Remember those topics your father warned you about. You know, things to never discuss on the job? No, I’m not talking about politics or religion. I’m talking about pizza. Whoever you ask, you are sure to hear many opinions. Whether it’s Neapolitan, New York or Chicago style, everyone is a critic. Deep dish pizza is pizza, by the way, and is the best. Yes, I’m from Chicago so don’t go calling me to debate that deep dish is not pizza or that somehow NYC style is best. I’ve represented you all below. Enjoy and try not to get hungry!
Terra Mia Pizzaria: 24731 Alicia Parkway Ste E, Laguna Hills
Amazing NYC pizza and wonderful service! Known for their variety of pizza menu options, try
their garlic knots, Stromboli, and calzone too! The crust of their pizza is what makes them a top pick: very thin, light, and crispy. Best eaten hot, it's not as good cold or reheated. 2-3 slices is a filling meal, and a large one will feed 3-4 people making it a great value for families. Made to order and ready as promised in 15 minutes. Check out the house and deluxe pies, both worth ordering again. Why do we love it? They have great coupons if you “check-in” on Yelp and offer half-off the second pizza Mon-Wed! They also have an email and text program. If you give them your phone number or email, they will send you all their coupon deals for the week. If you are in the Laguna Hills area, this is your spot! Don’t forget to take one of their delicious desserts to go!
Square One Pizza Café: 5789 Alton Pkwy, Irvine
Named by the OC Register as Best Pizza in OC, Square One lives up to the hype. When you walk into any restaurant and the place is packed, you know it’s going to be good. Square One was busy but didn’t feel crowded at all. The décor is trendier/more upscale than most pizza joints, so you know there is something special here in addition to the shape of the pizza. The pizza, as suggested in the name, is in a square delicious shape making eating it super easy. In between the dine-in pizza lovers or the carry-out customers they still manage to give you a really great service. Sports watching can be done at the bar and it seems to be a popular hang out to catch a game, pizza, and some beer. The service is pretty quick and they are very efficient, and the selection is so large that it's only up to you to pick your favorite pizza, ingredients, and flavors. They also have salads and other options if you want to stay on the light side, so there is something for everyone. Good selection of beers on tap and glasses of wine at the bar. Parking is easy in this plaza, for either lunch or dinner. Why we love it? The outdoor patios are dog-friendly! So bring your 4 legged friends and have some fun.
Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria: 27822 Aliso Creek Rd. Ste C 100, Aliso Viejo
Looking for a place to take the kids that has something for everyone? Tony Pepperoni is the place. Family-owned and run, this location has great seating with dining tables, raised seating, and a large bar with great beer on tap including microbrews and wine. If you feel like catching a game, the TVs are everywhere, all 20 of them and great quality. You can sit outside at the private outdoor patio, play pool on either of the two pool tables and there are a few arcade games for the kids. Good pizza with friendly fast service keeps everyone pleased. The sauce has good flavor and balances with other ingredients. The kids like the "Cheesy Bread" which is their pie crust with garlic, parmesan, and of course cheese. Basically, a cheese pizza without the sauce. Marinara dipping sauce on the side makes this appetizer tear apart yumminess. Why we love it? Super community-oriented, family-friendly, the owner supports all the local youth sports teams and donates time and pizza to the cause!
Tony’s Little Italy Pizza: 1808 N. Placentia Unit B, Placentia
The winner for best Chicago-style pizza goes to Tony’s Little Italy in Placentia. Since 1978, Tony’s has been winning awards for their pizza. Added bonus, if you are a Chicago Sports fan you will love the decorations in the restaurant highlighting Chicago’s fav sports teams and memorabilia. Tip #1 order ahead! The deep-dish style pizza takes 45-60 minutes to cook and feels like it weighs about 5lbs, but I promise you, it’s worth the wait. You’ll need a spatula to take out a slice! Ask for thick crust stuffed pizza, figure 1-2 pieces per person. Tasty sauce, stringy cheese, and amazing crust like you’ve never had are just some of what you can expect. Tony and his family all work there. Seating is limited but keeps the place cozy. They also deliver within a 5-mile radius. Check out Tony’s, it is worth the drive to Placentia. Why we love it? If you have to ask why then you didn’t read where I am from! Nothing is better than Chicago Pizza. Nothing.
Cortina’s Italian Market: 2175 W Orange Ave, Anaheim
This restaurant has been here since the 1960s. There's a deli/market on the other side dedicated to everything Italian... they serve all kinds of meats, cheeses, pasta salads, wine, and desserts. The other side is their dining/ restaurant area where they serve some of the best homemade Italian dishes and PIZZA to die for. The interior is really nice with a high-end sports bar and grill theme. East coasters swear this is the best NYC pizza in North OC. The crust has the right consistency of crunchiness and fullness. The cheese is always melted to perfection where the cheese Is stringy but doesn't slide off the slice. The service is good; the workers there are always nice! From one foodie to another, this place is a must! You will most likely become a regular like myself! Bonus~ Fresh Cannoli’s from the attached bakery make the perfect take-home dessert. Why we love it? Authenticity. Heck, it’s Gwen Stefani’s “go to” place so that’s enough for us! https://cortinasitalianfood.com/anaheim
You don’t need to travel to NYC or even Chicago to find a great selection of pizza varieties right here in Orange County. Whether you opt for a whole pizza or just a slice, I challenge you to visit one of these pizza restaurants soon. You just need to jump in the car and head out hungry. Buon Appetito!
