Compared to many coastal California cities, Long Beach’s pizza scene is surprisingly mature. After all, we’ve been perfecting our pies since the 1950s—some New York pizzerias have crusts younger than that.
Rezzini’s Pizza
$ | (562) 420-8989 | WEBSITE
Food blogs taught us that most pizza places are chain franchises with neon signs and teenagers who can’t remember your order. But not at Rezzini’s Pizza in Long Beach, and where every slice here is a deep-dish masterpiece looking for your appetite. This beloved, tucked-away spot of a pizza joint is where you go when you’re tired of Long Beach’s generic delivery options and need to taste something authentic. Or at the very least, something monumental.
There are arcade machines in the corner, a pinball game that doesn’t require quarters, and a towering crust on your plate that you’re positive is staring at you. It is—and so are all the smiling staff.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (562) 495-7272 | WEBSITE
This Long Beach pizza chain has been satisfying late-night cravings for decades, and therefore, is the recipient of our Most Reliable When You Need Something Fast And Tasty Award. In truth, Papa Johns is filled mostly with families grabbing dinner and college students ordering delivery, but if you leave here disappointed, you can only blame your own expectations. The pepperoni pizza is one of our favorites in town, the staff all still wear those familiar blue shirts and baseball caps.
Plus, there’s a convenient online ordering system if things get desperate and you need pizza in under thirty minutes.
Buono’s Pizzeria
$ | (562) 432-2211 | WEBSITE
If you spend an evening wandering through Long Beach and don’t stop at Buono’s Pizzeria for a slice, you’re just missing out—or perhaps even more regrettable, you’re settling for less. This neighborhood pizzeria is housed in a welcoming space with a nice patio area and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Meals include everything from fluffy, crispy pizza with well-seasoned red sauce to hearty rigatoni pink sauce with pancetta and mushrooms to garlic knots perfect for soaking it all up.
It’s one of our favorite spots for a group meal in Long Beach, and even if the service could be more enthusiastic, you’ll be more than satisfied with the large portions and reasonable prices.
Porky’s Pizza
$$ | (562) 989-8888 | WEBSITE
It’s unclear whether or not there are ghosts at Porky’s Pizza in Long Beach. We’ve never seen one. That said, this is one of the most satisfying pizza spots in Southern California. The restaurant operates out of a clean, organized space with historical decor that gives it a nice atmosphere, though it doesn’t offer dine-in service. It’s the city’s only year-round pizza sanctuary.
If you don’t have a pizza craving already, you can grab their famed Cheese Blanket pizza to keep you company while you savor the light, airy, and crunchy crust. The Parmesan crust walked so these pies could run.
MOD Pizza
$ | (562) 317-4671 | WEBSITE
It’s common knowledge that the best pizza feels extremely customizable at MOD Pizza, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself building the perfect pie. This Long Beach spot has been serving up fresh pies for years, and these days looks like the ideal casual pizza joint lost in a sea of chain restaurants.
There are clean, spacious dining areas filled with the pleasant aroma of baking crust, friendly staff like Brett and Juan zipping past your table with fresh fountain raspberry lemonade, and unlimited toppings waiting for your creation. It’s a classic pizza experience and one that will only be heightened by that first bite of crispy, perfectly cooked crust with your favorite combination of pepperoni, sausage, and pineapple.
District 4 Pizza
$$ | (562) 588-9035 | WEBSITE
As one of Long Beach’s top pizza destinations, we’d be shocked if District 4 Pizza didn’t deliver a consistently lively experience. And sure enough, with its warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and bustling open kitchen, this modern pizza spot could stand in for one of those vibrant neighborhood joints where everyone seems to know each other. The friendly staff weaving between tables and the private event room buzzing with activity only add to the energetic atmosphere.
We should warn you, though—the most overwhelming thing about District 4 is still the noise level. Brace yourself for $25 specialty pizzas and conversations that require leaning in close, but the elote pizza and authentic meatballs make it worth the din.
Deli News Pizza
$ | (562) 598-2123 | WEBSITE
If you have the patience to wait for a slice at this unassuming Long Beach pizza joint, we imagine being surrounded by the aroma of baking crust must be a comfort for you. Rest assured, you’re gonna get something tasty here.
The compact restaurant has several different lunch specials—including an equally satisfying Italian Roast Beef Hot Sandwich—but if you’re coming for pizza, you’ll order a small pie with eight slices, perfect for sharing, with classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and pineapple. Expect friendly service, overhead music, and generous portions waiting to fill you up.
Little Coyote
$ | (562) 352-1555 | WEBSITE
Little Coyote is a Long Beach institution, and if you think its small, family-owned status means it can’t compete with the big chains, you’re obviously unaware of just how much locals love this place. And honestly, can you blame them? The pizzas are spectacular, the crust is perfectly crispy, and the menu hasn’t strayed far from what works since they opened.
It’s a triple-threat scenario for pizza lovers, so as you’re enjoying some better-than-expected Meat Lovers Pizza, stay alert—there are likely some hungry regulars looking to snag the last slice during the Sunday NFL games.
