Leaning Tower

3.8 (471 reviews)

ModeratePizza, Salad

Closed • 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

Updated 3 months ago

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Leaning Tower - Veggie with vegan cheese - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

Leaning Tower - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

Leaning Tower - 16" Large Pizza combination and Caesar Salad - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Leaning Tower - two cans of the same product - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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LEANING TOWER ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Dogs allowed

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Samantha J.

Classic, comforting pizza. This place is a casual pizza joint with to-go only service. The mushroom special was umami packed, fresh, and had a super soft, bread-y crust. The Caesar salad was the real MVP for me. Instead of croutons, you can expect toasty, crunchy breadcrumbs, ensuring that once mixed, you will get a nice crunch in every bite. Perfect meal for a night in pared with a glass of wine!

Franklin M.

Old school since 1972. I called first to make sure they were open as they do not open up early even on a weekend. They have slices for sale to our surprise so we ordered a cheese and a pepperoni and sat outside on their sidewalk chairs and table. The slices are $4 each and they are big slices but super oily which I used a napkin to absorb the oil before taking a bite. It had good flavor and even the crust was yummy.

Arielle C.

I've always wanted to try the leaning tower of pizza but they closed during the pandemic. One night while doing laundry across the street I put in a pickup order at around 8:15pm and they kindly fulfilled my order that night even though the website scheduled my order for the next day. The Detroit pepper special pizza was made fresh and came with fresh basil. I love Chicago deep dish pizza but this Detroit style pizza has Zachary's and the Star beat. I wish they could do walk-in or phone orders but it's a small inconvenience for such great quality pizza. Much love for the leaning tower!!

Yulja L.

From the outside, this place looks like your typical pizza joint. However, this really is a great little spot. COVID procedures, they ask everyone to order online, but are willing to take notes on orders from the phone. They also ask you to call when you arrive, so they can deliver curbside to you. Online ordering is fairly simple, my only complaint is that there isn't anywhere to add notes. I really enjoy how you can order regular (small) size pizzas, as well as al taglio style XL pizzas! The prices are very reasonable as well, much better than most of the Bay Area.

Not much meat on the meat lover's pizza. But hey, the sausage was good.

Ron L.

I admit it: I wanted to eat at this pizza place only because of the name. As an incurable punster, I love the name Leaning Tower of Pizza. I've been following its reviews on Yelp for a few years. First it was good. Then ownership changed and it got far worse. Then ownership changed again and it got better again, which, as of this review, is where Leaning Tower is. My family has pizza every Saturday night, usually bought in a store. But the girl was helping at an event and did fantastic, and I promised her that if that happened, we'd go to a pizza place to celebrate. When I read the list of possibilities, she wanted the Leaning Tower of Pizza. It's quite a drive for us, but not too far, so off we went. Leaning Tower is in an older and nice neighborhood on the banks of Lake Merritt. The restaurant itself is one block from Lakeshore. Only on-street parking, and there's little of it. It looks like it was meant to serve the neighborhood, with residents walking here, and not expect outsiders driving in. Nearly everything about Leaning Tower has the personal touch. A mural of Pisa on the wall. Small custom-printed menu. Drinks are bottles of either beer or soda made in Mexico. People who work here have an interest in providing the diners with a good experience. The tables can be moved around so that a large group can enjoy themselves. Okay, what about the grub? It was slightly different, and good. Thin crust, the girl laughed as she flapped her pepperoni slice back and forth. The Hunny and I had pepperoni and sausage; the sausage was like breakfast sausage with an Italian spice to it, adding a different flavor. Not loaded with meat, so it's easy to get a bite that's only cheese. All three of us loved our pizza. The three improvements I can think of are more meat on the meat pizza (I'd love to have more of that sausage), listing what ingredients are available for the build-your-own option, and more combinations for the pizza. But overall, the Leaning Tower of Pizza is a winner.

Cat H.

I love a pizza place that offers vegan alternatives. The vegan cheese is sticky and gooey which is pretty ideal for pizza. I also liked the sourness of the dough. It's a cute spot and I will look forward to coming again sometime.

Meka B.

Sadly! Pre being vegan I use to love this place. The homemade crust and sauce is something I have missed. Yesterday I called to see if they had a vegan option. They said yes and told me to select vegan cheese at the end of ordering. I asked what brand vegan cheese they used and the guy said he wasn't sure the brand but it's potato based. I was so hoping it wasn't Daiya, because it sucks. I picked up my pizza and looked in the box. The way the vegan cheese wasn't melted looked like Daiya. I came home , my daughter and I tried to get a slice out for each of us. The cheese looked like sauce and the pizza was so soggy from the amount of cheese used. Took one bite and both said yuck, Couldn't taste the veggies or the sauce only the nasty vegan cheese It's great they have a vegan option but to add that amount of cheese to a pizza that turns into sauce and makes the slices soggy is a total No $35 wasted Just yuck Change your vegan cheese or list the kind of cheese you are using so that guest can choose if they want that. Nobody wants soggy pizza vegan or not. It was just the worse

Kathryn F.

My husband and I were staying at an Airbnb nearby and decided to order a large mushroom, sausage, and pepperoni pizza and a market salad (arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, red onion, and mustard vinaigrette). Granted we're only 2 people, but this fed us for 3/4 more meals LOL. The pizza was delicious and the pepperonis were addicting. The salad was huge and could feed a small army. Waiting for the day I can come back to eat at the restaurant so I can get it STRAIGHT from the oven.

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Paritosh S.

6 years ago

Sauce and cheese occupied a small portion of the pizza in the middle. Leaving a couple inches of inedible crust at the edges. Crust was a bit burnt which didn't help either. Detroit style pizza was better. Tastes like focaccia bread not crispy at the bottom. read more

Leaning Tower - Cheese pizza with extra olives - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Fred E.

