Best Pizza in the East Bay for Families

Pizza is one of those foods that the whole family can enjoy, and the East Bay has some of the best spots to share a pie with your kids. We asked our {510} Families readers for your favorite pizzerias and rounded up 50+ of the most-loved local joints in the East Bay along with what makes it great for families. From delicious takeout to local-favorite restaurants, here is our Ultimate Guide to the Best Pizza Places in Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond.

Everybody’s got a favorite pizza style, which is why we’ve sliced up this article by Traditional Italian, California, New York, Detroit, and Chicago-style pizzerias to satisfy all your pizza needs. We’ve also added a section for our favorite half-baked options to bring the pizzeria to your home. Buon appetito!

New York-style pizza | Chicago-style pizza | Italian-style pizza | California-style pizza | Detroit-style pizza | Half-baked pizza

This list expands upon our guide to the best restaurants for kids & families in the East Bay– check it out!

Our Traditional Italian Faves

The delicious and unmistakable flavors of classic Neapolitan pizza are hard to find, but the Bay Area is blessed with a couple of incredible spots to enjoy the timeless origins of traditional Italian, wood-fired pizza here in the States. Here are a few of our favorites:

Bare Knuckle Pizza, Oakland

Downtown Oakland’s best wood-fired pizza made from scratch, offering takeout and limited outdoor dining for those warmer evenings. Super easy to order a simple margherita pizza (without the basil) for picky eaters. Also offers some of the best vegan Neapolitan pizza around!
Location: 351 12th St, Oakland
Website >

Benchmark Pizzeria, Kensington

Artisanal Italian pizzas and pasta located in Kensington’s Colusa Circle. The outdoor seating is casual enough for people to bring their dogs, so bringing your kiddos would make a perfect early-evening dinner. Their sage pizza is to die for! -Melissa
Location: 1568 Oak View Ave, Kensington
Website >

Casa Barotti, Berkeley

Located on College Ave in Berkeley, Casa Barotti brings Italian street food to the East Bay with their signature pizza-focaccia hybrid. Seating is pretty limited, so this place makes a great casual lunch with your kids to stop for a quick bite while you explore College Ave.
Location: 3204 College Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Cugini, Berkeley

Lively wood-fired pizzeria located on Berkeley’s Solano Avenue. Offers a great kid’s menu with simple pizzas and pastas perfectly fit for kiddie tastebuds!
Location: 1556 Solano Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Drake’s Dealership, Oakland

This Downtown Oakland favorite offers wood-fired pizzas, excellent beer, and a huge outdoor seating area for your kids to run around in. Good food and kid-friendly environment. -Nyla on Yelp
Location: 2325 Broadway, Oakland
Website >

Lo Coco’s (Berkeley & Oakland)

Located in Berkeley and Oakland, Lo Coco’s offers delicious traditional Italian pizza to enjoy in a bustling restaurant. The Alla Paesana pizza (just sauce & cheese) is great for kids.
Locations: 1400 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 4270 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Berkeley website > | Oakland website >

Lucia’s, Berkeley

Downtown Berkeley’s favorite Italian restaurant for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas in adorable indoor and outdoor dining. The place is kid-friendly and the staff is very nice. -Seann on Yelp
Location: 2016 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Passione Emporio on 5th, Berkeley

Italian osteria in Berkeley serving traditional Italian pizzas and more. Located just a few blocks from Fourth Street, Passione Emporio makes a great spot to share a pizza with your family after some Fourth Street shopping with your kids.
Location: 2324 Fifth St, Berkeley
Website >

Pizzaiolo, Oakland

Wood-fired, organic pizza made from locally-sourced ingredients makes this Temescal pizza joint a local favorite for the perfect Neapolitan pie. The lively setting is kid-friendly and the pizza is simply delicious. Bocce ball, a fountain, and chickens, oh my. -Tiffanie
Location: 5008 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
Website >

Tomatina, Alameda

Tomatina brings a wide selection of Italian food and fresh pizza to multiple locations across the bay, including Alameda and Walnut Creek. The casual setting is super family-friendly and the menu has something for everyone (including an amazing kid’s menu). And the best part? Kids eat for FREE on Thursdays after 4 pm!
Locations: 1338 Park St, Alameda | 1325 N Main St, Walnut Creek
Website >

 

