This is my go to pizza place. Seriously won't get pizza anywhere else. If you like old school NY style pizza - this is your place. Occasionally it won't be as good as normal but no matter, there is always next time. Staff over the years has been consistently metal band fans, not my type of music, but hey at least they're having fun. I am not there for the atmosphere, I am there for the great pizza. I am so grateful for Arinell's for all the years of wonderful NY style, thin crust pizza, for sticking it out during the pandemic and staying true to their perfect recipe. read more

Yes, cash & pizza handled sans gloves. But if Michelangelo likes it, don't you? http://youtu.be/EgmXewamiiY?t=1m10s Yes, the standard slice is plain cheese. But if Kevin McCallister likes it, don't you? http://youtu.be/4wG9yAgFZNY?t=25s read more

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Hands down the best slice in Berkeley. Coming from the East coast, I looked for many months trying Artichokes, Sliver, Abes, and Seniores, but they can't even close to the pizza here. Thin crust that's crispy on the bottom but chewy in the middle, and light layer of sauce, and melty cheese give this place 5 stars. It would be groundbreaking if they could open a location closer to campus (and possibly replace artichokes) read more

Berkeley High son was missing Arinell's so we ordered a pizza for him. Husband went in to pick it up and got to witness the pizza maker with a mask at half mast (only covering his mouth, but not his nose or most of his beard) yelling about the sh*tty f'ing customers and how they don't tip him so he makes them sh*tty pizzas and that he only makes good pizzas for his friends and everyone else gets sh*tty pizzas. Sure enough we got a sh*tty pizza. Sorry Arinell. Never again. read more

Ughhh I am still dreaming about this place.. I dare you to try and walk by this place without going inside. The smell that escapes to the sidewalk is like a magnet! Huge slices, real cheap ($2.75 for plain), real fast, and really, really, really good. Best eaten with a sprinkle of oregano, cheese, and pepper flakes, while standing at the ledge and watching yourself devour the best pizza ever in the mirror. True NY style is an understatement. Extra points for having awesomely authentic pizza dudes behind the counter. One had a death metal band t-shirt, one had a shirt that had the Cal logo but instead it said "Hell" (Heart) Arinell read more

Arinell Pizza - two slices of neopolitan *drool* - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came to order pizza with my family around 4:30 and was overwhelmed by the smell of weed. We were ignored for a few mins before a employee noticed us. Instead of greeting and helping us he dogded behind the oven and shouted we were closed all while the employee chose to continue smoking his weed. read more

If you like very thin pizza, then you'll enjoy Arinell's. I personally need crust and some thickness to my pizza so it's not a place I would choose to go to, but in times of desperate hunger I have succumbed. They have some options for additional toppings but best keep it limited as the pizza can't hold much. Pros: Walking distance to Downtown Berkeley Bart (few blocks away). Cons: Cash only (Tip: Bank of America ATM machines a block away, Wells Fargo 3ish blocks away) Very very thin pizza. Don't expect to get many toppings, the pizza can only handle 1-2 at most. Not much seating inside, 1-2 tables. Plan to pick up and get out. read more

$2.75 flat for a Neopolitan pizza, which is a thin crust pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Oh, and oil. And, surprisingly, I enjoyed it. I'm a pizza skeptic at heart because I'm a Costco pizza lover (cheap and HUGE slices). Also, I grew up on $5 Little Caesar pizzas (partially joking). Essentially, paying $3 for a slice of pizza irks me a little. But I appreciated how none of the dough was burnt, and how the mozzarella had the right stringiness, and how the oil wasn't too overpowering (I did let a few napkins sit on top for 20 seconds though). The crust was decently crunchy and was consumed without too much discontent, and the tomato sauce served as pleasant background noise. Also, the slice wasn't soggy, which may be due to the server heating your pizza when you order it. Overall, simple and satisfying. I enjoyed how filling it was, but because I'm not a pizza fanatic, I don't think I would return. Ah, but kudos to the pizza slice being bigger than my head. Bahaha. read more

Arinell Pizza - Ohai there Arinell! - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Best pizza in the bay. Amazing thin crust. Consistently the right ratios of ingredients and great flavor- it's all about good dough and sauce. read more

Pizza is meh. Used to be real good 10 years ago but went back recently and got stale pizza and ridiculous millennial attitude (I am also a millennial just not a bad one). Girl got my order wrong twice. Ok no problem stuff happens i just waited. She then dropped the pizza of a couple who'd been waiting for 15 mins already, then when I opened my box and found the order incorrect again I was told "yeah, you're asking for too much!". and these are the same people who demand 25$ an hour with full benefits. Total joke. I'm not a huge complainer. The SOLE reason I wrote any of this was because she had the nerve to tell me "you're asking for too much" after not receiving what I had already paid for. read more