Elite 26

116

11 years ago

Not the same since the change of ownership. I guess I didn't support the last owners enough by ordering more often, sad. The new pies are O.K., but they remind me of CPK or Pizzaialo if you like limp pizza. http://www.yelp.com/biz/pizzaiolo-oakland?hrid=yMYTC7JvYjv9oYi4RWL-5A I will give it another try but not tonight, I was so in the mood for a Tiger pie. read more

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Lisa T.

Elite 26

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16 years ago

The pizza deserves two stars; that third star is for its great location, close to Lake Merritt and the laundromat. The crust was flavorless and although there was some nice pesto on the pizza, they went and put tomato slices on it. I love tomatoes but that is so unimaginative. Seriously, tomato slices plunked down on top of a pizza just fail. read more

Leaning Tower - The crust ain't all that - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Brandon P.

4 years ago

Everything is perfect here. Fresh ingredients, and made with love. A true hidden gem. Best pizza in the town. Period. read more

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Vanessa S.

Elite 19

484

809

397

7 years ago

It was very chill when I got there. The guy that helped my out was really friendly. They serve pizza by the slice, but you need to ask what pizza they have available. I was hoping there might have been a Detroit style, but there wasn't. I got two slices of pizza and he ended up giving me a bonus slice. I also got a pint of Portland Cider Sangria. Apparently they just tapped it today. It was super good and refreshing on this hot day. I was also told that they have a happy hour. Get a drink on tap and get a free slice of pizza. I didn't ask more about the happy hour other than that it ends at 6pm. Definitely worth checking out. I'll most likely order delivery from them in the future. read more

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J M.

5 years ago

Leaning tower is a great pizza choice around lake merrit because there arent too many! We usually get just the cheese pizza and love it! On another occasion, I accidentally placed an online order on Sunday when they were closed and after reading my receipt it said that it would be ready monday morning at 8am. I messaged them through yelp to please cancel the order and the next morning my card was refunded! Thank you so much i really appreciate it! I really expected no response so that was amazing, you guys rock! read more

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Kate P.

128

129

6 years ago

So glad to have some detroit style pizza in the East Bay! I ordered the pepperoni and added basil and arugula- so tasty! Curbside ordering was super easy too. read more

Leaning Tower - Pepperoni Detroit style with basil and arugula added - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Billy S.

5 years ago

Ordered at 11:40am. The online order confirmation said the order should be picked up and ready after 12pm. It's now 12:30pm and haven't gotten our order of a small pizza. I think the food here is great that's why I come back regularly but the service takes a long time, which is strange especially when I'm the only one here waiting. read more

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Malhy L.

3 years ago

I used to love there pizza! But recently ordered a cheese pizza and it was not cooked all the way the pizza was doughy and so soggy it was really disappointing. I really loved there pizza I want to like this place but not a good experience. read more

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Megan D.

4 years ago

Ordered a large Three Mushroom with sausage and small Burrata Pistachios Special. Both of were so good but the Three Mushroom might be some of the best pizza I've ever had. Loved the savory umami flavor of the mushroom pie and the sausage was the perfect crumbly meaty addition. My family raved about the burrata pistachio pie with fig and arugula. Definitely adding this to the takeout rotation. read more

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Stacy Y.

Elite 21

4 years ago

My favorite pizza place! I'm from Detroit and their Detroit style pizza is better than any I've had. Their crust is what makes the pizza so special. It's really crispy cheesy and the sourdough makes it very chewy. The crust is thick but it's so good that you'll want to eat the crust more than the toppings. read more

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Vincent D.

7 years ago

I have been waiting too, too long for this. From one star in 2008 to well beyond five stars today. I knew for awhile that this place had completely changed. I followed them on Instagram, I saw how beautiful and 'correct' their pizzas were. But I hadn't eaten them! I make my own great pizza at home, so I just never got around to it. What a shame. This was among the best pizza I've eaten anywhere in the world. Had Detroit style with pineapple and Serrano. Perfect in every way. And the burrata/pistachio, also so, so good! I was ready for disappointment, as my expectations were high. So, so impressed! Thank you guys for proving your passion and commitment read more

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Casey S.

Elite 26

249

506

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9 years ago

My husband and I usually get pizza here about once a month when we're too lazy to cook for ourselves. The ingredients are high quality and we love the sourdough crust they use. The staff is super friendly and most of them are from around the neighborhood. I run into the mother of one of the guys when walking my dog and SHE's even super friendly. I know some people miss the cheap pizza that was here before, but the new owner has definitely improved the quality, which is my preference any day. I will say that updating the interior has not been a priority for them. It feels a bit run down, but we always get our pizza to go so we don't mind. And, like I said, it's good pizza. The pizzas only come in half size or full size and the full size is huge, which is great if you want leftovers, but for two people a half pizza will usually feed us for dinner. read more

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Imani R.

4 years ago

Usually they have wonderful pizza and pretty friendly staff. This time around we received extra pizza slices on top of our pizza- which I'm not complaining about, it's just a little strange. Additionally, we ordered two 1-Pint white claws with our pizza. Unfortunately, they only had one 1-pint and one 12 oz. This would be fine, except for the fact that I paid for two pints, and there was no way to be refunded for the extra amount I paid, or to be given a substitute. I love this place, it's just sad that they tend to be out of items on a regular basis. read more

Leaning Tower - Large pizza, mozzarella, pepper mix, arugula, and basil - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Victoria Y.

