Truly Pizza offers a casual vibe where you can savor exceptional artisan pizzas, light and crispy crusts, and refreshing salads in a charming patio setting.
"Dana Point’s Truly Pizza, which just announced plans to expand to Laguna Beach, was named one of the best 50 pizzerias in the U.S. in 2024 and won a competition at the World Pizza Championship in Italy. Operated in part by John Arena, Chris Decker, and Michael Vakneen, who all hail from Las Vegas, the wood-fired round- and square-pizza specialists make exemplary pies worthy of a trek to Orange County." - Eater Staff
"This partnership from chef Chris Decker, Donna Baldwin, John Arena, and developer Steve Muller brings some of the best pizza in Southern California to Dana Point. Hearth-baked 12-inch American artisan pizzas like La Dolce Vita with fontina, artichoke cream, prosciutto coto, and arugula emerge from the kitchen. But the coveted square pizzas, which are limited daily, combine the fluffy chew of focaccia with a quintessential cheese pull. The classic pepperoni and cheese is slathered with nuanced California red sauce and topped with fresh and aged whole milk mozzarella and charred pepperoni. Save space for Strauss Creamery organic vanilla soft serve with drizzles of chocolate sauce or sprinkles of pistachio." - Jenn Tanaka
"Nestled deep into Dana Point, this collaboration from award-winning chef Chris Decker — plus operators John Arena, Donna Baldwin, and partner Steve Muller — feels like an Avengers-style pizza creation. With airy, long-fermentation dough used in its round and square pizzas, the toppings are the star here. Decker and his on-the-ground chef, Sergio Balderas, craft well-browned pies covered with thin pepperoni cups, creamy stracciatella, and roasted vegetables. The result is something pretty far from authentic Italian, but also very familiar to Californians used to big, saucy, well-topped pies that don’t fold over like soaked cardboard. They’re served in an almost fully outdoor space that captures the ocean breeze just a few blocks away, though there’s also an enclosed dining room upstairs since the weather can get chilly. With plenty of experience building multiple units, it’s only a matter of time before Truly moves northward into more populated parts of Orange County and even Los Angeles. — Matthew Kang, lead editor" - Cathy Park
"Vakneen is also involved in a venture called Truly Pizza located in California, in partnership with John Arena and Chris Decker." - Janna Karel
"There are only two soft serve choices at Truly Pizza: chocolate or vanilla. Each is made with Strauss organic dairy, so the base is reliably good, but remember to always opt for toppings. Choose from extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, chocolate sauce, or grape nuts." - Jenn Tanaka
Vladyslav
Jennifer Brandi
Fernando Mendoza
Harshal Patel
Kevin Zhu
Kymberli Oakes
Adare O'Neill
Michael Headley
Jacqueline H.
Mario G.
Irene C.
Jessica P.
Rima Z.
Daph H.
Alison A.
Ken R.
Heather D.
Naveen W.
Lidia B.
Sara O.
Rachel S.
Nicole V.
Kelsey N.
Devoney A.
Michael H.
Robert L.
Shabi M.
Terri K.
Navid D.
Luis G.
Susan S.
Carole S.
Ryan R.
Anne-Marie N.
Dr Nina Z.
Roger C.
Craig H.
Leanne D.
Faten R.
Lexi C.
Ashley F.
Evelyn K.
Dave M.
Nick P.
Rob C.
Shane H.
Jarek M.
Kelly H.
Lily J.
Kaleen B.
Muskan B.
Kevin D.
Pearl T.
MaDonna W.
Ashley T.
Michele B.
Lloyd C.
Diane C.