When the surf hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Santa Cruz. While New York City takes all of the credit for its famously thin and large slices, California wants you to know they take their pizza seriously and arguably more creatively than the average NY slice!

It’s not San Francisco and San Jose serving up the best slices. It’s Santa Cruz. With dozens of seafood-inspired slices, perfectly executed classics, and take-out slices on the go to choose from, you can head to pretty much any pizza joint during your stay at our luxurious Santa Cruz rental properties and be satisfied. After all, pizza makes the perfect meal for any beachside occasion.

Pizza is one of those dishes that bridges language, culture, and preference. But with so much popularity comes the overwhelming options. Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the streets looking for the cheesiest, sauciest, and most perfect slice of pie this surf town has to offer. So, let’s dive in!

1. Woodstock’s Pizza

• 710 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA
• woodstockscruz.com
• $
• Recommendation: Mexican Carnitas Pizza

We’re never one to save the best for last. The people of Santa Cruz hath spoken. Woodstock is a no-frills, sit-down pizza joint with a relaxed atmosphere, a stellar patio, and over fifteen beers on tap. We firmly believe that food should speak for itself, and when there are no frills to hide behind, you truly know you’ve found the right place.

Offering vegan options, classics, build your own, and an array of creative specialty pies, Woodstock’s is the perfect spot to bring the family and friends for the most acclaimed slices in Santa Cruz.

2. Pizza My Heart

• 2180 41st Ave, Capitola, CA
• pizzamyheart.com
• $
• Recommendation: Garlic-loaded pizza by the slice

Coming in at number two is another hit favorite with the greater Monterey Bay Area. Pizza My Heart is a small chain located in Capitola, Sea Cliff, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Downtown Santa Cruz.

It’s the perfect option when you don’t want to venture too far to find good-quality hand-tossed pies made with only local ingredients. While there may be an abundance of locations, don’t be mistaken in thinking Pizza My Heart is a boring chain; Pizza My Heart is a locally founded pizzeria with a whimsical surfer theme.

It’s a perfect place to grab a slice or two on the go. You’ll be served a hot, massive slice of thin crust that will make you feel like you’ve accidentally been transported to Brooklyn.

3. Pizzeria Avanti

• 1711 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA
• pizzeriaavanti.biz
• $$
• Recommendation: Carmelized onion and arugula pizza.

Who says you can’t class up pizza? Pizzeria Avanti does just that while dishing up some of the more authentic Italian-style pizza & pasta with an array of superb wine selections and an ambiance great for a pizza date night or an outing with friends.

The menu here is extensive and mouth-watering, offering salads, calzones, and spicy hot Mary’s free-range chicken wings. Here, you won’t find a greasy pepperoni slice; rather, you’ll be delighted and overwhelmed with appetite-inducing options such as the Avanti with prosciutto topped with arugula and Parmigiano Reggiano tossed in a sherry shallot Vinaigrette.

For more authentic Italian eats, be sure to browse our list of the best Italian restaurants in the city.

4. Bantam

• 1010 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
• bantam1010.com
• $$
• Recommendation: Summer Squash Pizza

An open-aired kitchen with nothing to hide and everything to show, Bantam has a complete bar with plenty of seating and is a local pizza spot for any occasion. If you’re feeling adventurous with your taste buds, Bantam is your place.

Options like the Summer Squash Pizza with Stracciatella, pine nut, and basil pesto or the Pancetta with peach, Fresno peppers, and four different kinds of cheese. Unlike at Avanti, however, the classics are celebrated here as well. Napoli and Pepperoni are also crowd-pleasers here for those who want to stick to the traditional Italian pies.

The menu changes with the seasons as different fresh ingredients become available. Bantam also boasts a great cocktail, wine, and beer menu to accompany its perfectly crafted pies. A gourmet pizza place fit for date night.

5. Pizzeria La Bufala

• 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA (Located in Abbott Square Market)
• pizzerialabufala.com/menu
• $
• Recommendation: Shrimp Daviola

Right in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, this casual eatery, Pizzeria La Bufala, serves only the finest wood-fired pie in its robust patio and food court-style dining. This is good pizza. Thinly sliced, with fresh ingredients and brick-oven taste, it’s the perfect place to stop by for a quick bite with superb taste. I’d recommend taking advantage of the proximity to the sea with a Shrimp Daviola Pizza and enjoying watching the hustle and bustle of Front Street pass you by.

6. Bookie’s

• 1315 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA
• bookiespizza.com
• $$
• Recommendation: Pepperoni with hot honey

Break from the tradition of the thin crust classics dominating Napoli-style restaurants that surround much of Santa Cruz and try some of the iconically squared Detroit-style, AKA Chicago pizza at Bookie’s.

This deep dish is doughy and delicious, and this pie is unlike any other. Each pizza is served as 6 square slices, and the options range from classic cheese and pepperoni to wacky mushroom nettle. Boasting a relaxed atmosphere and family-style seating as well as an array of beers on draft, this casual mid-western pizza joint is a great place to try something new.

7. Upper Crust Pizza & Pasta

• 2501 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
• 2415 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA
• uppercrustsc.com
• $$
• Recommendation: Sicilian Square Meat Combo

Upper Crust is also not your average American pizza joint serving the predictable pies. Simple by nature and excellent in execution, give this thick-crusted, Sicilian-style pizzeria a try, and you won’t be disappointed.

Tuesdays are all-you-can-eat pizza if your family has an insatiable appetite, Mondays are buy one get one half off, and Wednesdays host an all-you-can-eat pasta bar. They also offer great sandwiches and subs, including the famed muffuletta, for something a little less cheesy and greasy. Upper Crust is the ideal budget option if you’re looking to feed a large family. Be sure to take advantage of the pop-up happy hour specials while you’re at it!

8. Tramonti

• 528 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
• tramontisantacruz.com
• $$$
• Recommendation: Stagioni Pizza

Tramonti sets itself apart from most pizzerias in the Santa Cruz area. Eclectic art pieces fill the walls, giving a unique, fun, and trendy atmosphere to a place that serves some delicious Italian fare. 
While many flock here for the mouth-watering pasta dishes and stylish ambiance, the pizzas here are not to be overlooked! The Stagioni or authentic Margherita pies are cooked in the traditional, thin-crust Italian way using organic ingredients, both local and imported from Italy itself. Great for lunch on the patio, a casual date night, or friend and family gatherings.

Order In at Our Stunning Santa Cruz Rental Properties!

Located in the heart of Santa Cruz, our rentals are ready to welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re craving sushi, a high-end French meal, or an innovative pie, downtown Santa Cruz has dozens of great restaurants to choose from. If this list proves anything, it is that the Santa Cruz area never fails to deliver delectable pies for any craving. 
Whether it be the massive and greasy New York Slices or the deepest rectangular dishes of Detroit, you are sure to find what your taste buds are craving in the iconic Californian style of fresh, local, and organic ingredients. So grab some extra napkins, come hungry, and be sure to indulge in the universally favorite dish that is pizza in Santa Cruz! 
Book your Santa Cruz getaway today!
ome delicious Italian fare.

While many flock here founty has to offer. The area is a gold mine of fresh local fare and a destination known for its natural landscapes and oceanfront attractions.