7 years ago

I have lived in the area for 19 years and came here when there were other owners. Today I learned that it's run by a new owner and the Pizza is AMAZING!! It's thin crust like I get in Italy all the ingredients are fresh , But most of all the crust is amazing because it's a sourdough crust for those of you who love sourdough which is me.. And it has just the right crunch to it as you bite into It. They have specialty pizzas which are unique and fantastic my favourite is the mushroom. The interior of the restaurant has not been changed since the old owners so on that note I would say it does need some updating. But the owners and staff are super nice and very welcoming. On a nice night you can eat outside. A great neighbourhood pizza place. read more

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Meg R.

549

7 years ago

*NOTE* I have not experienced this restaurant dining in - only for takeout. I highly recommend doing a custom order with their vegan cheese! They use Miyoko's and it is so creamy and fresh and it is 100% way better than disgusting Daiya cheese that most places carry. For those vegans who have not tried Miyoko's, it looks VERY similar to regular cheese, so you might even have to double check that it wasn't mixed up. Their sourdough crust is also really great but I would suggest requesting less or no char unless you like the black cancer-causing bubbles on your crust (not my fave). I would definitely get pizza from here again! Maybe even tomorrow... and the next day... One suggestion for management: consider getting Yves vegan pepperoni. It tastes just like real pepperoni and it goes really well with Miyoko's and mushrooms. :) read more

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Samantha P.

5 years ago

Delicious!.... just relocated here and had friends over, we walked up after ordering online. Mushrooms with fresh cut chives. Soooo good. Thin crust with a yummy chewy texture at the end. Highly recommend. read more

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Koshika S.

5 years ago

The 5 stars aren't just for the honestly amazing and delicious pizza. They are also for how wonderful and kind the staff are. We get pizza here all the time and everyone is SO nice. And the other day they gave me extra slices, because I told them I was buying it to bring to a lady who was unhoused. Nice and kind too, and the pizza is the best! read more

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K C.

208

7 years ago

3 years later and it's gotten better! A must for me whenever I'm up in the SF, Oakland area. Try the pizza. It's been perfected.

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Ash D.

172

5 years ago

Just consistently not good pizza. I don't know how others are so into it but every single time I've had it, it's been terrible. This time even just a simple cheese pizza...crust hella burnt and the one piece that wasn't burnt was hella salty. The pizza was thin and so oily. Why tf would someone pay 23.99 for this? I've lived in Oakland for over 7 years and they are just consistently not good. Don't waste your time or money. I keep trying to give y'all more chances but not after even a cheese pizza being shitty ugh read more

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Roger M.

6 years ago

Ordered some takeout pies last night. Meat pizza: light on the meat toppings and cheeze. Flimsy, doughy crust that takes way more work that it should to chew it. Overcooked and on the burnt side. Mushroom pizza: soggy and doughy crust. Both pies edible but not very good. I've been going to LTofP since '93 and the ownership, at that time, put out a great product. Under new management, over the last few years, the quality of the pizza has definitely gone down, IMO. read more

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Celeste F.

118

7 years ago

The pizza was just ok. My crust was burnt and the customer service is horrible. There are way better places in the area. read more

Leaning Tower - Burt crust and Horrible customer service!!!!! Will never return!!!! - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Mike S.

101

7 years ago

This is my go-to pizza place around Lake Merritt. I especially love the mushroom pizza and the Detroit-style. I can respect a place with an open kitchen where you can see the chefs cooking the pies up fresh. The outdoor cafe seating is great to sit at and sip a beer in the spring. read more

Leaning Tower - Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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bajeje s.

5 years ago

Fantastic pizza experience. I'm a big fan of thin sourdough pizza crusts with a crispy, blistered outer edge. Had a Margherita pizza with sausage and it just hit the spot... wet on top, dry on the bottom. Perfection! read more

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Latoya W.

6 years ago

The Leaning Tower heard my concerns and addressed them accordingly. The establishment contacted me and invited me back to have a second try. The pizza was awesome. Exactly what I had envisioned on my first trip there. Thanks so much and I look forward to ordering more of your delicious thin-crust pizza. read more

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Francesca A.

114

4 years ago

Still ordering take out pizza from Isaac at TLT. Delicious thin crispy sour dough crust topped with whatever you want. You can't go wrong here. Take out only. read more

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Reggie G.

8 years ago

Management is incredibly rude. The entire staff is hugely lacking in customer service skills with the exception of this one cool Indian guy I never see there anymore. Tried ordering on post mates once (even though I love a block away) and they deliver d the wrong pizza. I explained that I'm a regular and asked if there's anything they could do, and they refused to even attempt contacting the delivery man. They kept my money and I went pizza-less for the night. Also took 4 friends there once. We all ordered two slices each. We all got the same sizes on the same plates. My girlfriend got one regular sized slice with one SLIVER as her second slice. AND it was on a different plate than the rest of ours. When she went up to complain, the guy asked "did you want your slices to be the same size?" What kind of question is that? ...They waited for her to finish eating her regular sized slice, and then came and gave her another SLIVER, claiming that two and two make one whole slice. Also, apparently they only let yuppies use their restroom. If you're under the age of 25 and don't look like a technocrat, don't plan on being able to use the potty here! read more

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Hilary J.

4 years ago

Wow! Leaning Tower knows how to make a great pizza! The crust is perfect and fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Did I say the crust is perfect? I'll say it again, the crust is perfect! read more

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Cathy N.

6 years ago

Leaning Tower has been a favorite spot of ours (me and my partner, pictured here) since moving to Oakland 5 years ago. We are especially fond of their Detroit style pies, but the classic, thinner crusts are also amazing. I consider myself to be a bit of a pizza snob having grown up in the Boston area and then living in Brooklyn for 4 years, and Leaning Tower lives up to the standard! Great crust and always great toppings. Lots of veggie options, and they also have good vegan cheese available. It's an especially fun spot in the summer since it's only one block up from Lake Merritt--pizza picnic! They also do a happy hour deal with a slice and a drink. Can't recommend LT enough! read more

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Kevin B.

