Navigating Pleasanton’s pizza landscape is trickier than finding a parking spot downtown on a Friday night. This East Bay gem offers everything from wood-fired Neapolitan masterpieces to thick Detroit-style squares, but for every sublime slice, there’s a cardboard-crust disappointment waiting. Let us guide you past the mediocrity to the truly extraordinary pies.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
$$ | (925) 600-0089 | WEBSITE
Zachary’s is a triple threat: great deep-dish pizza, cool, poster-lined interior, and flawless service. It calls itself a Chicago pizza joint, but it also holds its own as a neighborhood hangout, or patio dining spot. Top Chicago choices include the chicken special, or crispy BBQ wings with ranch dressing, or the deep-dish pie filled with stretchy cheese and chunky tomato sauce.
But if you’re a strict pizza purist, the flaky, perfectly cooked crust and the hot, fresh slices would hold their own in the Windy City.
Curry Pizza House Pleasanton
$$ | (925) 722-5995 | WEBSITE
Curry Pizza House is what happens when a pizza lover discovers Indian flavors, falls for the bold spices, and starts combining classic pizza techniques with curry-inspired ingredients. The modern, mural-adorned space is the perfect place for a lively party (when the main dining area fills with groups enjoying adult beverages), but it works equally well for a casual, warm-vibe meal in the clean establishment.
Dishes include stuff like the signature chili paneer pizza—though recent changes have left it a bit soggy—alongside other curry-infused creations that still deliver amazing flavor.
Gay Nineties Pizza Co
$ | (925) 846-2520 | WEBSITE
This unpretentious, under-the-radar pizza joint uses only classic recipes to create pies that blend hearty toppings and thick crusts. The result is a flavor experience that you’ll want to savor slowly.
The Gay Nineties Specialty Pizza (loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms) is so satisfying you’ll probably order it again next time, and the garlic cheese bread—a spin on the classic Italian appetizer of bread, garlic, and cheese—is one of the most comforting starters this side of the Alameda fair grounds.
Pizza Guys
$ | (925) 227-1111 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of pizza spots in Pleasanton, but one of our top picks is Pizza Guys. Pizza in this area is generally more casual and affordable than, say, San Francisco or Napa, so you can really go all out here on a Serrano Chili pizza with extra toppings for about $25. Or, come for a quick bite when you can get the same great flavors on the half and half option combining meat lovers and Texas BBQ for around $20, a soda included.
You’ll feast on unapologetically generous recipes like crispy crust pies loaded with toppings or vegetarian options with impossible meat, all while being in one of the neighborhood’s most clean and friendly spots. Compared to other pizza options in the city, the crowd and atmosphere here can feel a touch more regular-focused, but the mood definitely starts to relax a bit once all those families reach the end of their catering orders.
Locanda Amalfi
$$ | (925) 249-5484 | WEBSITE
You might mistake Locanda Amalfi for a lively street market in Naples given the boisterous chatter and clinking glasses that fill the space. However, the only thing more vibrant than the hand-painted Mediterranean tiles and bustling atmosphere is the food. The pasta dishes, mostly crafted with traditional Italian techniques, infuse California ingredients with Amalfi Coast flavors. The sugo bolognese stands out and goes beyond simple meat sauce or basic tomato ragù.
It’s a flavor symphony layered with rich, slow-cooked depth, like the impeccable, savory beef-and-pork blend, or the ambrosial clam sauce topped with briny, fresh littlenecks. The wine selection is almost as impressive as the food menu. It’s curated from quality producers (mostly Italian, with some interesting California and Mediterranean labels).
Garlex Pizza and Ribs
$ | (925) 484-4540 | WEBSITE
Garlex Pizza and Ribs, from the team behind the popular local pizza chain concept, is Pleasanton’s take on a neighborhood pizza joint. Better still, the recent expansion from its former modest strip mall space to a slightly larger location next door has the regulars rejoicing. It checks all the boxes of a great local spot: friendly, helpful staff, and an excellent selection of pizzas, including at least a dozen Indian-inspired varieties.
It also doesn’t hurt that a large pizza is around $18-$22, and calzones are $10-$12. Get here for a quick pickup, or for a casual dine-in meal with family. You should stick around for the ribs, too, as the food is unapologetically hearty—and ideal for sharing. Go in on the flavor-packed BBQ Chicken thin crust pizza.
New York Pizza and Pasta
$ | (925) 463-0280 | WEBSITE
New York Pizza and Pasta is that kind of spot, consistently run by a friendly crew who know their stuff, and invariably packed with more pizza lovers than you’d expect for its size. This compact eatery in Pleasanton delivers a modern take on that classic New York slice joint feel. The place will transport you straight to a no-frills neighborhood pizzeria with its simple laminate tables and chairs that have definitely seen some action over the years.
