How to Plan a Pizza Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal city with sun-soaked beaches and the iconic Queen Mary. Beneath its vibrant waterfront and eclectic neighborhoods lies a thriving, under-the-radar pizza scene that rivals any major metropolitan area in the United States. From Neapolitan wood-fired pies to New York-style slices, Detroit-style square cuts, and inventive gourmet toppings, Long Beach offers a diverse and authentic pizza experience that’s often overlooked by tourists and even locals. Planning a pizza tour in Long Beach isn’t just about eating—it’s about exploring culture, craftsmanship, and community through one of the world’s most beloved foods.

A well-planned pizza tour transforms a casual meal into a curated culinary adventure. It allows you to taste the evolution of pizza in Southern California, meet the artisans behind the dough, and discover hidden gems that don’t appear on mainstream food blogs. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city, a visitor seeking an unforgettable food experience, or a food content creator documenting regional specialties, understanding how to plan a pizza tour in Long Beach is essential to unlocking its full potential.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to designing a memorable, logistically sound, and deeply satisfying pizza tour. You’ll learn how to select the best pizzerias, structure your itinerary, navigate transportation, manage dietary needs, and document your journey—all while avoiding common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to plan a pizza tour that’s not only delicious but also rich in context, connection, and authenticity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Pizza Tour Goals

Before you map out your first stop, clarify the purpose of your tour. Are you aiming for variety, authenticity, quantity, or quality? Different goals will shape your itinerary. For example:

• If you prioritize authenticity, focus on pizzerias with direct ties to Italian traditions—wood-fired ovens, imported San Marzano tomatoes, and hand-stretched dough.
• If you seek innovation, target spots known for creative toppings, vegan cheeses, or fusion styles like Korean BBQ or sushi-inspired pizzas.
• If you want local favorites, research spots with long-standing community loyalty, often indicated by long lines, repeat customers, or mentions in regional publications.

Decide how many stops you want to make. A typical tour includes 3–5 pizzerias, allowing enough time to savor each slice without overwhelming your palate. More than five can lead to sensory fatigue; fewer may feel rushed or incomplete.

Step 2: Research Pizzerias Across Long Beach Neighborhoods

Long Beach is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culinary identity. Don’t limit your search to downtown. Explore these key areas:

• Downtown Long Beach: Home to trendy, modern pizzerias with rooftop seating and craft beer pairings.
• Belmont Shore: A charming coastal area with family-run pizzerias and outdoor dining.
• East Village: A hub for artisanal food culture, including small-batch, wood-fired operations.
• Los Altos: Known for hidden gems and long-standing institutions with loyal followings.
• West Long Beach: Offers budget-friendly, no-frills slices with deep roots in working-class communities.

Use local food blogs, Reddit threads (like r/LongBeach), and Instagram hashtags such as

LongBeachPizza or #LBPizzaScene to uncover lesser-known spots. Avoid relying solely on Google Maps rankings—many excellent pizzerias are small, family-owned, and don’t invest in digital marketing.

Step 3: Prioritize Diversity in Style and Technique

A great pizza tour showcases the breadth of pizza-making. Include at least one example of each of these styles:

• Neapolitan: Thin crust, charred edges, minimal toppings, cooked in a 900°F wood-fired oven. Look for places using 00 flour and San Marzano tomatoes.
• New York-Style: Large, foldable slices with a crisp bottom and chewy interior. Often sold by the slice.
• Detroit-Style: Thick, rectangular crust with caramelized cheese edges, baked in steel pans.
• Chicago Deep Dish: Less common in Long Beach, but some spots offer a unique take with a buttery crust and layered toppings.
• Gourmet/Fusion: Experimental toppings like truffle oil, smoked salmon, or kimchi.

For example, a balanced tour might include:

• A Neapolitan specialist in East Village
• A classic New York slice joint in Belmont Shore
• A Detroit-style pioneer in Downtown
• A vegan-friendly pizzeria in Los Altos

This diversity ensures your tour appeals to a wide range of palates and demonstrates the city’s culinary evolution.

Step 4: Create a Logical Route and Schedule

Long Beach is spread out, so route planning is critical. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot your stops in geographic order to minimize travel time. Aim for a 3–4 hour window, including 30–45 minutes per stop.

