Pizza's one of my all-time favorite foods. Ok, maybe I don't have a "totally saucesome" tattoo -- but that magical combo of dough, cheese and sauce quickly puts me in a state of gustatory euphoria. Here's five East Bay-based spots that I head to when I'm craving a solid slice of pizza. And let me know in the comments who's on the top of your list; and check out this related post on the best Italian-style pizzas in Berkeley and Oakland.
Whenever my husband and I visit Rotten City Pizza in Emeryville, we're paralyzed by indecision. We spend quite a bit of time salivating over what's ready to eat in their display case before we're finally ready to order. If we're in the mood for something decadent, the pork belly porchetta slice with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and spicy salsa verde fits the bill, although we're partial to their Calabrian slice with housemade Italian sausage, Gaeta olives, chilies, roasted fennel seeds, tomato sauce and a blend of cheeses. I also highly recommend their meatball sub sandwich that's made with slow-roasted beef, pork and veal, drenched with roasted tomato sauce, covered with tons of cheese and piled into an Acme Bread Company Italian roll. Everything's prepared with mostly organic, locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. You can take-out or dine-in -- they have both upstairs and downstairs seating -- and they even deliver to select areas of Emeryville and Oakland.
Rotten City Pizza
6613 Hollis St. [Map]
Emeryville, CA 94608
Ph: (510) 655-2489
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12-10pm
Facebook: Rotten City Pizza
Twitter: @rottencitypizza
Price range: $ (Entrees $10 and under)
Another great outpost for New York-style pizza can be found at Gioia Pizzeria in Berkeley. While their newer second location in San Francisco offers full lunch and dinner service, Gioia's original spot keeps it simple and just slings classic pies. Slices topped with their housemade Sicilian sausage and pecorino cheese or roasted cremini mushrooms with thyme, parsley and garlic oil are wonderful options. Seating's limited as there's only one narrow dining counter inside the small space, so I recommend getting your slice to go.
Gioia Pizzeria
1586 Hopkins St. [Map]
Berkeley, CA 94707
Ph: (510) 528-4692
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 12-7pm
Facebook: Gioia Pizzeria
Twitter: @gioiapizzeria
Price range: $ (Entrees $10 and under)
The Cheese Board Collective is the mother of a venerable cooperative empire that's spread throughout San Francisco and the East Bay (its sister operations run under the name Arizmendi Bakery). They've been serving seasonal, vegetarian white pizzas with a sourdough crust since the late '80s. In lieu of tomato sauce, pizzas are drizzled with flavored oils or housemade pestos. You can find out what's baking in their ovens everyday with their weekly online calendar. Be sure to stop by their cheese shop and bakery for fresh bread, local cheeses and pastries.
The Cheese Board Collective
1512 Shattuck Ave. [Map]
Berkeley, CA 94709
Ph: (510) 549-3183
Hours: Tue-Sat 11:30am-3pm; Tue-Sat 4:30-8pm
Facebook: Cheeseboard
Price range: $ (Entrees $10 and under)
Chef Nick Yapor-Cox, owner of the eponymous Nick's Pizza, worked as a pastry chef in New York City and around the East Bay before opening up his own restaurant in the North Oakland neighborhood where he grew up. Inspired by his stint at Arizmendi, he serves up a similar hand-tossed, sourdough crust made with seasonal, organic and local ingredients. Unlike his vegetarian predecessor, he adds humanely-raised meats to his slices and pies, such as the bacon on his "BGT" slice with heirloom tomatoes and all-natural gorgonzola and mozzarella cheeses. The "Mediterranean" slice with roasted eggplant, red bell peppers, feta, mozzarella and fresh mint is also delicious. Vegan options are available for select pies and slices, and try their assortment of homemade baked goods and desserts, too.
Nick's Pizza
6211 Shattuck Ave. [Map]
Oakland, CA 94609
Ph: (510) 658-3903
Hours: Tue-Thu 8am-9pm; Fri-Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 8am-8pm
Facebook: Facebook.com/EatAtNicksPizza
Twitter: @nickspizza510
Price range: $ (Entrees $10 and under)
Arinell's Berkeley location is a steady favorite of students and locals in search of a cheap, fast and basic slice. While it's not the perfect substitute for a real regular New York slice, it's not too greasy with a thin, crispy crust. Choose between a regular Neapolitan or thick Sicilian styles; assorted toppings are also available.
Arinell Pizza
2119 Shattuck Ave. [Map]
Berkeley, CA 94704
Ph: (510) 841-4035
Hours: Mon 11am-9pm; Tue-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12-9pm
Cash Only
Price range: $ (Entrees $10 and under)