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    Back Bench Pizza

    4.5 (120 reviews)
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    Plain pie.  Was too good to be photographed whole!

    Delicious pizza! Friendly staff. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But seriously, the pizza is top notch made with fresh premium ingredients, an in-house sourdough crust, and love! Now I'm happy and full. Thanks Back Bench!

    Slice to-go
    Mic F.

    Happened upon this little spot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You know it's going to be good when there's no flashy sign and slices ready to go at the counter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My toddler was hungry so we popped in hoping for a slice and was not disappointed. So so good! Nice and thin with the perfect amount of sauce to cheese ratio. When in Ventura again looking for pie or a nibble we will be returning. Owner was nice and service was quick.

    Cheese pizza with spinach
    Autumn B.

    Back Bench pizza is a newer pizza spot in Ventura and a bit of a hidden gem. It's located on Main Street and they sell both whole pizzas and slices which is perfect if you just want to grab a slice for yourself or have different tastes than the people you're with. They always have their plain cheese with spinach as a staple and you can opt in to add some various toppings for an up charge. I believe they switch out their special flavors monthly, usually 2 different ones. A couple months ago they had a 2 spicy flavors which wasn't my favorite since I can't handle my heat, but my most recent visit they had this potato and pesto pizza which was absolutely to die for. I'm a sucker for pesto so maybe I'm a bit biased but I would definitely go back for that or to see what other new flavors they have in the future. The service is good, usually not too busy so they are pretty quick. They did not yet have any slices of the pesto pizza yet when I last went so they made a whole fresh pizza once we ordered which took about 15-20 minutes. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They allow friendly well-behaved dogs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's pretty small inside, only about 4 tables or so but there's benches throughout Main Street if you want to sit outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall great experience every time and I'm looking forward to my next visit!

    Rusty D.

    Stoked to have finally tried this place. Never knew it was right next to the movie theater. It was legit NY style pizza. I'm serious. It tasted as it should with the crispy bottom and thin pie. The crust was amazing also, crunchy but soft like a pillow. We ended up ordering a whole pie for 4 people. Pepperoni with Calabrian chili oil and hot honey. Pretty dangerous combination. Didn't take too long to make and we found a nice table inside. The guy making the pizza was very friendly and made us all feel welcome. The lady behind the counter was super nice and helped us figure out exactly what we wanted. Happy that I have finally found this hidden gem. We will be back!

    Outside
    C P.

    First time here. Came here at 5p opening. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plenty of seats by.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ordered a large pizza for dine in. Mult tickets before use. Had to wait an about 30 minutes for our pizza. It was worth the wait. Sauce is very flavorful, crust is thin and crunchy.

    front of the building. Nestled between the movie theater and the Ramen spot (also good).
    Ismael C.

    Whoa!!!! Now this is my kind of pizza. Thin with a bit of crisp. Great ratio of sauce and cheese. You aren't gonna get a dump of either but an immaculate ratio to offer a delicious even bite from tip to crust. Flavorful, great bites all the way. No flop slice. My style of pizza. But holy moly is the price gonna throw you back. Basic pie is 26 and then toppings can range from 4 to 7 dollars. Will I be back despite the price. ABSOLUTELY!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Stand up benches outside but get a lot of sun. There are two umbrellas on either side of the bar top outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seating inside but a bit muggy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Basic menu. But what is there is great.

    Proof unfortunately
    Mariah A.

    Update got refunded finally but still no apology on the rudeness/name calling also got blocked on top of it all dont even care at this point just want to let you guys know the owner isn't a nice or even decent guy and just saying wouldn't trust someone of that manner with my food.

    Dank pizza
    Miriam P.

    Best pizza in town, best pizza crew in town and if you don't get it you're just not with it and weak and you're still bitter your hacky sack tricks didn't get you laid in high school sorry those are just the rules Anyways check out this cool pic I took when I went and had their sausage and broccolini pizza shit was DANK

    Anne Nicole C.

    The pizzas were light and crispy. The white pizza had a pleasant sweetness from the figs, while the pepperoni slice added a savory contrast. Together, they made the perfect combination. I was hoping to add burrata to one of my slices, but they ran out. The server recommended ricotta instead, which turned out to be a great substitute.