California-style Pizza We’re Crazy About

The East Bay is lucky to be located within a huge gourmet pizza hub revolutionizing the pizza game with innovative recipes, creative toppings, and buzzing restaurants. Many of these spots are local favorites and get pretty busy– check them out and grab a slice:

🍕🏆 Our {510} Delivery Favorite: La Val’s Pizza (Albany, Berkeley, Alameda)

East Bay classic pizza chain with locations in Albany, Berkeley, and Alameda. The laid-back setting, arcade games, and extensive menu make La Val’s a great spot to bring kids. An additional shout-out to the hands-down best delivery ordering website we have EVER seen. Want extra sauce, light on the olives on half your pie? Multiple sizes for different appetites? Pizza delivered hot and crispy? NO PROBLEM.
Locations: 751 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 1834 Euclid Ave, Berkeley | 891 Island Dr Suite E, Alameda
Albany website > | Berkeley website > | Alameda website >

Arizmendi Bakery (Oakland & Emeryville)

This pizza and bakery worker-owned cooperative in Oakland and Emeryville serves gourmet vegetarian pizzas on a rotating schedule. The pizza menu changes daily, so check ahead of time to see if it’s for you. Also offers half-baked pizzas.
Locations: 3265 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland | 4301 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville
Oakland website > | Emeryville website >

Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack, Oakland

Pizza, wings, small bites, and great beer on tap for the adults at this outdoor enclosed patio-style beer garden and pizzeria in North Oakland. Kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and even arcade machines to keep the young ones busy. Hands down our favorite place to bring our kid! -Brian on Yelp
Location: 4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland
Website >

California Pizza Kitchen, Emeryville

Pizza chain with locations in Emeryville and Walnut Creek offering infinitely-customizable pizza combos to satisfy the whole family’s tastes. The Bay Street location makes the perfect spot for pizza and a movie at AMC with the kids.
Locations: 5614 Bay St, Emeryville | 1325 S Main St, Walnut Creek
Website >

Cheeseboard, Berkeley

The Cheese Board Collective is a worker-owned co-op in North Berkeley known for their gourmet vegetarian pizza-of-the-day that has locals lining up around the block for a slice. Pizza menu is on a schedule that changes daily, so be sure to check what’s being served in advance. Also offers half-baked pies! Make a day of it by exploring North Shattuck with the family.
Location: 1512 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Dimond Slice Pizza, Oakland

This Oakland favorite specializes in tasty and inventive flavor combos served pizza-of-the-day style with a unique, vegetarian gourmet pizza served daily– check the website to see what’s being served. Also offers great vegan options. Go-to delicious pizza! I love how they always have a plain cheese option for the kids! -Heather on Yelp
Location: 2208 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Website >

Forge Pizza, Oakland

The Forge in Jack London Square offers specialty wood-fired pizzas and tons of other tasty bites (including drinks on tap for the parents) in their lively indoor and patio dining spaces. Enjoy fire pits, a view of the docks, and family-friendly happy hour, and perhaps even treat your kids to a soft-serve sundae for dessert…
Location: 66 Franklin St Suite 100, Oakland
Website >

Jupiter, Berkeley

Located in Downtown Berkeley, Jupiter is set with California-style wood-fired pizza, handcrafted beer for the grown-ups, and an adorable patio setting that is perfect for families in the early evening. They’re very accommodating with children and there’s more room for strollers, etc. than other restaurants. -Sheila on Yelp
Location: 2181 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Leaning Tower Pizza, Oakland

Pizzeria in Oakland serving specialty takeout pies. There is a lot to do around the Grand Lake neighborhood. It’s nice to grab a box of pizza and walk over to Lake Merritt for a picnic. -Hannah
Location: 498 Wesley Ave, Oakland
Website >

Mission Pizza & Pub, Fremont

Indoor & outdoor dining at this lively Fremont pizzeria with live music, arcade games, and a large selection of beer on tap for the grown-ups. Offers gluten-free pizza. Ingredients are fresh and the atmosphere is great for kids and parties. -David on Yelp
Location: 1572 Washington Blvd, Fremont
Website >

Namaste Pizza (Oakland & Fremont)

Specialty fusion pizzas at this casual joint in Oakland and Fremont. Offer plenty of vegan and gluten-free options along with their huge variety of inventive pizzas. The kids tend to stick with cheese but our favorites are mango monsoon (medium spicy) and tandoor-ilicious paneer (mild-er). -Dhira
Locations: 5942 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 40986 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Website >

