Bring back the Pomodoro pie! That's so perfect in the summer! E anyone loves it and I keep hearing folks asking for it.

This is the real deal. I love pizza and if it wasn't for pizza and burritos, I might be in trouble. Maybe a little pasta too. A small space with a little pick up window and several individual slices to choose from in a lovely neighborhood, which has a handful of groovy, little eating spots, etc. This pizza is the way it should be, thin crust, well prepared, interesting toppings, and freaking delicious!!! The kind of place that could be on just about any corner in any city worldwide! Tonight I had a slice of spinach with garlic and chili oil with some terrific tomato sauce, which made my taste buds explode with "joy-uh"....... (Gioia is most commonly pronounced as "JOY-uh") In Italian, gioia primarily means joy or delight. This is as good as if not better than any pizza tossed within 500 miles! There is another location on Hayes Street in San Francisco. The only area that needs some improvement is in the staffing and service. I've been going there for years and it is reminiscent of a DMV facility. "Now serving G 30 at Window #8." *********************************** Have a slice, take a whole pie home! read more

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20-year loyal customer shocked by the increasingly rude front staff We have been coming to Gioia Pizzeria for over 20 years. It's our neighborhood go-to, and we eat here at least once a week because the pizza is truly excellent. For nearly two decades, the staff was always friendly, but over the last couple of years, the front-of-house service has drastically gone downhill. The people taking the orders consistently seem like they don't want to be there. I've been overlooking the cold attitude for a while now because we love the food, but my experience today was the last straw. I ordered a whole pie and politely asked to have it double-sliced. The cashier looked visibly annoyed by a simple, standard request. It got worse when the pizza was ready: after she handed me the box, I kindly asked for a few paper plates. She literally threw the plates at me with a glaring look of unhappiness. I was honestly in shock by her behavior. Stunned, I asked her what her name was, and she flat-out refused to tell me. There is absolutely no reason to treat a regular, polite customer with that level of hostility over plates and a name request. I believe people need to be held accountable for how they treat others, especially in customer service. Looking at other recent reviews, I see that I'm definitely not the only one feeling this way. Gioia has been one of our absolute favorite pizzerias in Berkeley for over 20 years, but it's a shame to see a great neighborhood spot ruined by the attitude of the people taking orders. I am truly hoping management and the owners will read this and take real action. The food is still great, but the toxic energy at the front counter is ruining the experience, and loyal customers shouldn't be treated like an inconvenience. This incident happened today at 1130am. read more

Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for lunch after stocking up at Monterey Market. I'm luckily within walking distance but parking may be tricky for those driving in. Ordered slices of pepperoni, Julian, and Spinaci Aglio. All were amazing. Thin, crisp crust, tangy pizza sauce, good olive oil, great cheese pull. Simple ingredients coming together for a satisfying and piping hot bite. Pepperoni drips with the golden orange oil, characteristic of a solid pep slice. Spinaci has just enough garlic that works perfectly with the mild spinach. The star of Julian is the near crunchy kale complemented by pops of sausage. Place your order inside and pick up at the window just outside when they call out your order. There's a park a block or so down the road that's a great place to stop by and enjoy your slice if the small bench in front is filled up. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Spinaci aglio - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Don't bother ordering ahead because they'll actually start the pizza when you arrive there. Also $40 a pizza is crazy. They have the unique monopoly of being the only good pizza place nearby otherwise I'd go to po read more

EXCELLENT pizza. Not your average toppings that you see everyday. We tried 5 slices, pepperoni, margherita, spinach, funghi and summer squash. ALL GOOD PIZZA. Would come back again next time we dog sit! Rating 4 star bc ranch is $1 extra ... so pricey! read more

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Literally the best pizza ever especially the sourdough crust . Worker Marcel very helpful and efficient . A+ read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

