The Best Wood-Fired Pizza in the Greater Sacramento Area

Pizza is hands down one of the most popular celebratory foods in the nation, a staple of kids’ birthdays and movie nights, sporting events and sleepovers. In fact, there’s never really a bad time for pizza, whether for a late-night snack or straight from the fridge first thing in the morning.

Although Italian in origin, pizza is a popular American fast food, with a range of styles taking shape over the decades. New York-style pizza is thin and flat, with a foldable crust ideal for eating on the go. Detroit-style pizza is baked in an oiled rectangular pan to develop its signature crispy, caramelized crust. Chicago-style pizza is baked in a deep dish with a thick layer of toppings. But the original, and arguably the most popular, is Neapolitan style, with a thin, airy crust typically baked in a wood-fired brick oven.

The greater Sacramento area is home to plenty of spots that specialize in wood-fired pizza, from no-frills take-out joints to upscale Italian restaurants turning out gourmet pies. Varieties range from the classics, such as the simple margherita pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and olive oil, to creative concoctions made with various meats, seafood, vegetables and other ingredients. So, without further ado, following are some of the best spots in the greater Sacramento area for wood-fired pizza.

Masullo | Land Park

Photo courtesy Masullo

Located in Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood, Masullo serves traditional Neapolitan-style pizza with toppings such as prosciutto, crimini mushrooms, chorizo and anchovies. They also offer several pasta dishes and gourmet desserts such as lemon posset and cocoa whiskey balls.

Pizza Norcia | El Dorado

Photo courtesy Pizza Norcia

This Umbrian-inspired pizzeria in the town of El Dorado focuses on seasonal, organic ingredients as well as those sourced from the town of Norcia in Italy. The menu features wood-fired pizzas with ingredients such as black truffle, smoked mozzarella and house-made sausage. The mostly Italian wine list is curated to pair with the pies.

Il Pizzaiolo | Loomis

Meaning the pizza maker in Italian, Il Pizzaiolo is a modern spot in Loomis that offers both traditional and creative pies. In addition to Neapolitan-style pizza, they also serve Detroit pan pizza, pasta and calzones, plus a few Italian desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli.

Putah Creek Café | Winters

Photo courtesy Putah Creek Cafe

This friendly café in Winters is known for its hearty American fare, and it also serves a number of wood-fired pizzas from its outdoor brick oven. Offerings include all the classic varieties, including pepperoni, cheese and margherita, as well as a vegetarian option and seasonal specials.

Federalist | Midtown Sacramento

Photo courtesy Federalist

Housed in a converted shipping container in Midtown Sacramento, Federalist is a laid-back, family-friendly spot for classic and creative pizzas, such as the Southside, with potatoes, chorizo, cilantro and chili oil. They also offer breakfast pizzas and a number of local craft beers on tap.

The Brick Oven Pub | Placerville

Photo courtesy Brick Oven Pub

This casual joint in Placerville has all the hearty fare you’d expect at a pub: burgers, fries, wings, and of course, pizza! In addition to the classic combo, veggie and margherita varieties, they also have a spicy barbecue chicken pizza and a bacon cheeseburger pizza! Or, you can build your own from a range of toppings.

Pizzeria Luba | Auburn

Naturally leavened dough (otherwise known as sourdough) is the hallmark of this family-run pizzeria in Auburn. Offerings include all the classics, as well as a Bianca pizza with spinach, olives, caramelized onions and garlic confit; and the Ozzie, with Yukon gold potatoes, chicken, Aji verde and cotija.

Village Pizza & Pints | Davis

Photo courtesy Village Pizza

This long-standing Italian eatery in Davis is known for its large selection of Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas. In addition to classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage and prosciutto, you can also get pies topped with everything from shrimp to tri-tip, smoked salmon to eggplant. They also served pastas, salads and appetizers.

OneSpeed | East Sacramento

Photo courtesy OneSpeed

Brought to you by the same folks behind The Waterboy, one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Sacramento, OneSpeed is a casual neighborhood spot in East Sacramento. Its Italian-inspired menu features a number of creative pizzas, including tuna confit, with capers and Calabrian chilis; and the Rick’s, named for the chef, with bacon, potatoes and caramelized onions.

Flour Dust Pizza | Roseville

Photo courtesy Flour Dust Pizza

The owner of this authentic family-run pizza spot in Roseville trained in Italy, so you know it’s legit! The menu features everything you’d expect from a true Italian pizzeria, as well as a few unique pies such as ricotta and pistachios with habanero honey, mushroom with spicy feta sauce and black truffle, and smoked gouda with broccoli and chili garlic crunch. There are also a few pastas and salads available.

The Hop Gardens | Curtis Park

Photo courtesy Hop Gardens

With a family-friendly vibe, this laid-back restaurant and tap house in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento is also a great place for a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. The menu has all the classics as well as pies to meet modern tastes, with toppings such as fig jam, balsamic glaze, oyster mushrooms and white truffle oil.