12 years ago

I hate having to write a review like this. Our family lives just down the block so Leaning has been our go to pizza joint for the past 5 years. Just found out about the ownership change and I want to be happy for Isaac because he seems like a really nice guy. However, that being said, if they continue to use the current crust recipe we're going to have to take our recurring pizza biz elsewhere. It's hard like the crust on a baguette. Like slice your mouth open hard, eating pizza is not supposed to hurt. Thin crust is nice but only if it can support the weight of the toppings. Limp pizza is no fun at all. Also the new toppings selection makes for puddles of grease all over which we all felt was kinda gross. The staff was friendly enough but I'm there for the food, seriously. Isaac, I hope you read this and adjust your recipes accordingly. Cheap, greasy meats and cheeses and stale bread hard pizza crusts will do you no favors in this neighborhood. You will lose a fair portion of your customer base. Follow the rule of, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and go back to what was real. read more

Leaning Tower - Sad pizza slice is sad... - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Cole W.

7 years ago

This place makes great pizza. The Red Pepper pie is my favorite. I also think their Detroit style pizza is some of the best I've ever had (Better than New York's Prince Street Pizza IMO). The Market Salad is delicious, and they offer some nice beers and cider on draft. Nice to sit outside and watch the neighborhood or bring a pie to lake. read more

Leaning Tower - Red Pepper Pie, really good. - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

Leaning Tower - Market Salad, also really good. - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Elizabeth K.

19 years ago

I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE. My psuedo-sister-in-law makes a point of coming to our house whenever she visits the Bay Area just so we can order pizza from Hadi and his crew. The Tops is certainly one of their best offerings, but for simpler folk the margherita is to die for. Add some onions and you've got heaven in a cardboard box. The prices are great. The service is friendly. It's a neighborhood hangout and a place where the locals can get together and do some neighborhood planning. Other great combos I've come to know and love from LT? Linguisa, garlic and onions... Sausage, green pepper and mushroom... man, I could go on and on and never stop. Delivery is always fast (granted, I live a block away) and service has never been slow for me. I'm there at least once a week in person and probably order at least once as well. In addition to the pizza, Leaning Tower offers supergood sammiches and yummy pastas. I love the lasagna! And the garlic bread is superyummers, too. The on-tap beers are delightful- they carry a selection of New Belgium Brewing Company beers (most famous for the Fat Tire) and get the seasonal brews, as well. Wintertime means 2 Below (yum!) but I can't wait for it to be summer again so I can have some SkinnyDip. Don't forget to try the "wonderful" desserts- the cheesecake is always on point. read more

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Diego L.

183

11 years ago

Pizza here is amazing! The mushroom and garlic specials are our favorite pizzas in the Bay Area. These guys have been working on their dough game for a long time and make everything from scratch. A hidden gem in Lake Merritt. Salads are super gourmet and delicious. Meatball sandwich looks awesome. Can't wait to try it! Great beer selection too. Keep it real, buss your own table. read more

Leaning Tower - Half mushroom special and half arugula special. Amazing!!! - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

Leaning Tower - Amazing half mushroom special half arugula special. - Pizza Near Me - Oakland, California

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Logan H.

Elite 21

268

6 years ago

For context, I have pizza tattooed on my arm. That's either how much I love pizza, or how poor my judgement is, you decide. At any rate, this place's Detroit Pizza is my favorite pizza in the world. When I first tasted it, I uttered the words "I've spent my whole life searching for my favorite pizza, and now that search is over." I might have even cried. read more

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Marissa N.

6 years ago

This is my favorite neighborhood spot for high quality, thin-crust sourdough pizzas. Every pizza I've had has been perfect! I love their Burrata special with walnuts, burrata, figs (or dates?), caramelized onions, and a big helping of arugula. Their mushroom, Hawaiian, and margharita (spelling?) pies are delicious too. I have yet to try their Detroit style, but if it's anything like their thin crust I'm in for a treat! Their coffee shop on weekday mornings are legit too (Haddon Hill Coffee, but I'll write a separate review for them!). Keep up the good food and friendly service, Leaning Tower! read more

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Susan C.

6 years ago

Good pizza that would be great if they didn't burn the crust. Minus 2 stars for burnt crust that was not edible. Leaning Tower you can Do better than serve burnt crust. read more

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I'm Lit LO L.

5 years ago

Yo real talk. I honestly didn't know pizza could get this good. lol this is absolutely insane to me.

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Jana M.

8 years ago

Hot damn. I was not expecting that. This is the best pizza in Oakland. I lived on Lakeshore about seven years ago and this place, to put it simply, sucked. The pizza was heavy and greasy and somehow watery, all at the same time. Now, it's a dream. Light, chewy sourdough crust and excellent toppings. Great salads. Similarly priced but better than Lanesplitter or Arizmendi for sure. This pizza is similar in consistency to Slicer, on Piedmont, but this is a better deal and a more consistent pizza. Also do yourself a favor and grab a couple of their croissants in the morning at the Haddon Hill Cafe across the street. They are to die for. read more

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Emily B.

5 years ago

A great neighborhood pizza spot. We love the menu and are huge fans of the sourdough crust!

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Ami F.

258

5 years ago

Solid pizza, excellent and friendly staff. This is the real deal spot for pizza... Way better than Domino's down the street!! Will definitely be back!! read more

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498 Wesley Ave
Oakland, CA 94606
East Oakland
Directions
(510) 444-6824
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.leaningtowertogo.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Leaning Tower open?

Leaning Tower opens at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Leaning Tower close?

