GIOIA Pizzeria

One of the best casual pizzerias in the East Bay.

I'm talking regular pizzas too. Not like bougie hipster pizzas like Emilia's, Cheeseboard, or Nick's. I like those pizzas too. Don't get me wrong. But sometimes you want a casual pizza, not a fancy pizza. Know what I mean?

Although its still pricey but I think its worth it.

I am obsessed.

Pictured below is the Julian and Anchovy pizza. Me and boyfriend get so excited to come here every Sunday after the Kensington Farmer’s market. Every ingredient on each pizza is highlighted so well. I love anchovies on pizza and the way the smoky Calabrian chilis paired with how buttery the anchovies were, so good! The Julian had a great combo of delicately crispy, roasted kale with bites of sausage. It’s a simple menu but there’s really a pizza option for every mood.

The whole experience of grabbing a cheap slice of pizza and eating it on the go or in the park makes for such a nostalgic childhood experience that is so heartwarming to redo any time.

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

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!)