1004 The Shops At Mission Viejo Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Style: Build your own
Boasting: Exceptional 18-second fast-fired pizza
Since: 2012
Blaze Pizzas are popping up around Southern California like oven fires. With locations in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Irvine, Newport Beach and Santa Ana, and over 30 more in SoCal, it is easy to get your pizza fix pretty much wherever you go. The pizzas here are fresh and their dough is made from scratch every day. The “build your own” slogan is very applicable here at Blaze as it has a plethora of healthful, artisan ingredients to add to your thin crust creation.
27972 Cabot Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Style: To-go
Boasting: BIG slice of pizza for $2.00
Since: 1985
Costco pizza is a classic and DEFINITELY takes the prize for the cheesiest cheese, sauciest sauce and fluffiest crust. Costco makes it very simple: either you get a single slice or a whole pizza with pepperoni or classic cheese. Personally, my favorite way to enjoy a cheesy slice of Costco pizza is while watching the sunset at Strands Beach with my best friends.
81 Fortune Drive (Irvine Spectrum) Suite 157 Irvine CA, 92618
Boasting: Custom artisan-style pizzas, unlimited toppings, one great price
Since: 2011
As it was one of the first “build your own” pizza places in SoCal, SMCHS students fell in love right away, and how could they not? This pizza is mouthwatering. The toppings are fresh, the crust is homemade (and crisped to perfection) and the signature sauces contribute to the endless possibilities and combinations of your own unique creation. Unlike its competitors, it can take up to five minutes to cook your pizza on the open-flame oven, often causing long lines. Then again, TOTALLY WORTH IT.
26562-A Mouton Pkwy Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Boasting: Simple food for complex times
Since: 2008
The crust at MOD is pretty thick, and rightfully so. When it comes to toppings, MOD is VERY generous. Unlike most “build your own” pizza places, you get your money’s worth at MOD. Created by a family in Seattle, MOD Pizza was opened with the intent of charging customers as little as possible while paying the staff as much as possible. MOD is a sit-down, very family-oriented restaurant designed around fast cooked pizza that is easy to take on the go.
© 2026 Kiera Makowecki
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