I grew up on the East Coast, where pizza was practically a local religion. For years, it was almost impossible to find good pizza here in the Bay Area.
In Walnut Creek, however, things have changed dramatically over the past few years. The town is in the midst of a bona fide pizza renaissance.
The NY Pizza That Started It All
Walnut Creek’s rise to pizza legend status began with the launch of Slice House on Mount Diablo Blvd.
Located in a beautifully restored brick building, Slice House is the brainchild of Tony Gemignani. Even The New York Times acknowledges that he’s one of the best pizza makers in the United States.
Slice House serves the best New York-style pizza I’ve found in the Bay Area. The slices are gigantic, they’re greasy in just the right way, and the crust has a beautiful glutenous stretch that reminds me of pizza back on the East Coast.
Yes, a full-size pie at Slice House will run you over $30. But it’s large enough to feed about five or six people, so it’s worth it.
The Pizza Classic (With a Twist)
Of course, there were pizza places in Walnut Creek long before Tony came along.
One classic example is Skipolini’s. This extremely family-friendly pizza place is tucked into an alleyway beside the Honda dealership in downtown.
Skipolini’s has a massive indoor space, making it easy to bring a big group. Your kids can watch the pizza makers sling dough while they wait.
There’s also a lovely interior courtyard with an aging but still fun arcade and play area—perfect for keeping kids entertained while you wait for your pie to arrive.
What really sets Skipolini’s apart, though, is its local legend: the Prego Pizza. Rumor has it that this pizza instantly sends pregnant people into labor!
Over the decades, Skipolini’s has claimed credit for hundreds of babies as a result of their famous Prego Pizza. Of course, you can enjoy it even if you’re not pregnant.
A New Take on Pizza
This is California, so the area wouldn’t be complete without a new and creative take on the classic.
Gusto Mio recently opened near the leisure center. It’s both a focacceria and a pizzeria, which means its pizzas are based on focaccia bread.
We haven’t tried it yet, but the innovation and concept are intriguing.
The Future Star
We recently confirmed that Square Pie Guys are bringing their signature Detroit-style deep-dish pizza to Walnut Creek.
The new store will be located near the Renaissance Inn.
No word yet on an opening date, but we do have official confirmation that Square Pie Guys is on the way.
A Short Drive Away
These are some of the best and most interesting pizza places right in Walnut Creek. But if you’re willing to drive one town over, there are even more legendary options.
In nearby Pleasant Hill, you’ll find Zachary’s, the best Chicago-style pizza in the Bay Area (and possibly west of the Rockies). Zachary’s is a local icon. The restaurant is decorated with posters made by customers and offers a simple menu of both deep-dish and thin-crust pizza.
The deep-dish pizza is classic Chicago-style: tons of dough on the bottom, cheese first, and then a thick layer of tomato sauce and toppings on top.
Be prepared to wait, though—a full deep-dish pizza at Zachary’s takes about 45 minutes to cook. You can call ahead and order in advance.
What’s your favorite WC pizza point? Post the answer on Facebook, and tag us (@bayareatelegraph) and the friend you’d most like to take out for pizza!
Over in Lafayette, you’ll find Sliver. Started by an alum of Berkeley’s iconic Cheeseboard Pizza, it serves pies in a similar style: one featured pizza each day, a handful of veggie-forward options, and plenty of their signature spicy green sauce.
Sliver’s flavors can be a bit intense for kids, but it’s perfect for a grown-up gathering—perhaps with a nice bottle of Pinot Noir on the side.
A Broader Culinary Trend
Walnut Creek’s pizza renaissance is part of a broader trend of fantastic regional cuisines making their way to the Bay Area.
Much like pizza, the Bay Area had no good bagels until Boichik revolutionized the local bagel game. Now, multiple spots offer delicious and authentic bagels across the region.
Want to know more about amazing pizza and other foods in the 925? Join our free newsletter to stay in the loop—and to get updates when Square Pie Guys announces their opening date!
What about Melo’s pizza…..Pleasant Hill, Danville, Walnut Creek……
So sick of hearing NY pizza is this or that. Tge Bay amaretto dies and has always had excellent pizza to rival anything on the East Coast. Enough already!
Are you from the east coast?
I am from Jersey 40 years ago and struggled with California pizza for 20+ years. Some very good oizza in San Francisco and Berkeley. Love Tony’s. One good addition, Pan Coast pn South Main, they do it right, feels like a place you would find in a Jersey neighborhood.
Great tip, we will have to try it!