Leaning Tower is closed on Monday and Sunday.Leaning Tower closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Leaning Tower closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun ClosedTue-Thu 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Leaning Tower take credit cards?

Yes, Leaning Tower takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Leaning Tower have catering options?

No, Leaning Tower does not have catering options.

Does Leaning Tower serve alcohol?

Yes, Leaning Tower serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Leaning Tower allow dogs?

Yes, Leaning Tower allows dogs.

Does Leaning Tower have TVs?

Yes, Leaning Tower has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Leaning Tower have bike parking?

Yes, Leaning Tower has bike parking.

Does Leaning Tower have parking?

Yes, Leaning Tower has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Leaning Tower have free WiFi?

Yes, Leaning Tower has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Leaning Tower Reviews in Other Languages

Chinese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Leaning Tower

Can anyone confirm what the current vegan cheese is? I see reviews that say Miyoko's, and some that say Daiya. Since the Miyoko's liquid vegan cheese came out, I'm wondering (hoping) they've switched to that. Any info would be appreciated!

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2.3 mi•West Oakland

•$$

I read the reviews and finally gave this place a try. Casual…read morespot with table and bar counter seating by the kitchen. Cool decor. Friendly staff. Service was fairly quick at about a 10-15 min wait with 6 orders ahead of me. XL pizza only (8 large slices) and each one is a meal. Marg and Pepp were the only options besides a 1/2 & 1/2 combo. Pizza tastes great, good mix of sauce, cheese and basil plus pepp, if you choose. This is a definite spot worthy of a visit!

-good crust -bottom crust wasn't crispy, but no flop. Was…read moreactually really chewy which I wasn't a fan of. -I'd say overpriced. I think my total came out to $36 for a margarita pie For comparison: I liked Jule's pizza in SF a lot better. Crispier and cheaper. Will I come back? Maybe if I had to spend a day in east bay and was craving pizza. Otherwise, nah, I'd rather drive over to SF.

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Wood oven

Margherita ($32) was fantastic! Love the fresh basil and shredded cheese. Crust is fluffy like Neapolitan but slices as large as NY!

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Margherita pizza

Spinning Dough

4.6(504 reviews)

1.8 mi•West Oakland

•$$

So sad that Spinning Dough will be closing their Oakland restaurant on April 20. Had to stop by one…read moremore time for a round of pizzas. Jeff, the owner and pizza maker, is so nice, warmly welcoming us upon arrival and inquired if we'd prefer indoor or outdoor seating. Beautiful day so opted for outdoor on their expansive back patio. Miso mushroom - new to me, savory and bright flavor. Yuzu and lemon acidity cuts into the savory of the mushroom and miso. Might be one of my new favorites. Soppresata - an OG item on the menu and one of my favorites. Simple classic pizza with soppresata topped with scallions and honey. Savory, sweet. The honey is perfect on this pizza. Longanisa - Filipino inspired with longanisa, baked egg, and tomato. Savory and sweet. Heaviest of the three pizzas. Comes with a side of sweet vinegar to drizzle on top. All three of these pizzas easily are favorites for me. They're super large and best to share with 2-3 people. All thin crust. 6 of us had these three pizzas and were able to finish it but were super stuffed. Wishing the best to Jeff and Spinning Dough's next adventure.

I have been wanting to try this place for a while, but it took the news of them closing to get me…read morethere. At least I got to go a couple times before they closed and was able to try all the unique flavors that I wanted to try. The first time I went was with my family. We got a whole Ube pizza. The taste was good, and love the uniqueness of it. Even the dough is purple! There weren't that many people there when we went, so the service was quick. My second visit was closing weekend with a group of friends. I got to try two more flavors recommended by the server during my first visit - blackberry and longanisa. Both were very good in different ways. I think I preferred the blackberry slightly over longanisa. They had a lot of take out orders that day, and we got the last white dough (there were still Ube). Good thing we got what we got. Even though they were super busy, the service was still quick and pizza came out fast. I heard they opened up again in San Francisco but for take out only. So glad they reopened because after having the amazing pizzas right before they closed on Oakland, my friends and I were sad that we didn't go sooner. Can't wait to try again in the future.

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Menu (2/2)

Soppressata pizza

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Pizzeria Violetta

4.3(36 reviews)

2.4 mi•West Oakland

Pizzeria Violetta in Oakland is firing on all cylinders right now, especially with their current…read moreRestaurant Week special. Their pizzas are already reliably delicious, but this deal is genuinely outstanding value since you get a large 18" pizza, your choice of a Caesar or dinner salad, and four very large sea salt chocolate chip cookies, all for $35. We grabbed two of these specials for a group of six and still had leftovers, so I'd say one combo easily feeds three people and could probably stretch to four as long as no one is absolutely starving. The pizzas themselves are ultra thin but still hold up structurally since you can lift and fold each slice without everything collapsing, which is exactly how I like to inhale my pizza. I personally wish the crust were just a touch more burnt and crackly on the edges, but even without that extra char, the flavor and bouncy chew of the dough were spot on. We ordered the Hot Italian and the Sausage & Roasted Garlic pies and absolutely loved both, especially the housemade sweet Italian sausage that appears on each, which is savory, slightly sweet, and super satisfying in every bite. Their house tomato sauce deserves its own shout out because it hits that ideal balance of sweetness and acidity and ties everything together perfectly. On the Sausage & Roasted Garlic it plays beautifully with the rich roasted garlic purée, and on the Hot Italian it stands up nicely to the Calabrian chilis and chili oil without getting lost. The sea salt chocolate chip cookies that come with the special are huge and packed with chocolate chips, and that little hit of salt really enhanced the flavors but the something about the texture was a bit off for me as it wasn't quite chewy or crumbly but rather something in between, which left me a little confused. Another big plus is that Violetta has a full bar so you can pair your meal with a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail to match whatever pie you are in the mood for. Between the quality of the ingredients, the thoughtfulness of the flavor combinations, and the generosity of the Restaurant Week deal, Pizzeria Violetta is an easy recommend and a spot I would happily return to with a group (or by myself with plenty of leftovers!).

