Pizzeria Luigi

I first read about this place online and was really excited to try it out as I am new to the area. I came in and ordered 2 slices to see if it was worth buying a large one to bring home to my very pregnant wife, since she is quite peculiar with her cravings. When my slices came out, they were significantly burnt, which I blamed on the rush the restaurant was experiencing. I didn't make it a big deal because I actually found the slices tasty and decided to take a pizza for my wife. I ordered a pepperoni and jalapeno large pizza for take out. I must note that I saw two half's of a large pepperoni pizza on display, which had been there since I first ordered my slices. I didn't think much of it and patiently waited for my pizza. When I got it, it wasn't as warm as pizzas usually are, so I put it in my warm bag just to preserve it better. As soon as I got home, my wife noted that the pizzas looked uneven, which prompted her to ask if I had eaten a slice on the way home. I didn't. We tried making the crusts fit but were unsuccessful. I don't want to be quick and make assumptions but it does seem peculiar the way that the pizza was cut and seemed to leave a space in between slices as if it was missing something or pieces from different pies had been added. Also, the pizza was almost cold despite my efforts of keeping it at an edible temperature (it was a 10 min drive in a warm pizza bag from the restaurant to my house). I hope there is a reasonable explanation for this experience as I would hate to have brought a puzzle old pizza to my family.

The pizza was really good (the tomato sauce was delicious). However, the drinks were a letdown. They didn’t have any syrup, so all the flavors just tasted like plain water. I was really craving a cherry Coke, and it ended up tasting like nothing but water. We also ordered some garlic bread, and I had high expectations because they looked great, but when we tried them, they just tasted like burnt garlic. That said, the pizza itself was very tasty and the service was good. What I didn’t like at all was how hot it was inside. The place was enclosed, the sun was hitting us directly, and there was no ventilation — it was uncomfortably warm. So that part was a big downside for me, but again, the food was good overall.

Quality NY-style pizza with the obnoxious “your presence is annoying” attitude to match. The girls working there need to get over themselves but it works because the service is terse and efficient. Prices are reasonable for the quality. Understandable why it’s so popular. Nice outdoor patio, too.

I kept walking by the pizzeria and never stopped to try it. But last week I decided to give it a chance and buy 2 slices to go. As soon as I walked into my home, my husband immediately said, "something smells really good." And the pizza really was good that we both walked back and bought 8 slices to eat for dinner and breakfast! The sirrachia, baked potato, and BBQ chicken were the stars of the pizza.

I've been here dozens of times, and it never disappoints. If you like thin crust pizzas, then this is your spot. By the slice or by the pie. I usually go for the slice. Large selection of pies to choose your slices. The srombolis are also an excellent choice. The bread knots are da bomb. It's a friendly vibe and great micro brews. It's a popular place so parking can be tight sometimes but worth a walk if you have to.

Luigi's is definitely best pizza place in San Diego. I've been coming in here for years. But I have to give a big shout out to Nicole. She is so awesome and no offense to the other employees. But she is definitely one of the best I've seen in years her energy, is beautiful and her big smile, definitely accentuates her beautiful personality plus her customer service is off the hook. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Luigi's pizza I hope you get to meet Nicole ! 😃

Pizzeria Luigi was recommended by a friend, and it was a solid NY-style pizza stop. We ordered a pie with half White Girl and half Capone. We also got two slices of cheese pizza. Both the White Girl and Capone were fantastic, but the White Girl is definitely more memorable. It's got a perfect kick to it (not very hot, but great flavor). The employees were incredibly helpful and kind. They threw in some garlic knots, which were greatly appreciated and tasted good. We ultimately ordered based on their recommendations, which provided us with a good experience overall. If you're a tourist (which we were), pay close attention to your GPS, especially at night. We got a bit turned around in some neighborhoods and struggled making it back to the freeway.

Came to try their pizza because their hours of operation are open later than most other places, I had heard good things and wanted to see for myself, super glad we tried it! Really great slices of pizza, a really good variety too and the prices are fair in my opinion. I love the vibe of the place, it’s perfect for the location. The girl who helped us was really nice and I can’t wait to come back! Also they have good ranch! 👌🏻I got the white girl and the Margherita

Best calzone eva reminds me of back home in Bronx, NY. Not to mention the customer service was on point.

my favorite place in sd for slices. the capone is good but the st nick if youre a pesto fan is a must. garlic knots are also good. 2 slices n a soda (or beer) deal is nice!! service can be pretty quick unless theyre busy then expect to wait a bit. ambiance feels kind of like a dive bar but not really haha. outdoor seating is nice. check this place out!