I didn't realize I did not let the Yelp world know how much I love this place. Well, I do, whether for a slice or a whole, I love the dough crust the cheese the oil the thinness!! read more

I have been going since I was young. Back then going to Arinell was one of my favorite places and pizza. As I've returned over the past years I still find the pizza the same quality and it is one of my favorite pizzas. As a kid I did not realize or was a ware of the very poor customer service and hospitality. I don't expect a lot going to a place to get a slice but as an adult I see how rude and awful the employees are. If the pizza wasn't one my favorites I would not ever go here because the service is down right pathetic. Not only are the employees never friendly they are the complete opposite. I've rarely had so much blatant disrespect from employees. It hurts me to say because I love this pizza but I hope someone reads this and works on they're attitudes. read more

I phoned in one (1) pizza to be picked up and was sternly advised it would take up to an hour until I could pick it up. Ok, not a big deal (Friday nights I assume are pretty busy). I arrived about ten (10) minutes before the hour elapsed just in time to witness an employee berate an older woman for not tipping him.....why? (idk none of my business). Anyways, I proceeded to pay for my pizza (cashier was incredibly cold and short). I asked for parmesan and red pepper and received an eye roll like I asked him to do a backflip (whatever, just want to get my pizza and head home). As I walk to the car, I notice the bottom of the box, at best, is lukewarm. I open the box and the pizza looks like it has been out of the oven for at least thirty (30) minutes (picture the old slices you see at the pizza by the slice spots). By the time I got home it was ice cold. In conclusion, poor service, bad attitudes and cold pizza. Please, do better (or hire some college kids who care and fire the 27-year-old hipsters who dgaf). Best, read more

You will only understand how yummiciously good this pizza is if you grew up in NY like I did. It's the only one of its kind in the Bay Area. The ONLY authentic NY/Manhattan style pizza. Love it (for 43 years now)!! read more

So my first trip there was not the best. I'm so conflicted. It's a block from my place, which is excellent, and they have Sicilian deep dish, which is even better... ... but it's not as inexpensive as I'd like it to be... and when I entered the first time and was the only person there they still hurried my slice in and out of the oven like they were trying to move me out of their space quickly... and the pizza was hot on the outside, very cold on the inside... Flavor was excellent but temperature was WAY the hell off. Went back today and got a thin slice and it was excellent. Good size, good temperature, they just nailed it... So now the question is... is the Sicilian inherently flawed, was their preparation a one-time glitch, or is the inconsistency the pattern? Gotta go a third time and see what happens. read more

I've lived in NYC for over 12 year and Arinell is the only place in the East Bay that comes close. Don't get anything crazy. Just get the cheese slice, marvel at the thin crust, and be happy. read more

Love their pizza it really is the best pizza in downtown, like none of the places on university can even compare. I got the vegan pizza and it was ok, I probably won't do that again because I like my cheese a certain way and it just didn't quite hit the spot for me. Thankfully my friend paid and he enjoyed every bite. I have been frequenting this establishment for years. I think the trick is consistency. They really are pushing out quality product. There were a few ppl waiting for pies when I arrived so I'm glad to see covid hasn't really kept them too down. I think I appreciate the space like it's nothing fancy but also not run down into the ground. It's like a whole in the wall but a decorated whole in the wall. Big up to the pizzaiolo back there pushing pies out with accuracy. I'm a thin pizza lover so if you are too then this is your place ! I promise read more

CASH ONLY Really chill spot. Simple selection, thin crust (Neapolitan) $3 or deep dish (Sicilian) $3.50. Toppings range from .50 - .75 They offer a vegan slice for $3 and have a pitcher of water on tu counter. I got the Neapolitan with pepperoni. Tastes good, just what I expected. Nothing extraordinary. Paid $3.50 so tax is included in pricing. The guys allowed a homeless guy to sleep a bit while sitting up at the end of the row of seats by the door. They were really polite with asking him to go, mainly because I needed a spot to sit. They also carry a stack of turbo East Bay Express, so that's a plus. read more

