🍕 Santa Barbara Pizza: 8(ish) Spots Worth the Crust
Santa Barbara isn’t just sunshine, surf, and wine—it’s also got pizzazz. And pizza. You might be surprised, but SB’s pizza scene is strong. From sourdough-fired pies to nostalgic counter slices, there’s a crust for every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale Italian or no-frills classics, here’s our bite-by-bite guide to the best pizza in Santa Barbara.
🔥 Lucky Penny
Neighborhood: Funk Zone
Vibe: Window counter + artsy patio hangout
Try This: East Coast Pepperoni or Margherita. See the full menu here.
With copper pennies lining the outside and a backyard strung with lights, Lucky Penny is equal parts charm and flavor. Their wood-fired pizzas are bomb—I don’t even like pepperoni, but the East Coast Pepperoni? Chef’s kiss. Bonus points for the dangerously good frosé.
🌾 Bettina
Neighborhood: Montecito Country Mart + new in Carpinteria
Vibe: Chic, rustic, slightly bougie
Try This: Maitake Trumpet or classic Margherita
Bettina is where naturally leavened sourdough meets farm-fresh toppings and an A+ wine list. It’s elegant but unfussy—perfect for outdoor people-watching and pairing pizza with pét-nat. The specials rotate with the seasons, so you’ve always got an excuse to go back.
🇮🇹 L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Neighborhood: State Street
Vibe: Classic Neapolitan, globally known
Try This: Margherita or Marinara (plus a limoncello)
Made famous by Eat Pray Love and flown in from Naples, this pizzeria is pizza royalty. Expect thin, pillowy dough, blistered crust, and simple-but-perfect toppings. Loud, lively, and full of carbs and joy—just how we like it.
🧀 Rusty’s Pizza Parlor
Locations: State Street, Milpas, Cabrillo—and even Bakersfield
Vibe: Local legend, family favorite
Try This: Veggie with jalapeño and pineapple
A Santa Barbara classic. Rusty’s has been fueling birthday parties, post-surf cravings, and soccer teams since forever. Pro tip: Get the heart-shaped pizza on Valentine’s Day. The salad bar is surprisingly decent and the ranch is elite. We said what we said.
🍞 Gino’s Sicilian Express
Location: Downtown (Figueroa Street near Los Arroyos)
Vibe: No-frills, NY-meets-Italian deli
Try This: Sicilian slice or calzone
Gino’s is fast, casual, and always hits the spot. The square slices are thick, cheesy, and perfectly nostalgic. Ideal for a lunch break downtown or a quick post-shopping bite. Add a calzone if you’re feeling bold.
🔥 Olio Pizzeria
Location: Victoria Court
Vibe: Cozy, upscale Italian trattoria
Try This: Funghi Misti or Prosciutto & Arugula
Tucked beside Olio e Limone, Olio Pizzeria offers Roman-style pizza that’s perfect for a romantic night out or a solo slice-and-wine moment. Try the Manhattan even if you don’t think you’re a Manhattan person. You will be.
🥂 Saint Bibiana
Location: Downtown (Ortega Street, just off State)
Vibe: Luxe, intimate, dinner party energy
Try This: Any of the pizzas + the Bread Knots
Right around the corner from Wildcat Lounge, Saint Bibiana is stylish and soulful. It’s the kind of place where you linger. Their crust is chewy and blistered, their toppings are elegant, and the bread knots? Life-changing.
🍕 Rozzi Pizza
Location: Montecito Street
Vibe: New, buzzy, already beloved
Try This: Anything—they haven’t missed yet
Chef Chris Rosner brings NYC-slice vibes to SB in the best way. Rozzi’s is new on the scene but already has locals hooked. This is your go-to when you want a slice of something fresh and craveable.
🗺️ Pizza Guide, Your Way: Build Your Own Crust Map
Don’t know where to start? Try a themed route:
Funk Zone Crust Run:
Lucky Penny → L’Antica → Olio → Saint Bibiana
Bougie Bites Tour:
Bettina → Saint Bibiana → Olio
Nostalgia Lane:
Gino’s → Rusty’s → Rozzi Pizza
Full Pie Challenge (Warning: You may explode):
Rusty’s → Olio → Gino’s → L’Antica → Saint Bibiana → Rozzi’s → Bettina
🍴 Want Pizza + a Food Tour?
If you liked this Santa Barbara Pizza Guide, you’ll love a private food tour in the Funk Zone! We’ll hit up Lucky Penny and other local gems with wine, bites, and stories along the way. Request a tour here.
📣 Got a favorite slice we missed?
Tag us on Instagram @TasteSantaBarbaraFoodTours and let us know! Because in this town, pizza is always in season.