A delicious variety of pizzas available in the Prescott Market at Pizzeria Violetta!…read more You can order in person at the counter and enjoy their dine in or market patio seating. Or you can order on your phone and let them know if you're dining in or picking up. We ordered the Sweet Little Pig pizza which has pepperoni, candied bacon, and basil on top! I really liked the tiny pep they used, they curl up when baked. This pizza was the perfect combo of sweet and savory, I bet it would be even better with some balsamic drizzled on it too. We also ordered a side of their blue cheese and basil ranch. I didn't know ranch could get any better than plain ranch. Basil ranch was bright and also creamy. I've been here a few times before to watch a warriors game. They've got tons of seating and of course they stream all of the games. Great community vibes and you get to enjoy delicious pizza and drinks while you're here.

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Order counter

Underside of cheese and pepper shakers.

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Seating

Mama's Boy

4.3(414 reviews)

1.0 mi•Uptown

When people say Mama's Boy is the best pizza in the Bay, they are not lying…read more They have a decent selection of pizzas available, either by the slice or whole. I HIGHLY recommend the burrata and hot honey pizza! I also love the white pizza with their ranch and Mama's Boy Magic. It is mostly thin crust, crispy pizza, but they have some other options. I've tried the thick crust focaccia pizza and wasn't as impressed as with the thin slice. As for the location, it is street parking, but I have never struggled to find parking. The shop itself is a little small, with a couple tables outside and some inside. The service is quick and the pizza is always hot!

i have heard so many wonderful things about this place but unfortunately my experience was honestly…read morebad enough to make it so i won't be returning. i paid $14 (including tip) for 2 slices of pepperoni pizza to go. the interaction with the worker who took my order was not the issue. where it all went wrong was when i was handed my pizza slices... they put the pizza slices in a paper bag with no plate, just straight raw on the bag and folded the bag so it was partly closed but still had a gap. i was shocked. honestly blown away that would even be an option for the food to be given to any customer. there was multiple stacks of pizza boxes behind them so i asked if i could get one as in my opinion that's the basic standard for pizza. i walked 2 blocks back to my apartment and the pizza was cold. in no world should my pizza be cold in a less than 5 minute walk. i thought to myself okay this pizza has great reviews let me eat it and it'll make all of this worth it. it was not. the pizza is basic, nothing exciting about it and for the price point i was expecting much more. even after adding hot honey and ranch the grease took over the flavor and i only ended up eating one slice before throwing it away. hopefully this was a singular experience, out of the ordinary and just so happen to happen to me only because for $14 i'm expecting much more flavor , better taste and pizza that stands out from the norm. i'm disappointed to say the least and overall upset that i wasted my money and my time on this place.

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March 1,2026

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Mushroom pizza

Bloom pizzeria

4.6(116 reviews)

1.3 mi

•$$

F-ing incredible pizza. I don't even know where to start. PIZZA SO GOOD you won't want to eat…read moreanything else. Seriously every time I'm hungry I'm thinking about this place. I went there ONCE. THREE WEEKS AGO. I'm still thinking about it. Allllllllllllll the time. I can't wait to go back. Yes it's a bit slow. It's 12/10 worth the wait. Order ahead if you're impatient. Yes it's slightly expensive but not at all overpriced. This is not quick cheap sustinence. This is edible heaven. Just go already. (Get the mushroom one.) Don't order to go. Sit down and eat it hot, fresh, PERFECT. PS the background music is really terrible. Bring headphones?

I ordered togo today during a rainy Tuesday. As soon as I walked in the staff greeted me and was…read moreimmediately helpful. The food came out pretty quickly after I ordered online. Pretty much the exact time it says to arrive. Inside the was quaint and had a few small tables to enjoy. Next time I will dine in! The pizza was great. I love the taste of the crust and sauce. It's been a while since I have had a pizza this tasty.

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Inside seating

Their New York Pizza. I was actually shocked by how different and yummy their standard pizza is. Will be coming back to try others.

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Halal beef meatballs

Dimond Slice Pizza

4.7(821 reviews)

1.9 mi•Dimond District, Lower Hills

•$$

Family-owned & operated

Vegetarian friendly

I love coming to this place! The pizzas are fantastic and they always have a gluten-free option. I…read morealso like it because it's priced right. I feel like I'm not being punished because I cannot eat wheat and the pizza is very, very, very good. I usually don't have the way more than five minutes once I get to the pizzeria. Because my pizza is ready. Contrast that to another place where I would go, have to go to the front and order my pizza, and then get in a very very very very very very very very, very, very very long line and ask for my pizza. I pity the person who doesn't read the directions telling them to do this and weights for up to an hour in a line and find out that they have the weight even longer for their pizza to be ready. This place is fast and efficient. The inside is fine. It is nice and clean and while there aren't a lot of people there, it seems well taken care of. I think the reason why there aren't so many people there because most of the pieces are taken to go. But that's just a guess. This is a spot with a very good pizza and it comes at a decent price. I'd recommend it to anyone.!

My husband wanted to stop by since he had this spot bookmarked. Their vegetarian pizza menu changes…read moredaily, which is a similar concept to Sliver and Cheeseboard. We were able to park across the street in a free parking lot since street parking is null in the area. There were only a few customers when we arrived at 1:30pm on a Saturday. The pizza of the day was a mushroom pie, without the mushroom since my husband dislikes it. The cheese was thick and the crust could've been cooked longer so that it would be crispier. Not sure if the pizza didn't taste as good since it was customized, but I would like to give it another try if I'm ever in the area again. The cost of a whole pizza is $25, which is on the steeper side given that there is no protein.

