Any insider tips for Joe's Pizza?

Order ahead on weekends to skip the line

What should I order at Joe's Pizza?

Large slice combo, garlic knots, Caesar salad

When should I visit Joe's Pizza?

Late night Friday or Saturday after bars

Who should go to Joe's Pizza?

East Coast transplants and pizza purists

Any insider tips for Bruno's Italian Restaurant?

No reservations needed - first come, first served

What should I order at Bruno's Italian Restaurant?

Classic pizza, chicken parm, Caesar salad made tableside

When should I visit Bruno's Italian Restaurant?

Weeknight dinners for quieter family meals

Who should go to Bruno's Italian Restaurant?

Families seeking authentic Italian comfort food

Any insider tips for Ugo Trattoria?

Neighbor discount available for locals

What should I order at Ugo Trattoria?

Margherita pizza, meatballs, house gelato

When should I visit Ugo Trattoria?

Happy hour for discounted drinks and appetizers

Who should go to Ugo Trattoria?

Neapolitan pizza purists and gelato lovers

Any insider tips for Rock 'N Pies?

Saturday nights stay open extra late

What should I order at Rock 'N Pies?

Appetite for Destruction, craft beer, garlic knots

When should I visit Rock 'N Pies?

After 10pm when the energy peaks

Who should go to Rock 'N Pies?

Night owls craving quality over quantity

Any insider tips for North Italia?

Bar seats available for walk-ins when booked

What should I order at North Italia?

White truffle bread, chef's pizza, budino

When should I visit North Italia?

Happy hour 3-6pm or late dinner

Who should go to North Italia?

Date nights and sophisticated pizza lovers

Best Pizza Restaurants in Santa Monica (90401)

5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Joe's Pizza

8.8

$$$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Instagram Worthy Wonders

This NYC transplant brings authentic New York-style pizza to Santa Monica with perfectly charred thin crusts and that essential fold test. Award-winning and celebrity-endorsed since opening, Joe's maintains the classic slice shop tradition with fresh California ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes: Classic NY Cheese by the Slice, Pepperoni with Garlic Knots, White Pizza with Ricotta

What makes it special: Authentic NY pizza technique with California ingredients

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#2 Bruno's Italian Restaurant

8.4

$ Ocean Park

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Hidden Gems Heaven Comfort Food Classics

A 30-year Santa Monica institution with red-checkered tablecloths serving authentic Italian-American comfort food and hand-tossed pizzas. Family-owned since opening, Bruno's delivers that neighborhood pizzeria charm one block from the pier.

Must-Try Dishes: NY-Style Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Gnocchi

What makes it special: 30+ year local institution with authentic Italian family recipes

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#3 Ugo Trattoria

8.1

$$ Third Street Promenade

Vibes: Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis Instagram Worthy Wonders

VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria established in 2002 offering wood-fired pizzas with imported Italian tomatoes and handmade gelato. The Third Street Promenade location provides authentic Italian fare in the heart of Santa Monica's shopping district.

Must-Try Dishes: Margherita Pizza, Quattro Formaggi, Prosciutto e Funghi

What makes it special: VPN certification ensuring authentic Neapolitan standards

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Worthy Picks

#4 Rock 'N Pies

7.9

$$ Mid-City Santa Monica

Vibes: Late Night Legends Brewery & Beer Garden Republic Hidden Gems Heaven

East Coast-style pizza joint with sports bar vibes serving oversized NY slices until 2AM on weekends. Rock-themed atmosphere with craft beer selection makes this a late-night destination for pizza and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes: Appetite for Destruction Pizza, Margherita with Garlic Knots, Wood-Fired Wings

What makes it special: Rock 'n roll soundtrack meets serious wood-fired pizza technique

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#5 North Italia

7.7

$$$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis Trendy Table Hotspots

Upscale casual Italian chain featuring daily chef's choice pizzas alongside handmade pasta and craft cocktails. Modern atmosphere with patio seating creates an elevated dining experience near Third Street Promenade.

Must-Try Dishes: White Truffle Pizza, The Pig Pizza, Daily Chef's Special Pizza

What makes it special: Daily rotating chef's pizza with seasonal ingredients

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