Gioia Pizzeria

Unicorn. A slice house that has 4 vegetarian options versus 2 meat that delivers nearly gourmet toppings for two slices under $10 in the Bay Area?

Great stuff, mushroom pizza was full of yummy mushrooms. They’re not nazis about needing a mask to order. Staff was super helpful.

Finest pizza I've ever had. Favorite is the fungi. The heck with your diet, go get a slice of each. It will not be regretted. Keep up the amazing work, Gioia!! Update: omfg delicious thank you

Spot to pick up the most delicious slices of pizza! The crust is incredible. It's NOT sourdough. Yay! A full pie takes about 20 minutes (per what I overheard). My new favorite pizza place.

The formaggio pizza slices at GIOIA has a stranglehold on my life. This is quite literally, the closest you’ll get to good, fast, NY style pizza in the Bay Area. Cannolis are shockingly traditionally made here. Besides the classic cheese, the Julian is my other favorite. Please don’t go out of business, I’ll be coming here until I die.

Good pizza! Crispy and very tasty. Been here a few times. Never disappoints.

I tried the Gioia pizza for the first time today. I loved the one with the mushroom the most. I’ll definitely go back to try the other ones as well. The bread was thin and crispy. The Spinach pizza was a little salty for me.

Some of the best pizza in Berkeley. Not only are you getting great pizza but the staff are beyond amazing and I’m just so grateful for them.

I’m rating Gioia five stars on the pizza. I love it. Love it. And I love the style which is the New York style way. You order your slices which are pre made pies. Then they heat them in the oven which makes them hot and crispy. Several topping choices to choose. No indoor seating. Other than a bench there’s really no outdoor seating either. But the pizza is so good. And it’s nice, shady outside. Decent amount of street parking.

This spot has been saved on my bookmarks for a while. Luckily I had a training nearby and had a chance to try it. The space is small with some seating right in front of this business. The lines can rack up during lunch so far ready. They're fairly quick with the order. A co-worker in front of me recommended their avacado salad and Julian pizza. Both were delicious! The total came out to -$23 plus tip, which seems to be an average for lunch these days. The pizza had a perfectly cooked thin crust. The dough was so sparkly doughy and stretchy with the right amount of firmness on the bottom of the crust. The toppings (kale, sausage, mozerlla cheese, garlic..)Jwent well together too with a fair amount dispersed on the slice. The salad was filling. I probably didn't need to get the pizza. It was well balanced with farro, avacado, golden raisins, and almond. The vinaigrette was also a nice balance (you don't need much). Go check them out! "High on Food. High on Life."- thefoodhigh IG/Tiktok: @thefoodhigh

. I visited Gioia Pizza in Berkeley based on a friend’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint! Their pizza was absolutely delicious with fresh ingredients and a perfect crust. Love the fungi pizza a lot. The customer service was warm and friendly, making the experience even better. If you’re looking for tasty pizza and a welcoming atmosphere, Gioia Pizza is definitely worth a visit!

Gioia is low-key that spot if you’re craving East Coast vibes with West Coast energy. The crust? Straight-up feral—in the best way. It’s light, just thick enough to keep the slice from folding like a lawn chair, and hits you with this tangy, long-fermented sourness that makes your brain go “skrrt.” The amount of char they’re getting from a gas-fired brick oven is actually bananas. It’s not soft or doughy—it’s crisp, crunchy, and totally serving. Flavor-wise, it’s giving New York slice science: crust, sauce, cheese all in balance. But the toppings? That’s where Gioia flexes hard. There’s a roasted mushroom slice that tastes like a Druid made it. Asparagus with almond pesto, ricotta, and mint that’s full goblin-core. You’ll also catch kale with sausage, pickled jalapeño with red onion, and that fire Ezzo pepperoni that crisps up like tiny grease chalices of joy. It’s bougie but in a “yes chef” way. Slice size? More California chill than New York challenge. You’ll probably crush four and still be thinking about grabbing a fifth. For comparison, two slices at Arinell’s or Arthur Mac’s is a full meal on a budget—this place is more “treat yourself” energy. Definitely more coins per slice, but the quality’s no cap. Now the vibes? Gioia keeps it moving. The staff’s got that “be ready or be gone” energy. Not rude, just quick with it—like, don’t be the NPC holding up the line. No tables, no seating, just pure grab-n-ghost action. Honestly, it adds to the lore. You’re not here to vibe, you’re here to eat and dip. TL;DR: The crust slaps, the toppings go hard, the staff is on turbo mode, and the whole thing feels like a speedrun of pizza greatness. Gioia’s is (at least in North Berkeley) HIM.