Nick’s Pizza, Oakland

This Oakland favorite serves delicious California-style pizza on sourdough bread. The laid-back atmosphere and adorable outdoor seating make the perfect setting for a casual family lunch.
Location: 6400 Shattuck Ave, Oakland
Website >

Philomena, Oakland

Pizzeria gem in East Oakland serving specialty pies– and don’t forget about the beignets! Very family friendly, kids love their cheese pizza. -Ben on Yelp
Location: 1801 14th Ave, Oakland
Website >

Red Boy Pizza, Oakland

Oakland classic serving California-style pies in a super family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. Their signature sourdough crust is vegan and their pizzas have been loved by the East Bay since 1969.
Locations: 4100 Redwood Rd #15, Oakland | 1500 Leimert Blvd, Oakland
Website >

Rubiano’s, San Leandro

San Leandro pizzeria that also serves chicken wings? Yes, please! Plus the kid’s menu comes with a free scoop of ice cream. Come for the fantastic marinara spaghetti and meatballs and the great meal deal for kids. -Tim on Yelp
Location: 600 Dutton Ave Unit C, San Leandro
Website >

Shaker’s Pizza, Fremont

Local neighborhood pizzeria serving affordable pizzas to Fremont for decades. The restaurant is super family-friendly with arcade games, outdoor patio seating, and ice cream. The perfect place for kids’ birthdays and after-sports events. -Jay on Yelp
Location: 4075 Thornton Ave, Fremont
Website >

Slice House (San Leandro & Walnut Creek)

Bay Area chain serving a wide variety of pizza to San Leandro and Walnut Creek, plus indoor and outdoor seating, large portions, and beer on tap for the parents. I highly suggest visiting or taking out if you’re too lazy to make lunch or dinner. The whole family will be fed and HAPPY! BIG PORTIONS, DELICIOUS FOOD. What else could you ask for? -Nathaniel on Yelp
Locations: 135 Parrott St, San Leandro | 1500 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek
San Leandro website > | Walnut Creek website >

Sliver Pizzeria (Berkeley & Oakland)

Sliver offers unique, delicious vegetarian pizza-of-the-days at their three locations in Downtown Berkeley and Oakland. Follows a weekly pizza menu where different pizzas are served each day, so check their website to find where your favorite is being served. The indoor and outdoor dining is casual and kid-friendly. Super yummy pizza and a wide variety of changing flavors. -Ella
Locations: 2174 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 2468 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley | 5132 Broadway Ave, Oakland
Website >

 

Best New York-style Pizza in the East Bay

Despite being on the West Coast, the Bay Area has a number of great New York-style pizzerias to grab an authentic slice (or, as close to it as you can get here in California of course!). Here are the East Bay’s favorite New York-style pizza joints:

🍕🏆 Our {510} Favorite: Gioia Pizzeria, Berkeley

Hole-in-the-wall NY-style pizzeria in North Berkeley loved by locals for its fresh, giant slices with tons of flavor. The limited indoor and outdoor seating makes this spot perfect for a casual lunch or take-out to eat at the King Middle School playground up the street. Online order is limited and frustrating. My family lives on this stuff! -Whitney
Location: 1586 Hopkins St, Berkeley
Website >

Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria, Oakland

Amici’s brings delicious NY-style pizza to the East Bay with two locations in Oakland. Not only is it very convenient, but it can really feed a family of four! -Maureen on Yelp
Locations: 5333 Adeline St, Oakland | 2353 E 12th St Oakland
Website >

Arinell Pizza, Berkeley

Located in Downtown Berkeley, Arinell’s specializes in the classic New York-style flavors in a casual joint perfect for a quick lunch with your kids. Also has vegan options! If you’re grabbing a slice for takeout, don’t forget the napkins otherwise you’ll be dealing with greasy kid fingers for days.
Location: 2119 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza (Oakland & Berkeley)

East Coast hole-in-the-wall pizza chain bringing unique NY-style flavors to two locations in the East Bay– Oakland and Berkeley. I would definitely recommend trying the artichoke pizza because it’s their signature! -Nichole on Yelp
Locations: 4799 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 2590 Durant Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Bluebird Pizza, San Leandro

Esteemed by many as the most authentic New York-style pizza in the Bay Area, this San Leandro pizzeria features delicious NY pies & slices, a kids zone with games, and even cannoli to finish off your meal with a sweet treat. Run by a New Jersey native, great crust, and great toppings. -Clarissa
Location: 496 East 14th St, San Leandro
Website >

