple Bay Area publications, our local Square Pie Guys can be found within the Campbell + Cupertino Local Kitchens.
