Lodi is known for its California-style pizza and that's something the pizzeria chefs of the city are rightfully proud of. The special fact about this sumptuous thin-crust pie is that it's mostly simply finished off with a combination of only two to three ingredients, many of which are locally grown. California-style pizza was first baked in the early 1980s, so is a relative latecomer to the American food scene where pizza is concerned. A typical thin-crust pie has been around much longer and has been baked in Italy for centuries, so is nothing new. The same goes with the method of baking a California-style, which should be done in a wood-fired oven. It's the outstanding gourmet toppings that put California-style a notch above any normal pie, but you'll be pleased to learn you can get those too, so if you're a fan of pepperoni you won't be going without your favorite pizza fix.

Best delivery pizza in Lodi, California

There won't be any crusts leftover when you order a pie from Franco's Pizza on North Cherokee Lane. They load the sauce and toppings right to the very edge of their pizzas so there's no bare crust to chew through when you've tucked into all the best bits. That's one of the reasons they make the best delivery pizza in Lodi. Franco's Pizza is housed in a wooden, shack-style building which, while it lacks a certain amount of curb appeal, has a homely, old-fashioned interior. It's not the sort of place you'd go on a first date if you wanted to impress, but for family or comfort meals it works a treat. Franco's pizzas could be classed in the comfort food category too. To liven up your mealtime try Franco's Mexican Combo. It's loaded with the works including spicy Spanish chorizo, jalapenos, and crushed peppers, and is hot enough to set your taste buds on fire.

Best takeout pizza in Lodi, California

If you've been wandering around Blakely Park or been visiting some of Lodi's craft wineries or breweries and need food, head for East Kettleman Lane. Once you're there, look for Pietro's Trattoria and when you find it, you'll be able to pick up the best take-out pizza in Lodi. Pietro's Trattoria is a little piece of Italy in California. From its super plant-strewn garden patio with its typical furnishings, fountains, and open fireplace to its classic and very smart interior with enormous marble counter, this place just screams – we're professional Italian food makers. And they are too. It'll be such a pleasure to walk through their door you may well change your mind about getting a take-out and stay there to enjoy the beautiful ambiance instead. A taste of either their Bel Paese, Calabrese, or Genovese pizzas will only add to the pleasure of the experience whether you eat in or out.

Best pizza near Lodi, California

Stockton

You can have a day out with a combination of both cultural and outdoor activities if you go to Stockton. Stockton is a twenty-minute drive south of Lodi along the CA-99, so not far to go at all. Once you're there, plan on having a browse around the Haggin Museum or the San Joaquin County Historical Society. After you've seen the exhibits, pick up a pizza from VIP Pizza on Brookside Road then head over to Buckley Cove Park for a picnic. The picturesque park is bordered by the San Joaquin River and has paved walking trails and a pretty yacht marina.

Valley Springs

You don't need to head for the coast of California if you want to get in some aquatic activities. Drive around fifteen miles east of Lodi along the CA-12 and you'll come to the town of Wallace. Wallace sits on the shores of the Comanche Reservoir where you can participate in year-round water-related sports like canoeing, kayaking, boating or paddleboarding, or go trout and bass fishing. You won't need your own equipment either as you can hire them there. If you're not a fan of the water there are a multitude of both hiking and equestrian trails around the lake to explore. When you've had enough of the outdoor sporting life, drop in at Casa Piedra on the CA-12 for an energy restoring meal.

Franklin

There are several good reasons to make the short trip west from Lodi to Franklin. The first is to get out of Lodi and go wildlife spotting at the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge which lies just a few miles from this rural township. The second is to take a tour of some of the wineries in the town and sample some of the various wines they have on offer. The third is to have a fun afternoon roller skating at King's Skate Country. Whichever you choose to do, don't miss stopping at Lamppost Pizza on Laguna Boulevard for a pie before you drive home.