GIOIA Pizzeria

Pizza Restaurants in Berkeley, California

4.5 (695)

Category	Pizza Restaurants · Restaurants
Address	1586 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707
Area	Berkeley, California
Phone	(510) 674-0412
Google rating	4.5 (695)

Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	11 am–8 pm
Wednesday	11 am–8 pm
Thursday	11 am–8 pm
Friday	11 am–8 pm
Saturday	11 am–8 pm
Sunday	11 am–7 pm

About GIOIA Pizzeria

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Berkeley, California, at 1586 Hopkins St, GIOIA Pizzeria stands as a culinary bridge between the storied traditions of New York City and the inventive spirit of the West Coast. As a pizza restaurant, GIOIA is not just a place to eat—it’s a destination for those who crave the familiar comfort of a classic New York-style slice, reimagined with the bold, fresh flavors that define California cuisine. Here, the crisp, foldable crust and tangy tomato sauce of a true NY-style pie meet an ever-evolving roster of toppings that reflect both local bounty and global inspiration, offering a dining experience that is at once nostalgic and thoroughly contemporary.

At GIOIA, the foundation is unmistakably New York: large, thin-crust slices designed to be enjoyed on the go, with a balance of sauce, cheese, and crust that honors the city’s pizza heritage[3]. The dough is crafted with care, achieving that perfect chew and char that aficionados seek, while the sauce—often made from uncooked California tomatoes—brings a bright, fresh acidity that lets the quality of the ingredients shine[3]. Cheese is another point of pride, with a blend of low-moisture and fresh mozzarella providing both stretch and creaminess, though the kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment with local cheeses when the mood strikes. The result is a slice that holds its own against any corner pizzeria in Brooklyn, yet feels distinctly at home in Berkeley.

But GIOIA’s true distinction lies in its toppings. While purists can always opt for a classic Margherita or a simple pepperoni, the menu invites guests to explore a world of flavors that go far beyond the ordinary. Drawing inspiration from California’s rich agricultural landscape and multicultural influences, GIOIA’s pizzaiolos craft combinations that might include locally sourced arugula, ripe avocado, artichoke hearts, or even smoked salmon—ingredients that celebrate the state’s love of fresh, seasonal produce and fusion cuisine[2][4]. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions will find thoughtful options, while meat lovers can savor innovative pies topped with Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or bacon. The kitchen’s creativity doesn’t stop at produce and proteins; expect to find unexpected cheeses, house-made sauces, and garnishes that elevate each slice into a unique culinary statement.

This spirit of innovation is deeply rooted in California’s pizza history. The state is credited with inventing a style that merges the thin, crisp crust of New York and Italy with toppings that reflect local tastes and global trends[4]. Pioneers like Ed LaDou and restaurants such as Chez Panisse helped popularize this approach, encouraging chefs to break free from tradition and embrace experimentation[4]. GIOIA carries this legacy forward, offering both classic and cutting-edge pies that reflect the diversity and dynamism of the Bay Area.

Beyond the food, GIOIA Pizzeria is a community hub—a place where neighbors gather, students refuel, and families share a meal. The casual, welcoming atmosphere invites guests to linger over a slice, a salad, or a craft beverage, while the friendly staff are always ready to guide you through the menu or suggest a new favorite. Whether you’re a longtime pizza enthusiast or a curious newcomer, GIOIA promises an experience that is as satisfying as it is surprising.

To taste the best of both coasts under one roof, visit GIOIA Pizzeria at 1586 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707, or call +1 510-674-0412 to place an order. Here, every slice tells a story—of tradition and innovation, of local pride and global curiosity, and above all, of the joy that comes from sharing great food with good company.

Is this your business? Claim this listing to update details, add photos and get a verified badge; every verified claim gives $1 to charity. Want more customers? Feature it at the top of pizza restaurants in Berkeley.

Latest Google reviews

The 5 most recent reviews shown on Google Maps. Reviews belong to their authors; read all of them on Google.

Maomao Zhang 3 months ago

YUM. I’m so happy to have found this spot. This is some of the best pizza I’ve ever had, and I’m a former New Yorker. The crust is perfectly chewy and the toppings are absolutely delicious. Our favorite is the Julian, which I’m pretty sure is perfect. The cheese and sausage are so yummy and they are generous with the garlic and lacinato kale. So delicious and dare I say healthy too? The fact that you can get most of their specialty pizzas by the slice is the cherry on top and reminds me of my days in nyc, but pizza this good was even hard to come by there.