Our experience was extremely disappointing. We called ahead twice--my brother and I both spoke with staff--and were assured that gluten-free pizza was available. Based on that, we placed an order for three pizzas: BBQ, pepperoni, and a gluten-free pepperoni. We were told it would be ready in 20 minutes, which was ideal since we were heading over from the beach with hungry kids, including one with dietary restrictions. When my sister-in-law arrived to pick up the order, she was casually told they didn't have gluten-free pizza after all. No courtesy call. No apology. Just a dismissive, "We don't have it." She asked if the rest of the order was at least ready, was told yes, and paid. But the pizzas hadn't even been started. My family is visiting from Arizona, and this was their first dining experience in town. To be met with such disorganization and lack of care is honestly unacceptable. A little communication would've gone a long way. We won't be returning--and I'd caution others with dietary needs to think twice before ordering here.

Always reliably good slices. Quality hasn't changed in all these years. Thank goodness. The "Detroit" slices have been a new favorite.

We found this pizzeria just riding through town trying to find some dinner. It's straight forward, order your food at the counter and sit til your number is called. there is plenty of seating outside and inside. The meatballs and pizza were delicious! Come check them out !

Not a bad spot for pizza in OB! Definitely the better option if you're only wanting a few slices. However, the whole pizzas can be pretty pricey. Service is hit or miss. We were told there was no ranch even though you can see the entire stack in the fridge next to the cashier. If you're looking to grab something quick, then this is your spot!

The pizza is really good. Personally, I like the Mona Lisa. They sell it by the slice. I get the combo: $9.95 for 2 slices with a drink. You won't regret eating here. The pizza is thin, just a heads up They have indoor and outdoor seating. They also sell beer, and the wings are really good too. Service is good ambiance is street vibes . #Pizza

golden hill gem. this place is so chill to come and grab a few slices. They have a great deal of 2 slices and a drink for a quick meal. Their garlic nots are also the best! They're huge. Always quick and fresh.

Pizzeria Luigi might just be the best New York-style pizza spot in San Diego. Bold statement, but let me tell you why. I ordered a Large Pepperoni Pesto, and it absolutely blew me away. You can really tell a pizza is good by its crust, and Luigi's did not disappoint as it checked all the boxes. It was light and had a really good crunch and the toppings brought everything together, especially the pesto. Though I've never dined in at the location, the decor and neighborhood added to it's charm. On top of that, the service was outstanding, 10/10! The staff was welcoming and eager to assist, making me feel right at home. Would I go again? Absolutely!

Our experience was extremely disappointing. After confirming twice over the phone--with both my brother and myself--that gluten-free pizza was available, we placed an order for three pizzas: BBQ, pepperoni, and a gluten-free pepperoni. We were told the order would be ready in 20 minutes, which was perfect as we were coming from the beach with hungry kids, including those with dietary restrictions. When I arrived, the woman at the register casually informed me that they didn't have gluten-free pizza after all. No apology, no warning call. I asked if the rest of the order was ready so we wouldn't waste more time during rush hour. She said yes, so I paid. The pizzas hadn't even been started. After 15 minutes, I asked again and was met with denial--she claimed she never told me they were ready, and then argued with me in front of other customers. Only then did she bother to check with the kitchen, and I was told it would be another five minutes. Nearly 50 minutes after our original order, we finally left--with undercooked pizzas that tasted like cardboard. Think Costco cheese, sugary BBQ sauce, and rubbery salad bar chicken. Completely inedible. There are far better pizza options in San Diego. Don't be fooled by the reviews--unless you're nostalgic for cold cafeteria food and being treated like an inconvenience.

This is my wife's favorite pizza place, and I would say it is one of my favorites as well. We love the crime scene (ricotta and meatballs with dollops of marinara on top) as well as the Mona Lisa, which is like a supreme pizza. The sports bar (a baked potato/pizza hybrid) was good also the one time I tried that. The garlic knots are also another hit. Pretty much everything that we get from this place has been a hit. There is very limited parking in the area; but you can park across the street and take a very short walk. Place is always busy with people getting to go orders and dining in, but there are very few tables for dine in. And it never feels too crowded. Place has had a solid spot in our rotation for years now and I don't see that changing anytime soon!

It's ok to be a weirDOUGH Limited parking. There's a few small tables and a bar inside. Good NY style thin pizza. Pizzas are presented in a glass display and reheated to order. I liked the Crime Scene the most because of the creaminess with the meat. If you togo, there's packets of pepper and cheese by the bar. May return to try El Diablo one day because it was sold out when I went!

