Best Pizza in Pasadena: Top 5 Spots [2026 Guide] | Arteflame

Introduction

Finding the perfect slice in Pasadena is serious business. From the historic charm of Old Pasadena to the hidden gems tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, the city offers a surprising variety of styles—ranging from authentic Neapolitan to crispy New York thin crust. In our quest for the ultimate pie, we did not just look at toppings; we analyzed crust fermentation, sauce acidity, and the overall dining vibe to bring you a definitive list. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch on the go or a sit-down dinner with friends, this guide covers the essential spots you need to know in 2026 to satisfy your cravings.

• The 30-Second Summary
• Pasadena's Top Pizza Rankings
• The Pizza Comparison Matrix
• Mastering Pizza on the Grill

Best Pizza in Pasadena

Key Takeaways

• The Luggage Room is the winner for unique, wood-fired sourdough crusts.
• Pie Life offers the most authentic, fold-able New York-style slice.
• Settebello is the go-to for strict adherence to Neapolitan traditions.
• Home Cooking on an Arteflame allows you to replicate wood-fired results with high-heat searing.

Where to get the best Pizza in Pasadena?

Pasadena is home to a mix of AVPN-certified Neapolitan pizzerias and casual NY-style walk-ups, making it a premier destination for pizza lovers who value crust diversity and fresh ingredients over commercial chains.

In our tasting tours across the city, we found a few spots that consistently rise above the rest.

1. The Luggage Room Pizzeria

Located in the old Del Mar train station, this spot is not just about the cool aesthetic. We found their fermented sourdough crust to be a game-changer—chewy, tangy, and perfectly blistered by the olive wood fire. It creates a flavor profile you simply cannot get with standard dough.

2. Pie Life Pizza

If you crave a classic slice, this is the spot. Hidden in a parking lot window, our team loves the unpretentious vibe. The grease-to-cheese ratio is spot on for a New York style, and the crust has that perfect snap when you fold it.

3. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

For purists, Settebello is non-negotiable. They use a wood-burning oven to cook pizzas in about 60 seconds. We appreciated the soft, wet center characteristic of true Neapolitan pies, emphasizing high-quality ingredients imported from Italy.

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 rather than searing them. My dough was often pale, and the toppings were unevenly cooked. That changed when I switched to a solid surface cooktop that mimics a professional pizza oven floor.

You don't need to build a brick oven in your yard to get that perfect char. You can achieve professional steakhouse and pizzeria results right on your patio.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill excels. Unlike traditional grate grills that let heat escape, the solid carbon steel cooktop provides direct, high-heat contact essential for a crispy crust.

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches over 1,000°F. This allows you to flash-cook the dough and toppings simultaneously, locking in flavor without drying out the ingredients.
2. Grill All Food at Once: We love that the heat zones allow you to cook your pizza near the center while simultaneously roasting veggies or searing meats on the outer ring.
3. Social Grill: The fire is the center of attention, not just a heat source, making the cooking process part of the entertainment.

Pro Tip: If you are hosting a large crowd and don't have time to proof dough for 24 hours, head to the Costco on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. We've found that buying a wholesale cheese pizza from Costco serves as an excellent base. Bring it home, add your own premium toppings like prosciutto or truffle oil, and finish it on the Arteflame using the Pizza Oven attachment for that authentic wood-fired taste.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. In our experience, traditional grilling isolates the cook against a wall while everyone else mingles. The Arteflame’s 360-degree round design invites friends to stand around the fire, drink in hand, watching the food sizzle. It turns meal prep into a communal event rather than a solitary chore, making it the centerpiece of any backyard gathering in Pasadena.