GIOIA (/joy-a/) Italian noun means a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. My husband really loves this place. He loves to try pizzas whenever he can.. Kids and I got to try them today! I really liked them. Probably one of the best pizza I have ever had. They have 2 locations. (Berkeley and San Francisco). The crust is perfectly sublime, the flavors of the toppings are incredible. The delicious thin crust of most of the pizza is complimented by the chewiness of the edge. Yum!!! Anchovi pizza is a little too salty but still very tasty. I had Sicilian Sausage with pickle jalapeños. Soooo good! My kids said this is the best pepperoni pizza! The website said "We don't eat pizzas with a fork & knife. New Yorkers consider that uncivilized". 😆 (Asians served pizza with fork and knives for real in many countries. I am not kidding!)

Grabbed a slice after a bike ride yesterday, wow! Why is this not listed as the best pizza in Berkeley? Crust was light, crisp w/ perfect texture. Sauce had zing! Great slice overall

Great food, fantastic for if you are doing takeout or just getting a quick slice. Please note that there is nowhere to sit inside and if the weather is not kind to you, make sure that you are able to take your food home. Other than that the food is spot on and so is the service.

Tried their sardine pizza, really unique and delicious flavor. Generous on the sardines, really good blend of salty and savory flavors. Highly recommended

Ah.may.zing. I love this place so much. Their pizza is always delicious, a whole pie won't kill your pocket book, and the slices are big. Not to mention original flavors. I just wish it were closer to home. I love this Brooklyn style pizza.

Ati

. I visited Gioia Pizza in Berkeley based on a friend’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint! Their pizza was absolutely delicious with fresh ingredients and a perfect crust. Love the fungi pizza a lot. The customer service was warm and friendly, making the experience even better. If you’re looking for tasty pizza and a welcoming atmosphere, Gioia Pizza is definitely worth a visit!

James Parrish

Gioia is low-key that spot if you’re craving East Coast vibes with West Coast energy. The crust? Straight-up feral—in the best way. It’s light, just thick enough to keep the slice from folding like a lawn chair, and hits you with this tangy, long-fermented sourness that makes your brain go “skrrt.” The amount of char they’re getting from a gas-fired brick oven is actually bananas. It’s not soft or doughy—it’s crisp, crunchy, and totally serving. Flavor-wise, it’s giving New York slice science: crust, sauce, cheese all in balance. But the toppings? That’s where Gioia flexes hard. There’s a roasted mushroom slice that tastes like a Druid made it. Asparagus with almond pesto, ricotta, and mint that’s full goblin-core. You’ll also catch kale with sausage, pickled jalapeño with red onion, and that fire Ezzo pepperoni that crisps up like tiny grease chalices of joy. It’s bougie but in a “yes chef” way. Slice size? More California chill than New York challenge. You’ll probably crush four and still be thinking about grabbing a fifth. For comparison, two slices at Arinell’s or Arthur Mac’s is a full meal on a budget—this place is more “treat yourself” energy. Definitely more coins per slice, but the quality’s no cap. Now the vibes? Gioia keeps it moving. The staff’s got that “be ready or be gone” energy. Not rude, just quick with it—like, don’t be the NPC holding up the line. No tables, no seating, just pure grab-n-ghost action. Honestly, it adds to the lore. You’re not here to vibe, you’re here to eat and dip. TL;DR: The crust slaps, the toppings go hard, the staff is on turbo mode, and the whole thing feels like a speedrun of pizza greatness. Gioia’s is (at least in North Berkeley) HIM.

