This place used to be wonderful with upbeat, kind, knowledgeable staff and inspired, vibrant choices. no more. pizza reflects this, in taste and visually. Everything looks tired, burned, unappealing. And the counter person seemed totally uninterested. If the pizza was outstanding, I could manage the outrageously high price - Almost $50 for a whole pizza. But it was mediocre. Never going back! Be forewarned. read more

Had a slice of the acciughe with anchovies, and the Julien. The acciughe was falling apart the crust was so thin so had to eat it with a fork. Trouble with this is they just put the anchovies on top after you order it so they aren't really cooked with the pizza. The Julien was a little better but the sausage was a little funky. We have enjoyed their pizza in the past but don't know if I'll go back again. read more

I'm Gioia long time fan. I've noticed that their pizza slice got smaller and the toppings barely on it. Please bring back my old Gioia! read more

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

Whoa! What's up with the glowing reviews? Had the sausage pizza - it's meh but the chopped Gioia salad was downright terrible! 2/3 cabbage -seriously! What a rip-off. If you need a "slice" and you're in the neighborhood maybebut anything else -forgetaboutit! read more

Great place to get NYC style thin crust pizza, not a lot of options in the East Bay. Asparagus slice was good, and tasted really fresh. Kale slice was bleh, didn't taste fresh. My gripe with this place-- they cook way too many pizzas ahead of time and just leave them in the case, so you're playing roulette on whether you get a fresh slice or not. I find this really annoying because I managed a NYC style pizza place at one point in my life, there needs to be more communication between the bakers and the staff up front. At any given time there's one fresh pie of each type, and about 1.5 old pies sitting out, but they won't serve you a fresh slice until they've gone through the old once. As you can see in my photo, the slice on the right looks noticeably fresher, and it tasted way better than the one on the left. (*Crust) This place needs to stop being cheap and remove the older slices from the case when fresh ones come out, or they need to stop baking so many unless their case is empty. I'm changing my review to 3.5/5 cause it's been this way for years, and there's room for them to improve. Nobody likes a stale slice of pizza. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Kale/Sausage (Left) & Asparagus (Right) - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

Today, sadly, the service and the pizza were truly disappointing. I'm really hoping it was just an off day. When my pizza came out, one of the two slices I ordered was badly burned. The crust was black. Not simply blistered with little flecks of burn, it was all black. And it was not appetizing. Whether that happened when the pizza originally cooked or when the slice was warmed for too long, I'm not sure. When I pointed it out, the young server/cashier replied: "Too late, I already rang it up. I can't do anything about it." (apparently, this is what passes for customer service in 2026) I asked for another slice to replace the burned one and he actually started to ring up a charge for a third slice. WTF? I explained that customers shouldn't have to pay for burned slices and it should be replaced. In fact, the same thing had happened there once before, and in that case, the burned slice was replaced at no extra charge--without my having to ask. But this guy's attitude was that I ordered it, paid for it, and there was no room for complaint--maybe he had a slice-of-pizza sales quota to meet, who knows--and he said the burned food was not his fault and not his problem. This was followed by more nonsense. "Um, really, that's just the way we make it...blistered. If you'd told me before it went in the oven, but you didn't..." and then to top it off, "anyway, you already touched it, so I can't resell it now." What? I should have specified in advance that I didn't want a burned piece of pizza? Do customers really have to say that, like it's an option? Or is charcoal crust the latest trend? I've been eating pizza from Gioia in Berkeley for about 20 years--probably since before the kid working the front counter was born, and never have I had such a stressful experience getting something edible, if not delicious, to eat there. Finally one of the more mature workers onsite stepped in and replaced the slice at no extra charge (thank you!). I really used to look forward to going there, but maybe it's just too much these days to expect that they might have standards, as in selling warmed but unburned slices, or treating customers fairly without first having to be schooled--by the customer. Gioia has been a real neighborhood gem for several decades and it's a shame that things have changed. Suggest you ask yourself first if you're just in the mood for pizza (because there are other good options in town) or burned pizza, with a side of gaslighting. If it's the latter, Gioia's your place! read more

I have to space out my pizza reviews otherwise I'd expose my daily diet! Gioia Pizza in North Berkeley is a no frills spot with 10/10 NY style slices. Really flavorful and decently priced at about $4.25. Plenty of different slices that that are ready to go with a quick warm up in the oven. Service is on point and friendly. It hits the spot for that lunch time pizza craving. I went with my usual classic pepperoni and gave the salsiccia a shot, which ended up being my favorite! The blend of sausage, fennel, and jalapeño pair well together. A little tingle on the spice meter but nothing serious. Both slices had a nice crisp to the dough and tasted fresh! PS to my fellow yelpers, keep sending over your favorite pizza spots ;) read more

