Readers Share Their 9 Pizza Favorites Now That Skipolini’s Walnut Creek Has Closed

WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Skipolini’s sudden departure set off an inbox flurry of “Where do we go now?” Below are the spots our readers recommended—quoted in their own words—plus a quick primer on where each restaurant is and what it’s known for.

Vinnie’s Pizzeria – Pleasant Hill (Virginia Hills)

Harold: “Try Vinnie’s in Pleasant Hill across from Safeway, Virginia Hills. Pretty close representation of NY.”

A neighborhood slice shop at the Virginia Hills Shopping Center (technically Martinez mailing, Pleasant Hill border) that bakes New-York–style pies and sells them by the slice.

Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria – Walnut Creek

Mike: “I have always enjoyed Rocco’s and went to Skipolini’s only when my daughter’s team was going there.”

Family-run since 1999, Rocco’s anchors the Encina Grande shopping center (2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd.) with live-sports TVs, a full bar and hefty thick-crust pies.

Gusto Mio Focacceria & Pizzeria – Walnut Creek

Rik: “Gusto Mio is great (better than Square Pie Guys).”

A new café at 1441 Locust St. specializing in Roman “pizza al taglio” (rectangular focaccia-style slices) baked throughout the day.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani – Walnut Creek

Rik: “Same with Slice House … Still lots of good players in the pizza game!”

World-champion pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani’s outpost (1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) turns out New York, Detroit, Grandma and Sicilian slices plus local beer on tap.

Pizza My Heart – Walnut Creek

Rik: “Pizza My Heart in person (delivery waters it down too much).”

Santa Cruz–born chain serving California-surf-vibe slices and whole pies from its downtown shop at 1590 Botelho Dr.

Pizza Guys – Multiple East-Bay Locations

Rik: “My son loves Pizza Guys with extra sauce … puts that pizza up there past iSlice and PanCoast.”

Regional delivery chain offering customizable pies; Walnut Creek orders route through its Geary Rd. store.

PanCoast Pizza – Walnut Creek

Thin-crust New-York pies, stromboli and garlic knots at 1558 Newell Ave.; popular for take-out and late-night slices.

LaMorinda Pizza – Moraga

A Moraga fixture (382 Park St.) known for friendly counter service and a 16×20-inch Sicilian pie that feeds a crowd.

Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria – Danville

The Bay Area chain’s nearest branch after Dublin closed sits at 720 Camino Ramon, serving crispy, brick-oven New-York–style pies with vegan and gluten-free options.