Natenapa Serdynski

GIOIA (/joy-a/) Italian noun means a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. My husband really loves this place. He loves to try pizzas whenever he can.. Kids and I got to try them today! I really liked them. Probably one of the best pizza I have ever had. They have 2 locations. (Berkeley and San Francisco). The crust is perfectly sublime, the flavors of the toppings are incredible. The delicious thin crust of most of the pizza is complimented by the chewiness of the edge. Yum!!! Anchovi pizza is a little too salty but still very tasty. I had Sicilian Sausage with pickle jalapeños. Soooo good! My kids said this is the best pepperoni pizza! The website said "We don't eat pizzas with a fork & knife. New Yorkers consider that uncivilized". 😆 (Asians served pizza with fork and knives for real in many countries. I am not kidding!)

Brad H

Grabbed a slice after a bike ride yesterday, wow! Why is this not listed as the best pizza in Berkeley? Crust was light, crisp w/ perfect texture. Sauce had zing! Great slice overall

Jonathan Eugenio

Great food, fantastic for if you are doing takeout or just getting a quick slice. Please note that there is nowhere to sit inside and if the weather is not kind to you, make sure that you are able to take your food home. Other than that the food is spot on and so is the service.

David Chang

Tried their sardine pizza, really unique and delicious flavor. Generous on the sardines, really good blend of salty and savory flavors. Highly recommended

G Lee

I’m rating Gioia five stars on the pizza. I love it. Love it. And I love the style which is the New York style way. You order your slices which are pre made pies. Then they heat them in the oven which makes them hot and crispy. Several topping choices to choose. No indoor seating. Other than a bench there’s really no outdoor seating either. But the pizza is so good. And it’s nice, shady outside. Decent amount of street parking.

thefoodhigh with Maria

This spot has been saved on my bookmarks for a while. Luckily I had a training nearby and had a chance to try it. The space is small with some seating right in front of this business. The lines can rack up during lunch so far ready. They're fairly quick with the order. A co-worker in front of me recommended their avacado salad and Julian pizza. Both were delicious! The total came out to -$23 plus tip, which seems to be an average for lunch these days. The pizza had a perfectly cooked thin crust. The dough was so sparkly doughy and stretchy with the right amount of firmness on the bottom of the crust. The toppings (kale, sausage, mozerlla cheese, garlic..)Jwent well together too with a fair amount dispersed on the slice. The salad was filling. I probably didn't need to get the pizza. It was well balanced with farro, avacado, golden raisins, and almond. The vinaigrette was also a nice balance (you don't need much). Go check them out! "High on Food. High on Life."- thefoodhigh IG/Tiktok: @thefoodhigh

If anyone is giving this place less than 5 stars - for California? - then they need to sit on their hands. Is Gioia better than some NY, Boston, or Hartford pizza joints? No. But, for the west coast our pizza slices were awesome. The sauce was thick but not too sweet, they didn't overload the cheese, and yes - you could taste the salt that needed to be there. For the most part, our crusts were just right. We were VERY happy we serendipitously stopped to have some pie!!!

As a New Yorker, these are the closest I've had to fresh NY style slices and pies. Great crust. Highly recommended. Not a sit down location.

Legendary NY pizza right here in Berkeley. I have a different but equal love for all of their slices. Always friendly service. Bonus points for the working Strauss soft serve machine!

I'm from NYC and I pretty much hate pizza from most other places. This pizza is wonderful. The crust is the best I've had outside of the West Village. I love that they serve individual slices and they're reasonably priced. Get there early if you want choices in pizza types.

Will Goldberg

As a New Yorker, these are the closest I've had to fresh NY style slices and pies. Great crust. Highly recommended. Not a sit down location.

Todra Payne

I'm from NYC and I pretty much hate pizza from most other places. This pizza is wonderful. The crust is the best I've had outside of the West Village. I love that they serve individual slices and they're reasonably priced. Get there early if you want choices in pizza types.