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My friend SWORE this was the best pizza all around. I didn't believe him. He said the Funghi Pizza pizza was to die for. Yeah, right. Okay, so I'm at my chiropractor's and realize this pizza place is less than 10 minutes away. So. I order the funghi pizza online thru "slice". You can order it for as soon as possible or pick your on time. I chose my time and headed over there after my chiropractor appointment. There's clear signage. Prepaid go to the window, need to pay, enter through the door. You can actually pick up slices to go. I went to the window. The aroma that was coming out of the business was AMAZING. The masked employee greeted me promptly, grabbed my pizza and I was headed back to the freeway. I thought about sneaking a slice to eat while driving but the thought of hot cheese landing in my lap was a major turn off. The pizza was good at room temp. It was amazing when we popped it into the oven to warm everything up. The crust. The toppings. Wow. It was worth coming off low carb for this! read more

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

I have been coming here for 8years, my biggest order was during Covid of $400 to stock up and freeze my favorite pizza and to support however now I think it's under a new manager name Angel that is the name I was given when I call them after I had a business meeting and opted to order four pies which when I sent to get the order I received several pies with heavy burnt parts to the point of not being edible now we were able to eat the areas that were not black burnt so I called the shop and spoke to an Angel, I did not request a refund I wanted to let them know what I received, he wanted a picture and Angel said that the owners were using a higher setting on the oven and he couldn't do anything about it and requested I email him the picture, I have received no response. This was a company meeting not a good representation of what I usually received. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Not a great representation at my company's meeting, all four pies were like this or worst, check your pies before paying - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

Just like Sf. Piping hot, thin crunchy crust, and great toppings! Love it's close by. read more

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

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Got takeout here last time. It's pretty good but I will say it feels somewhat costco adjacent. Got the Salsicca and the Avocado salad which both hit the spot and did what it needed but otherwise were just fine. read more

Pizza looks great, but I have to say, it's rather dry and flavorless. I never (ever leave my crust) but I just couldn't get this down. It tastes... like nothing, and requires sips of water to go down. I'm sorry, but we have been to nearly all of the incredible pizza places in Oakland and Berkeley dishing up insanely good pizzas. Gioia is often regarded in that same camp, but no way for us. The Pizziaolo at Gioia needs to taste their own pizza - it's understated and the crust is way too dry. read more

My couchsurfing host, born and raise in New York, recommended this place to me. He says it's the closest thing to NY pizza he's ever had since moving to California. And yes, it is true!! The pizza folds into itself. The crust is crispy, the cheese stretches like the cartoon pizzas, and the middle is soft and gooey! Yes, the place is small but I promise you if you sit outside in front of the pizzeria to enjoy your pizza, you're guaranteed to meet someone who might end up being your friend ;) read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Best pizza in Berkeley, bar none. The dough is proofed perfectly, the toppings are high quality, and the combinations are just right. The vibe of the shop is energetic and straight forward. No gimmicks, no flash, just darn good pizza. Got a hankerin' for a great slice or whole pie? Do yourself a favor and grab a slice, or the whole thang. Unless you are crazy, or like to consume cheap, round shaped things that resemble pizza? They will provide what you want/need in pizza type foodstuffs. My usual is sausage and jalapenos, but I had the sausage kale as well tonight...might be my new go to. Thank you Gioia folks, your work is appreciated. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Yes please, and thank Yous. - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

I was so excited to be back in Berkeley so I could have more Gioia pizza, which makes this even more disappointing. I ordered a whole pizza to share with my hosts. Brought it home and it was extremely undercooked and strangely very salty. Completely inedible. We were all left hungry and I was left both hungry and embarrassed. Given the quality control issues, I guess I'm going to be going to either Rose's or Zachary's going forward. read more

Excellent east coast style pizza. Ignore the haters, most Californians think good pizza is a thick, doughy slice with mountains of cheese and a giant soft crust. If that's your thing, this is not the place for you. read more

We got a slice of pepperoni slice, which came out to a little under $5. It was really delicious! The thin crust is really crispy and the pepperoni is flavorful. I think for how good it was and the size, it's well worth the price! I'd love to come back and try other flavors. read more