Such a cool place to grab a slice! It reminds me of a neighborhood place in New Jersey or Brooklyn. Today me and Ms Badpenny each ate a slice of the " Crime Scene" and enjoyed an adult beverage on tap (Craft IPA)

Nestled in the heart of Golden Hill, this is the GO-TO spot for some incredible pizza. Coming from a NJ/NY girly, born & raised, Pizzeria Luigi is one of few in San Diego that passes the taste check. The ingredients/toppings are markedly fresh and flavorful, the ratio of sauce to cheese to dough consistency is to perfection. And to top it all of, the service is always prompt and friendly. This store front is on a cute little corner with a flower stand next door that really just adds to the ambience of the experience. I love Luigi's!

Came here at the recommendation of my nephew who said it's his favorite pizza place. I went a little off script and decided to get an Italian sub, since I didn't see many reviews or pics on Yelp. The sandwich took a bit, but was well worth it. I thought it would be on an Italian roll, but was on a round focaccia. Boy was that bread good. All the meats were thick cut and delicious. This may be one of the top Italian subs I've had - and I love me some sandwiches. I saved the other half for my brother to try and got a to go box. Since I had to tell my nephew I came here, I had to try pizza. Pizza slices are all ready to heat and there's a lot to choose from. I ordered a slice after asking what the cashier's fav was. I don't recall what it was called, but it had nice dollops of cheese, spicy sausage, red sauce and meatballs. The crust was crisp and thin. A little floppy, so be careful not to drop toppings!

The pizza here is tip top. It's among the best pizza places in San Diego in my opinion.

Convenient, quick service, and an overall great place to hangout. Outside patio makes it pretty good to chill during those hot nights. Do not sleep on the pizza they serve here, they do not disappoint. Thin sliced pizza with a great crunch to it. I'm glad they don't overpower the pizza with the sauce and that it's not too oily.

The food was great, hole in the wall place that is truly a gem! I didn't get the lady's name at the front counter but she's super nice and quickly had our food / drinks out. Will definitely be a regular at this place!

Crime scene is my absolute favorite but if you haven't tried it Detroit style ya missing out!!! Overall Luigi's pizza is great and gives me the closest taste to a simple NYC pizza.

Speed of service and food quality are all on point. The lunch deal are awesome and dining area is always very clean.

My little brother told me about this spot and was just raving about it. But I will have to go have a talk with him because place was not as good when he said it was better than Bronx. I expected a lot. The bar is high. And unfortunately fell through the pizza was way too crispy that would just rip off into pieces. Flavor was decent and slices are way too small for what they charge service was good no complaints there, but I do complain about the cleaning of the place. We sat at the bar and the whole bar was sticky to be honest. I not sure if it be a place I would be coming back to.

Every trip down here is capped with 2 slices and a brew. Pic speaks for itself. Doorman in past review is now posing w/ a slice. Prices still amazing! As is their Pilsner and Mex Lager.

D@mn good pizza! Quick service, tasty food, friendly staff. Casual indoor seating, plenty of outdoor seating. The price is fantastic too. I would eat here again.

This pizza is so good you're going to crave it. We moved away from SD and it's a non-negotiable when we are in town. The crime scene pizza is so effing tasty. Whatever they do to their sauce and ricotta cheese is perfect. Service is friendly and they give great recs if you're stuck. Italian sandwich is good too if you're feeling a sandwich. It's a little place with some tables and outdoor picnic tables in the back.

The pizza is so overrated. Dominos is better tbh and so yeah I'm chill off this spot take y'all chance tho

Was in SD for a visit with friends and we wanted pizza. Pizzeria Luigi is in the Golden Hill area. Called in an order for pick up - Crime Scene & El Diablo pizzas. Customer service over phone was great and pizza was ready upon arrival. The Crime Scene had ricotta and meatball. I love ricotta and this pizza was very good. Crust was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There was a good amount of toppings and the pizza wasn't so greasy. My favorite was the El Diablo. This pizza was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. It had pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, red onions, jalapeños, crushed red peppers, sriracha & hot sauce. Yum! So much flavor and heat. If you like spice this is the perfect one! Highly recommend Pizzeria Luigi!

I love coming here! It is never too busy and the pizza is always great. The buffalo chicken and crime scene are my favorite slices. The staff is super friendly and helpful! The ambiance is great in this place and is not too overwhelming!

Got takeout for football Sunday/sunday scaries and Luigi's did not disappoint. We got the Diablo (Diced pepperoni, Sausage, Meatball, Red Onion, Jalapeno, Crushed Red Peppers, Sriracha, Hot Sauce) and the Frenchy (Ham, Pear, Caramelized Onion, Blue Cheese) and both were fantastic. If you're a guy fieri fan, he's got two picks on the list, the Diablo and the Mona Lisa (Pepperoni, Sausage, Green Peppers, Mushroom, Red Onion, Black Olive). I can't handle spice... I'm talking medium as my max at most places) and the Diablo was just right. Go, it's good.