Bobby G’s Pizzeria, Berkeley

Super fresh pizza, local craft beer for the grown-ups, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere at this NY-style pizzeria in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. The best place to have a panino and watch baseball on TV with your kid! -Lisa on Yelp
Location: 2072 University Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Graffiti Pizza, Oakland

This Oakland pizzeria is adored by the {510} for its delicious NY-style slices, patio-style outdoor seating, and lively, artsy atmosphere. Whether you get their pizza by the slice or a whole pizza, you can’t go wrong. -Ashley on Yelp
Location: 719 Washington St, Oakland
Website >

iSlice (Albany & Concord)

Reasonably priced, fast, and delicious pies and slices at this New York-style local pizza chain with locations in Albany, Concord, and more. Grab a slice while exploring Solano Ave with the kids!
Locations: 1230 Solano Ave, Albany | 1924 Grant St Suite 1, Concord | 1 Sunvalley Mall FC101, Concord
Website >

Marina Pizza Parlor, San Leandro

Family-owned San Leandro pizza joint offers affordable American Italian pies and so much more in a great casual spot to eat with your family.
Location: 2004 Lewelling Blvd, San Leandro
Website >

Raymond’s Pizzeria, Richmond

Raymond’s brings delicious NY slices to Point Richmond. A great casual joint for a laid-back lunch with the family. Raymond’s is a one-minute walk from this block of sweet fairy houses. I have nothing to say about the pizza itself other than, “more please!” -Ernesto on Yelp
Location: 130 Railroad Ave, Richmond
Website >

Rotten City Pizza, Emeryville

Emeryville’s best New York pizza– plus adorable outdoor patio dining that’s perfect for families. Grab a slice and explore Emeryville.
Location: 6613 Hollis St, Emeryville
Website >

Spinning Dough, Oakland

New York-style pizza with California twists at this Oakland pizza joint. Patio seating, a large draft beer selection for the parents, and cornhole to keep the kids entertained. Perfect for family night or date night. -Micah on Yelp
Location: 2935 Market St, Oakland
Website >

 

The East Bay’s Favorite Detroit-style Pizza

Detroit-style pizza is a bit harder to find in the Bay, but a few pizzerias specializing in those delicious square slices are rising in popularity all over the {510}. If rectangular pizza is your jam, here’s where you can get Detriot-style pizza in the East Bay:

🍕🏆 Our {510} Favorite: Square Pie Guys, Oakland

Laid-back Detroit-style pizzeria in Oakland offering some of the best square pizza around. The outdoor dining makes it perfect for rowdy kiddos. Square Guys pizza is my new go-to spot even though I never liked thicker pizzas before this, I was always a thin slice girl. But Square Guys is legit amazing. -Hannah
Location: 499 Dr Huey P Newton Wy, Oakland
Website >

8Mile Pi Detroit Style Pizza, Oakland

Pizza squares– both Detroit-style and Sicilian-style– available for takeout and delivery at two locations in Oakland. Makes a great quick-and-easy lunch to grab while exploring Oakland with your kids.
Locations: 5333 Adeline St, Oakland | 2353 E 12th St, Oakland
Website >

Carbona Pizza, Oakland

Detroit-style takeout and delivery in Oakland. Located near a ton of other awesome restaurants, so there’s something for the whole family! Grab takeout and have a picnic at Dimond Park. Our newest obsession is Carbona. -Karen
Location: 2042 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Website >

Hesher’s Pizza, Oakland

Local-favorite casual pizza joint serving Detroit and Sicilian-style pies to Downtown Oakland near Jack London Square. Has amazing gluten-free and vegan options.
Location: 206 Broadway, Oakland
Website >

 

Chicago-style Pizza Loved by {510} Locals

You can’t go wrong with a good deep dish, and many of our readers agree! Whether it’s the thick crust or top-down toppings that make you love Chicago-style, we’ve rounded up our favorite East Bay spots to dig into a delicious deep dish pie:

Little Star Pizza, Albany

Located in a bustling part of Solano Ave in Albany, Little Star offers both thin crust & deep dish pizza for the whole family and a huge variety of cocktails & beer for the parents. This lively joint is a super popular spot for families. Definitely my kids’ first pick. -Holly
Location: 1181 Solano Ave, Albany
Website >

