Criscito Pizza Brings a Slice of Italy to Carmel Valley

We recently discovered Criscito Pizza, a hidden gem that brings a taste of Italian culinary excellence to San Diego‘s Carmel Valley neighborhood. Opened in late 2023, this charming pizzeria has quickly become a local favorite because of its incredibly authentic Neapolitan and NY-style pizzas.

Owners Phil and Crystal Brynildsen, who have strong Italian roots, have made a mission out of learning how to make truly authentic pizza, even regularly traveling to Italy to visit the legendary pizza spots, scout their secrets, and import ingredients that aren’t easily found in the United States.

And it shows! From the moment you step through the door, the aroma of freshly baked pizza will fool you into believing that you’ve been transported to a cozy trattoria in Italy!

While we know it can be very risky to label any particular pizza ‘the best’ (people take their pizza verrrrry seriously!), we think that Criscito deserves to be on any list for those looking for really authentic pizza that will remind you of your last Italian vacation!

Exploring Pizza Varieties With Criscito Pizza

The pizzeria’s 12″ pizzas come in both Neapolitan and NY styles, allowing you to choose your preferred crust and flavor profile.

The Neapolitan style, featuring organic dough slow-risen and cooked at a scorching 800 degrees, results in a light, fresh, and soft pizza that’s a true delight for those who appreciate traditional Italian craftsmanship.

On the other hand, the NY-style pizzas are prepared with the same organic dough, slow-risen, and cooked at a slightly lower temperature of 600 degrees, delivering a crispy and well-done crust that’s perfect for those who love a classic New York slice.

But the options don’t stop there—there are also kid-sized pizzas, a variety of salads with add-ons, and a tempting selection of six rotating flavors of gelato to satisfy any sweet tooth!

A San Diego Pizzeria With Catering Excellence

Criscito Pizza’s retail location was born from a catering service that Phil and Crystal started over ten years ago that brings the flavors of their pizza to special events and gatherings.

These catering services are designed to elevate any occasion, whether it’s a corporate meeting, a birthday celebration, a wedding, or any other event where delicious authentic pizza is in demand.

Visit their catering page here to explore offerings and bring the irresistible taste of Criscito Pizza to your next event.

See you there!

Criscito Pizza is located at 10675 Calle Mar De Mariposa, San Diego, CA 92130.

Visit their website here to explore their menu and plan your next Italian-inspired culinary adventure in San Diego.

See you there, San Diego!