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Slice House by Tony Gemignani
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.2
From 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani, this fast-casual spot serves New York, Detroit, Grandma, and Sicilian style pizzas using ancient grain dough. The counter-service format with limited seating makes it ideal for quick late-night slices or whole pies to-go until 11pm on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Deep Dish, New York Cheese Slice, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: World champion pedigree with multiple pizza styles under one roof
Who should go: Pizza purists, late-night snackers, families
When to visit: Late evening for fresh slices without crowds
What to order: Detroit deep dish, any slice by the slice
Insider tip: The Detroit style is the sleeper hit - crispy cheese edges
Logistics & Planning
Parking: South Locust St garage around the corner offers best option, street metered parking on Mt Diablo Blvd limited - grab-and-go format means quick stops work well
Dress code: Ultra casual - this is a counter-service pizza joint, come in whatever you're wearing, no judgment
Noise level: Low to moderate - limited indoor seating, mostly takeout focused, quick conversations work fine
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for slices, 20-25 min for whole pies during peak hours
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typically, slices ready to grab
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese and veggie slice options always available, margherita and specialty vegetable pizzas rotate
Vegan options: No - no vegan cheese option available, all pizzas contain dairy
Gluten-free options: No - no gluten-free crust option, kitchen handles wheat flour exclusively
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for very casual, low-key dates - this is counter service with minimal seating, better suited for grabbing slices after an activity than a sit-down date. If you both want amazing pizza without pretense, it works. For actual date-night dining, look elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken or needed - it's first-come counter service. Limited indoor seating (bar-height table and a few stools), plus some outdoor tables. Most customers grab slices to-go. Don't come expecting a sit-down restaurant experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for kids - casual grab-and-go format, no waiting for service, cheese slices always ready, and kids love watching the pizza action. The quick-service style means antsy kids aren't stuck at a table. Just note limited seating if you want to eat there.
What's the difference between the pizza styles? New York: thin, foldable, classic. Detroit: thick rectangular pan with crispy caramelized cheese edges (the sleeper hit). Grandma: thin square Sicilian-style with fresh tomato. Sicilian: thick, airy, focaccia-like. Each uses Tony's signature ancient grain dough.
Is it actually good or just hype? Legitimately excellent - Tony Gemignani holds 13 world pizza championships including one in Naples. The dough quality separates this from regular pizza shops. The crust has character, the cheese is properly applied, and each style is executed authentically. Worth the reputation.
Best For
Better for: Best pizza quality in Walnut Creek by a wide margin - world champion credentials show in every slice. Unbeatable for late-night cravings until 11pm weekends when everywhere else closes. Best value for quality-to-price in downtown.
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant experience - this is grab-and-go with minimal seating. For pizza in a full-service setting try Telefèric next door, for late-night with atmosphere choose Broderick, for date-worthy dining go anywhere else on this list.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Counter-service slices in NY, Grandma, and Sicilian styles from a decorated pizzaiolo. Fast turns and by-the-slice flexibility make it a reliable downtown quick stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma slice, Pepperoni NY slice, Sicilian tomato pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Multiple classic slice styles executed with pro technique.
Who should go: Slice hounds and downtown errand-runners
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for the freshest pans
What to order: Grandma; pepperoni NY; Sicilian tomato pie
Insider tip: Ask which pies just came out for peak crispness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and Locust can be tight during lunch and dinner peaks, but the adjacent Broadway Plaza garage offers free two-hour parking within a five-minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm. Downtown office crowd occasionally pops in wearing business casual.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with background music and quick counter chatter—easy to converse but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter line; tables turn quickly with steady flow.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait unless a nearby event lets out.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pies like Margherita and veggie Sicilian are fully meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize slices by skipping cheese, though no vegan cheese substitute is offered.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available, but gluten-sensitive diners can enjoy salads or sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual, low-pressure meetups—counter seating and self-serve setup make it informal but friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in. Tables rotate fast, and solo diners or pairs usually find space right away.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families with kids often stop in for quick dinners. Portions are easy to share, and there’s no wait service to slow things down.
Best For
Better for: Fast, authentic NY- and Sicilian-style slices made with artisan technique—ideal when you want serious pizza without a sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service meal, alcohol options, or quieter ambiance for longer conversations.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service slice spot from world-champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani with NY, Grandma, and Sicilian styles. Quick lines and by-the-slice flexibility make it parent-friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Slice, Pepperoni NY Slice, Sicilian Tomato Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Multiple classic slice styles executed with pro technique, fast.
Who should go: Families needing speedy, no-fuss pizza
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for freshest pans
What to order: Grandma slice; pepperoni NY; Sicilian tomato pie
Insider tip: Ask which pies just came out for peak crispness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot behind the building with free 90-minute spots; fills up around dinner rush, but turnover is quick.
Dress code: Totally casual—T-shirts, jerseys, or kids’ uniforms after games all fit right in.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours with music and chatter, but conversation is easy at side tables or outdoors.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for a table; slices move quickly even when lines form.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically—grab-and-go moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas and salads are vegetarian, including Margherita and white pies.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but you can build a veggie pie without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on whole pies, not by the slice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and fun—great for low-key dates or pizza-loving couples, not for candlelight romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up only. Indoor and outdoor tables turn fast; just grab a number or head to the patio if it’s full.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—quick service, booster seats, and slice options make it ideal for families with kids 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more slice-style variety than Melo’s or Benvenuti; great for casual family eats.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, wine service, or an extended sit-down meal—try Montecatini instead.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service slice shop known for New York, Sicilian, and Grandma styles baked with strong fundamentals. Locals stop in for quick slices before or after downtown errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma slice, New Yorker pepperoni slice, Sicilian tomato pie
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Multiple classic slice styles executed with pro technique.