G Lee 7 months ago

I’m rating Gioia five stars on the pizza. I love it. Love it. And I love the style which is the New York style way. You order your slices which are pre made pies. Then they heat them in the oven which makes them hot and crispy. Several topping choices to choose. No indoor seating. Other than a bench there’s really no outdoor seating either. But the pizza is so good. And it’s nice, shady outside. Decent amount of street parking.

Amber Lee 7 months ago

Tucked into the side of your average street in Berkeley is the best pizza we’ve had in the Bay Area. GIOIA is serving up some VERY good pizza out of what feels like a hole in the wall. Beware that parking may be hard to find as it’s right off the street although there is a lot just down the road. The inside is very bare bones, which in this case is a good sign. The smell of the oven and dough just hits you once you step in and it’s fantastic. Ordering was quick and easy and the slices are priced a bit high but for the quality of pizza we’d say it was worth it. We got some classic slices and also their fungi slice. From ordering to eating it took about 5-10 minutes despite a few people ahead of us so it was relatively quick. And now time to try it… man was it good. It’s clearly a good representation of NY style. The crust is firm and crunchy but the pizza has a nice flop to it. The cheese is tasty with a good sauce under it too. The fungi also popped with flavor from the mushrooms, parsley, and olive oil; just a great series of slices. The best place to eat it is probably the bench seating they have outside but it may be full as a heads up. As far as we see it, GIOIA is a must stop

CleanPlatesOnly 7 months ago

There is the original location in Berkeley and then another location in Hayes Valley in San Francisco. We passed it all the time so we thought we would come in and try it. They are crust is incredible! Nine out of 10 in that category. They have a very interesting sauce, it’s almost on the edge of a pasta sauce, but not quite. I think honestly if they slightly changed up their sauce, the pizza would be better. If you like cheese on your pizza, this is the place to go because they’re pretty heavy handed on the cheese. Overall, we liked it and we would try different slices, but it is not our absolute favorite pizza in the bay area. We tried the margarita, so we haven’t tried all of the different slices and flavors that they offer. So we’ll have to go back and see how the others compare. Thus far, we would give it a solid 7/10.

thefoodhigh with Maria 11 months ago

This spot has been saved on my bookmarks for a while. Luckily I had a training nearby and had a chance to try it. The space is small with some seating right in front of this business. The lines can rack up during lunch so far ready. They're fairly quick with the order. A co-worker in front of me recommended their avacado salad and Julian pizza. Both were delicious! The total came out to -$23 plus tip, which seems to be an average for lunch these days. The pizza had a perfectly cooked thin crust. The dough was so sparkly doughy and stretchy with the right amount of firmness on the bottom of the crust. The toppings (kale, sausage, mozerlla cheese, garlic..)Jwent well together too with a fair amount dispersed on the slice. The salad was filling. I probably didn't need to get the pizza. It was well balanced with farro, avacado, golden raisins, and almond. The vinaigrette was also a nice balance (you don't need much). Go check them out! "High on Food. High on Life."- thefoodhigh IG/Tiktok: @thefoodhigh

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Frequently asked questions

Where is GIOIA Pizzeria located?

GIOIA Pizzeria is at 1586 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707, in Berkeley, California. Use the “Open in Google Maps” button on this page for directions.

What kind of business is GIOIA Pizzeria?

GIOIA Pizzeria is listed as a pizza restaurant and is also tagged on Google as restaurants.

What are the hours of GIOIA Pizzeria?

Published hours are Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 11 am–8 pm; Wednesday: 11 am–8 pm; Thursday: 11 am–8 pm; Friday: 11 am–8 pm; Saturday: 11 am–8 pm; Sunday: 11 am–7 pm. It is closed on Monday. Hours can change on holidays, so call before a special trip.

Is GIOIA Pizzeria open on Sunday?

Yes, on Sunday it is open 11 am–7 pm.

What is the phone number of GIOIA Pizzeria?

You can call GIOIA Pizzeria at (510) 674-0412.

How is GIOIA Pizzeria rated on Google?

GIOIA Pizzeria has a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 695 reviews.

Does GIOIA Pizzeria have a website?

Yes, the website of GIOIA Pizzeria is gioiapizzeria.com (linked on this page).