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

Delicious pizza but I struggle with the limited options. This time we went with a cheese pizza because my husband and I couldn't agree on any of the toppings (he thinks the mushroom is boring, I don't care for the pepperoni--too salty for me, he doesn't like the spicy sausage & jalapeños, I hate anchovies...you get the picture). We both love their margarita pizza but that one is seasonal and they didn't have it on the menu yet. I still like Zachary's better. Yes yes I know, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Except I'm not. I'm comparing pizza to pizza. Second place goes to Cheeseboard. I give the bronze medal of pizzas to Gioia, which is pretty darn great if you ask me. This New York style pizza delivers with its chewy crust and fresh ingredients. They take tomato sauce, cheese and dough and do voodoo magic with it, because the Formaggio, while simple, was completely satisfying. Bonus: they have great salads! read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Avocado & Arugula Salad - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This place has gone sharply downhill since they split. We used to go get slices, sit at the counter, enjoy chatting with the kitchen staff and eat delicious, fresh pizza. Now all I see is unhappy customers, way overpriced food, waiting too long (tonight a woman had to ask twice about slices!), poorly made pizza (our 1/2 & 1/2 was 1/4-3/4, which made the other half not edible for our kids. Overpriced. Sad that it's terrible. Someone please save gioia! read more

Such great pizza. At about $28/pop, it's a nice chewy thin crust with delicious toppings. If you go only cheese, it's $23. 8 large slices, 2 slices more than filled me up. There's a line at the shop and you can order full pies or slices. There is limited seating inside (the place is tight) and an outdoor bench in the front. I called ahead and still had to wait in line to pay and pick up the pies. P.S. They also sell some limited salads and cannolis! I went with the spinach and the ricotta asparagus. The spinach, garlic, chili was fine, but actually not the pizza winner. The ricotta pie was the clear winner, which is sad for me since I love a good red sauce pizza slice. The sauce wasn't too strong or heavy and I guess my preference sides on a little more sauce. The real winners were the meat slices. I didn't taste, but damn, those looked real good. Although Gioia was a great pizza, I def made a trip from South Berkeley and parking is the worst, so I wasn't so impressed where I'd sway from my go-to's nearby: Nick's & Emelia's. This spot happens to be also in SF and I think is opening up another location or two; so they must be doing something right! read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I came here before the lunch rush and got the Julian slice. I've never had pizza with kale before so this was was a treat for me. They heated up my slice and the crust was thin and crunchy, my favorite kind of crust. The kale was an interesting topping and went well with the cheese. A solid place for a slice when you're in the area. read more

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

In the mood for a quick tasty slice of pizza and a Mexican coke? Look no further than Gioia Pizzeria! Really flavorful slices at the counter and decently priced at $4.25 a slice give or take. They have some seasonal flavors too! I had to try the Salsiccia - with sausage, fennel, jalapeño, and mozzarella sauce. It was the perfect quick lunch, and the texture was phenomenal. Slightly spicy, nice crisp dough, and really tasty flavor. Wash it all down with a crisp Mexican coke! No frills spot with some window / outside seating. They also have quick grab salads and sandwiches. Friendly service and convenient street parking available, you have to stop by a try out their special flavors! read more

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Best pizza ever! Super authentic New York style!! Only had takeout but highly recommend!

I got the 18-inch pepperoni pizza delivered via DoorDash, and this time it actually got delivered unlike the last time. The pepperoni makes the pizza uncomfortably salty. When I say this, I mean that it makes it saltier than the pepperoni pizza (Classic Pep pizza) at Rose Pizzeria (on University Ave) which I'd say has moderate saltiness. The next issue is that it is unnecessarily very greasy, and that a few times the cheese just came off the crust...which makes me feel like the pizza is poorly made. The sauce is not spread out well so there are bites where it is just cheese with no sauce. The last issue, is that it came a full 30 minutes later than the time I had been told it would arrive. I would highly recommend avoiding this place especially since the cost does not equate to a gourmet level of quality but a horrible and distasteful quality. read more

The best pizza in the east bay If you are looking for New York style pizza this is the place ! Fungi pizza amazing Pepperoni pizza to die for The ordering online has been ineffective to the point that I have had to drive there to order The pizza still is worth the drive ! read more

I honestly don't review other reviews anymore. Only the bad ones but. I'm from Chicago and we are known for pizza. First time I came here was years ago then I had it again before pandemic and I still think this place has some amazing pizza then a lot of places in SF. Honestly, pizza is not really a thing in Cali I feel like it. But it's okay because there's so many other amazing food out here. I love the mushroom and the cheese pizza all the flavors is just right. Just depends on what your taste palette is when it comes to pizza. read more

Of the Pizzerias in Berkeley, Gioia is a personal favorite. While it is located quite a drive up north and further away from the UC campus, the pizza is worth the trip. Pictured are: Pepperoni Pizza and Sausage + Pepper Pizza The crust is crisp and toppings are always cooked to perfection. While I am not the biggest fan of parmesan and enjoy only Mozzarella on my pizza, these were still delicious. Berkeley staple, highly recommend! I know they also have an SF location. read more