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Vegetarian pizza with tomatoes. Spinach, red onion, peppers, artichoke and mushrooms.

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Personal giant slice of pepperoni pizza

Hesher's Pizza

4.6(108 reviews)

1.5 mi•Jack London Square

•$$

Ordered a pizza to go from Hesher's and it definitely delivered!…read more First off, the theme here is unapologetically metal. The decor, the attitude, and the music all lean into it--they were blasting metal while I was there, which gives the place a fun, high-energy vibe that feels a little different from your typical pizza spot. If you're into that scene, you'll probably love it. The setup is super casual. You order at the counter and can hang out while you wait. They've got a great beer selection, and there's even an arcade area where you can play some games while your food is being made. It feels like the kind of place where you could easily kick back with friends for a while. I went with the Mortian, their all-meat pizza, and it was absolutely packed with toppings--pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, all garnished with prosciutto. If you're a meat lover, this one delivers. Every slice was loaded and really flavorful. The crust deserves a shout-out too. It's not thin crust, but it's also not deep dish. It lands right in that perfect middle zone--crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Really satisfying and a great base for all those toppings. Even though I ordered it to go, the pizza held up great and was seriously delicious. I'd absolutely order their pizza again and look forward to trying more of the menu next time.

Pizza itself was good and I like the different variety they offer on their menu. We ordered the…read moreelote pizza (forgot the actual name) and the pineapple pizza one (also forgot the name). The elote pizza came with a slice of lime and we really loved the creativity and flavors. It took almost an hour for our 1 pizza to come out- that being said, it seemed like they had a lot of online orders and a lot of the folks who ordered in also had to wait a very long time. I'd recommend ordering to-go from here vs. waiting in person.

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Dining area

Hesh Law Pizza

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Hesher's Law quite spicy

Square Pie Guys - Oakland

Got a 6 piece pie to share with 2 friends, it was delicious!! Great ambiance and service as well.read more

I absolutely loveeeee Square! Their pizza is simply the best and the service is consistently…read moreexcellent everytime I come here! The ambiance is also incredibly inviting. I got the Da Grubby pie soooooo good 10/10

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Inside

Pies at the lake

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Square Pie Guys = Epic Cheese Pulls

Lo Coco's

4.2(847 reviews)

1.6 mi•Piedmont Ave, North Oakland

•$$

This was my first time here and I absolutely loved it! I ordered the bolognese and was so happy…read morewith how generous the portion was - tons of noodles and plenty of meat. The complimentary bread came out piping hot and made the perfect appetizer. The space is pretty small, so it does get busy - I'd recommend coming early. We were a bit cramped at our table, but it wasn't a huge deal. We were lucky to be seated quickly since they had a table for four available on a Sunday evening. I'm already excited to come back and try more of their pastas and pizzas!

Second time here and it was amazing as the first time…read more Food was delicious and made to order. The Teen & I shared a salad, pizza and the blood orange soda. I can't get over the hustle and bustle inside this small but quaint establishment, and how the staff rubs it with ease. I'll definitely go back 34 maybe even five times cause there's other things on the menu I would like to enjoy. I give this place four yumms up and #HellaGood on the focaccia bread!!

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Tortellini (@joeynht)

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Focaccia (@joeynht)

Pizza Ponte

4.4(143 reviews)

2.3 mi•Temescal, North Oakland, Rockridge

More of a take out spot as seating is maybe enough for 10 people total…read more That said the pizza was yummy!! I liked the stracciatella one a lot as well as the pesto. I would def go again. Service was friendly and they made the smaller pizzas pretty quick.

Great pizza, amazing and unique flavor…read more Problem was I ordered a couple of smaller size pizza thinking that was going to be enough. Boy was I mistaken. The kids inhaled them before i finished saying turning around.

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Inside

Nonna pepperoni

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Cheese Slice

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33 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Sandra A.

214

2 years ago

Exceptional Customer Service and Delicious Food at The Leaning Tower! I'm not a regular Yelp reviewer, but my recent experience at The Leaning Tower was so outstanding that I had to share. Ever since moving into the neighborhood last December, I've been eager to try it out, and I'm so glad I finally did! I ordered the 16" Large Pizza Combination with pepperoni, sausage, roasted red peppers, olives, mushrooms, and onions, along with a Caesar salad. The flavors were simply amazing! Pizza was delicious and the crust was perfect. What really impressed me was the customer service. They called me ahead of time to ask if I wanted my pizza cooked earlier, which was a nice touch. When I arrived, Isaac was there to greet me warmly. I explained that I had walked over and couldn't pre-order the Caesar salad, and he quickly assured me it was available and prepared it on the spot. When I realized I didn't have the card I used for payment, Isaac kindly allowed me to take the salad home and settle the bill later. His friendliness and understanding made my visit truly memorable. To top it off, they even gave me two extra slices of pizza as a surprise, which were just as delicious as the rest. The Caesar salad was fresh and flavorful, with a presentation that exceeded my expectations. Overall, my experience at The Leaning Tower was exceptional. The food was superb, and the customer service was beyond compare. In today's world, finding such friendly and trustworthy service is rare, and that's why I took the time to write this review. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for a place with great food and even better service, look no further than The Leaning Tower. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Weylyn C.