Sample itinerary:

• 12:00 PM: Start at Amalfi’s Pizzeria (East Village) – Neapolitan style
• 1:15 PM: Drive 10 minutes to Big Mama’s Pizza & Pasta (Belmont Shore) – New York-style slices
• 2:30 PM: Head 8 minutes to Detroit Style Pizza Co. (Downtown) – Square pies with crispy cheese edges
• 3:45 PM: Final stop at Plant Based Pizzeria (Los Altos) – Vegan and gluten-free options

Include a 15-minute break between stops for water, digestion, and photos. Avoid scheduling during peak lunch rush (12:30–1:30 PM) unless you’re prepared to wait. Call ahead to confirm hours—some pizzerias close early or have limited seating.

Step 5: Account for Dietary Needs and Preferences

Even if you’re planning the tour for yourself, consider potential companions. Long Beach has a growing number of dietary-conscious diners. Make sure your selected pizzerias offer:

• Gluten-free crust options
• Vegan cheese and plant-based toppings
• Vegetarian and nut-free choices
• Low-sodium or organic ingredient options

Many pizzerias now list dietary accommodations on their websites or Instagram bios. If unsure, call ahead and ask: “Do you have a dedicated gluten-free prep area?” or “Is your vegan cheese house-made?” This ensures safety and satisfaction for all participants.

Step 6: Arrange Transportation and Parking

Long Beach has decent public transit, but a pizza tour requires flexibility. Driving is the most practical option. Use parking apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero to reserve spots in advance. Key parking tips:

• Downtown: Use the City Hall parking structure or street parking with meters (free after 6 PM).
• Belmont Shore: Metered street parking or the public lot at 2nd and 1st Street.
• East Village: Free street parking is common, but arrive early—spots fill quickly on weekends.

If you’re not driving, consider a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Designate a driver if you plan to sample multiple pizzas with alcohol pairings. Never drink and drive—even one beer can impair your ability to taste subtle flavor notes.

Step 7: Plan for Portions and Sharing

One full pizza per person is excessive on a multi-stop tour. Instead, plan to share. Most pizzerias offer half-pizzas or individual slices. Order:

• One 12-inch pizza to share between two people
• Or 2–3 slices per person per stop

Ask the staff: “Can we get a sampler platter?” or “Do you offer tasting portions?” Many places are happy to accommodate if you explain you’re on a tour. This allows you to try more varieties without overeating.

Step 8: Document Your Journey

A pizza tour is more memorable when recorded. Bring a camera, smartphone, or notebook. Document:

• Photos of the pizza (toppings, crust, cheese pull)
• Signage, interior design, and ambiance
• Quotes from staff about their process
• Personal notes on flavor profiles (e.g., “crisp crust with a hint of smoke,” “tangy tomato sauce with basil oil drizzle”)

Consider creating a mini-blog, Instagram carousel, or YouTube vlog. Sharing your experience helps others plan their own tours and supports local businesses.

Step 9: End with a Palate Cleanser

After multiple pizzas, your taste buds may feel overloaded. End your tour with something refreshing:

• Local gelato from Artisan Gelato Co. in Belmont Shore
• A sparkling water with lemon from a nearby café
• Herbal tea at a nearby tea house like Tea Leaf

This helps reset your palate and leaves you with a clean, satisfying finish to your culinary journey.

Step 10: Follow Up and Support Local Businesses

After your tour, show appreciation. Leave a Google review for each pizzeria. Tag them on Instagram with a photo and a thoughtful comment. If you enjoyed a specific topping or technique, mention it: “The smoked mozzarella on your Margherita was unforgettable—thank you for using local dairy!”

Consider returning with friends or hosting your own future tour. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing tool for small pizzerias. Supporting them ensures Long Beach’s pizza culture continues to thrive.

Best Practices

Start Early, But Not Too Early

Most pizzerias open between 11 AM and noon. Arriving at 11:30 AM gives you the best chance of avoiding crowds and securing a table. If you arrive too early, you risk waiting for food to be prepared. If you arrive too late, you may face long waits or sold-out specials.

Limit Alcohol Pairings

While wine and craft beer can enhance pizza, limit yourself to one drink per stop—or none at all. Alcohol dulls your sense of taste, making it harder to detect subtle nuances in crust texture, acidity of tomato sauce, or the aroma of fresh basil. Save the cocktails for after your tour.

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy. Ask the pizzaiolo:

• “What kind of flour do you use?”
• “How long do you ferment your dough?”
• “Where do you source your tomatoes?”

These questions show respect for their craft and often lead to fascinating stories. Many chefs love sharing their process and may even offer a complimentary dessert or extra slice.

