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Donna Jean

Where to Find Vegan Pizza in San Diego

It’s more than just vegetables

by Kelly Bone@TheVegFoodie Sep 15, 2020, 12:42pm PDT

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Donna Jean

| Kelly Bone

by Kelly Bone@TheVegFoodie Sep 15, 2020, 12:42pm PDT

From the classic Italian marinara to roasted root vegetable puree and smoked dates, vegan pizza in San Diego is developing its own voice. For years, many pizzerias fell for the fallacy that more vegetables on a pizza equals more flavor. In reality, too many vegetables equals a wet hot mess.

A good vegan pizza demonstrations restraint. A few impactful toppings, a smidge of almond milk ricotta or coconut cheese, and a pass through the burning heart of a hot, hot oven. These 15 pizzerias spread throughout San Diego excel at the vegan craft.

Disclaimer: This map should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still COVID-19 safety concerns: For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the California Department of Health. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Blade 1936

John Carlo Ferraiulo (formerly of Caffe Calabria) oversees the VPN certified Neapolitan pizza at Blade 1936. The menu includes four vegan pizzas such as the Popeye with cherry tomato, spinach, and mushrooms and the Ortolana with San Marzano tomato spread under roasted veggies and fresh arugula. Blade 1936 offers online ordering with curbside pickup and shaded outdoor dining.

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401 Seagaze Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

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Blade 1936

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Gianni's Pizza

Ganni’s Pizza pulls plant-based meats and cheeses into combinations that barely sound vegan. Favorites include the Trejo Chorizo with soyrizo, jalapenos, onion, tomato, cilantro and a squeeze of lime and the Balsamic Burger studded with Beyond Meat, onions, tomatoes, and roasted pepper under arugula with a balsamic drizzle. Online ordering and delivery available through Slice, Door Dash, GrubHub, and Postmates.

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3910 Vista Way Newton Room, Oceanside, CA 92056

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The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

The kitchen is on full display at Privateer Coal Fire Pizza—one of the few coal fired ovens on the west coast. In the 850-to-900°F heat, a high lip of crust rises over the shallows of marinara, confit garlic, red onion, broccoli, roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach in the vegan as-is Blockhead Pie. A zigzag of smooth walnut pesto finishes the pie. Call for curbside pickup or enjoy your pizza on the outdoor patio (limited seating). Delivery is available thought DoorDash as well.

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1706 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

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The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

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Regents Pizzeria

A beloved pizzeria in University City, Regent’s menu spotlights vegan options when creating your own NYC-style pizza. Or, instead of randomly building your own, try recreating the “Debradical” with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, fresh basil and Follow Your Heart vegan mozzarella over a garlic rosemary olive oil base. Contactless pickup and delivery available along with indoor and outdoor dining.

4150 Regents Park Row #100, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Regents Pizza

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Wheat & Water

On a breezy patio in Bird Rock, a crisp uncut crust comes topped with tomato sauce and swirls of wild mushroom, spinach, and sweet morsels of roasted sunchokes on the Vegan Pizza. Basil infused olive oil strains from the pumpkin seed pesto sprinkled with faceted flakes of Mandolin salt. Take-out can be ordered online, dine-in available as well.

5737 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Wheat & Water

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Uprising Pizza

In August 2020, all-vegan Uprising Pizza debuted their sourdough pan pizza for take-out of their commercial kitchen in El Cajon. The thick, but not overly dense, crust holds toppings such as pumpkin seed pesto, mushroom, cherry tomatoes, and vegan cheese on the Green Goddess pizza. Pre-order for weekly pickup is available through Instagram.

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1423 Cuyamaca St, El Cajon, CA 92020

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Ambrogio15

The thin, crunchy, crust —typical of petra flour from the northern region of Italy —holds a light layer of crushed San Marzano tomato DOP with caper buds, garlic, and oregano in the classic Marinara. The Vegana pie adds grilled eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers to this mix. Vegan mozzarella can also be added to any pie. Order online for take-out or make a reservation to dine in their parking lot under twinkling string lights.