12 years ago

We haven't been here for a while, but we thought we would check it out since it's changed hands. The kids used to love the pizza here, but my wife always thought it was just okay. First thing we noticed is the staff and new owner are super friendly, always a great thing for a neighborhood spot. The menu is VERY limited. Not vey good for a family with 4 kids who all have different tastes. I think they are going a bit too hipster and modern for a family pizza place. Sadly, the kids were disappointed, and quite frankly so we we. We settled on plain cheese, one mushroom, and a pepperoni, as none of the other options appealed to ANY of us. The quality of the pizza were awful, to say the least. I guess some people like chewy crust, but these were way Way too chewy, like almost pull a tooth out chewy. There wasn't even a good crisp on the bottom, but there were certainly burnt 'bubbles' on top where the crust bubbled up. The taste of that burnt crust didn't add to the plain flavor. We used all of our napkins to soak up the oil on top, especially the pepperoni. You get better pizza from those late night delivery joints than you will from this place. I appreciate the friendliness of the staff and that the new owner is investing in our neighborhood, but I won't be coming back here again. The higher price, the limited menu, and the TERRIBLE pizza are not worth it. I read the reviews from other folks and it looks mixed on this place, but I have to wonder if some of the positive reviews aren't just friends because we had three pizzas and five people who thought the pizza was awful. Sad that we don't have a place we can walk to anymore... read more

Todd C.

12 years ago

Well, unfortunately this place is under new ownership. I loved the previous owner and Leaning Tower used to have my favorite pizza in the Bay Area, The Mediterranean... After being away for a few months I came home to discover the change. And not for the better. 1. They've reduced the previously great men down to just seven choices. Yup, just seven, with minor varieties, and limited toppings. I've never seen a pizza parlor with such a stark menu. 2. Bake time for pickup is now over 25 minutes (for plain pepperoni). Used to be 15 minutes tops, :-( 3. They state new and improved crust, well they missed that as well. Crust was chewy and very salty. 4. Very greasy pizza, had to use paper towel to soak up the oil. 5. Below average pizza all the way around. Sadly, I'd have to recommend you try somewhere else. Overall, sad to say the new ownership has ruined a great pizza experience. read more

Matt C.

18 years ago

Pizza: is fine. Its close and neighborhoody so it works. the atmosphere is nice. the place has a local clientele base, which is cool. its off the busy streets so not many people know of this eatery. they may remember the side of the building because its painted but not even know its a pizza joint. inside there is a great panoramic wall paintng of the lake. very cool. biggest plus: I would say the call in/pick up. very easy. they dont ask for a phone number or credit card... nothing. they just say. it will be ready in 10-15 minutes. yeah!! only once have hey messed up my order. all in all, its nice when you are starved and not wanting to venture to grand or lakeshore. read more

Michael G.

2 months ago

Sometimes this place really hits the spot, fresh ingredients and the dough is crisp and not over-proofed... but sometimes they're burnt up and soggy at the same time. Guess it depends on who's working, it's def hit or miss spot. Also, always a delay when ordering. I'll come to pick up my pizza and still have to wait another 15-20 min. Wish they were more consistent with product and pick-up times. I'd come here more if it was more reliable. read more

Jonathan K.

120

7 years ago

for all the yelp enabled haters, please go elsewhere and leave those that know a thing or two about hard working locals producing the best sourdough thin crust and detroit style pizza in the bay area, to enjoy their wonderful food in peace and quiet. I trust the SF chronicles recent article over the rantings of some pissed off faceless moron, who found their 15 minutes of fame on yelp. these pizza's are outstanding. read more

Simon R.

16 years ago

A genuine neighborhood pizzeria! The pizza is good. The prices are fair, and the people are really nice. This is not a chain shop. There is no plastic or chrome here. It is a comfy place with real wooden tables & chairs, and real people who actually come & sit & enjoy a pizza. It's even better than sitting around the kitchen table at home, because someone else cleans up! read more

trina l.

17 years ago

BEST PIZZA EVER! This place is so yummy! I love the veggie pizza and the mediteranean. The ingredients are really fresh and the crust is delicoious. It lets you actually enjoy the flavor of the toppings and doesn't overpower it. This is the best pizza if you like fresh toppings and non greasy pizza. YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Rachel G.

12 years ago

I have been living in the neighborhood for 9 years and was never a fan of the old Leaning Tower. The new owners have made me a fan! The pizza is thin crust and delicious. Not too much sauce and the right amount of cheese. Try the mushroom special if it is on the menu. Wait time for slices is reasonable. Enjoy! read more

Juan A.

9 years ago

This place is as close to New York pizza you can get in California. Usually I stay away from California pizza, but this place is gold. Isaac is very friendly and makes fantastic pizza! I always recommend this place to everyone. Go there for happy hour for a beer and and a slice! read more

Robert H.

7 years ago

Sow now, a pizzeria that almost died because of ownership can't be bothered to take an order because they're on some horseshit app or whatever.......I wanted to believe you had improved over the last 6 years....WRONG....avoid these jerks!!!!!!! read more

SANDI C.

13 years ago

I have been going to Leaning Tower since the 80"s. I like there pizza and sandwiches. Customer service is excellent. I get my to go all the time and gentleman on the other end knows me as soon as I open my mouth, that's good customer service. read more

Ninev Y.

4 years ago

If you want New York style, charred under carriage, no flop, delicious tasty pizza then you need to try this place out. They sell pizza by the slice or you can get a whole pie. Give this place a try and you won't regret it. read more

Jasper dePeugh M.

16 years ago

If you love Pizza Hut -this ain't for you. But if you like real pizza and real people, served in a genuine neighborhood pizzeria -this is the place. Really good food. Hard to find, but worth looking for! read more

roscoe d.

16 years ago

This is a hidden gem. A family pizza joint. Warm & friendly. Good pizza. What a real pizza place should be like. Stay & eat. Hang out with the neighbors. A vanishing breed, sadly. read more

Jennifer M.