Bring Cash and Small Bills

Some older pizzerias in Long Beach still operate on a cash-only basis. Even if they accept cards, having $20 in small bills ensures smooth transactions when ordering slices or tipping. Tip 15–20% if service is good—this supports staff who often rely on tips for income.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Pizza tours involve walking, sitting, and sometimes standing in line. Wear breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and avoid heavy perfumes or colognes—strong scents can interfere with your ability to smell the aroma of fresh-baked dough and herbs.

Respect the Space

Many pizzerias are small, family-run operations. Don’t linger too long after finishing your meal. Avoid taking loud phone calls or monopolizing tables. Be mindful of other guests and staff. A quiet, respectful demeanor goes a long way in building goodwill.

Don’t Rush the Experience

Pizza is meant to be savored. Take a moment after each slice to notice the crust’s texture, the balance of salt and acidity, the melt of the cheese. Let the flavors unfold. This mindfulness turns a food crawl into a sensory meditation.

Plan for Weather

Long Beach has mild weather year-round, but coastal fog and afternoon breezes can make outdoor seating chilly. Bring a light jacket if touring in spring or fall. On hot days, seek out pizzerias with air conditioning or shaded patios.

Keep a Running List

Use a notes app or physical journal to track:

• Pizzeria name
• Location
• Style of pizza
• Key toppings
• Price per slice or pie
• Personal rating (1–5 stars)

This list becomes a personal pizza guide you can revisit and refine over time.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps

• Google Maps – For route planning, reviews, and real-time traffic updates.
• Yelp – Filter by “best pizza in Long Beach” and read recent reviews for updated insights.
• Instagram – Search

  LongBeachPizza, #LBPizza, or tag local food influencers like @longbeachfoodie or @eatsinlb.

• Resy or OpenTable – For reservations at sit-down pizzerias (especially useful on weekends).
• ParkMobile – Reserve parking spots in advance to avoid circling blocks.

Local Food Blogs and Publications

• Long Beach Post Food Section – Regularly features new pizza openings and chef interviews.
• LAist – Covers Southern California’s food scene, including Long Beach.
• Grub Street LA – In-depth reviews of pizza spots across the region.
• Food & Wine Magazine – Occasionally highlights Long Beach as a rising pizza destination.

Books and Documentaries

• Pizza: A Slice of Heaven by Anthony Bourdain – Offers context on global pizza traditions.
• The Pizza Bible by Tony Gemignani – Technical guide to pizza-making styles.
• Documentary: Pizza: A Love Story (Netflix) – Explores the cultural impact of pizza worldwide.

Online Communities

• Reddit: r/LongBeach – Search “pizza” for user-submitted recommendations.
• Facebook Groups: “Long Beach Foodies” – Active community sharing new finds and events.
• Discord Servers: “LA Food & Drink” – Real-time chats about hidden pizza gems.

Local Events and Festivals

Plan your tour around Long Beach’s annual food events:

• Long Beach Pizza Festival (September) – Features 20+ local pizzerias, live music, and pizza-making demos.
• Belmont Shore Food & Wine Walk – Includes pizza stops alongside wine pairings.
• East Village Art Walk – Often coincides with pop-up pizza vendors.

Attending these events can give you access to multiple pizzerias in one day and introduce you to chefs you might not find otherwise.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Neapolitan Purist Tour

For the traditionalist, this tour focuses on authenticity:

• Amalfi’s Pizzeria – Opened in 2018 by a Naples-born chef. Uses imported Caputo flour, 72-hour fermented dough, and San Marzano tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius. Wood-fired oven imported from Italy. Their Margherita is considered the gold standard in Long Beach.
• La Pizza Fresca – Family-owned since 1995. Their “Pizza Napoletana” is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). No cheese on the crust—only fresh basil and olive oil.
• Il Forno – Hidden in a converted garage in Los Altos. Offers a “Pizza Bianca” with rosemary, sea salt, and house-churned ricotta. No tomato sauce—just olive oil and garlic.

Each stop is under 10 minutes apart. The tour ends with a glass of Italian sparkling water and a tiramisu from the same family-run bakery next door.

Example 2: The Fusion & Innovation Tour

For the adventurous eater:

• Plant Based Pizzeria – 100% vegan. Uses cashew mozzarella, jackfruit “pepperoni,” and beetroot-based tomato sauce. Their “California Sunrise” pizza features avocado, pickled red onions, and microgreens.
• Yuzu Pie Co. – Korean-Japanese fusion. Toppings include gochujang-glazed chicken, furikake, and yuzu zest. Crust is infused with matcha powder.
• El Pueblo Pizzeria – Mexican-inspired. Toppings: carnitas, Oaxaca cheese, pickled jalapeños, and crema. Served with a side of tamarind agua fresca.