Delicious pizza with the perfect crust and generous toppings. Super friendly staff and fast service--this place never disappoints!

Food is great! Pizza is good and a ton of variety, sports bar is a good slice. The garlic knots are to die for and the jerk mango wings are very flavorful. Only thing to complain is that the place is older, does need a facelift, it is a hole in the wall vibe but some updating wouldn't hurt. The outside patio is nice to eat at. Also, the girls up front. To be hired do you have to be incredibly rude? Every time I'm there the girls who work the front act like everyone is bothering them. I use to try to tip a lot in hopes that maybe they just have a bad moment but no, no matter what you tip they still act like you've hit their car and killed their dog. So now I don't tip anymore, bc they're gonna be mean to me anyways. Told me parents we should go to dinner there once and they said the same thing, they don't like to go there because there's a rude girl in the front who always treats them like garbage. Welp.

Still my favorite NY style pizza joint in town after all these years, with roughly one take out per month, more during the early years of the pandemic. Only dined in once, and that was this past week, so this review is to reflect the dine in experience. While I do love that you can get pizza by the slice and choose your own toppings, the quality is just not as good as a freshly baked pie after the reheat. The crust instead of having their signature chew, was almost crunchy like a biscotti. Interestingly, the reheated garlic knots did not have the same issue, and actually was very enjoyable even if I forgot to order the marinara to dip it in. The wings were delicious, crispy with just the right amount of sauce. The buffalo sauce could definitely be spicier. Enjoyed a delicious guava cider on draft. Service was fast. We were in/out within half hour for the whole meal. Parking has always been an issue, but we found street parking about 4 blocks away after circling 3 times. It is very casual atmosphere, really not date night material, but perfect for a quick bite and drink.

Personally feel this is the best NY style pizza in SD. Been consistent for many many years. I always just go for the plain cheese. It's the only pizza in SD that really reminds me of a true NY slice. Cheese and sauce is just right. I get mine crispy. They just heat it up a little longer and it's perfect.

The overall experience was nice and there were so many pizza slice options to choose from. Unfortunately, I felt like the pizza was on the dryer side and the toppings felt kind of pasty to me. And for the price point of the ranch, I expected a bit more in terms of accompanying condiments. I got the Pepperoni, ricotta, pesto and then the Mushroom Ricotta.

Go to spot for a pizza craving and especially after a Padres game. Awesome spot to enjoy a cheese pie and wings. Friendly staff.

This review is purely off two to go orders. My husband brought back pizza. The first time it was a meatball pepperoni slice and garlic knots (last week). Today I tried the fresh prince. Both orders, stellar! I used to work for a pizzeria for 10 years in Coronado. The pizza, marinara, knots were great. I couldn't think of a better pizza. Perfect dough and crunch. Toppings aren't overwhelming where you feel like you need to walk for an hour to just digest. I mean, it's literally perfect. The knots, could use a brush of butter over the top so they aren't dry but that's really my own two cents. I'd come here again, would be my preferred pizza spot. Next time I'll dine in and grab a beer. Really, really happy. Good work guys.

Great atmosphere. Great pizza. What are you waiting for? Sitting on the patio smelling the fresh flowers from the shop next door.

Garlic knots Thursday afternoon didn't taste fresh. They tasted old. This place is a 4-5 Star. So, hopefully they correct that. :)

4 sure NY style, also friendly and clean, great parking too. A keeper. Easy on the wallet, real nice people too.

Always very consistent. Have tried multiple different types of pizzas and each one is delicious. Love the calzones too!

Great place if you're looking for a New York Style slice of pizza! This place has a variety of delicious options toppings wise. Seriously a go to place for a delicious slice of pizza. The people here are friendly and service is quick and easy.

Being from CT, we take our pizza very seriously. Very glad to see this place does as well, Luigi's is a NY style pizza, thin crust and crispy. We went on a Thursday night and there were plenty of people coming and going. We opted to grab a couple slices which is nice to see, not too many places do slices these days. They also have a good deal, 2 slices of pizza and a draft beer for $14, that's a good deal. I opted for a slice of pepperoni and one called the Crime Scene which was meatball, marinara and ricotta cheese. My wife got the Crime Scene as well and a mashed potato pizza slice, we then split one of their garlic knots as well. Pizza was tasty, has a nice crisp to it. They have a few small tables inside for dining and some bar seats at the end of the counter. The meatball on the pizza tasted delicious and the ricotta cheese added the perfect base to the pizza. My only wish is that they would add a little more bacon to the mashed potato pizza, that is what makes the pizza more special.