It even has a garlic bread situation (often included with pasta orders) so perfectly executed that it gives the whole meal a warm, comforting start that feels generous. Generous. As for the rest of the menu, if it’s not pizza, it’s pasta, like the cheesecake that’s as rich and creamy as it promises to be, or the to-go packaging that keeps everything steaming hot for hours.
Pleasanton has its share of reliable takeout spots, and this one is no exception—especially since they’re open late, turning a quick bite into a satisfying feast.
Round Table Pizza
$$ | (925) 847-0750 | WEBSITE
This reliable pizza joint in Pleasanton delivers exactly what you want from a classic American pizza restaurant. At around $25 for a large King Arthur’s Supreme or $15 for the All You Can Eat salad bar, this place offers solid value without any pretension.
The menu focuses on straightforward, crowd-pleasing options—think that generous Supreme piled high with toppings on a great crust with flavorful sauce, or the salad bar loaded with fresh ingredients like baby tomatoes, tangy pepperoncinis, crunchy cucumbers, and cooked chicken breast that makes it a meal. You won’t find these exact combinations anywhere else in town.
Pair your meal with one of their vegetarian options like the Cauliflower crust with Artichoke or Garlic bread with cheese for a satisfying twist. Grab a table in the spacious, kid-friendly dining area if you want a clean, comfortable spot where the well-spaced tables and efficient, kind staff make everything easy.
Much Ado About Pizza
$ | (925) 750-7527 | WEBSITE
Much Ado About Pizza in Pleasanton is a pizza joint from the sourdough masters where all the staff are warm enough to actually make you feel like family from the moment you walk in. They all wear genuine smiles, aprons dusted with flour, and always take the time to explain their expertly paired toppings. Meanwhile, the pies are pure delight, overflowing with quality ingredients like Point Reyes truffle cheese and fresh vegetables.
The soft, chewy sourdough crust is to die for, reminiscent of European flavors, while Titania’s Bounty with its loads of toppings is a fantastic generous option. All of it, including the many vegetarian choices, makes for a great satisfying meal on your way through the East Bay.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
$ | (925) 846-3222 | WEBSITE
Pleasanton’s dining scene has plenty of options, but for consistently great pizza, we’re lucky to have Mountain Mike’s. The family-friendly spot near the shopping areas serves made-to-order pies that arrive quickly, with a gluten-free option that’s particularly impressive—some say it’s the best they’ve had, even surpassing fancier places. The atmosphere is more casual pizzeria than formal restaurant, so come as you are—no need for reservations.
The friendly staff and pleasant owner keep things running smoothly, making every visit feel welcoming. Their Thin Crust Chicken Club pizza with NO bacon, extra crispy, is the standout that draws visitors from over 50 miles away. It tastes like it would at your favorite neighborhood pizza joint, which is why this location earns such positive reviews and becomes a top choice for travelers and locals alike.
New York Pizza Pleasanton
$ | (925) 484-4757 | WEBSITE
Pleasanton’s downtown is buzzing these days, and New York Pizza Pleasanton’s lively outdoor seating area is perhaps the center of the whole scene. The owner has been in the pizza business since the ’80s, the crust is light and crispy, the toppings are heavy, and the feel is distinctly New York. The restaurant, a popular spot for years, serves delicious takes on classic pizza, like the BBQ Chicken Pizza praised for its overall flavor, plus sandwiches, salads, and drinks.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, the umbrellas provide perfect shade, and free street parking makes it easy to relax with family or friends over lunch or dinner.
PBX Pizza (Indian Pizza)
$ | (925) 557-9530 | WEBSITE
If you mention PBX Pizza to anyone who’s tried their Indian fusion pies in Pleasanton, the response will invariably be “mmmm” as they go all dreamy-eyed thinking about that excellent meal they had there. Bottles of mango lassi line the counter in this modern, compact, pizzeria-like spot with high wooden stools and clean countertops.
You’ll find daily specials on the board, but a few staples include the paneer tikka pizza, butter chicken pizza (available half-and-half with tandoori), or the cauliflower pizza with its light crispy crust. They do take orders ahead, but if you get there on the earlier side, you can usually grab a seat before the dinner rush takes over, or try your luck at one of the few tables.
Parktown Pizza Company
$$ | (925) 425-9054 | WEBSITE
Pleasanton is notoriously averse to fusion, so most of the pizza you’ll find in these parts tastes like limp, greasy dough discs of blandness. Not so at Parktown Pizza Company. One bite of their Masala Cauliflower pizza stacked with spiced florets and smothered in bubbling cheese will tell you why this fun, casual joint is the hottest Indian-inspired spot in town.
