A Slice of Valencia: Setting the Scene
That Friday night feeling… and all you want is a delicious pizza? If you’re in Valencia, California, you’re in luck! This vibrant community, nestled within the larger Santa Clarita Valley, boasts a surprising variety of pizza joints, each offering its own unique take on this beloved comfort food. From classic New York-style slices to innovative California creations, Valencia’s pizza scene caters to every palate. This guide is your roadmap to discovering the best pizza places in Valencia CA, ensuring your next pizza craving is fully satisfied. Get ready to explore the doughy depths of Valencia’s pizza paradise!
Valencia, a planned community, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and bustling commercial centers. Families flock to its parks, and professionals appreciate its proximity to Los Angeles. Amidst the shopping centers and entertainment venues, the quest for the perfect pizza never ends. Finding exceptional pizza places in Valencia CA is a common goal, and this guide is designed to make that goal a reality. The options are numerous, ranging from casual family restaurants to more upscale dining experiences, proving that Valencia’s pizza scene has something for everyone. We’re diving in to help you find your next favorite.
Featured Pizza Paradises: Detailed Reviews
Let’s get to the good stuff – the pizza! We’ve carefully selected a few standout pizza places in Valencia CA to highlight, based on their quality, atmosphere, and overall dining experience. Each review will provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision for your next pizza adventure.
Pizza Bella: A Taste of Italy in Valencia
Located on McBean Parkway, Pizza Bella offers a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria. The décor is rustic and charming, with exposed brick walls and checkered tablecloths, making it a perfect spot for a family dinner or a casual date night.
Pizza Bella specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy crust and smoky flavor. Their dough is made fresh daily, using high-quality Italian flour, and their toppings are sourced locally whenever possible. For a real treat, try their Margherita pizza, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple, classic, and utterly delicious. Another popular choice is their Diavola pizza, topped with spicy salami, Calabrian chili peppers, and a generous helping of mozzarella.
Beyond pizza, Pizza Bella also offers a selection of appetizers, including arancini (fried risotto balls) and bruschetta. Their pasta dishes are also worth exploring, especially the carbonara and the lasagna. To complement your meal, they have a curated wine list and a selection of Italian beers.
Expect to spend around twenty dollars per pizza, depending on your chosen toppings. Pizza Bella stands out for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, its cozy atmosphere, and its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. However, it can get quite busy on weekends, so reservations are recommended. Pizza Bella is the ideal spot for those seeking a taste of Italy right here in Valencia.
Slice of Heaven: New York Style Done Right
Tucked away in a strip mall off Valencia Boulevard, Slice of Heaven is a no-frills pizza joint that delivers authentic New York-style pizza. Don’t expect fancy décor or a romantic ambiance; this place is all about the pizza.
Slice of Heaven prides itself on its thin-crust pizza, which is cooked to perfection in a gas-fired oven. The crust is crispy and foldable, just like you’d find in a New York pizzeria. Their sauce is tangy and flavorful, and their cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. The best thing about this place is that they deliver exceptional pizza places in Valencia CA, right to your door.
Their classic pepperoni pizza is a crowd-pleaser, but their specialty pizzas are also worth trying. The “Supreme” is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, while the “Meat Lovers” is a carnivore’s dream, featuring pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon. You can get creative with their toppings for exceptional pizza places in Valencia CA.
Slice of Heaven also offers a selection of appetizers, including garlic knots and mozzarella sticks. They have a variety of soft drinks and beers to quench your thirst. Prices are very reasonable, with a large pizza costing around fifteen dollars. Slice of Heaven’s affordability and its commitment to authentic New York-style pizza make it a local favorite. While the atmosphere is simple, the pizza speaks for itself. It’s perfect for a casual lunch, a quick dinner, or a late-night snack.
California Crustaceans: Seafood Pizza Excellence
Located near the Westfield Valencia Town Center, California Crustaceans sets itself apart with its innovative and upscale approach to pizza. The ambiance is modern and chic, with sleek décor and comfortable seating.
