Top 5 Best Pizza Spots in Downey Ranked [2026 List] | Arteflame

Introduction

Finding the perfect slice in Downey is more than just a quick lunch decision; it is a culinary adventure through one of the city's most beloved food scenes. Whether you are craving a thick, cheese-loaded crust that rivals Chicago styles or a thin, crispy artisanal pie, Downey offers a surprisingly diverse range of pizzerias. In our quest for the ultimate flavor, we explored local staples that have served the community for decades and newer spots pushing culinary boundaries. Below, we break down exactly where to go, what to order, and how to replicate that wood-fired taste in your own backyard.

• The Downey Pizza Ranking
• Price & Style Comparison
• The Secret to Backyard Pizza
• The Arteflame Advantage

The Best Pizza in Downey Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Local Favorite: Pina's Pizza wins for portion size and topping density.
• Best Specialty: Downey Pizza Co. offers the unique Pastrami Pizza.
• Family Vibe: Frantone's provides the classic sit-down Italian experience.
• Home Cooking: You can replicate restaurant-quality sear using the Arteflame grill.

Where to get the best Pizza in Downey?

The best pizza in Downey is widely considered to be Pina's Pizza for its massive "House Special," followed closely by the unique Pastrami Pizza at Downey Pizza Co. which blends local flavors with traditional Italian techniques.

In our testing of the local food scene, Pina's Pizza consistently came out on top. If you love a pizza that is heavy in the hand and loaded with fresh ingredients, this is your spot. We found their dough to be perfectly proofed—crispy on the outside but soft enough to handle the weight of their generous cheese portions.

Next on our list is Downey Pizza Co.. We were skeptical about a Pastrami Pizza until we tried it. The saltiness of the meat paired with the acidity of their house-made sauce creates a flavor profile you cannot find elsewhere. It is a must-try for anyone looking to break away from standard pepperoni.

Finally, Frantone's Pizza & Spaghetti Villa offers that nostalgic, red-checkered tablecloth vibe. In our experience, their sauce is slightly sweeter, which pairs perfectly with their sausage toppings. It is the ideal spot for a Sunday family dinner.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizzas were decent, until I realized I was essentially baking them on a grate rather than searing them. The moment I switched to a solid surface cooktop, the crust transformed from dry to perfectly blistered.

You do not need an industrial oven to get that pizzeria-quality crunch. The secret lies in heat management and surface area. Most home grills lose heat through the grates, but achieving the perfect crust requires conductive heat that sears the dough immediately upon contact, sealing in moisture and creating that leopard-spotted bottom.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill excels. Unlike traditional grate grills, the Arteflame uses a solid carbon steel cooktop. Here is why this changes the game for pizza lovers:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches over 1,000°F. This mimics a professional brick oven, searing the dough instantly for a crispy exterior and chewy interior.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Because of the various heat zones, you can sear your pepperoni and veggies on the hot inner ring while the dough crisps up on the outer ring, bringing everything together perfectly.
3. Flavor Infusion: Cooking over real wood adds a subtle smoky flavor that gas ovens simply cannot replicate.

Pro Tip: If you are planning a big party, head to the Costco in Downey (or your local warehouse) and buy their pizzas wholesale. While they are good on their own, we found that finishing them on the Arteflame takes them to a gourmet level. Place the Costco pizza on the Arteflame Pizza Oven attachment or directly on the cooktop for 2-3 minutes. The crust will crisp up, and the cheese will re-melt with a wood-fired finish.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. Its round design invites friends to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. We have found that pizza night becomes an interactive event where guests can customize their own toppings and watch their dinner sizzle right in front of them. It turns meal prep into the main entertainment of the evening.