It’ll inspire you to immediately order the rest of the menu of unfussy pizzas that highlight bold flavors, including the lamb kebab pizza with fresh herbs that you should zhuzh up with their house-made chutney.
Yes, the bar stools are a bit uncomfortable and the harsh lighting from the sports TVs feels like a stadium concession stand, but unlike most meals in town, this one won’t break the bank—expect to pay about $18–$22 for a large pizza—so for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner (that isn’t another chain), there’s nowhere better.
De La Torre’s Trattoria
$$ | (925) 484-3878 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a quiet Pleasanton neighborhood, this spot could easily be mistaken for a sleepy local joint. But, in reality, it’s the total opposite. Everyone comes here for the traditional Italian recipes, like the delicious Tagliatelle Bolognese and special Pork Shoulder with marsala mushroom sauce, not to mention excellent primavera salads with crisp and flavorful apples.
The service is attentive and friendly, and they’ll bring you well-cooked and beautifully presented dishes after you’ve settled in for a leisurely dinner or quick meal. The atmosphere is quiet, allowing for good conversation, and the professional wait staff know their business, making it ideal for satisfying homesick cravings. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as it’s a true neighborhood gem perfect for a great meal with great company in the Tri-Valley area.
Pizza Bello
$ | (925) 264-5996 | WEBSITE
Run by an owner committed to East Coast ingredients, Pizza Bello is a great place to gather with family or friends. The crowd here skews on the family-friendly side, especially if you’re at one of the few tables near the toys, where you’ll see plenty of kids enjoying themselves. The pizzas include a perfect pesto chicken pizza and a large veggie pizza, while the crust is consistently thin and crispy. The staff is kind and friendly, and the gelato makes for a sweet finish.
Porky’s Pizza Palace
$ | (925) 417-1600 | WEBSITE
Porky’s Pizza Palace is possibly Pleasanton’s most over-the-top example of an old-school pizza parlor that hasn’t lost its authentic charm. It’s home to a lively, buzzing environment that feels like the energetic rec room of a fun-loving family from the same era, with its upbeat music, TVs for sports, and a game area for children. Great atmosphere doesn’t always equate to great food, but Porky’s is the exception.
There are dishes like delicious pizza with a flavorful crust and fresh toppings, classic spaghetti and meatballs, and fried chicken that brings back childhood memories for some guests. This spot offers reasonably priced meals with most entrees around $15-$20, but the evening, when the place is packed with friends celebrating special occasions, is when this spot really impresses.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (925) 233-3323 | WEBSITE
You don’t come to Blaze Pizza for any fast food, you come for the pizza. People flock to this modern spot for the crisp, well-crafted pies, the ability to build your own with meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and arguably the most reliable pizza in the area. While there’s plenty of pizza around, this spot somehow makes it taste more substantial. That and the fact that the ingredients are always fresh and flavorful (sadly not a given), and the crust has plenty of that satisfying crunch.
You can taste it in every bite, and even more so in the vegetarian-friendly options. Grab a seat at the industrial-style tables with ample indoor seating for family meals, and opt for the outdoor patio with its casual vibe and pleasant atmosphere for a quick lunch.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (925) 462-1700 | WEBSITE
While most pizza chains in Pleasanton operate with predictable menus and corporate service, the Hopyard location of Little Caesars has quietly become a neighborhood favorite. This spot might be part of a national chain, but once you step inside the clean, welcoming store, it feels like a local joint with heart.
Families come here for the fresh, hot pizza made with quality dough and cheese, like the sizzling pepperoni with its impressive cheese pull or the extra good pepperoni cheesy bread, plus that feeling of getting great value without any fuss. The restaurant is open daily for takeout and delivery, the atmosphere is kid-friendly, and the entire experience is shaped by the kind, hardworking staff who suggest money-saving combos at the register without being pushy.
California Pizza Kitchen
$$ | (925) 251-9771 | WEBSITE
When you’re tired of the trendy spots and want to see how families actually dine out, head to California Pizza Kitchen. This popular restaurant in Pleasanton is bustling and casual. You’re greeted by the hum of conversation and the clatter of plates (there’s a decent drink selection), and the space feels open and welcoming. This place does things the way they’ve always done them, which means familiar favorites, reasonably prompt service, and not a hint of pretension or fussy plating.
The menu is full of American fare, offering a variety of options, like the enjoyable street corn and the rich mac and cheese. The kitchen serves up classic pizza and pasta dishes, and the butter cake is a sweet finish. It’s a straightforward, convenient spot that delivers a satisfactory dining experience for those who appreciate variety.