Best Pizza in Long Beach: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Guide] | Arteflame

Introduction

Long Beach has quietly evolved into one of the West Coast's most exciting pizza destinations. From New York-style slices that fold perfectly to neo-Neapolitan pies with the perfect char, the options are endless. But after years of hosting backyard cookouts and exploring the local food scene, we know that finding the perfect slice is serious business. Whether you are looking for a quick bite near the water or a sit-down dinner with friends, we have curated the ultimate list based on crust, sauce, and atmosphere.

Below, explore our top picks for dining out, and read on to discover how you can replicate that wood-fired taste at home using an Arteflame grill.

• The Elite 5 List
• Price & Style Comparison
• The 3-Step "Searing" Fix
• Why We Call It "Social"

Best Pizza in Long Beach: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Guide]

Key Takeaways

• Little Coyote is the go-to for authentic, fold-able New York style.
• The 4th Horseman offers unique toppings in a darker, edgy atmosphere.
• Milana's New York Pizzeria consistently ranks high for sauce-to-cheese ratios.
• Michael's on Naples provides the best upscale, date-night Italian experience.
• Rance's Chicago Pizza is the definitive spot for deep-dish lovers in the city.

Where to Get the Best Pizza in Long Beach?

The best pizza in Long Beach is defined by a slow-fermented dough that creates a crust with a crisp exterior and airy interior, typically cooked between 700°F and 900°F to ensure a perfect char without burning the toppings.

In our culinary tours across the city, we tested the top-rated spots to see if the hype matched the flavor. Here is what we found:

1. Little Coyote
Known for its "old school" vibe, this spot delivers a crust that is thin, crispy, and holds its weight. The sauce is tangy, and the cheese pull is exactly what you want from a classic slice.

2. The 4th Horseman
If you like your pizza with a side of heavy metal and art, this is the place. We were impressed by the creativity of their toppings—think spicy sopressata and house-made sauces that pack a punch.

3. Milana’s New York Pizzeria
Authenticity is key here. We found their dough to be incredibly consistent, mimicking the water chemistry of the East Coast to get that specific texture that's hard to find out West.

4. Michael’s on Naples
For a refined palate, Michael's offers farm-to-table ingredients. The wood-fired oven takes center stage here, producing a leopard-spotted crust that rivals anything we have tasted in Italy.

5. Rance’s Chicago Pizza
Sometimes you need a fork and knife. We loved the buttery, flaky crust that supports layers of mozzarella and crushed tomato sauce. It is a heavy hitter, but worth every bite.

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 standard grate instead of searing them with high-intensity heat. The result was always a slightly soggy center and a crust that lacked that signature "crunch." Once I switched to a solid steel cooktop, everything changed. You don't need a commercial brick oven to get restaurant-quality results; you just need the right surface and temperature control.

With an Arteflame, you can achieve the perfect steakhouse sear and the crispest pizza crust right in your backyard.

The "Searing" Technique

The Arteflame Grill excels because it solves the biggest problem with home grilling: heat distribution. Here is why it changes the game:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the cooktop reaches over 1,000°F. This high heat is critical for instantly crisping the dough before the toppings have a chance to make it soggy, mimicking professional pizza ovens.
2. Grill All Food at Once: The solid plancha style surface allows you to cook your pizza alongside veggies, bacon, or even eggs for a breakfast pizza. Nothing falls through the grates, meaning you keep all the flavor.
3. Social Grill: The round design means you never cook alone. Everyone gathers around the fire, watching the dough rise and cheese melt in real-time.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for an easy entry point, head to the Costco in Long Beach and grab their fresh pizzas or dough balls. While they are good in a standard oven, placing them into the Arteflame Pizza Oven attachment transforms them into wood-fired masterpieces. The smoke infusion and high heat upgrade a budget-friendly meal into a gourmet experience.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

Most grills force the chef to stare at a wall or stand apart from the party. We designed the Arteflame to change how you host. Its 360-degree round cooktop invites friends and family to stand around the fire, drink in hand, participating in the cooking process. It turns dinner into an event rather than a chore, making it the centerpiece of any backyard gathering in Long Beach.