John Polagruto

If anyone is giving this place less than 5 stars - for California? - then they need to sit on their hands. Is Gioia better than some NY, Boston, or Hartford pizza joints? No. But, for the west coast our pizza slices were awesome. The sauce was thick but not too sweet, they didn't overload the cheese, and yes - you could taste the salt that needed to be there. For the most part, our crusts were just right. We were VERY happy we serendipitously stopped to have some pie!!!

Andy McElroy

Legendary NY pizza right here in Berkeley. I have a different but equal love for all of their slices. Always friendly service. Bonus points for the working Strauss soft serve machine!

Caitlin Reidy

I make it a point to always stop by when I’m in Berkeley. The pizza is always fresh and delicious and the staff is incredible. The crust is crispy and I have never had a topping that I didn’t like. This is the place to go to whether you’re grabbing a slice on your lunch break or bringing a pizza home for later. 10/10

Good pizza. A little greasy a little expensive crust was a little overdone. Funghi is 🤤

Tasty pizza but inconsistent sizes. It's about $5 per slice and they ask for a tip. (Wish companies would just pay workers enough and not guilt customers, induce anxiety, and ultimately decrease their business perpetuating the cycle). Often you get a good sized piece, occasionally some workers give 2 if the slices are small, but they don't always give a second for a small slice and paying $5 for a small slice and being asked for a tip on a meal where they aren't serving you is not really worth the anxiety. The bench across from the order window also smells of p*ss and may make you lose your appetite if you've got a sensitive stomach.

Gioia, we love you and go literally 3x a week. Please please please have a non-spicy option besides the four cheese. It always runs out and it's a bummer for toddlers who don't eat spicy food. Also, margherita pizza does not need chili oil-it doesn't even have it by definition. Lastly, f the prices are going to be raised, please make sure customers get a full slice (we've gotten some very small slices). We love your restaurant and go all the time, but the last few weeks have been frustrating. Thank you.

Outstanding pizza on the west coast. Thank you for warming this NYers heart with a spectacularly cheesey slice.

Tucked into the side of your average street in Berkeley is the best pizza we’ve had in the Bay Area. GIOIA is serving up some VERY good pizza out of what feels like a hole in the wall. Beware that parking may be hard to find as it’s right off the street although there is a lot just down the road. The inside is very bare bones, which in this case is a good sign. The smell of the oven and dough just hits you once you step in and it’s fantastic. Ordering was quick and easy and the slices are priced a bit high but for the quality of pizza we’d say it was worth it. We got some classic slices and also their fungi slice. From ordering to eating it took about 5-10 minutes despite a few people ahead of us so it was relatively quick. And now time to try it… man was it good. It’s clearly a good representation of NY style. The crust is firm and crunchy but the pizza has a nice flop to it. The cheese is tasty with a good sauce under it too. The fungi also popped with flavor from the mushrooms, parsley, and olive oil; just a great series of slices. The best place to eat it is probably the bench seating they have outside but it may be full as a heads up. As far as we see it, GIOIA is a must stop in Berkeley. It came very highly recommended and was devoured in less than 5 minutes. We almost wish we didn’t have plans to eat later that day because we could’ve eaten 2 more slices each then and there. This is as close to true NYC style pizza as you can get outside of NYC.

There is the original location in Berkeley and then another location in Hayes Valley in San Francisco. We passed it all the time so we thought we would come in and try it. They are crust is incredible! Nine out of 10 in that category. They have a very interesting sauce, it’s almost on the edge of a pasta sauce, but not quite. I think honestly if they slightly changed up their sauce, the pizza would be better. If you like cheese on your pizza, this is the place to go because they’re pretty heavy handed on the cheese. Overall, we liked it and we would try different slices, but it is not our absolute favorite pizza in the bay area. We tried the margarita, so we haven’t tried all of the different slices and flavors that they offer. So we’ll have to go back and see how the others compare. Thus far, we would give it a solid 7/10.

The perfect harmony of chewy dough and flavorful toppings! But tomato paste was so lumpy, kind of overpowering! Hope things will be better the next time.