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

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Cool local gem. Delicious pizza sold by the slice. Be prepared to wait since it's a popular place. read more

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One of the best, if not the best, pizza spots in Berkeley if you're just looking to pick up. Literally can't go wrong (except for maybe the anchovy which is always gonna be an acquired flavor) read more

Pizza is very much a personal thing and I will be the first to admit that my tastes run towards New York style. I know there are those who prefer Chicago, Sicilian and other varieties. So recognizing my preferences are for the sort of pizza Gioia makes, I will try to judge them based on their own merits. And overall, the pizza is not bad. The staff at the Hopkins shop seem friendly and industrious. Considering that I walked in off the street on a Friday eve to order a whole pizza, a 45 minute wait seemed well within norms. I chose a Salsiccia, which is reasonably traditional on the east coast, mostly because I was interested in something a little spicy. When I picked up my pie, they kindly provided me with extra pickled jalapeños on the side and upon returning home, I saw it had been well-cooked: a few scorch marks on the edge of the crust, promising that crunchy quality that makes a New York style pizza so enjoyable (and possible) to eat. It smelled wonderful. When I had my first bites, I also recognized that they had used quality ingredients. The cheese was clearly fresh and I could taste the pecorino. The Sicilian sausage had a surprisingly delicate and flavorful quality. In terms of taste, it was very good. Why, then, only three stars? Simply put, the crust. This is what is sometimes called euphemistically a "wet" pizza. The crust was a gelatinous mess towards the center. Allow me to quote the owners themselves on their website: "We don't eat pizzas with a fork & knife. New Yorkers consider that uncivilized." I agree. It's a shame that it was impossible NOT to eat it that way. I tried folding lengthwise (a common NY eating strategy)--no dice. It sadly lacked the structural integrity to make eating this pizza by hand without covering your face, fingers and clothing in cheese, tomato sauce and oil. This is not a small thing. New York style crusts also have a distinct taste that goes with that stiffness. That sadly was missing. There's an old Italian saying: parla come mangi--speak like you eat--meaning speak simply or plainly. To again quote Gioia's website: "We serve simple RUSTIC food with big flavors. We like that kind of honest food." If they really believe that, I'd advise the owners: manga come parli--eat like you speak. read more

This counter/window service place serves excellent pizza by the slice. The quality is top notch and consistent! My favorite is the fight slice-- so good! read more

Fantastic pizzas! I shop there regularly. Only the best gradients. It's unfortunate that the young woman who's been working the front counter for the last year or so has such a negative unfriendly attitude though. She really looks like she would be happier at working somewhere else. read more

OK, I like the pizza here but I drove 30 minutes to pick it up and another 30 minutes to get back home. When I get home I see there's a huge burn spot. What the heck GIOIA? Where is the quality control? Next time I am checking your work before I leave, that's IF there is a next time. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - huge burn spot - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

The best New York style pizza in the east bay! Service is always pleasant and friendly. The ambiance ... D/A: it's a take out

I ordered a takeout funghi pizza. It is huge. Lots of mushrooms and cheese. Crust is crispy and chewy. Good pizza but expensive. $55 with tax, tip read more

Went there Friday evening around 6:30 pm..Long wait sometimes but pizza's always worth it! Friendly staff

The Gioia , becoming worse every day , I'm 12 years familiar with this place and this is degraded in my eyes, once employee was shook/dumped rubber under oven carpet near the table with my pizza , I made a verbal comment but hold off writing review, but today I upset about employee again , because when I approached cashier , I asked if I can order , but music was very loud , she probably misunderstood or said automatic " there is only slices left " but than next person was told different information about whole pie ... than I started insisting on ordering whole pie and employee started lecturing me and telling me that I didn't explained . They also rude and not friendly as used to be long time ago... read more

There fungghi pizza was so tasty and I loved the texture of the thin crust also I tried the squash pizza was very delicious

A good pizza, but not great. The pepperoni were super greasy and not very flavorful, while the cheese was barely attached to the slice, sliding off onto the plate after the first bite or two. The store was really busy and had forgotten our order when we went to pick it up, so it was nice of them to rush the pizza so that we didn't have to wait another 40min. The area around the restaurant is really cute and has a lot of options for deserts if you have a few minutes to waste. TL;DR: Okay pizza, bit expensive. read more

Gioia Pizzeria - Half cheese half pepperoni. - Pizza Near Me - Berkeley, California

Good pizza the crust is really crispy they heat up slices for you but its not quite hot enough only lukewarm i suggest you order two slices as they are not huge slices read more