It's hard to argue with Zachary's Chicago Pizza's 150 "Best Pizza" awards. Perhaps it's the unique stuffed pizza form factor, or the mildly spicy pizza sauce that makes this pizza place so popular? Whatever the reason, Zachary's has been a favorite amongst it's clientele since the 1980's and will remain that way, as it continues to please its fans, now even offering gluten-free pizza, and a take and bake option for those wanting to serve fresh and piping hot pizza in their homes. However, If you do come inside, you'll get to admire the many unique pieces of customer-submitted art - winners from Zachary's biennial art contests.
This storefront ranks among the great cheesemongers in the United States. It is a fairly large space, but not a square inch of it is wasted in piling up the copious selection of sage derbys, gruyeres, gjetosts, cambozolas, manchegos and more. The latest arrivals are noted up on a big blackboard, and the staff is knowledgeable to the point of didacticism. It offers many other specialty foods, too, and has its own bakery. The Cheese Board Pizzeria is a Bay Area favorite for its daily changing artisan pizza specials.
Jupiter
This hip little restaurant and brewpub has taken post-modernism to the extreme by adopting an original, if not heretical, approach to its décor. Inside you will find pews, fixtures, and other bits and pieces from a local Berkeley church. But sit back, relax, and enjoy one of its three dozen beers on tap, and nibble on gourmet sandwiches like roast chicken, and mozzarella and basil, as well as freshly baked pizzas. Local bands are featured on Thursday through Saturday nights.
Pizza, and ... more pizza
Gioia Pizzeria fans flock to this Northbrae pizzeria for their careful attention to the balance of pizza crust, sauce and cheese. In addition to offering many unique gourmet toppings on their pizzas, they also serve salad, lemonade, sarsaparilla soda and cannoli. Seating is limited, but since people generally devour their pizzas in a matter of minutes, chair turnover is actually rather quick. There is only street parking in this quaint food-loving North Berkeley neighborhood, so consider browsing the nearby markets while you're there to make the most of your parking spot.
Chef Laura’s menu is inspired by and named for the influential people in her life – with a variety of styles using traditional methods that blend effortlessly with Laura’s warm, welcoming hospitality. Tucked into a vibrant art deco building on the bustling Shattuck Square, Pizzeria da Laura is a love letter to the pizza community. The classic pizzeria reimagined had elevated the humble pie with perfectly mixed classic cocktails, a killer women-led wine list and inventive pasta dishes that are house-made with love. At Pizzeria da Laura it’s all about the pan-style pizza. Laura showcases her mastery of dough fermentation through multiple pizza styles ranging from New York to Sicilian, Detroit to Grandma style. Unlike your average pizzeria, guests choose their topping combination paired with one of Laura’s signature pizza styles!
