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Today's topic: the best pizza in Walnut Creek, California. Whether you’re a local or just swinging through, Walnut Creek has a lot to offer any pizza lover. From the extreme innovations of, well, Extreme Pizza, to the classic comfort of Slice House, the city has built a collection of fantastic joints over the years. I generally try to highlight a range of pizza styles in each “best of” collection, and this is no different — hell, we have a Roman pinsa place (more on that below).
Now, it’s time to get to the good stuff: dough, cheese, and sauce — so let’s get down to business.
Extreme Pizza takes their craft, and their name, quite seriously. Those who haven’t met a pizza chef in a while may think that’s an overstatement, but the men and women at Extreme are no different. They’re self-described “pizza daredevils” who constantly attempt to innovate what we all believe “belongs” on a pizza. While for some, this may remove them from the running of best pizza in Walnut Creek, I disagree — innovation is crucial for advancement, after all.
From mandarin oranges (yes, you read that right — and you thought pineapple was adventurous) to black beans and cilantro on a pie, they constantly strive to step up to the challenge of their name. Extreme Pizza has quickly become a favorite for Walnut Creek locals, and for good reason.
Perhaps more interesting than their menu, though, is the attitude of those who run the joint. Even if you don’t subscribe to the ULTRA-EXTREME trope they’ve built, the simple reality is that Extreme Pizza makes creative and, more importantly, technically sound pies that don’t have to break the bank for a cheesy date night.
Montesacro Pinseria leans into the classic Californian trope of adapting “ancient” recipes for modern times. They offer “pinsa,” also known as the Roman ancestor to modern pizza, in a hip, sexy environment. Their pies (if you can call them that) are unique in many ways, and their wine list is stocked with winners — and thus, they earned a place on this list of the best pizza in Walnut Creek.
Perhaps the most unique part of each pinsa is its dough. A short (72-hour) ferment leads to a dough with more character and a slightly chewier texture that’s simply divine, and their concoctions are anything but ordinary. From a butternut squash and ginger base to caper mayonnaise, there’s a lot of exploring to be done at Montesacro Pinseria.
The combination of unique ingredients, an incredible wine list, and a few cheeky cocktails that break all the right rules has earned Montesacro my choice for date night — though they’re equally suited to a quick bite and drink, too. Ultimately, Montesacro Pinseria is a must-try if you’re in the area.
Slice House is the antithesis of the other joints on this list; rather than sprawling joints with hip menus, Slice House opts for the classic approach — damn good pizza in a quick, casual setting. The work of chef Tony Gemignani, Slice House is yet another entry to his nearly thirty restaurants throughout Northern Cali and Vegas.
Unlike many joints in the area, Slice House opts to create multiple styles of pies. Classic New York pies are the mainstay (of course), but you can get everything from Detroit pan pies to California and Sicilian-style pizzas, should the notion arise. Perhaps their most unique option, though, is the “grandma-style” pizza — a combination of the airy NY-style crust and unique flatbread-like toppings.
Slice House is a must-try for those who want delicious, no-frills pies that can break the rules (as a treat) without getting overwhelming. Each style demands a taste, deservingly, and those who heed the call won’t be disappointed.
I’m a sucker for Sicilian pizza, plain as that. While they do offer more than pizza, including cheesesteaks, wings, and salads, it’s clear where the passion truly lies. Gourmet Sicilian pies are hard to find — even in Walnut Creek — so when I find one, I latch on for dear life. While I can’t force you to heed my advice, I highly recommend checking out PanCoast when possible.
Their crust is the perfect combination of airy, crunchy, and just a little chewy, and the toppings can occasionally break the mold. One standout is the “Best” pie: bacon, spinach, marinara, and over-easy eggs, creating a delicious meeting between classic eggs in purgatory and your favorite breakfast after a night on the town.
In short, give them a try! I promise the payoff is worth it.
Pizza My Heart was an absolutely tiny joint founded in Capitola Beach (I know, I know — technically not Walnut Creek; bear with me here). While their original spot, often said to be about the size of your average Cali bedroom, was damaged by the ‘89 earthquake, they withstood the storm. Now, they’ve expanded to quite a few locations, including our beloved Creek.
They craft classic California-style pies with love, leaving no greasy topping or cheese pull behind, and that’s earned a pizza our hearts (ha!) in the process. Whether you’re coming for a delicious pie or to woo your sweetheart with a heart-shaped pie (yes, they really do this), there’s a little of everything here.