Delicious pizza. So far I have had the Pomodoro, Pepperoni and Julian. All three, quite tasty. Reasonably priced for the quality. Order inside, wait outside for your pizza, whether to go or sitting outside. Enjoy.

JEONGBUM SEO

The perfect harmony of chewy dough and flavorful toppings! But tomato paste was so lumpy, kind of overpowering! Hope things will be better the next time.

David Rim

Delicious pizza. So far I have had the Pomodoro, Pepperoni and Julian. All three, quite tasty. Reasonably priced for the quality. Order inside, wait outside for your pizza, whether to go or sitting outside. Enjoy.

Amber Lee

Tucked into the side of your average street in Berkeley is the best pizza we’ve had in the Bay Area. GIOIA is serving up some VERY good pizza out of what feels like a hole in the wall. Beware that parking may be hard to find as it’s right off the street although there is a lot just down the road. The inside is very bare bones, which in this case is a good sign. The smell of the oven and dough just hits you once you step in and it’s fantastic. Ordering was quick and easy and the slices are priced a bit high but for the quality of pizza we’d say it was worth it. We got some classic slices and also their fungi slice. From ordering to eating it took about 5-10 minutes despite a few people ahead of us so it was relatively quick. And now time to try it… man was it good. It’s clearly a good representation of NY style. The crust is firm and crunchy but the pizza has a nice flop to it. The cheese is tasty with a good sauce under it too. The fungi also popped with flavor from the mushrooms, parsley, and olive oil; just a great series of slices. The best place to eat it is probably the bench seating they have outside but it may be full as a heads up. As far as we see it, GIOIA is a must stop in Berkeley. It came very highly recommended and was devoured in less than 5 minutes. We almost wish we didn’t have plans to eat later that day because we could’ve eaten 2 more slices each then and there. This is as close to true NYC style pizza as you can get outside of NYC.

Peyton Harris

There is the original location in Berkeley and then another location in Hayes Valley in San Francisco. We passed it all the time so we thought we would come in and try it. They are crust is incredible! Nine out of 10 in that category. They have a very interesting sauce, it’s almost on the edge of a pasta sauce, but not quite. I think honestly if they slightly changed up their sauce, the pizza would be better. If you like cheese on your pizza, this is the place to go because they’re pretty heavy handed on the cheese. Overall, we liked it and we would try different slices, but it is not our absolute favorite pizza in the bay area. We tried the margarita, so we haven’t tried all of the different slices and flavors that they offer. So we’ll have to go back and see how the others compare. Thus far, we would give it a solid 7/10.

Recently got a couple of slices from here to share and had fond memories but honestly was disappointed and didn't love it. Just not my kind of pizza. I found the crust to be crunchy and dry. I'm more of a chewy dough person.... So it'll work for some. I think if you get a whole pizza it's better but when you order slices and they reheat it gets dried out. The toppings are great though!

I like their pizza a lot but the Latina looking cashier could be more polite

I've been a fan of Gioia's anchovies for a while, but not sure when they switched to super salty instead of the delicate anchovies they had before. Despite their great dough and sauce, today dinner was a disappointment

Pizza is very enjoyable, however: very low calories/$ value, and servers get around to you at their half hearted convenience even when your order has been ready and getting cold for a while. This could easily be a 5 star business but for lack of a better term the "townie attitude" is dragging their reputation.

Rhys Probyn

Pizza is very enjoyable, however: very low calories/$ value, and servers get around to you at their half hearted convenience even when your order has been ready and getting cold for a while. This could easily be a 5 star business but for lack of a better term the "townie attitude" is dragging their reputation.

My wife and I stopped by here for a quick bite. We got two different slices each, mine were ok but hers were very greasy. I agree with the other reviews on the lousy customer service and inconsistency of the pizza. Not worth the time and money.

