In the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield has quietly cultivated a pizza scene that rivals its coastal neighbors. From decades-old family pizzerias to innovative newcomers firing up Neapolitan-style pies, this city offers a delicious slice of American culinary evolution. Whether you crave classic pepperoni or artisanal toppings, these 14 spots deliver the goods.
Jerry’s Pizza & Pub
$ | (661) 633-1000 | WEBSITE
Jerry’s Pizza & Pub is a slightly less formal pizza joint than some of the fancier spots in Bakersfield, but the phone lines are just as busy. The lively room feels like a neighborhood pub with live music, and the friendly staff make you feel like a regular grabbing a fresh slice. While the mostly traditional options like veggie and white chicken are very good, the real highlight is the birria pizza, or rather, the twist crust option.
For $25 you can pick up a whole pie and let the kitchen serve up that spectacular birria alongside the vegan pepperoni. Just know that, with the occasional inconsistency and area issues, you’ll still find it’s a favorite spot for many.
Slice of Italy
$ | (661) 328-9000 | WEBSITE
Slice of Italy is a Bakersfield pizza spot that’s one of the few places to serve proper chicken fettuccine with sun-dried tomatoes in the area. You’ll get a tray of fresh pizza, fried chicken, and wedges, plus a side of Pepsi with free refills, and think about why you’d ever eat anything else on a Friday night. Apart from the pizza, don’t try their Family Specials or the attentive service from the super friendly staff.
For larger groups, the experience leans more special occasion with extras like chef recommendations and top-tier service.
Pizza Hut
$ | (661) 871-3400 | WEBSITE
Pizza Hut tells you everything with its old-fashioned interiors: nostalgic booths, checkered tablecloths, and that familiar red roof. It almost feels like stepping into a time capsule. Needless to say, classic pizza is the specialty here, and you can eat like a hungry teenager for around $20 per person. You place your order via counter or app, so try to grab a booth in the quiet dining area and get to feasting.
Get a $15 large pepperoni pizza, which comes with that signature crispy-yet-chewy crust, plus a side of breadsticks that are comforting as a well-worn leather jacket. But don’t skip out on the less greasy options, like the surprisingly balanced cheese pizza or the veggie supreme with fresh toppings.
Slicer’s Pizza
$ | (661) 825-3500 | WEBSITE
Focusing on one thing and mastering it—that’s what Slicer’s Pizza does best. This local Bakersfield spot serves one standout dish: their signature pizza. Their base of pretzel-like, thin, and chewy crust gets topped with a wonderful flavorful sauce and delicious cheese that blankets the entire pie. It’s a perfect slice we’d happily eat on any day that ends with “Y.” Don’t miss the Hawaiian pizza or the wings and potato wedges for a complete meal.
Frugatti’s
$$ | (661) 836-2000 | WEBSITE
Getting into Frugatti’s, by far the most popular Italian spot in Bakersfield, is a breeze. Not only making the reservation, but physically entering the premises. You’ll just pull into the ample parking lot, walk through the lovely entrance, and step into what feels like a beautifully designed Italian villa that happens to serve a $40 lasagna to dozens of guests per night.
Each meal includes fresh dishes like Salmon with ‘sammy sauce’, shrimp scampi, or sirloin steak, all prepared in a bustling open kitchen. If eating some of the best Italian food in Bakersfield is on your bucket list, consider Frugatti’s a worthwhile experience.
Pizzaville USA
$ | (661) 323-8116 | WEBSITE
Pizzaville USA specializes in thin-crust pizza, a style that uses a crispy, delicate base. In Bakersfield, this restaurant is known for pizza paired with classic and nostalgic ingredients, so don’t be surprised to see meals featuring chicken, potato wedges, and pineapple on the combination pizza at this family-friendly spot.
Choose between their famous thin-crust pizza, fresh salads, or other favorites like chicken and wedges, enjoyed either for a quick meal or a lively family gathering (we like the thin-crust pizza best). Order as a whole pie or add it to that unique combination pizza above, either for a casual dinner or a celebratory party away from home.
Cataldo’s Express
$ | (661) 397-5000 | WEBSITE
Need a quick bite? There’s not much better than Cataldo’s Express, a newly opened pizza and wings spot in Bakersfield. Perfect, crispy garlic parmesan chicken wings are coated in seasoning and served hot, with pizza that’s cheesy without overdoing it. There’s also a collection of weekly specials, too: affordable pies, fresh toppings, and deals that keep locals coming back. The service here isn’t bad but can be a bit slow if you’re ordering during peak hours. Eat ’em fresh.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
$$ | (661) 241-5115 | WEBSITE
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse lands on plenty of “Best Pizza” lists around Bakersfield (including this one, naturally). But despite the chain’s popularity, this location still manages to feel like a neighborhood spot built for regulars. Don’t expect a quiet, intimate meal—the place buzzes with large groups and families—but once you’re settled, you’ll be in the thick of a reliably good time. Nearly every table seems to order the pizza.