    Pizza with mushrooms and pepperoni
    Emiliano N.

    We decided to try this place after a friend recommended it, and it didn't disappoint. The pizza's sourdough crust has a great crunch and flavor that pairs perfectly so well with the sauce. We went with pepperoni and mushrooms for toppings, and they complemented each other. The sauce isn't the typical sweet marinara you usually find around Ventura County, which is rare but honestly my preference for sauce.The owner was also really kind to talk to us a little bit about his journey with his establishment.

    Sausage pizza with garlic and hot honey
    Justin C.

    This was my second time here and I am absolutely astonished again. This is a true hidden gem of Ventura and one of the best pizza places in Ventura County and perhaps SoCal! The pizza is just so clean. The thin crust is what makes it so special, as it has such an amazing crunch and holds its shape. The ingredients don't overpower each other. There is a perfect amount of cheese and tomato sauce - it's light enough to taste the toppings while creating a simple taste that is just absolutely delicious. This is what a pizza should be. Simple ingredients with a simple taste. The pizza speaks for itself. We also ordered chocolate chip cookies. They weren't warm but still delicious and somehow still so gooey. I would recommend, especially if you go early in the day and see him taking it out of the oven. We came around 12:15 pm. The restaurant is a one man show. Its just one guy making the pizzas and taking the orders. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small place and a hole in the wall here in downtown Ventura. There's not even a sign on the building, just a neon pizza icon on the window.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've tried to go here a couple times at night closer to closing time but they're always sold out! I hope this place expands!! It's too good to just be a hole in the wall!

    Half Pepperoni and Half Cheese
    Sean W.

    Back Bench probably has the best NY style pizza in Ventura County. It's thin, perfectly crisp, and flavorful. The ratio of cheese to sauce and toppings is spot on. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are a few tables inside to sit at but not a ton of seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] As others have mentioned, the service is kind of off-putting. There was one person in the shop, and he did not seem enthused to be there. He can make a great pizza, I'll give him that. He wasn't rude, but he was not friendly. I'd still go back for the pie, but I'd make sure to have my order dialed in and not expect a conversation or even a smile.

    Spicy peach pizza
    A A.

    The Best Pizza in Ventura County? Quite Possibly! Back Bench Pizza is an unassuming, by-the-slice sourdough pizza spot that seriously deserves a long line out the door. I walked in and decided to try a slice of their spicy peach - a truly unique combination that I've never encountered on a pizza before. And wow, it worked! The crust was perfectly thin, and the sweetness of the peaches and honey, balanced with creamy ricotta, elevated it to another level. If you're a local or a tourist exploring Main Street in Ventura, this is definitely worth a try. My only minor suggestion is the lack of a water station. I asked for a glass of water, and never got it. I didn't want to bother the person at register and ask again because she looked busy. It would be really convenient if they had a self-serve option.

    Spicy cauliflower and kale sausage slices

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    Review Insights

    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Literally goated pizza and the specials are always amazing. Travis is a master of his craft

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    2 years ago

    Missed opportunity because they don't have any sign, looks abandoned, empty, and uninviting. Sorry

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Best pizza in Ventura, definitely wish they were open later or and did delivery Lady taking our order was super helpful with the menu

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Best pizza I've had in Ventura! Even over toppers I tried all 3 slices they had a available and it was all good!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The pizza here is amazing! I've recommended this place to everyone looking for a slice when in downtown!

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    2 years ago

    Very limited supply. I have yet to try the pizza. Everytime I go there is only plain left. :(

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    So yum 10/10 pizza. Went back for more and the ranch is so good and so are the cookies. New fav. Food critic holly approved!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Whoever rated this 1 & 2 stars doesn't know good pizza. Top notch pizza and absolutely love their specials.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    pizza was good and you can tell they use good ingredients. over all vibe was a little meh but. i'd still grab a za to go,

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    2 years ago

    Great New York Style Pizza! Nice and thin, with some good crunch and great flavor in the cheese and the sauce!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I dream of this pizza. Really something special -- the owner is passionate and dedicated and somewhat of a genius with his food.

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    Back Bench Pizza - pizza - Updated July 2026

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