Southern California is gearing up for a delicious week. SoCal Pizza Week kicks off Sunday and runs until February 15. With over 40 pizzerias involved, it promises to be a big celebration of pizza!
Organized by SoCal Food & Beverage, this event follows Newport Beach Restaurant Week and leads into OC Restaurant Week. It aligns perfectly with National Pizza Day on February 9. You’ll find a fantastic mix of pizzerias across Los Angeles, San Diego, and 14 in Orange County, serving everything from wood-fired to deep-dish pizzas.
Leysla Rubino, the executive director of SoCal Food & Beverage, says, “SoCal Pizza Week is about bringing people together through food while uplifting incredible pizza makers across our region.”
During this week, participating restaurants will offer special deals ranging from $5 to $25. This is a great chance for pizza lovers to try something new and support local businesses. There’s also a fun competition—the Golden Slice Awards—where diners can vote for their favorites in categories like Best Cheese Pizza or Best Specialty Pizza.
Joey “Pepperoni” Rubino, co-founder of Pizza Week, highlights the booming pizza scene in Southern California, saying, “It’s time to put SoCal on the pizza map.” He emphasizes the variety of amazing pizza spots that often go unnoticed.
Featured Orange County restaurants include Cruiser’s Pizza in Huntington Beach, known for its lively atmosphere, and Loosies Pizza in Santa Ana, famous for its New York-style slices. If you’re craving something hearty, Gibroni’s Pizza in San Clemente offers thick Detroit-style slices with cheese perfectly cooked to the edge.
According to recent data from the National Restaurant Association, the pizza industry in the U.S. is thriving. In 2021, the pizza segment alone generated about $45.4 billion in sales. This growth is a testament to the love people have for pizza, making events like SoCal Pizza Week even more essential.
Pizzerias are not just places for a quick meal; they often serve as community hubs where people gather and share experiences. Whether you’re in Corona del Mar or Costa Mesa, there’s a pizza place waiting to welcome you.
“This week shines a light on our diverse pizza offerings,” says Leysla. With everything from classic Neapolitan to innovative specialties, Southern California’s pizza scene truly deserves the spotlight.
For a complete list of participating restaurants, check out SoCal Food & Beverage.