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. read more

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4++ small pizza spot located in Berkeley. This place is seriously not much larger or wider than the counter you order at. The folks here are friendly and they have lots of premade slices that you can choose from. This place is conducive for takeout or grab and go. It's a great neighborhood spot where you can walk inside or order from the window I think. I wasn't super hungry so I just got the mushroom slice. Nice crisp and great flavor. My brother took me here when we were visiting the area with him and my sister-in-law. They let me know that this place was one of their old haunts. Just a really great spot to grab a quick bite for a reasonable price. read more

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These bad yelp reviews are ridiculous. The people commenting on the bad attitude or over priced pizza, need help. You're getting a slice of pizza not a Michelin star experience! Like get your slice and move on. My husband and I are house sitting for a friend in Berkeley and found this last minute. Honestly, BEST slice we've had probably ever. Lived in LA for over 20 years and nothing compares. I got the squash slice, incredible!!! Husband got the sausage slice, equally as good! The front staff was totally great and sweet! We're going back again tonight, we can't stop thinking about the pizza! read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Squash slice, perfection!!! - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

They honestly have solid pizzas but I absolutely love their salads. They are always super fresh. I will buy 3 of them and eat them through the week. You can tell they are fresh because on day 3, no brown lettuce. I have been to fancy restaurants with worse salads. Service is solid too and the ambiance is efficient made for take our but there is at least 2 or 3 places to sit for a slice. read more

Best margherita slice that I've ever had. Prior to Gioia, I considered margherita a basic pizza that non-pizzeria restaurants just offered to provide a pie option. This margherita is different. The chunky-ish tomato sauce has that perfect balance of acidic tang and touch of sweet, making for a complex profile. Crust thin and crunchy, fresh basil, and great cheese, best eaten fresh and hot right on the sidewalk outside. It's my go-to slice whenever I'm in the area and it's always consistent. Completely changed my view on the margherita. read more

The pizza here is solid. I come here every once in a while for a slice of cheese pizza. There isn't really seating inside but there's a couple benches outside. Staff are generally nice, if a little overwhelmed during busy hours. read more

Previous review was 4 stars but I'm upping that to 5. I'm rating Gioia on the pizza. I love it. Love it. I think it's improved. 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. read more

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Delicious pizza! It was easy to place an online order on their website. I also needed to modify my pick up time and easily got a hold of them when I called and everything was smooth. We got the Pepperoni, Asparagus, and Julian pizzas, the chopped salad and cannolis. Everything was SO GOOD. Will definitely be one of our new go-to's when we're in the Berkeley area. read more

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I hadn't been to Gioia in a few years and went back last week. Big improvement! There pizza used to be just ok, too wet and oily for me. But the slice I had the other day was on a par with some of the best pizza I've had in Europe. Yeah, the price has gone up, but it was a nice, big piece. read more

As usual Gioia serves delicious thin crust pizza and service is quick. My favorite pizza in East Bay.

94 dollars... for TWO PIZZAS AND TWO SODAS. The freak?!?! 94 fatherfreaking green American US dollars. Bills. Like, dollars. I have gotten pizza all over the world - never have two pizzas ever costed 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. I could have bought a Disneyland admission ticket for 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. I could have eaten at Mägo or 7 Adams or Bouche or Mijoté for less than 94 dollars. 94 dollars. I could have bought a flight on Southwest for 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Can't add extra cheese here. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Can't do half and halfs. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. No place to sit. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. No restroom. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Asked for light bake, they burnt the crust. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Bottom was wet, rubbery, flacid. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Gypsy pepper pie was tasteless, no salt, no flavor, didn't eat. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Someone said Jack in the Box would have been better. Yes, that Jack in the Box. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Staff was impatient, annoyed, rude, unfriendly. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. The machine had the audacity to ask if you wanna leave a tip - what, to make it an even HUNDRED?! 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Chaotic and disorganized. 94 dollars. Guy on the phone said it would take an hour and 15 minutes to make, 2 minutes later, the lady who works there said it would take 20 minutes. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. The slices at the counter did not look fresh. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Phone orders have to get in the same line as people who haven't ordered at all. 94 dollars. So, your food gets cold while you wait for Betty and Joe and Lamar and Sue and Skylar ahead of you to make up their minds. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. Stomach hurt immediately after eating. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. 94 dollars. With a very sore tummy, will have the rest of the night to think about 94 dollars :( 94... dollars. Like, dollar-dollars. read more

