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Best Pizza Places In Orange County

pizza 610 header
(credit: istockphoto)

While Pizza is one of the most versatile foods available. finding the best pizza in your area is another story. With that said though, you can find great pizza options whether you're a vegetarian or someone who can never seem to get enough meat. With so many options as well such as toppings and thickness of crust, it can get confusing finding a place that fits all of your needs. No matter what you're looking for in a pizza, try these places for the best pizza pies in Orange County

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Heirloom Tomato Pizza from Pitfire (credit: Liz Laing)

Pitfire Artisan Pizza
353 E. 17th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 313-6333
www.pitfirepizza.com

If you're looking for Italian-style pizzas, Pitfire is the place to go. It does seem a little odd to order at the counter at a place like this, but you'll get over that really quickly because of the great pizzas available. The Sausage Party pizza is an awesome option with house-made sausage, bacon and fresh mozzarella. Another excellent choice is burrata cheese and arugula pizza which is a nice light pie. Maybe you've never seen eggs on top of a pizza, but the Greens, Eggs and Ham pizza is not only unique but delicious. Try this and you won't regret it.

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(credit: Maryanne D./Yelp)

Pizza Port
301 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 940-0005
www.pizzaport.com

Pizza Port is a great place to take the whole family for pizza, particularly "anti-wimpy gourmet pizzas." With options like barbecued chicken and a meat pizza that has six different kinds of meat (including meatballs), you'll see that it's not just hyperbole. While Pizza Port does have some specialty pizzas, it seems to focus more on creating your own pie. Either way, you'll get a good pie - and the option to enjoy the pizza with some fresh local beers from Port Brewing Company.

Related More Of The Best Pizza In Orange County

sonny's pizza and pasta YELP
(credit: Derek P./Yelp)

Sonny's Pizza & Pasta
429 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 498-2540
www.sonnys.com

Like a Italian restaurant you'd see in a movie, Sonny's is where you'll find red and white checkered cloths on the tables in a cozy setting. You'll also find some of the best Italian food in Orange County. Although the pizzas here are nothing fancy, they are delicious. Great pizzas here include the Pizza Romano with fresh basil, garlic, sliced chicken breast and fresh tomato as well as the Margarita Pizza and the Sonny's White Pizza, made with their special alfredo sauce topped with spinach and mushrooms. Really though, you can't go wrong ordering anything here. Take your pick. You won't get a subpar pizza here.

Brick Pizzeria YELP
Homemade Sausage Pizza (credit: Terrence Y./Yelp)

Brick Pizzeria
216 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 429-1199
www.brickpizzeria.com

Located in downtown San Clemente, Brick Pizzeria offers a great atmosphere along with some delicious tasting pizzas. While it's not unusual to find prosciutto on a pizza, some of the other toppings offered are fig jam and gorgonzola which add up to a pizza you won't find elsewhere. Another pizza you won't find elsewhere is the sausage pizza with caramelized fennel. With a cozy atmosphere, tasty pizzas and other great food, Brick Pizzeria makes for a great place to bring a date.

Related The OC's Most Creative Pizza Places

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Rance's Chicago Pizza (credit: Gary Schwind)

Rance's Chicago Pizza
1420 Baker St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-2143
www.rancespizza.com

Whether it's pan-style or stuffed (Rance's has both), Chicago-style pizza in Orange County is a great thing. The crust - especially in the pan-style pizzas here - feels more like a pie crust as it's thick, still flaky and amazing. Rance's has some classic pizzas with a twist: Hawaiian pizza with jalapenos added and the twist on the Margherita that adds chicken. All of the pizzas here are amazing though, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Just know that your pie will take some time (approximately 40 minutes) because the crust is so thick. It'll be well worth the wait though!

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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