This October marks National Pizza Month, a designation that apparently requires an entire month to properly celebrate its doughy, cheesy existence. To mark the occasion, DoorDash recently unveiled its 2026 Top Pizza Spots list, highlighting independent pizzerias across the country that are making an impact with delivery customers.
Out of thousands of hopefuls nationwide, eight California pizzerias earned a coveted spot on the list. The criteria for inclusion were specific: fewer than ten locations, at least 1,000 customer reviews, and consistent stellar ratings collected between September 2025 and September 2026. It’s a measure of popularity and quality in the digital age of doorstep delivery.
While Los Angeles is often touted for its "hot" and diverse pizza scene, a notable omission from this year's list was any L.A.-based establishment. Instead, the Bay Area and Central California largely swept the board, suggesting that when it comes to consistently excellent delivery, Northern California holds the current advantage, according to DoorDash's data.
San Francisco, for instance, contributed three pizzerias to the statewide roster. Golden Boy Pizza, known for its focaccia slices, secured a spot alongside Little Star Pizza, which caters to deep-dish enthusiasts. Outta Sight also made the cut, lauded for its classic, thin-crust perfection, rounding out the city’s presence on the list.
Just across the bay, Oakland nearly added another contender, with Zachary's Chicago Pizza receiving an honorable mention for its deep-dish pies. Down in Campbell, two pizzerias, Blue Line Pizza and Luigi's Pizza & Pasta, were recognized for capturing local diners' loyalty. Meanwhile, San Jose’s A Slice of New York Pizza was noted for bringing East Coast-style pizzas to Silicon Valley. Rounding out California’s champions was Mike's Pizza Of Sonora, representing Central California.
Ruth Isenstadt, who heads U.S. Restaurants at DoorDash, spoke to the local appeal of pizza. “What I love about pizza is how local it is. Every neighborhood has a spot people are fiercely loyal to,” Isenstadt said. She added that the list aims to celebrate the restaurants that maintain that loyalty through consistent quality and the dedication of the people behind them.
Beyond the rankings, DoorDash also offered a peek into current pizza trends. Despite ongoing debates, pineapple has proven to be a surprisingly popular topping, actually outranking olives and bacon in orders. Pepperoni, as expected, maintained its status as the most ordered topping. Meanwhile, white pizza and caramelized onions are reportedly experiencing a rapid surge in popularity, and authentic New York-style pies are seeing orders "skyrocketing nationwide."
For Southern California residents, it appears the quest for top-tier pizza delivery, at least as recognized by DoorDash’s latest ranking, might involve a drive up the coast. However, the diverse and continually evolving pizza landscape across the entire state means there's always something new, or a classic favorite, to try on the menu.