By God I beg you do not go here and order a slice of pizza unless you have 45 minutes to wait for them to produce it for you. And unfortunately, it's not worth that kind of weight. read more

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 available 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...))went 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." IG/tiktok: thefoodhigh read more

I'm pretty fussy about my pizza. I can honestly say that every pizza place I've tried in the Richmond/El Cerrito/Albany area I dislike. Gioia towers well beyond the others for its thin tasty crust, sauce and cheese. You do pay for that pizza quality as it is the most expensive I've ever paid for a pie and that includes new York. My only complaints, and this has been true for years, is the unfriendly, unwelcoming staff. I have given them a pass because they can make a very good pizza consistently. This is not to say I would rather be served by nice friendly people. My only other negative is the strict policy that restricts any special changes to a pizza such as half with meat and half without. I do hope Mr. Gioia can do something to improve the people experience. Note that this is take'out only, there is no ambiance. read more

Great pizza and service with a smile. Solid large slices. Funghi - 3/5 pretty basic mushroom pizza. nothing special. Wouldn't get it again. Julian - 5/5 loved the crispy kale. Will go back for this for sure. read more

The crust was amazing. Best in the bay imo. Could have been cooked a little longer for my taste. I didnt particularly like the cheese blend either. Sausage was good paired well with pickled jalapeños. Sauce was the most lacking. I prefer a sweet or spicy sauce. The sauce was very bland. Slices might be better read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just a disclaimer, I don't eat at this restaurant because they don't have gluten-free options. But my husband and my son love love love this place. So I often pick up a couple of slices and sometimes a whole pizza. Never disappointed. read more

Pizza is good, one of the better in the area. Pepperoni is my favorite here. Counter servers have a bad attitude and clearly hate their job and everyone who dares to buy pizza here, but if you can stomach the 'tude you will be rewarded. Personally for the price per slice, I take my business elsewhere. read more

I am still waiting for a response from this pizzeria. I am 100% certain those were not Margherita slices. They gave me Formaggio slices with a handful of basil leaves thrown on top. That is dishonest. At a bare minimum, they should respond to me. I have been patronizing this business for something like 20 years. I don't know if the problem is new management or what. However, I recently discovered Benchmark Pizza in Kensington, which is great! Better pizza than Goia's. The only problem is they don't sell by the slice. Hello, Goia's??!! My family will continue to patronize your business. If you have the courtesy to respond and make things right. Thank you. read more

I have had the pizza a few times more and can fairly say that it just isn't my favorite, even freshly warmed from the oven and eaten on the sidewalk. The crust has burnt edges, which I understand some people see as a feature, but the burnt taste overpowers any other flavor for me. It's also quite greasy. The line is long and slow, and even though the pizza is better fresh rather than taking it home, there is no seating indoors or outdoors, not even a stand up counter like at Arinell's. I wish I could like it! If it were five times faster, not blackened, and had a counter or some spot to eat it without getting grease dripped all over, it would probably be better. But it's not, it's successful as-is, and I am clearly one meh opinion in a sea of otherwise positive ones! read more

Today we tried the cannolis and I was blown away by the deliciousness! I've had their pizza (equally good) a few times now but had never tried their cannolis. The last time I had a great cannoli was from Mike's Pastry in Boston so I wasn't sure Berkeley could live up to that. I'm happy to say that the cannoli was cheesy and creamy in a crisp shell. Yum! read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Pistachio cannoli - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