For around $18 (closer to $22 for a large), you’ll get a crispy, well-topped pie with fresh ingredients and that consistent flavor regulars count on. It’s a solid deal. One that pairs perfectly with the friendly, attentive service from staff like Jasmin and Hannah, who keep drinks filled and orders moving smoothly. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with comfortable booth seating and warm lighting that makes it easy to linger.
While the vegetarian menu is limited—sticking mainly to pizza, a vegeburger, or salads—what they do, they do well. The prime rib also gets consistent praise, and the reasonable prices make it a go-to for group dinners. Wheelchair access and convenient parking just add to the hassle-free experience. In the end, you keep coming back for that combination of great service, consistent food, and the overall pleasant, familiar vibe that reminds you why you enjoyed other BJ’s locations, too.
New Vintage Grill Truxtun
$ | (661) 864-7029 | WEBSITE
You can’t talk about the best pizza spots in Bakersfield without mentioning New Vintage Grill Truxtun, a clean and friendly place with modern industrial decor that feels like a neighborhood gem. They offer generous portions all day, which keeps the tables comfortably full. The well-made dishes, from Korean tacos to chicken fried steak, are designed to satisfy hearty appetites.
So grab a booth or table and start with the best things here: HUGE poke nachos, perfect chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich, and those ‘bomb’ sweet potato fries. Although the menu seems simple, eating at New Vintage Grill Truxtun still feels special enough for a satisfying family meal or a casual lunch with coworkers.
Tony’s Firehouse Grill and Pizza
$ | (661) 366-0129 | WEBSITE
Somewhere in America’s endless pizza parade, the simple tri-tip sandwich was seemingly forgotten. But if you ever catch the crowd gathered inside Tony’s on any given evening, you’ll understand why this smoky, cheesy creation deserves top billing. Yes, the space can feel bustling, but it’s worth it. Come grab a booth, order that outrageously flavorful tri-tip sandwich with melted Swiss, and watch as they slice and grill every generous portion right in the open kitchen.
Magoos Pizza
$ | (661) 871-9000 | WEBSITE
Finding Magoos Pizza feels like a neighborhood treasure hunt—you’ll spot it tucked between a laundromat and a convenience store, with a simple sign that says “Pizza” in bold red letters. But once settled at one of their wooden booths inside, you’re in for a relaxed, family-friendly meal, with servers weaving through the dining area to classic rock and pop hits.
At $25 for a large combination pizza, the menu is more generous than the price suggests, even if the hearty, satisfying pies make you lean back in contentment. A classic take on veggie pizza with creamy garlic sauce delivers a savory punch, but the best options are more straightforward, like pepperoni and sausage with ample toppings and perfectly crisp potato wedges that round out the meal.
Flames Pizza
$ | (661) 381-7490 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving a standout pizza experience that won’t break the bank, head to this excellent new-ish spot in Bakersfield. A large specialty pizza runs about $25, while classic options like pepperoni and pineapple hover around $18. Expect the cooks to slide pies from the oven with the precision of a seasoned pro. You’ll get perfectly blistered crusts with that signature cheese pull, as well as customer favorites like the creamy garlic combination pizza and their famous wedges.
The TVs tuned to sports and the friendly, attentive staff make it a perfect place to hang with friends or enjoy a quiet lunch.
Piara Pizza
$ | (661) 473-1084 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been craving a proper pizza fix in Bakersfield, you’ve probably heard whispers about Piara Pizza. This local favorite remains one of the area’s most reliable spots (expect a friendly crowd) and a visit to their straightforward shop is a pilgrimage every pizza enthusiast should make. Piara’s Ultimate Family Deal delivers serious value: delicious pizzas, fall-off-the-bone ribs, crispy wings, and those amazing potato wedges.
You might need to loosen your belt afterward, but it will have been completely justified.
Pop Pop’s Pizza
$ | (661) 706-8151 | WEBSITE
Our go-to pizza spot in Bakersfield. Located at a food truck park off Rosedale Hwy, Pop Pop’s Pizza is a laidback restaurant where you can order rounds of fluffy-crusted pizza, garlic knots, and fresh-topped pies until your heart says it’s time to stop. There are fewer options here than what you’ll find at other pizza joints, but you can try everything the restaurant has available by ordering the large pizza with multiple toppings.
It’s the perfect amount of food and will let you taste your way through the majority of the menu.