You have to be kidding me $38 dollars for a thin crust pizza that was burnt!! That’s just crazy can’t even fill up two adults

I wouldn't order from here if you're trying to get multiple pizzas for a party. Tried to call the phone number and speak with an actual person, but there was no way to do that and I was directed to the website by the automated system. I put in an order three days before my event, and the pizzas were over 35 minutes late being prepared, and the staff had difficulty locating my order. On top of this, they were reluctant to give us hot pepper and Parmesan cheese packets, and they did not cut three of the six pizzas.

This is my third attempt here, since others tell me they like it. I don't. Cardboardy pizza that is anything but NY style, unless you take into account the attitude. I order, pay, and the same woman asks me what I want again and tries to ring me up again (not mention that the checkout screen asks for a tip starting at 22%... for takeout only!) When I tell her I already ordered, she rudely tells me, ' Well, go stand outside then! '. I don't know what the protocol is here since two people in front of me got their order inside and left, one of them falling over the sandwich board sign inconveniently placed just outside the door, while she was trying to make room for the person in front of her, exiting with a pie. So I wait outside with other impatient looking folks while they figure out how to put 2 slices in a paper bag (I asked for it unheated). Not worth the wait or attitude, for mediocre, at best, pizza. I'm done with this place, and too bad since it's only a couple of blocks from my house.

I’ve been a loyal customer at this pizza place for many years — long before it became as popular and crowded as it is today. Unfortunately, the atmosphere and service have changed drastically. The ladies at the counter often seem unhappy to be there — no smiles, no greetings, and no thank-yous — which really takes away from what used to feel like a friendly neighborhood spot. On top of that, the pizza by the slice has become inconsistent. Some slices are noticeably smaller than others, yet all are priced the same at $6 something per slice (plus tips), which doesn’t feel fair or worth it when portions vary so much. Even worse, during my last visit, I found a noticeable chunk of sand or grit baked into my Julian pizza. That was extremely disappointing. I truly hope management takes these issues seriously. This used to be one of my favorite places, and now I don’t feel like walking in there again.

Pluvi O

I’ve been a loyal customer at this pizza place for many years — long before it became as popular and crowded as it is today. Unfortunately, the atmosphere and service have changed drastically. The ladies at the counter often seem unhappy to be there — no smiles, no greetings, and no thank-yous — which really takes away from what used to feel like a friendly neighborhood spot. On top of that, the pizza by the slice has become inconsistent. Some slices are noticeably smaller than others, yet all are priced the same at $6 something per slice (plus tips), which doesn’t feel fair or worth it when portions vary so much. Even worse, during my last visit, I found a noticeable chunk of sand or grit baked into my Julian pizza. That was extremely disappointing. I truly hope management takes these issues seriously. This used to be one of my favorite places, and now I don’t feel like walking in there again.

I was so excited to be back in Berkeley so I could have more Gioia pizza, which makes this even more disappointing. I ordered a whole pizza to bring back home to enjoy with my host. Instead of a delicious pizza, we opened the box to a seriously undercooked pizza. We weren’t even able to finish a slice-it was also strangely extremely salty. We were both left hungry and disappointed. Going forward, it looks like it will have to be Rose’s or Zachary’s instead. Also, I tried calling, got an AI answering “service” that took several tries before it would actually ring through. No one picked up.

This is a margherita pizza? With unmelted cubes of cheese (maybe mozzarella?) and garlic marinara sauce. The only explanation from the shop keeper after I opened the cold box and showed him was “we ran out of basil,” as he walked away to continue chatting with co-worker. Not recommended. Unacceptable business transaction. Not worth the $45 we paid. Not worth $1. Is this a day old plain cheese pizza with some random cubed cheese added on top and marinara garlic dipping sauce poured on?

Kabir Fernandez

This is a margherita pizza? With unmelted cubes of cheese (maybe mozzarella?) and garlic marinara sauce. The only explanation from the shop keeper after I opened the cold box and showed him was “we ran out of basil,” as he walked away to continue chatting with co-worker. Not recommended. Unacceptable business transaction. Not worth the $45 we paid. Not worth $1. Is this a day old plain cheese pizza with some random cubed cheese added on top and marinara garlic dipping sauce poured on?