Perfect grab and go pizza place. They are a small stores so we ordered ahead and it was ready when we got there. The crust is thin and a bit crispy. I wish there was more topping. We got the funghi pie. Overall not a bad place for pizza night read more

This is one of my family's favorite pizza spots in the Bay Area and I couldn't agree more! There's always a line whenever I go with plenty of people buying their delicious slices. My personal favorites are the Fungi and Julian but honestly you really can't go wrong with any of their pies. The crust has a nice crisp texture and the flavors are so unique that you can't really have anywhere else. Highly recommend to those in Berkeley or SF!! read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Julian Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

The pizzas are great. The service needs improvement for sure. I don't know why they had such an attitude especially they are expecting us to tip for picking up the orders. The signage for "Pick Up" should be clearer if the window is only for Website/Online order. There was no need to give me an attitude to inform me to go inside for the phone order pick up. Plus, she gave me such narrow window to enter the phone number for award points. If you can't enter the phone number fast enough to get the points, there should be a way to do it afterwards. read more

Been the best pizza in Berkeley for at least 10 years. Slice of funghi and pepperoni are top 2. Size of the slices has gotten smaller in the past few years. read more

I love their pizza sooo much! They make it very crispy and well done and they have a decent variety of flavors.

Crust is super light and crispy. The Salsiccia has got a little kick to it because of the jalapeños which is nice with the meaty sausage chunks on it. The Red Gypsy was well balanced with the chunks of ricotta and salty olives. Like creamy and salty sort of on top of a beautiful crust. Red Gypsy isn't on the menu it seems, but it was in the glass case when I went so base your selection on what's available that day. Inside, there's about a 3 x 3 area to stand, look at the pizza selection, and order. It's very small, but there's so many pizzas in the back. You can get your slices hot or cold. You pick up the pizza in the little window connected to the sidewalk. There isn't really any seating there. Service is fast and friendly, not many words were exchanged. Parking is just street. Overall, I enjoyed my pizza and am excited to try the other flavors. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Red Gypsy Pizza (Left), Salsiccia Pizza (Right) - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

40$ for a pizza is robbery. Especially given that it's just a regular to go pizza place. Food was tasty, but don't waste your money here. read more

Everything is perfect except for the very uneven slices. I was just in NYC and noticed they use a template to be sure the slices are even read more

Very nice neighborhood with a friendly welcoming vibe. Gioia is a very small shop. They sell pizza by the slice. There's no in-door dining. On the sidewalk is a small bench under tree-covered comfortable shade. I ordered a slice of Julian -- chosen because it was one of two options that had sausage. The pizza was absolutely delicious and super flavorful. I shall return to try other flavors. Tip: add take-out clam chowder to your meal from Monterey Fish Market next door. They are delicious. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - One slice of yummy goodness. $5.85 - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

FAVE PIZZA SPOT in Berkeley. I've tried the pepperoni, julian, and funghi. You can't go wrong with any of the options here. Crispy, hot, and fresh. There is some limited outdoor seating, but this is mainly a takeout kinda spot. I always just stand outside and gobble down my slice. read more

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The best take out NY STYLE pizza in east bay! We order the fromaggio pizza 3x a month from here! Nice Thin Crispy crust Even warmed up at 450° for 5 min. Tasty crust. I guess I would like a bit more consistency in the sauce to cheese ratio. The right amount of tomato sauce makes it perfect! Otherwise it's good but lacking a bit of flavor. The PEPPERONI, fungi and spinach pizza are also good. We just prefer it with cheese! Their chopped salad is excellent too! read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Chopped salad added my own ham for protein and onion cause i loveeee red onion! - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

So far this is the best in the bay for NYC pizza from an actual NYC guy. Ask for well done to gat the pizza perfect. Crust cracks at base perfect, no droop on crust, sauce to cheese is even. Perfect a slice as I can find. read more