Pizza in Berkeley
Great Pizza Spots to Try in Berkeley
Pizza is the quintessential college food. One cheap slice can keep you going through the day and it’s always easy to find people to split a pie with. It’s good the day you get it and a few days after. It’s hard to go wrong with Pizza.
It’s no surprise then that a college town like Berkeley is home to a great many pizza spots. With so many great options to choose from you might be wondering what should be on your list. Fortunately, we’ve put together a collection of top places just for you in this helpful guide.
Cheese Board Pizza
Of all the pizza spots in Berkeley, the Cheese Board is by far the most famous and beloved by the Cal and local community. Located at the far end of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto, the Cheese Board offers a unique pizza each day (so check their site ahead of time for what it is). Their flavors and ingredients are creative and delicious. You’ll be surprised at what goes well together. They, like many on this list, offer live music as well as plenty of space to hang out. When you’re done with your slice, head next door to their bakery for some of their awesome chocolate chip cookies.
Sliver
For those that don’t want to walk too far from campus but still want Cheese Board quality pizza, Sliver is the place for you. They’ve got live music, plenty of table space and (best of all) they know how to keep their line moving so don’t be discouraged if it’s out the door. If you like spicy food, be sure to grab some of their complimentary green sauce for your slices.
Arinell Pizza
In downtown Berkeley a block from Sliver, Arinell has been serving up crisp and delicious slices for years. If you like a slice without a ton of cheese or you’re in search of a great Sicilian slice (or your first Sicilian slice) drop by this Berkeley institution. Be sure to bring cash though since they don’t take credit card.
Seniore’s Pizza
A student favorite. There’s been some stiff competition between pizza spots near Telegraph over the last few years but Seniore’s seems to have come out on top. The best part about Seniore’s is that their portions are big. If you’re looking for a quality slice at a student price you’ll love this place. Unlike the rest of this list, they’re open late so no matter when the desire for pizza hits they’ve got you covered. They’re also great at delivery (something the rest of the places on this list don’t do) if you happen to find yourself in the middle of a study (or Netflix) session.
Lo Coco's
A bit on the fancy side but it’s worth it. It’s a lovely little sit-down Italian spot across from the Safeway in North Berkeley (though you can order to-go) so they have some awesome non-pizza dishes as well (their house bread and olive oil is a must-try). While they aren’t focused only on pizza they’re still very good at it. Crispy and soft crust, juicy meats, fine cheeses, and generous portions make Lo Coco's the right spot for a dinner date or a celebratory night out.
Gioia Pizzeria
It can feel quite out of the way if you’re coming from campus but this shop in North Berkeley (close to Solano) is a special experience. Its distance makes it somewhat of a hidden gem. Quality toppings and juicy thin slices are what put Gioia on this list. They have the standard combinations but with much higher quality ingredients (and you can definitely taste the difference). Their pepperoni is extra special as it has a bit of a spicy kick you don’t find elsewhere. If you ever find yourself in North Berkeley this place is a definite must-visit for lunch or dinner.
Jupiter
Jupiter makes a lot of lists for its great live music and crafted beer selections. However, they also make some amazing pizzas. Lots of different flavors of personal pizzas to pick from (their staff is happy to recommend good beer pairings as well if you’re interested) with some pretty creative names. If you’re budget-minded and looking for a similar experience then Bobby G’s nearby on University is a decent substitute.
Zachary's Chicago Pizza
You can take your pick of spots since Zachary’s has multiple locations but good luck avoiding the line. If you’re a fan of deep-dish or have always wanted to try it then this is the spot. The ingredients are fantastic and fresh, the cheese and meats are generous, and if you like tomato sauce their pies are covered with it (along with hearty tomato pieces as well). They also have non-deep-dish but you’re better off with another place on this list if that’s what you’re after. Besides the Cheese Board, Zachary’s is one of the few pizza experiences you shouldn’t miss out on while at Cal.
Grab a Slice of Berkeley
Now that you know what you have to try the only question is where to start. The good news is that no matter which option you choose on this list you’re in for a treat. You can also view this list on the new Gojurn app (available for iOS and Android) along with other community crafted collections of recommendations. If you discover a pizza place you feel deserves a spot on this list let us know here.