This tour highlights how Long Beach’s multicultural population is redefining pizza. It’s not just Italian anymore—it’s global.

Example 3: The Budget-Friendly Slice Tour

For those seeking value without sacrificing quality:

• Big Mama’s Pizza & Pasta – $2.50 per slice. Classic New York-style with a perfect fold. Open since 1987. Locals call it “the slice that never disappoints.”
• Long Beach Slice Co. – $2 per slice. Open 24/7. Their “Everything” slice has garlic, onion, pepperoni, and oregano. A favorite among night-shift workers.
• Sal’s Pizzeria – $1.75 per slice. No frills, no seating—just a counter and a window. Their pepperoni is crispy, and the sauce is tangy with a hint of fennel.

This tour proves you don’t need to spend $20 to enjoy an exceptional pizza. Sometimes, the best slices come from the unassuming spots.

FAQs

How long should a pizza tour in Long Beach take?

A well-paced pizza tour typically takes 3–4 hours, including travel time between stops. Allow 30–45 minutes per pizzeria to eat, ask questions, and take photos. Add 15–20 minutes for breaks and restrooms.

Can I do a pizza tour on public transit?

Yes, but it’s less convenient. The Long Beach Transit system runs along major corridors like 1st Street and Long Beach Blvd. However, many pizzerias are in walkable neighborhoods with limited bus access. Rideshares or driving are recommended for flexibility.

Is there a best time of year to plan a pizza tour?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor dining and walking. Summer can be foggy in the mornings and hot in the afternoons. Winter is mild but some pizzerias reduce hours.

How many pizzerias should I include in one tour?

Three to five is ideal. More than five can lead to palate fatigue. Fewer than three may feel incomplete. Choose pizzerias with distinct styles to maximize variety.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Long Beach pizza spots?

Yes. Long Beach has one of the highest concentrations of vegan-friendly pizzerias in Southern California. Look for Plant Based Pizzeria, Yuzu Pie Co., and even traditional spots like Amalfi’s, which now offer vegan cheese and dairy-free crusts.

Do I need to make reservations?

Reservations are recommended for sit-down pizzerias on weekends, especially for groups of 4 or more. For slice joints and counter-service spots, walk-ins are fine. Always call ahead if you’re unsure.

What’s the average cost per pizza stop?

Prices vary:

• Slice joints: $1.75–$3 per slice
• Full Neapolitan pizza: $18–$28
• Fusion or gourmet pizzas: $22–$35

A full tour of 4 stops with 2 slices each costs roughly $25–$50 per person.

Can kids join a pizza tour?

Absolutely. Many pizzerias offer kid-friendly options like plain cheese or mini personal pizzas. Choose stops with high chairs and casual atmospheres. Avoid overly trendy spots with loud music if bringing young children.

What should I do if a pizzeria is closed or sold out?

Have a backup plan. Keep a list of 1–2 extra pizzerias on standby. If your first choice is closed, check Yelp for nearby alternatives with high ratings. Flexibility is key to a successful tour.

How can I share my pizza tour experience?

Post photos and reviews on Google, Instagram, and Yelp. Tag the pizzerias. Write a short blog or create a TikTok video. Your content helps others discover Long Beach’s hidden pizza gems and supports small businesses.

Conclusion

Planning a pizza tour in Long Beach is more than a food adventure—it’s a journey through the soul of a city. Each pizzeria tells a story: of immigration, innovation, resilience, and community. Whether you’re tasting a century-old Neapolitan recipe or biting into a vegan slice topped with kimchi, you’re experiencing the heartbeat of Long Beach’s culinary identity.

This guide has equipped you with the tools to design a thoughtful, well-structured, and deeply rewarding pizza tour. From selecting diverse styles and mapping efficient routes to respecting local culture and documenting your experience, every step matters. The best tours aren’t the ones with the most stops—they’re the ones that leave you with full stomachs, enriched minds, and a deeper connection to the people behind the dough.

So grab your map, pack your appetite, and hit the streets of Long Beach. Let the aroma of wood-fired crusts guide you. Talk to the chefs. Share a slice with a stranger. And remember: in Long Beach, pizza isn’t just food. It’s culture on a plate.