926 Turquoise St h, San Diego, CA 92109

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Ambrogio15

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URBN El Cajon

This “New Haven-style” thin-crust regional pizza chain is spread through San Diego. Large pies arrive on baking sheets and are crosscut into various sized slices. Many combinations can be pulled out of the build your own section, or you can stick with the tried and true vegan as-is pizza topped with red sauce, onion, mushroom, artichoke, and arugula. Take-out and delivery available through Slice, Door Dash, and Postmates.

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110 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

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URBN

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Where to Eat in El Cajon

Blind Lady Ale House

Blind Lady Ale House’s Vegan Pesto and classic Margarita pizzas have been Normal Heights favorites for years. Driven by market availability, the ever-changing specials feature surprises like al pastor seasoned cauliflower florets over housemade almond ricotta and slices of buttery avocados delivered from the grove of Valley Center’s Rancho J’Baile. Order online for pickup.

3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

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Blind Lady Ale House

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Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

A prime example of Neapolitan pizza in San Diego, Bruno’s ample Marinara extends past the edges of the serving plate. Topped with pulpy tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic, and olive oil, it is an uncompromising vegan bargain. Call ahead for pickup or enjoy limited indoor and outdoor dining. Delivery available through Postmakes and Door Dash.

4207 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

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Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

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Tribute Pizza

The crust at Tribute Pizza — with the crispness of a rustic loaf filled with an airy crumb — is a standout. From day one the OG Vegan, a pool of crushed organic Bianco Dinapoli tomatoes under crisp arugula with a dusting of black pepper, has been a favorite. Innovation prevails on the Super Vegan 7.5 which comes slathered in root vegetable marinara with almond and hazelnut ricotta, shaved onions, pickled peppers, castelvetrano green olives, and artichoke hearts. Add a side of vegan ranch for an all-American experience. Order online for delivery and curbside pickup.

3077 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104

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Pizza from Tribute Pizza — Tribute Pizza

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Officine Buona Forchetta

Under the high ceilings of Liberty Station, two wood-fired ovens (one is dedicated gluten-free) char rounds of Neapolitan dough weighted under imported Italian tomatoes. The vegan section of the menu offers four vegetable forward pies topped with optional vegan cheese. Carmelized onions make Piera pizza, with grape tomato and mushrooms, a particular stand out. Call for take-out or dine-in on their ample patio.

2865 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

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Officine Buona Forchetta

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Donna Jean

The airy patio fluttered with herbs and vegetables destined for the kitchen of Donna Jean. Behind the double doors, dough proofs and house-made vegan cheeses age until ripe and ready to top pizzas. On the seasonal menu smoked tomatoes, mushrooms, and kale fill up the Sinister Kid pizza while black garlic, smoked dates, and calabrian chilies bite back on the The Widow pie. Order online for pickup or dine-in on their patio.

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2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

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Donna Jean

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Civico by The Park

Unlike the Little Italy restaurant, the Balboa Park adjacent kitchen offers both pizza and, a relative newcomer, pinsa. This oval shaped dough is both crips and tender thanks to the Italian-imported blend of wheat, soy, rice and wild yeast flour. It’s high rise and pale crust contrast the round low profile Calabrian pizzas. From the classic Margherita (rice mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, and basil) to the Ortolana (butternut squash cream, mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper) Civivo by the Park offers thoughtful vegan combinations on either style crust. Order online for pickup or dine in on their outdoor patio.

Open in Google Maps

2550 Fifth Ave UNIT 120, San Diego, CA 92103

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Pizzeria Luigi

Three locations throughout San Diego, this NYC-style pizzeria offers vegan cheese, soyrizo, and veggies. It’s one of the few places to get a vegan slice; call ahead to confirm availability. The thin crust has little to no top sag which keeps all the topping tidy for easy eating. Delivery is available thought Door Dash. Take-out and outdoor dining in the ocean breeze of their patio is available as well.