Fat Tomato Pizza
$ | (562) 343-2287 | WEBSITE
Maybe it’s the guy at the counter with sauce on his apron, or the regulars debating extra toppings like it’s a matter of life and death, but the vibe inside Fat Tomato Pizza has always felt a bit like a neighborhood secret. In the likely event of a craving, don’t plan on finding a quiet corner, however, because you can’t—this Long Beach pizza spot is compact and bustling, and that guy at the counter isn’t slowing down for anybody.
So just take a deep breath and offer that craving a slice loaded with toppings and a bite of those crispy wings. That’s what it came back for anyway.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (562) 434-9971 | WEBSITE
This reliable pizza chain has been serving Long Beach for decades, but its appeal has a much simpler history—all the way back to the late-night cravings that keep customers coming. Needless to say, these boxes have seen some serious snacking, and if you keep your eyes peeled as you enjoy a decent pie with good specials and the friendly staff who quickly fix any order mix-ups, you probably will too.
The clean location with ample parking makes it a preferred choice for many, even when online orders occasionally miss the mark.
Valentino’s Pizza
$ | (562) 986-4680 | WEBSITE
Valentino’s Pizza is divided into two distinct experiences—the classic customizable pies and the Detroit-style specialty. While you can certainly come to this Long Beach spot and have a fine pepperoni pizza, the real move is to skip the traditional altogether and indulge in the Detroit-style magic instead.
Here you’ll probably savor that crispy cheese edge from the blue steel pan, order too many slices of the meat lover’s delight, and contemplate if the homemade taste is random culinary genius or your Italian grandmother’s secret recipe. Be sure to get there early on busy nights as the small space fills up quickly—with both regulars and first-timers discovering the brilliant value.
Milana’s New York Pizzeria
$ | (562) 901-1111 | WEBSITE
It takes one glance at the pepperoni cups bubbling with grease to understand that this New York-style pizzeria is a main character in Long Beach’s casual dining scene. Open since well before the promenade became a destination, Milana’s clearly doesn’t have the most innovative pizza in town, but if you’re coming here for artisanal toppings, you’ve got the wrong place.
You’re here because the crust is consistently praised and the roomy atmosphere is always one slice away from feeling like a true neighborhood spot. And you better believe the down-to-earth staff here like to keep things friendly.
Rance’s Chicago Pizza
$$ | (562) 786-5566 | WEBSITE
In the unlikely event you haven’t tried Chicago-style deep dish, we’ll let you in on a secret: the pizza world loves a buttery crust. And while Rance’s Chicago Pizza in Long Beach isn’t technically a Windy City institution, it does serve that iconic deep-dish style with various toppings like sausage, pepperoni, olives, onions, and pesto sauce. Needless to say, this is prime comfort food territory.
Stay alert as you savor the stuffed best seller and snack on Bourbon Maple Bacon wings in that chill Saturday afternoon ambiance. And if the friendly staff insists that, actually, you’ve been praising their killer buffalo sauce this whole time, time to order another slice.
Thunderbolt Pizza
$ | (562) 426-1900 | WEBSITE
Stepping into this beloved local pizza joint feels like wandering into a neighborhood garage where someone decided to start making incredible pies instead of fixing cars. There are worn wooden booths, classic rock quietly playing over the speakers, and scattered tables filled with groups of friends sharing pizzas and sipping craft beers from frosty mugs.
We have reason to believe every single person inside here is a regular, but you’ll never know for sure because the atmosphere is so damn relaxed that everyone just blends into the welcoming vibe. Once you do find a seat, order the Big Dill pizza, some bone-in wings, and, surprisingly, the very good garlic knots.
Dos Por Uno Pizzeria
$ | (562) 599-0515 | WEBSITE
Serving budget-conscious Long Beach residents since it opened, this unassuming pizza spot is the kind of place where you’ll find regulars who probably know the menu better than the staff. The humble storefront has been a go-to for locals craving a deal, so whichever day you visit, you’ll likely be picking up next to somebody who’s been coming here for years—even if you don’t chat with them. As for the food, it’s in the name: pizza and calzones at steal-of-a-price points.
Grabbing a deluxe XL pizza for around ten bucks, trying the standout calzone everyone raves about, and feeling the efficiency of bilingual staff who’ll get your order ready—it’s no wonder this place stays busy during peak hours. Be sure to call ahead to save time if needed.
Cityside Pizza Palace
$ | (562) 856-9343 | WEBSITE
Compared to the many storied spots on this list, Cityside Pizza Palace is in its infancy. But don’t let the newness fool you, the budget-conscious crowd is flocking. And how could it not? The first thing you see is a large pepperoni, bell pepper, and onion pizza with two canned sodas for only $18.00. Their cheese burger, potato wedges, and soda combo is close by for $7.99.
The service is whatever, but you’re here to grab a fast, fresh, handmade one-large-topping pizza under $10.00 and feel your wallet breathe after swearing that generous toppings and cheese moved while your head was turned.
Round Table Pizza
$ | (562) 439-7799 | WEBSITE
A while ago, Round Table Pizza got a refresh that brought back its classic casual beach vibe, and the results were solid. But you know who appreciates a chill spot even more than we do? Dogs. The moment you walk into this reliable Long Beach pizza joint, you can already picture families and friends hanging out at the outdoor tables. Or maybe that was them. Either way, grab a seat, order a Maui Zowie, and wait for the next wave of fresh pizza aroma to drift your way.