Who should go: Slice hounds and downtown errand runners
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull for fastest service
What to order: Grandma slice; pepperoni slice; Sicilian tomato pie
Insider tip: Ask which pies just came out to catch peak crispness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and nearby public garages; easiest access at the South Locust garage behind Starbucks.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are, from gym clothes to jeans.
Noise level: Moderate—steady foot traffic and music, but conversation still easy.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for fresh slice turnover; seating may fill briefly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—grab-and-go moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Margherita, white pies, and veggie Sicilian options rotate daily.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless slices or tomato pie; no vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on whole pies, not by the slice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it ultra-casual—better for a quick lunch meet-up than a romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken; counter seating and a few small tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—easy for families, high chairs available, and slices come fast for restless kids.
Best For
Better for: Crisper New York–style crusts and faster service than sit-down pizzerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a wine list, table service, or long linger—this is a grab-and-go shop.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Counter-service shop turning out New York, Grandma, Detroit, and Sicilian slices from the Tony Gemignani playbook. Fast lines and consistent bake make it an easy family stop downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Square Slice, Detroit Pepperoni, Sicilian Burrata Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Multi-style pizza executed at volume with reliable bakes.
Who should go: Families who want quick, quality slices
When to visit: Late afternoon before dinner rush
What to order: Grandma slice; Detroit pepperoni; Sicilian burrata
Insider tip: Ask for a reheat on slices for best crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and Locust Street; free garage at the Broadway Plaza garage is a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; shorts and tees are fine.
Noise level: Moderate during rushes—conversational but lively near the counter area.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for slices or box orders; indoor seating can fill fast after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though line builds slightly from 12:15–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian pizzas including Margherita and veggie slice.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but crust and red sauce are dairy-free.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crust available on whole pies (not slices); cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual dates—fun and low-key but not romantic. Better for shared slices before a movie.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service; tables are first-come-first-serve. Turnover is quick even at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love watching the pizza oven and picking slice styles. Booster seats available, though no highchairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable multi-style slices and takeout; ideal when you want high-quality pizza fast.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long sit-down meal with full bar service—try Melo’s or Montecatini instead.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
7.8
Counter-service pies and slices from a world-champion pizzaiolo with New York, Grandma, Detroit, and Sicilian styles. Quick lines, plenty of kid-approved options, and fair prices make it an easy family stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Slice, Detroit Pepperoni, Sicilian Burrata Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Multi-style slices executed at a high level, fast.
Who should go: Families needing speedy, affordable pizza
When to visit: After-school and early evenings for the shortest queues
What to order: Grandma slice; Detroit pepperoni; Sicilian burrata
Insider tip: Mix slice styles—ask staff to reheat for best texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd and Locust St; garage parking available nearby at the Mt. Diablo / Locust structure (first hour free).
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; family and takeout-friendly atmosphere.
Noise level: Lively during meal rushes with background music and chatter; still manageable for family conversations.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for ordering; tables turn quickly even when lines reach the door.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; expect steady foot traffic from nearby offices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pies including Margherita, Grandma, and spinach-artichoke styles.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but several cheeseless red-sauce slices can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Yes—personal 10-inch gluten-free crust available; prepared separately on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a casual, low-key vibe—more grab-and-go energy than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only; first-come, first-served seating indoors and on the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, slices come fast, and the staff is used to families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable pizza that’s actually great—perfect when you don’t want full-service Italian but still care about quality.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down meal with table service, wine pairings, or a quieter ambiance.
Slice House by Tony Gemignani
8.4
Fast-casual shop from 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani turning out NY, Detroit, Grandma, and Sicilian pies by the slice. Late evening counter service makes it a reliable downtown stop after shows and shopping.
Must-Try Dishes:
Detroit Rosa slice, NY Pepperoni (cup & char), Grandma-style pesto slice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Award-winning multi-style slices from Tony Gemignani available late.
Who should go: Slice hunters and post-event grazers
When to visit: After 9 pm for shorter lines and fresh slices
What to order: Detroit Rosa; cup-and-char pepperoni; Grandma slice
Insider tip: Ask which trays are about to pop—fresh bakes hit in late waves.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking available at Broadway Plaza—first 3 hours free, easy access after 8 pm when shops close.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in jeans or streetwear from shopping or the movies.
Noise level: Moderate; lively counter chatter and background music, but you can still hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for hot slices, but longer waits for whole pies during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—walk right up for slices ready to go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several veggie slice options daily, including margherita and seasonal specials.
Vegan options: Limited – usually one vegan slice or whole-pie option; confirm daily availability.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crusts available for whole pies, prepped separately upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a casual meet-up spot than a romantic setting—great if your date loves pizza and conversation over quick bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Counter and small tables turn over quickly, even during weekend rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—families frequent it for quick dinners; plenty of seating and slice options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Best for late-night slice runs or casual groups who want quality pizza without committing to full service.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a slow, sit-down meal or quiet ambiance—energy stays upbeat until close.