You don’t need a special day or even an excuse to do it. It’s something we all do. Some people do it before bed, some at midday, and more than you think do it cold in the morning. It’s perfectly normal. Eating pizza is a national pastime.
In San Diego’s beach communities, there are a variety of pizzas to choose from – from healthy cauliflower crust to Detroit-style sheet pizza to old-school Italian hot pies – you’re going to find a slice of love. With National Pizza Day this weekend on Feb. 9, the San Diego Community Newspaper Group decided to highlight some of the local pizzas that our readers may enjoy.
PACIFIC BEACH
Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza & Eats
Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza & Eats really packs a culinary wallop, serving wholesome pizzas, superfood smoothies, nourishing wraps, unique salads, and Kombucha on tap. A variety of pizzas to meet customers’ health needs are offered including high protein crusts, two gluten-free options, a traditional garlic herb made with organic flour, and a unique and crispy cauliflower crust.
Powerhaus uses only wholesome, nutritious, all-natural, and organic ingredients. Dairy is grass-fed, and all meats used are naturally-raised with plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
“At Powerhaus Wholesome Pizza & Eats, we serve an elevated and health-driven take of the crave-able foods you love,” said pizzeria owner Anisha Blodgett. “Our pizzas are made with nutritious, natural, organic, grass-fed, and farm-fresh ingredients. We provide vegan, gluten-free, and macro-friendly options to meet your health needs. Visit our beach-themed restaurant in Pacific Beach. We’re here to feed the yogi, adventurer, and athlete in you to nourish your body and power your soul.”
The eatery is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
1550 Garnet Ave.
858-886-7666
powerhauspizza.com.
Square Pizza Co.
For something a little different, Square Pizza offers thin-crust Boston Beach Pizza, Upside-down Sicilian, and Detroit Style pies. The pizzeria owners grew up on the North Shore of Boston, where there’s a style of pizza called “Beach Pizza,” which they decided to bring to San Diego. But they didn’t stop there, on a trip to Brooklyn they tried pizza where cheese went down first, then sauce on top. It looked and sounded different, and they loved it. Then they included Detroit’s favorite sheet pizza that has a soft yet crispy bottom dough, caramelized cheese around the edges, and house-made sauce on top. All three styles are available, along with gluten-free options, for an amazing pizza experience. “We took the best of local favorites from Boston, New York, and Detroit and put our spin on it to make great pizza,” said Fred Santos, Square Pizza Co. owner.
4508 Cass St. 858-412-4469
squarepizzaco.com.
MISSION BEACH
Rosaria Pizza
Here is a trendy spot for pasta and sandwiches, as well as innovative options including Vietnamese-style pizza. The restaurant is committed to making its customers happy with one of the best-tasting pizzas in San Diego. Rosaria prides itself on serving the Mission Beach community and its visitors. Only the freshest ingredients are used and the cooking stove provides the latest in technology contributing to just the right amount of crisp in the end product of dough and bread.
“We have a Vietnamese sweet and spicy pulled pork pizza that we’re famous for,” according to Rosaria. “It’s saucy and spicy, we use chili powder flakes, and very interesting. Once you try it you go, ‘Oh, my God.’”
The pizza crust used at Rosaria is just right, not too thick or thin. There is also a deep-dish pizza choice on the menu. A total of 13 different styles of pizza are available. The eatery also offers pasta, chicken wings, sandwiches, and salads.
3741 Mission Blvd.
858-488-7220
rosariapizza.com.
Gabbiano Pizza Pizza
toppings include pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, salami, ham, meatballs, fresh garlic, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, jalapeno peppers, pineapple, fresh tomatoes, anchovies, turkey, extra cheese, pepperoncini’s, genoa salami, Cotto salami, artichoke, chicken, and bacon.
Pizzas come in 12-, 14- and 16-inch sizes. There are also an 8-inch pizza for one and by-the-slice options. Seating inside is limited but patio seating outside is available. Besides its pies, is known for its delectable sandwiches
2912 Mission Blvd.
858-488-4010.
Round Table Pizza
In 1959, Bill Larson opened the first Round Table Pizza in Menlo Park where he envisioned a gathering place where you could “share a little pizza with someone you love,” which is why Belmont Park is the perfect place for the latest shop. Families can ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster, bumper cars, or Liberty Carousel working up an appetite for King Arthur-themed pizza with gold-standard ingredients, nobly topped to the edge, and classic recipes, hand-crafted in the same manner for almost six decades. Try Guinevere’s Garden Delight, Montague’s All Meat Marvel, or King Arthur’s Supreme.
3146 Mission Blvd. 858-228-9292
roundtablepizza.com.
Luigi’s At The Beach
It might surprise most people to hear that a slice of pizza at Luigi’s At The Beach on Mission Boulevard is $6.50. But it’s even more surprising to be presented with a slice of pizza that’s bigger than your torso. While it might induce a food coma, the oven-baked pizza, made from scratch, is worth every penny. The New York-style slice is fresh and perfect to fold and bite. Whether it’s a regular cheese slice or topped with anchovies and broccoli, one slice of this Mission Beach delicacy could feed a family for a week.
3210 Mission Blvd.
858-488-2818
luigisatthebeach.com.