I love Pizzeria Luigi with all my heart. However, yesterday's experience (May 30th) has got to be the worst one. Both slices of White Girl and Bbq chicken pizza were stale and tasted old. I can especially taste it with the chicken. The dough itself was harder to chew on than normal. Really disappointed and I don't know what happened since 8/10 times they are consistent with their quality and taste. My first ever experience eating here in 2020, their pizza was too greasy but I still went back and gave it another try and good thing I did because I probably just caught them on a bad day. I'm still going to be a patron however I do hope for more consistency next time.

This is a typical slice house, kinda divey, but absolutely what you would expect. Glass case with pizzas on display, nice variety of craft beers, etc. Space inside for dining, and a couple of tables outside as well. I had about 3 slices to go and I would say that the crust was fairly sturdy, had good bite and chew, toppings were solid. Service was pretty neutral but efficient. A little expensive for what I got, but I get it - everything is expensive these days. Overall, I'd go back if I were in the area and wanted a slice, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

They have a wide variety of great food. The portions are giant. The kids got spaghetti and a sub while my hubby and I got pizza and wings. It was more than enough food for all 5 of us, plus leaving us with left overs. The service was fast and great. It is a small shop but very cute. The price wasn't too bad either. Highly recommend.

In short: a solid place for a slice of pizza. I come here often for a slice, a knot, and a pint. You can grab a slice of whatever they have made in the display, but if you'd like to try one of the unique combinations you'll have to buy an entire pizza. They'll often have a pizza or two made that aren't on the menu, and I don't know how they decide what that is but I have liked all the slices I've tried. Sometimes they even have "Detroit style" pizza, which is a rectangular pan pizza with thick and chewy crust. I guess they might be known for their ricotta pizzas, since there's a whole section of their menu dedicated to that. I'm not really a fan of sauceless pizzas, or any pizza without red sauce really, but I have tried some of theirs and they still taste alright. I think my favorite so far is the crime scene, which has sausage crumbles and dollops of marinara and ricotta. Their garlic knots are not as flavorful as others I've tried elsewhere, but I still crave them when I think of this place. They usually have a bunch made up early in the day, and I'm not sure if they make a second batch if they run out. Unless something just came out of the oven, they throw your order back in to warm it up for you. The beer selection is a bit limited, but it's usually decent considering it's just a little pizza shop. Even if they don't have what I'm in the mood for, I'll usually still order whatever sounds the best. There has yet to be a time where they were out of anything I'd be willing to drink. Overall I'd say this place is reminiscent of Pizza My Heart, which was a place I frequented in my undergrad years in the Bay Area. Pizzeria Luigi has a more "take it or leave it" attitude, however, which might come from roots in New York. The employees have always been friendly, even when they're noticeably tired. It's been increasingly comforting to find "come as you are" establishments, which I'd definitely agree San Diego has more of when compared to Los Angeles.

A staple in Golden Hill is Luigi's. I've been coming here since I was little with my aunt who lived a few streets down. It's open late which is so needed when you are dying for that late night slice. There's plenty of seating inside and outside where they have large tables. It's all thin crust, New York style pizza that's perfectly foldable and crispy. Especially right out of the oven; you can't get anything better. The people behind the counter are lovely, great friends with the community, and true pizza lovers just like us. I'll continue coming back for more than just the slices.

I'm not a fan of New York style but I recently had their Detroit style and I love it! The hot honey that they add really complements the ricotta and pepperoni. Dining inside is cold at night but I'm sure it's perfect in the summer nights. Service is great as well.

My closest pizza spot, and truly thankful for that. They have a great selection of pies - whether you're ordering ahead or getting slices from the case. Went with White Girl (chicken, bacon, spicy ranch) and Spicy Kevo (pepperoni, ricotta, pineapple, jalapeños) tonight plus a cherry cider, total was $14.01. This is delicious thing crust pizza, covered but not overloaded with toppings, and they've mastered the heat up art. A decent amount of seating between the indoors (mostly small tables) and outdoors (larger picnic tables). Fast, friendly, always bustling. This is a not to miss (even Guy Fieri said so!)

My family loves the pizza, we usually get slices. Sometimes we even just get them earlier in the day from them and air fry the pizza later for dinner. The pizzas consistency is overall great through the years. Staff is usually super nice but lately there just rushing and throwing a smile in at the end, but it can become chaotic in there at times with people ordering, purchasing and picking up, maybe if pickup became another area that would help and make them less stressed but just a suggestion.