Pizzeria La Bufala, located at 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Renowned for its hot, thin crust, Italian-style brick oven pizzas, this eatery offers an authentic Italian experience that stands out in the vibrant food scene of Santa Cruz. According to customers, the Diavolo pizza is a must-try, with its perfect crust and a sauce that has just the right kick, ensuring each bite is flavorful without overwhelming the palate.
Many reviews highlight the pizza's stellar ingredients and the cozy, friendly atmosphere. Fraeulein Michelle describes it as her favorite pizza spot, ideal for dining alongside students and art lovers. The quick and amiable service contributes to the welcoming vibe, making it a great place to unwind.
While some patrons note minor critiques, such as slightly oily cheese, the consensus remains that the perfectly stretchy dough and charred gluten flavor create an irresistible combination. With a varied menu that includes pizzas, salads, and lasagna, Pizzeria La Bufala is perfect for families or groups seeking diverse options. Be sure to bring cash for a hassle-free meal at this beloved Santa Cruz destination!
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Comfort food
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Tourists
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Parking
Photos
Reviews For Pizzeria La Bufala
Mauricio Vazquez (Something Witty)
May 22,2025
Wow. Top 3 pizza in Santa Cruz. We had their Diavolo and it was so good. Perfect crust and the sauce has that perfect amount of kick without being spicey. We can’t wait to go back here.
Fraeulein Michelle
May 8,2025
My favorite SC pizza. If you love hot, thin crust, Italian style brick oven pizza this is the place to go. The ingredients are tasty, the service is quick and friendly. Hang out with students, art lovers at the MAH. Love love their pizza
Stefano Corno
Apr 25,2025
It's just good pizza. It's not perfect but any complaints I have are hardly worth mentioning, except maybe the cheese being a bit too oily. The dough in particular is perfectly stretchy and has that solid, earthy charred gluten flavor. The whole Abbot Square food court is a wonderful place to hang out, and most of the places there are highly recommended.
Craig Lund
Apr 20,2025
Delicious pizza and great service! Prosciutto and fungi was awesome.
Joan Bogart
Apr 10,2025
A weekly favorite for our family there is always a pizza or salad or lasagna for dinner. With a big group you can all pick so something different at this place. Some evenings we notice the payment is preferred In cash so when i am cashless I can’t Eat there. Darn because it is definitely the main attraction and draw for family dinner!
Marx Moley
Apr 6,2025
Pizzeria la Bufala offers 9 different pizza options. (But don’t ignore the gnocchi.) We ordered 11 pizzas - all 9 of the menu pizzas and also the gnocchi. All of the food was great except the Margherita (Does this pizza ever taste good - why do pizzerias even offer it?) The hands down favorite was the gnocchi and an off-menu pepperoni pizza loaded with green and black olives. Oh my!!! We had 23 people huddled around 4 tables and everything was gobbled up. Highly recommended!!!
Shreya Gupta
Mar 19,2025
We tried Margherita Pizza 12” and a slice of Veggie Pizza. Both were really good. Would definitely visit again. They tasted fresh, were crispy and piping hot.
Robert Wilson
Mar 18,2025
There are a ton of pizza options within Santa Cruz, but this is the best option for wood-fired pizza. I have been to this location a few times, got several types of pizzas, and always enjoyed every slice I got. The dough is perfectly cooked, the sauce is amazing, and their toppings always have great flavor. You can grab a pizza here and sit indoors or outdoors while you enjoy your meal. Some nights there are bands playing at Abbott Square, which is fun for friends and family, and there are outdoor heaters for when the coastal breeze kicks in during the summer or to keep you toasty during the winter!
Reviews For Pizzeria La Bufala