717 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

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Pizzeria Luigi

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Blade 1936

401 Seagaze Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

John Carlo Ferraiulo (formerly of Caffe Calabria) oversees the VPN certified Neapolitan pizza at Blade 1936. The menu includes four vegan pizzas such as the Popeye with cherry tomato, spinach, and mushrooms and the Ortolana with San Marzano tomato spread under roasted veggies and fresh arugula. Blade 1936 offers online ordering with curbside pickup and shaded outdoor dining.

Open in Google Maps

401 Seagaze Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Blade 1936

Gianni's Pizza

3910 Vista Way Newton Room, Oceanside, CA 92056

Ganni’s Pizza pulls plant-based meats and cheeses into combinations that barely sound vegan. Favorites include the Trejo Chorizo with soyrizo, jalapenos, onion, tomato, cilantro and a squeeze of lime and the Balsamic Burger studded with Beyond Meat, onions, tomatoes, and roasted pepper under arugula with a balsamic drizzle. Online ordering and delivery available through Slice, Door Dash, GrubHub, and Postmates.

Open in Google Maps

3910 Vista Way Newton Room, Oceanside, CA 92056

Visit Website

The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

1706 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

The kitchen is on full display at Privateer Coal Fire Pizza—one of the few coal fired ovens on the west coast. In the 850-to-900°F heat, a high lip of crust rises over the shallows of marinara, confit garlic, red onion, broccoli, roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach in the vegan as-is Blockhead Pie. A zigzag of smooth walnut pesto finishes the pie. Call for curbside pickup or enjoy your pizza on the outdoor patio (limited seating). Delivery is available thought DoorDash as well.

Open in Google Maps

1706 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

Regents Pizzeria

4150 Regents Park Row #100, La Jolla, CA 92037

A beloved pizzeria in University City, Regent’s menu spotlights vegan options when creating your own NYC-style pizza. Or, instead of randomly building your own, try recreating the “Debradical” with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, fresh basil and Follow Your Heart vegan mozzarella over a garlic rosemary olive oil base. Contactless pickup and delivery available along with indoor and outdoor dining.

4150 Regents Park Row #100, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Regents Pizza

Wheat & Water

5737 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

On a breezy patio in Bird Rock, a crisp uncut crust comes topped with tomato sauce and swirls of wild mushroom, spinach, and sweet morsels of roasted sunchokes on the Vegan Pizza. Basil infused olive oil strains from the pumpkin seed pesto sprinkled with faceted flakes of Mandolin salt. Take-out can be ordered online, dine-in available as well.

5737 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Wheat & Water

Uprising Pizza

1423 Cuyamaca St, El Cajon, CA 92020

In August 2020, all-vegan Uprising Pizza debuted their sourdough pan pizza for take-out of their commercial kitchen in El Cajon. The thick, but not overly dense, crust holds toppings such as pumpkin seed pesto, mushroom, cherry tomatoes, and vegan cheese on the Green Goddess pizza. Pre-order for weekly pickup is available through Instagram.

Open in Google Maps

1423 Cuyamaca St, El Cajon, CA 92020

Visit Website

Ambrogio15

926 Turquoise St h, San Diego, CA 92109

The thin, crunchy, crust —typical of petra flour from the northern region of Italy —holds a light layer of crushed San Marzano tomato DOP with caper buds, garlic, and oregano in the classic Marinara. The Vegana pie adds grilled eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers to this mix. Vegan mozzarella can also be added to any pie. Order online for take-out or make a reservation to dine in their parking lot under twinkling string lights.

