Best Instagram Worthy Wonders Pizza Restaurants in Santa Monica
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Joe's Pizza
Authentic NY pizza technique with California ingredients
Notable Picks
#1
Joe's Pizza
8.7
Award-winning New York-style thin crust recognized by LA Times and Zagat, serving authentic East Coast slices until midnight on weekends. This is where locals go when they want legitimate NY pizza without the cross-country flight.
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
8.4
James Beard Award-winning chefs Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina bring Roman-style pizza with creative seasonal toppings to Santa Monica's Main Street. Rectangular slices feature inventive combinations like pastrami pickle with calabrian chiles or roasted corn esquite with cotija and tajín, plus traditional, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Acorn Squash Pizza, Roasted Corn Esquite, Pepperoni
What Makes it Special: James Beard pedigree meets Roman technique with California seasonal ingredients
#3
Ghisallo
8.3
Ocean Park neighborhood staple serving both New York-style slices by day and Neapolitan-esque whole pies at dinner. Chef Casey Lane works with renowned baker Jyan Horwitz to perfect naturally leavened dough, creating blistered crusts that support creative toppings like nduja sausage with fermented honey.
Must-Try Dishes:
Funghi & Truffle Pizza, Calabrian Sausage, Margherita Slice
What Makes it Special: Dual dough approach offering both NY slices and Neapolitan pies from artisan bakers
8.1
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