As the name suggests, California Crustaceans specializes in California-style pizza, which features creative toppings and fresh, local ingredients. Their pizzas are cooked in a brick oven, resulting in a crispy crust with a slightly charred edge. One of their most popular pizzas is the “Lobster Pizza,” featuring chunks of succulent lobster meat, creamy garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s decadent and delicious. Their “Fig and Prosciutto Pizza” is another standout, combining sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and tangy goat cheese.
Beyond pizza, California Crustaceans also offers a selection of gourmet salads, appetizers, and entrees. Their wine list is extensive, and they have a full bar serving craft cocktails. Expect to spend around thirty dollars per pizza, as the ingredients are premium. California Crustaceans is known for its upscale atmosphere, its creative pizza toppings, and its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a sophisticated night out.
Brick & Mortar Pizza: A Valencia Staple
Brick & Mortar Pizza, situated in a prime spot on Magic Mountain Parkway, has become a beloved institution in Valencia. The restaurant offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and friendly gatherings. Its name reflects the hearty, dependable approach to pizza they take.
Brick & Mortar’s menu is built around classic American pizza with a focus on quality ingredients. Their dough is prepared fresh every day, and their sauce is a family recipe passed down through generations. One of their most popular pizzas is the “Combination,” a classic mix of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. They also have a build-your-own option, allowing customers to customize their pizza with a wide array of toppings. They believe in serving authentic pizza places in Valencia CA.
In addition to pizza, Brick & Mortar offers a variety of appetizers, including wings, garlic bread, and mozzarella sticks. They also have a selection of salads and sandwiches. The prices are moderate, with large pizzas averaging around twenty dollars. Brick & Mortar Pizza is known for its consistently delicious pizza, its family-friendly atmosphere, and its reasonable prices. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying meal, and their delivery service is reliable and efficient. This is one of the most dependable pizza places in Valencia CA.
Honorable Mentions: More Pizza Places in Valencia CA to Explore
While we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites, Valencia’s pizza scene has much more to offer. Here are a few other pizza places in Valencia CA that are worth checking out:
- Pizza Factory: Known for their lunch specials and large portions.
- Dominos: Reliable pizza chain with good delivery service and quick service.
- Papa John’s: Great to order pizza for large gatherings and family events.
A Quick Pizza Style Guide
For the uninitiated, here’s a brief overview of some popular pizza styles:
- Neapolitan: Characterized by a soft, slightly chewy crust, simple toppings (usually San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil), and a quick bake in a wood-fired oven.
- New York Style: Known for its thin, crispy crust, large slices, and tangy tomato sauce.
- California Style: Features creative toppings, often using fresh, local ingredients, and a lighter, more sophisticated flavor profile.
- Chicago Deep Dish: A thick-crusted pizza baked in a deep pan, with cheese on the bottom and sauce on top.
Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the perfect pizza to satisfy your craving. Pizza places in Valencia CA are abundant.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pizza
Navigating the world of pizza can be overwhelming, but here are a few tips to help you make the best choice:
- Consider your preferences: What kind of crust do you like? What toppings are you craving? Are you in the mood for something classic or adventurous?
- Read online reviews: Check Yelp, Google Reviews, and other online platforms for recent feedback from other customers. Pay attention to comments about the quality of the pizza, the service, and the atmosphere.
- Think about the occasion: Are you looking for a casual lunch spot, a family-friendly restaurant, or a romantic date night destination?
- Check for deals and specials: Many pizza places offer discounts, lunch specials, or other promotions.
The Final Slice: Enjoying Valencia’s Pizza Scene
Valencia offers a diverse and delicious pizza scene, with options to satisfy every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving a classic New York-style slice, an authentic Neapolitan pizza, or a creative California creation, you’re sure to find the perfect pizza in Valencia. So, go ahead, explore the doughy depths of Valencia’s pizza paradise! Pizza places in Valencia CA are eager to serve you. What are you waiting for? Go grab a slice! Share your favorite pizza spot in Valencia in the comments below!