Arinell Pizza - Neapolitan with pepperoni - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been getting pizza here for 25 years and have loved it every time... until tonight. We called in and ordered a half pepperoni, half cheese and when we got there they had a full pepperoni in the oven. When we told them that we specifically called to make a half/half order, the 14 year old behind the counter called us "entitled" and said "you're acting like we have unlimited pizza to just give to you." The attitude that expressed by the cashier and not checked by management was extremely disappointing and not reflective of the community that I grew up in. I have never been treated so rudely by someone who is supposed to be providing service. I'm absolutely appalled and may never return to my previously favorite pizza place that I had brought tons of business to. Hoping the child who has not been taught how to treat customers gets put back in his crib where he belongs and management fixes the customer service problem of this chain. read more

The staff closed a full 30 mins early and were smoking in the kitchen, absurd -- go anywhere else

Great thin pizza! I usually get cheese pizza. It's a perfect mix of super thin crust, tom sauce and cheese. $2.50 per slice. Yum! 15" pizza is $15. 18" is $20. Extra for toppings. For these prices, it can't be beat! There are a few tables there but it's not very clean. But then again, you're not going for the ambiance! read more

I hadn't been to Arinell in Berkeley for over a decade, so as we were driving home from a meeting in Oakland I convinced my wife we needed to have lunch there. Well, it may have moved next door, and now has actual TABLES, but other than that it hasn't changed a bit - thankfully. Still the very best NY style pizza in the bay area, and the sicilian was perfect as well. Had a slice of each and both were just as I remembered - very reminiscent of Ultimate Pizza, my NYC favorite. There just isn't better pizza in SF/OAK. Bar none. read more

Solid pizza. My boyfriend, another couple, and I stopped in here to get a slice of pizza. My boyfriend and I each got a slice of pepperoni and our husband/wife duo shared a slice of cheese pizza. Pros: Pizza: Large slices, cheap, quick, easy, piping hot. Establishment: cool decor and condiments available on the side (choose from oregano, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes) Cons: Pizza left out and toppings simply added to the slices and then tossed in a huge industrial oven. My boyfriend and I went with the Neapolitan because the Sicilian pizza looked like it had been out for awhile. Customer service: No hassle, but won't win any awards. The homeboy behind the counter didn't smile or greet us, but was quick to get us our slices and made our half orange half Sprite drinks without a problem. He didn't look as if it was a good day to make pizza. Overall: If you're in the neighborhood and want a slice of pizza the Neapolitan slices aren't too shabby. read more

Pizza is not bad here. I was on my way to an event and walked by and the smell, made me do a full turn around. All of a sudden I realized I was hungry and wanted a slice of pizza. Two rocker guys were working behind the counter, talking about a Slayer concert. Pretty amusing to listen to. I ordered my slice of cheese pizza at $2.75. They put it in the oven like Pizza My Heart does. And then wham I was on my way to my event. My cheese slice was good and tasty, I inhaled the whole thing. End of story. Ca$h only! Place is small, don't plan on a large pizza parties here. Mainly for take out. read more

This place has been an old-time favorite since high school. A slice (or two, if I was starving) of pepperoni and a fruit punch was my usual. Even if I did get two slices and the punch, it would still be under $10! That's a WIN in my book! Sure, the pizza is a bit on the greasy side (yes, I admit to blotting oil off my pizza slices on occasion!) but still yummy as hell xD I honestly haven't tried their Sicilian slices but they look yummy too...I just might try that next time I'm in the Bay Area. read more

I'll preface this review with a caveat: I'm no pizza expert and I haven't traversed the country in search of the best pizza slice. My pizza experiences are limited to San Francisco, Berkeley and Chicago. That being said, the pizza slices here are AWESOME. $2.75 a slice + 50cents per topping (this was back in early 2012 so I don't know if anything has changed). A huge variety of toppings, and there are two slice choices: sicilian or neopolitan. I usually go with neopolitan, so I'll only be speaking about this one. The crust itself is thin and crispy. Read that again. THIN and CRISPY. If you don't like that, you can disregard this review and it's rating. If you do like that, then please please come here and try a slice. The taste and quality is a CONSIDERABLE step up from the usual pizza you find in Domino's, Papa John's, or Blondie's. I saw some reviews say this has a lot of oil but uhh... those reviewers haven't been to Blondie's... or Cheese Board (these other places aren't bad; I just feel that they have more oil than Arinell - at least when I've been there) Quality is great, price is great, and it's a pizza slice that you can eat with one hand, with no difficulty. Love, love, love this place! read more

Amazing thin crust pizza.

