Nothing hits the spot after a long day of exploring the coast quite like a slice of piping hot pizza. And of course while we all know that there’s no such thing as bad pizza, there are some places that are a cut above the rest. We hope our shortlist of pizzerias in the Mendocino area will help you out when you’re craving a pie but can’t quite decide where to get it.
Feature Photo: @frankiesmendocino on Facebook
44951 Ukiah St, Mendocino
707.937.2436
Offering weekly live music and frequent art exhibits, Frankie’s prides itself as being a community gathering place as well as a delicious pizza and ice cream parlor. Try their spicy Whiskey Shoals pizza with mozzarella and goat cheeses, or go for their Navarro with house-made basil pesto and caramelized onions. All pies can have a gluten-free crust substituted in, and all doughs and sauces are vegan! Make sure to grab a scoop of locally made Cowlicks’s ice cream afterwards.
961 Ukiah St, Cafe Beaujolais, Mendocino
707.937.5614
It’s hard to beat the crispy crust and delightful chew of a wood-fired, brick oven, Neapolitan-inspired pizza, and The Brickery knows it. While their menu changes frequently based on what’s seasonal, their staples are perfect, from their spinach basil pesto pizza with goat cheese to their spicy salami pizza with Calabrian chile. Also offered is the chef’s special vegan pizza with a base of either tomato or pesto, and the rest of the toppings are determined by what’s fresh and local.
120 W Redwood Ave, Fort Bragg
707.961.1133
At Piaci, they have all your favorite pizza options, and we don’t just mean their extensive topping selection. In the mood for calzone? Try their grilled chicken and mushroom with pesto, or salami and creamy ricotta. Craving focaccia? Get it with smoked salmon and capers, or anchovy and red pepper flakes. Just looking for a classic pizza? Go for their Gustoso with pesto, pears and prosciutto, or their Genoa with caramelized onions and mushrooms.
8211 N CA-1, Little River
707.937.0083
This warm and cozy pizzeria is tucked away in SCP Mendocino Inn, serving up pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients that showcase the Mendocino coast. For vegetarians, try their Forager pizza, with wild mushroom, leeks and fontina. If you’re in the mood for pepperoni, get their Pepperoni Lupo, with Calabrian hot honey and pecorino. Terra Farm Kitchen is definitely more of a dinner pizzeria than a quick lunch stop, so take that into account when planning your meal here.
111C Boatyard Dr, Fort Bragg
707.961.0580
If you’re looking for a no-frills yet deliciously satisfying pizza, Vinny’s is the place to go. They’re known for their thick, chewy crust pizzas and top-notch service, whether you’re eating in or ordering a pizza to your hotel room after a long day. A popular choice is their Timberwolf, with various meats, peppers, mushrooms and onions, and like all their pizzas, you can get it in four different sizes so no one in your party will go hungry.
