1. The Iconic Neighborhood Gems
These pizzerias have stood the test of time, beloved by locals for their consistency, flavor, and connection to the community. Visiting them feels like stepping into a slice of history—both literally and figuratively.
Napolitano's Dockside
Marina District
What Makes It Special: Nestled near the waterfront, Napolitano’s offers wood-fired pizzas that stay true to their Neapolitan roots. Their signature thin-crust Margherita pizza is a must-try, crafted with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and hand-picked basil.
Don't Miss: The "Marina Special" combines prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of savory and tangy.
Pro Tip: Visit during sunset and grab a seat on their outdoor patio for stunning views of the marina while enjoying your pizza.
Tony's Slice House
Downtown Long Beach
What Makes It Special: A hole-in-the-wall spot serving oversized New York-style slices. Perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night craving.
Don't Miss: The "White Delight" pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and a hint of olive oil.
Pro Tip: Cash-only, so be sure to hit an ATM before heading over.
2. Trendy Hot Spots for the Foodie Crowd
Long Beach’s innovative spirit shines through in these modern pizza spots that put a creative twist on traditional recipes. From Instagram-worthy toppings to experimental flavor profiles, these are the places where pizza meets art.
Pie Culture
Belmont Shore
What Makes It Special: This chic, contemporary pizzeria specializes in gourmet, artisan pizzas with unique toppings and elegant presentation.
Don't Miss: The "Truffle Shuffle," featuring wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, a rich truffle cream base, and microgreens.
Pro Tip: Pair your pizza with their house-made sangria for a delightful dining experience.
Retro Crust
East Village Arts District
What Makes It Special: This retro-themed pizzeria combines vintage vibes with live music nights, making it a hit with the younger crowd.
Don't Miss: The "Spicy Hawaiian" pizza—a bold take on the classic with jalapeños, honey drizzle, and charred pineapple.
Pro Tip: Check their schedule for live music or trivia nights to enjoy dinner with entertainment.
3. Family-Friendly Favorites
Long Beach’s family-friendly pizzerias are perfect for bringing the whole crew. Expect hearty portions, casual settings, and menus that cater to kids and adults alike.
Mama Raffa's Pizza
Bixby Knolls
What Makes It Special: A classic neighborhood pizzeria offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Families love the customizable pies and generous portions.
Don't Miss: The "Meat Lover’s Supreme," piled high with pepperoni, sausage, ham, and crispy bacon.
Pro Tip: Order their famous garlic knots as a starter—they’re fluffy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.
Long Beach Pizza Parlor
North Long Beach
What Makes It Special: A nostalgic spot with arcade games, kids’ menus, and a family-friendly vibe.
Don't Miss: Their "Cheese Explosion" pizza is a kid-favorite, loaded with gooey mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan.
Pro Tip: Book ahead for large groups or parties—they often get packed on weekends.
4. Hidden Gems for the Pizza Enthusiast
For the adventurous eater who loves to uncover hidden gems, Long Beach has no shortage of lesser-known pizzerias offering incredible pies.
Oven & Stone
Alamitos Beach
What Makes It Special: A small, cozy spot that uses a stone oven to create perfectly crispy crusts with chewy centers.
Don't Miss: Their "Mediterranean Masterpiece" with roasted garlic, feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Pro Tip: They’re BYOB, so grab your favorite bottle of wine for a romantic pizza date night.
The Vegan Slice
Retro Row
What Makes It Special: This fully vegan pizzeria offers plant-based alternatives that rival traditional pizza in taste and texture.
Don't Miss: The "Plant-Based Pepperoni" pizza with cashew mozzarella and seitan pepperoni.
Pro Tip: Pair your pizza with their vegan Caesar salad for a guilt-free indulgence.
5. Late-Night Pizza Spots for Night Owls
Craving pizza after a night out? Long Beach’s nightlife scene is complemented by late-night pizzerias that cater to those who need a post-party pick-me-up.
Pizza Planet
Downtown
What Makes It Special: A quirky, sci-fi-themed pizza joint open until 3 AM. Perfect for satisfying those midnight cravings.
Don't Miss: The "Astro Blast" pizza, topped with spicy sausage, red onions, jalapeños, and chipotle ranch drizzle.
Pro Tip: Their garlic parmesan breadsticks are the perfect side dish—don’t leave without trying them!
Slice After Dark
4th Street
What Makes It Special: This trendy spot serves gourmet pizza by the slice for late-night diners.
Don't Miss: The "BBQ Pulled Pork" slice, loaded with tangy barbecue sauce and caramelized onions.
Pro Tip: Lines can get long after midnight, so arrive early to grab your favorite slice.
6. Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Pies
Long Beach’s pizzerias frequently roll out seasonal specials that celebrate fresh, local ingredients. Here are a few you can’t miss:
- Pumpkin Sage Pizza: Available in the fall, this unique creation combines roasted pumpkin, crispy sage leaves, and a drizzle of brown butter.
- Summer Harvest Pie: A light and refreshing option with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and burrata cheese.
- Spicy Winter Wonderland: Featuring spicy soppressata, chili flakes, and creamy ricotta to warm you up during the colder months.
7. Pro Tips for Exploring Long Beach's Pizza Scene
Check Local Deals
Many pizzerias offer happy hour specials, weekday discounts, or family bundle deals.
Try Delivery Apps
Long Beach has a strong presence on food delivery platforms—perfect for enjoying your favorite slice at home.