Patxi’s Pizza, Lafayette

Chicago-style pizza chain with a few locations throughout the East Bay, including a local-favorite family-friendly restaurant in Lafayette. Offers an amazing gluten-free pizza. Our kids really like their deep-dish pizza. -Lisa on Yelp
Location: 3577 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Website >

The Star on Grand, Oakland

Located in Oakland near the Grand Lake Theater, The Star is a lively pizzeria absolutely adored by locals that serves some of the best Chicago-style pizza around. Share a deep dish with your family and follow up your full tummies with a family-friendly movie at the Grand Lake. Check out our guide to pizza & a movie for more ideas >>
Location: 3425 Grand Ave, Oakland
Website >

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

Well-loved local Chicago-style pizza chain offering both deep dish and thin crust pizza to the East Bay– including multiple locations in Oakland and Berkeley that are super kid-friendly. Also offers vegan, gluten-free, and half-baked options.
Locations: 1853 Solano Ave, Berkeley | 5801 College Ave, Oakland | 3917 Grand Ave, Oakland
Website >

 

Where to Get Half-Baked Pizza in the East Bay

Going out to eat with a bunch of rambunctious kiddos is just about as easy as it sounds, so sometimes it’s better to have the pizza night at home. Luckily, many Easy Bay pizzerias have got you covered with delicious half-baked pizzas to finish cooking in your own oven. Here’s our list of local favorites that provide half-baked pizzas to enjoy with your family in the comfort of your own home:

Arizmendi Bakery (Oakland & Emeryville)

Local worker-owned cooperative chain also offers half-bakes of their gourmet, vegetarian pizza-of-the-day to enjoy at home. Pizza menu changes daily, so check ahead of time to see if it’s for you. Just get the whole pie of the day. It’s worth it! -Deb on Yelp
Locations: 3265 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland | 4301 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville
Oakland website > | Emeryville website >

Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack, Oakland

This family-friendly beer garden and pizzeria also offers half-baked pies you can pick up on location to enjoy at home on nights that are too chilly for the patio-style restaurant.
Location: 4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland
Website >

Bobby G’s Pizzeria, Berkeley

Berkeley’s classic sports-bar style pizzeria offers half-bakes to take home if you’re looking for a quieter dinner at home with the same delicious New York-style slices.
Location: 2072 University Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Cheeseboard, Berkeley

Wanna skip the line at Cheeseboard? Enjoy their delicious gourmet vegetarian pizzas at home by picking up a half-baked sold in their bakery next door. The pizza menu is on a schedule that changes daily, so be sure to check what’s being served in advance. I’ll often stop by for pizza earlier in the day and heat it up at home for dinner. -Sally
Location: 1504 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
Website >

Nabolom Bakery & Pizzeria, Berkeley

Takeout-only bakery and pizzeria offering half-baked whole or half pizzas to finish cooking at home. Makes a delicious at-home family dinner with unique, California flavors. Have fun in Elmwood with your kids. A great neighborhood spot for the Elmwood. -Benito on Yelp
Location: 2708 Russell St, Berkeley
Website >

Pizza Matador

Delicious, freshly-baked (well, half-baked) pizzas delivered to your doorstep for the perfect at-home pizza dinner that you finish cooking at home. Delivers to most of the Bay Area. Love this place. So convenient to order pizza and schedule for delivery later in the day. -Armina on Yelp
Location: Delivery to the East Bay (see website for details)
Website >

Pollara Pizzeria, Berkeley

Since the pandemic, Fourth Street’s Pollara has switched entirely to the half-baked game and offers a delicious array of takeout half-baked Roman-style pizzas to finish cooking at home. Watch trains and have fun on Fourth Street before you come home to heat up dinner. We love the Family Dinners for a quick and easy weeknight meal. -Carol
Location: 1788 Fourth St, Berkeley
Website >

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza (Oakland, Berkeley, San Ramon)

Craving deep dish? Zachary’s has got you covered with a half-baked option for all their Chicago-style pies that East Bay locals love, including vegan and gluten-free pizzas. My family’s favorite deep-dish place offers half-baked pizzas to cut short the waiting game. I set my oven to 450 before I leave the house to get it. -Heather
Locations: 1853 Solano Ave, Berkeley | 5801 College Ave, Oakland | 3917 Grand Ave, Oakland
Website >

Don’t see your favorite pizza place? Tell us about your family-favorite pizzerias in the comments!