926 Turquoise St h, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Ambrogio15

URBN El Cajon

110 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

This “New Haven-style” thin-crust regional pizza chain is spread through San Diego. Large pies arrive on baking sheets and are crosscut into various sized slices. Many combinations can be pulled out of the build your own section, or you can stick with the tried and true vegan as-is pizza topped with red sauce, onion, mushroom, artichoke, and arugula. Take-out and delivery available through Slice, Door Dash, and Postmates.

Open in Google Maps

110 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Visit Website

URBN

Blind Lady Ale House

3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Blind Lady Ale House’s Vegan Pesto and classic Margarita pizzas have been Normal Heights favorites for years. Driven by market availability, the ever-changing specials feature surprises like al pastor seasoned cauliflower florets over housemade almond ricotta and slices of buttery avocados delivered from the grove of Valley Center’s Rancho J’Baile. Order online for pickup.

3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Visit Website

Blind Lady Ale House

Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

4207 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

A prime example of Neapolitan pizza in San Diego, Bruno’s ample Marinara extends past the edges of the serving plate. Topped with pulpy tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic, and olive oil, it is an uncompromising vegan bargain. Call ahead for pickup or enjoy limited indoor and outdoor dining. Delivery available through Postmakes and Door Dash.

4207 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

Tribute Pizza

3077 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104

The crust at Tribute Pizza — with the crispness of a rustic loaf filled with an airy crumb — is a standout. From day one the OG Vegan, a pool of crushed organic Bianco Dinapoli tomatoes under crisp arugula with a dusting of black pepper, has been a favorite. Innovation prevails on the Super Vegan 7.5 which comes slathered in root vegetable marinara with almond and hazelnut ricotta, shaved onions, pickled peppers, castelvetrano green olives, and artichoke hearts. Add a side of vegan ranch for an all-American experience. Order online for delivery and curbside pickup.

3077 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Website

Pizza from Tribute Pizza — Tribute Pizza

Officine Buona Forchetta

2865 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

Under the high ceilings of Liberty Station, two wood-fired ovens (one is dedicated gluten-free) char rounds of Neapolitan dough weighted under imported Italian tomatoes. The vegan section of the menu offers four vegetable forward pies topped with optional vegan cheese. Carmelized onions make Piera pizza, with grape tomato and mushrooms, a particular stand out. Call for take-out or dine-in on their ample patio.

2865 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

Visit Website

Officine Buona Forchetta

Donna Jean

2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

The airy patio fluttered with herbs and vegetables destined for the kitchen of Donna Jean. Behind the double doors, dough proofs and house-made vegan cheeses age until ripe and ready to top pizzas. On the seasonal menu smoked tomatoes, mushrooms, and kale fill up the Sinister Kid pizza while black garlic, smoked dates, and calabrian chilies bite back on the The Widow pie. Order online for pickup or dine-in on their patio.

Open in Google Maps

2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

Donna Jean

Civico by The Park

2550 Fifth Ave UNIT 120, San Diego, CA 92103

Unlike the Little Italy restaurant, the Balboa Park adjacent kitchen offers both pizza and, a relative newcomer, pinsa. This oval shaped dough is both crips and tender thanks to the Italian-imported blend of wheat, soy, rice and wild yeast flour. It’s high rise and pale crust contrast the round low profile Calabrian pizzas. From the classic Margherita (rice mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, and basil) to the Ortolana (butternut squash cream, mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper) Civivo by the Park offers thoughtful vegan combinations on either style crust. Order online for pickup or dine in on their outdoor patio.

Open in Google Maps

2550 Fifth Ave UNIT 120, San Diego, CA 92103

Visit Website

Pizzeria Luigi

717 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Three locations throughout San Diego, this NYC-style pizzeria offers vegan cheese, soyrizo, and veggies. It’s one of the few places to get a vegan slice; call ahead to confirm availability. The thin crust has little to no top sag which keeps all the topping tidy for easy eating. Delivery is available thought Door Dash. Take-out and outdoor dining in the ocean breeze of their patio is available as well.

717 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Visit Website

Pizzeria Luigi

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