Solid vegan slice (great crust, tart sauce, and vegan cheese as good as it can be) - the only better vegan pizza I've had is at Jupiter. Pricing is decent also - 3.50 for a large slice, so around the same as Seniore's or Artichoke's. My only complaint is the pizza was kind of cold even though they heated it. My friend from NJ also enjoys their regular pizza, and thinks it's one of the better NY slices not in NY, so stop by whether you're vegan or not! read more

Again, another hard cracker pizza, and the totally slurring speech "manager," Dan (he claims his name was), tells me when I say the pizza was very overdone and hard like a cracker, again slurring his speech, "maybe you want to eat it with some spinach dip or queso." I reminded him that this is why he is in his 30s and mismanaging Arinells. What a tool. And slurring his speech all the while. His mother should be proud. For the absent owner, this happened January 3rd at 3:04p. Talented, with it crew you got there. read more

Incredibly horrid customer service. Some cashier (a blonde girl) who was working there on Thursday afternoon (June 2) was the rudest person I've ever seen in a restaurant. Not only did she look half high, but made me and others I know feel like our simple orders were a burden to her otherwise empty shift. read more

Good food but the service has sucked for years. Its like they train the workers to be jerks. In this day and age this is very rare and unacceptable. read more

What says college food more than pizza? Arinell Pizza is located conveniently in Berkeley and sells pizza for $2.50 a slice. Perfect for those college kids who are tight on cash and taking out student loans up the wazoo. It's been described as neopolitan and New York style pizza but not quite. I have had both and the crust isn't the same. At Arinell's, the crust is a little doughier with more chew. It's also a little greasy. Normally, grease equals flavor in my world but not for pizza. Arinell's Pizza isn't quite true California pizza with fresh toppings and it's not quite neopolitan or New York style pizza. It's still good pizza with huge slices and for cheap. Not bad for the college student who probably chooses cost over flavor. read more

Arinell Pizza - Not quite New York style crust - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

I will absolutely NEVER shop here again!!! When I went with my teenage cousin to get pizza for a birthday party, the manager proceeded to chase after her, while cussing loudly all because she didn't have enough money for a tip. We were shaking in the car as his loud screams echoed outside of the window. We were terrified that he would take it further!! When I went back with her parents to confront him (my cousins was too scared to go back), the manager that I saw, LIED and said it was not him! I could not believe it!! After a grown man had belittled my cousin, he then lied and said that it was not him! I forgot how the pizza taste after this traumatic experience! read more

I lived in the Bay Area way too long while complaining about the lack of good pizza. Discovering Arinell's made pizza a regular meal again. Amazing New York style, unlike anything in the Bay Area. read more

Quick service but they don't have an option for made to order. They have pizzas sitting out on the counter and once you select your slice they add the toppings/heat it up. Cash only btw. read more

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Favorite pizza in the bay for sure. Hands down New York style thin crust. If you get a pie or even by the slice it's pretty hard to beat. Me and my Girl Friend find ourselves here probably once a week. I recommend you start doing the same if you're a pizza lover like me. Oh and Also awesome service read more

Unique! No trip to Berkeley is complete without a slice or three! I treasure our stop offs prior to Cal football games! Eat Arinell, Bears win! Go Bears! read more

Only thing less impressive than the pizza was the staff. Watched the "manager" call a customer an idiot for inserting his credit card too soon. No gloves when handing food. Avoid this place. Trust the other one star reviews. read more

I've had to deal with the same pretentious, lazy asshole working behind the counter the last two times I visited Arinell's. The first time Arinell's was busy and he was cranky and rude to the many customers that were waiting because they had run out of slices. I waited for the pizza to be ready and when I finally got to the counter and asked for a pepperoni slice, he gave me attitude and said it would be easier for everyone if I just got a slice of cheese....? Wtf. I come back today with my boyfriend (who has been an Arinell's customer since he was a kid) and it's the same asshole behind the counter. The first thing I hear him saying is about how people should be ordering cheese slices (even though they have several toppings on their menu, how lazy can you be). Then he's rude through our whole transaction, to the point where he threw a receipt at us. We finally get our pizza and he snaps at us for standing and eating our food inside the restuarant. We were not blocking the entrance (customers could walk in with no issue) and they have counters along the wall that are there specially so you can eat where we were standing...... and then he asks if we have a problem, like he's trying to start some shit. To summarize: this place makes good pizza but has horrific employees that deserve to be fired. I hope the owner reads this and kicks his ass to the curb because the terrible customer service is losing you loyal customers. read more

Sooo ecstatic that Arinell's is open during shelter in place!! I only frequented this pizza joint 1-2 times a week prior! I'm able to grab a slice or get dough to go during these harsh times which is more than I could ask for. read more