Orange County’s pizza scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering everything from wood-fired and hand-tossed to deep dish delights. Here are four new standout pizzerias that have joined the local pizza party, each offering a unique take on this beloved dish.
Loosies Pizza
300 E. 4th St. Ste 103, Santa Ana, (714) 760-4444
Inspired by a trip to New York City, Santa Ana natives Miguel Navarro, Edgar Garcia, and Daniel Anguiano opened Loosies Pizza, bringing a slice of the Big Apple to downtown Santa Ana. Located next to the Yost Theater, Loosies offers 18-inch whole pies and single slices, or “loosies.” Their pizza features a balanced crust that is crispy yet foldable, topped with classic ingredients like red sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni cups. The supreme pizza, loaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, black olives, and Italian sausage, is a crowd favorite.
With prices under $5 per slice, Loosies also offers Caesar and Caprese salads, New York black and white cookies, soft drinks, and beer. The relaxed atmosphere is complemented by skateboard decks and celebrity photos on the walls. Open for dine-in, takeout, and late-night cravings until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, Loosies is a perfect spot to hang out and enjoy some pizza.
Sugo
675 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 852-3580
Chef Sandro Nardone, originally from Atina, Italy, brings Roman-style pizza to Costa Mesa with Sugo. Open for just a few months, Sugo specializes in pizza al taglio, or “pizza by the cut.” Nardone’s dough recipe, developed from a high-hydration mix of flours, results in airy, light, and crispy pizzas. Slices are served on small sheet pans and range from traditional Margherita to creative options like the ono, topped with roasted pineapple, smoked mozzarella, Spam, and pickled Fresnos.
Sugo offers a casual dining experience with high-end ingredients, including fresh truffles and bottarga. Open until 11 p.m. during the week and 1 a.m. on weekends, Sugo is perfect for a late-night pizza fix.
Gibroni’s
555 N. El Camino Real Ste. E, San Clemente, (949) 312-2042
Tony and Lindsey Gioutsos’ Detroit-style pizza has a dedicated following in San Clemente. After starting as a pop-up and selling out of their home during the pandemic, the couple opened their brick-and-mortar location on May 17. Gibroni’s serves 8-inch by 10-inch pizzas with thick Sicilian dough, crispy corners, and sauce on top, known as “butter crust.” The “From the D” pizza, featuring double pepperoni and Parmesan, is a favorite, while more sophisticated options like the “Fun Guys!” and Greektown showcase diverse flavors.
With a full bar, arcade, live music, and a lounge area for 21 and over after 8:30 p.m., Gibroni’s offers more than just pizza. They are open for pick-up or delivery Thursday through Monday.
Truly Pizza
24402 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, (949) 218-8220
World Pizza Champion teammates John Arena and Chris Decker opened Truly Pizza in Dana Point last summer. The restaurant offers two distinct styles: a traditional New York-style round pizza with a crispy exterior and chewy interior, and a light and airy square pizza, sometimes known as a “grandma slice.”
Notable pizzas include the Truly White with creamy onion and garlic sauce, caciocavallo, mozzarella, and guindilla peppers, and the Smoky Vodka square pizza with house-made vodka sauce, semi-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, stracciatella, and pistachio lemon pesto. The bustling restaurant features a glassed-in kitchen, dining room, patio, and terrace, all adorned with lush lemon trees.
In addition to pizza, Truly offers salads, wings, sandwiches, and rotating flavors of soft serve for dessert. As they approach their first anniversary, Truly continues to thrive, serving the Dana Point community with their award-winning pizzas.
Truly is now open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
