Gioia Pizzeria

Located in a quaint neighborhood, residents of the Bay Area consider Gioia Pizzeria to be the only pizzeria that offers true New York style thin crust pizza. The menu is very limited, including a selection of only 7 types of pizza, however the pizzas are very unique with toppings such as cremini mushrooms, fatted calf fennel sausage, capers etc. Prices are somewhat expensive at $3.25/slice and $23/pie however the serving sizes are generous and the quality of the toppings are worth the price. Gioia is the quintessential example of a hole in the wall restaurant, as there is less than ten seats inside, all of which are stool seats. However, there is a bench and a few chairs outside on the sidewalk. They close at 8PM however I have learned from personal experience that if you come anytime after about 6:30PM, your options are limited to only 2-3 pizzas, usually the less popular or plain ones such as the basic cheese. A little side note- if you ask an employee for some specialty toppings such as extra anchovies, fresh chili peppers etc, they have them behind the counter for only those who ask and will happily top your slice with it!

Are you homesick for New York? After many pizza eating disasters in Berkeley, I found this place to be the closest to New York Pizza that you'll find. Only downfalls are that it's a bit greasy, and you are pigeonholed into ordering from only 3 different pizzas. But, it's tasty: thin crust, good as you're going to get to NY.