Pizza Villa

Tucked away in Merced, this little pizza shack delivers legit New York-style pizza by the slice…read morewithout trying too hard to be "authentic" every five seconds. The slices are large, around $4.50 each, and worth it. I tried the pepperoni and the Tucci special -- roasted tomatoes, pesto, and ricotta -- and that one absolutely stole the show. Simple combo, big flavor. The inside is definitely on the smaller side, so don't expect a big dine-in experience, but the staff was friendly and the food came out fast. Great spot when you want a solid slice without the usual mall-food-court disappointment pretending to be pizza.

This spot has very minimal seating. It's more of a takeout place…read more However, the cheese pizza here is actually really good. It reminds me of New York style pizza. There's a bunch of cheese and they don't overdo it on the sauce. I also tried the Papas Island pizza personally, it was not for me. However, if you're into like sweet and savory together, I think it would be a good pizza for you. I didn't get to take a picture of the pizzas, but the slices were really big. Also, the staff is super nice here which is a bonus and they are quick. They had a line out the door and they were able to quickly get everyone's pizzas. I would totally come here again!

Menu

Manco slice - Mushrooms, bacon, and mozzarella

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Lover’s Deli

4.6(120 reviews)

1.6 mi

Family-owned & operated

LGBTQ friendly

The food was amazing and very delicious the music was spot on inside the place is such a nostalgic…read moreup beat vibe! And with a small wait time!

10/10!!! I had…read morelooked up places to eat in Merced and it had popped up with some good reviews for sandwiches. We had passed it and turned back around to get a slice of pizza. So glad we did. Loved the vibe. Cool retro displays. We ordered the bambino. WOW. It was so good. Good big squared slice. The vodka sauce w/ the mozzarella yum. Whenever I'm in Merced again, I'm getting another slice of pizza.

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Gateway Pizza-N-Subs

4.2(72 reviews)

1.7 mi

This place is amazing and the owner always takes care of you. A bit pricey but it's a family owned…read morerestaurant so it helps them. There corn dogs are always sold out if you wanted something small and fast. The bonus is you can see them cooking your meal if you wanted to wait there while it was being cooked. There's no dine in experience it's take it and go all around pretty tasty.

I like to try different pizza places and this place is a hidden gem. First off the pizza was fresh…read moreand delicious. The man running it was friendly but not overly talkative. This is a take out place not a sit down restaurant. I'm glad I did I ate half of a large pizza and was stuffed. Reminded me of the pizza when I was younger. I will be back again.

Exterior

Yes this is real... They should probably be reported to PETA.....

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Full price. Manager said he was unaware...lol....DO NOT ORDER FROM HERE!!

Calzone Life

4.4(14 reviews)

1.4 mi

Best calzone I have eaten here in Merced. Great size and ingredients great. Will order again.read more

The place is actually called Pizza Guys. Same address as the one listed as Calzone Life in Yelp…read more Staff was friendly and helpful. I ordered a mushroom sausage calzone and enjoyed it. Crust was cooked just right. Ambiance wise, it definitely a basic pizza place. Few tables. Looks like they primarily cater to take out. Which is ok since the calzone was really good. I'll add this to my places in Merced to get pizza in the future. The place is actually called Pizza Guys. Same address as the one listed as Calzone Life in Yelp. Staff was friendly and helpful. I ordered a mushroom sausage calzone and enjoyed it. Crust was cooked just right. Ambiance wise, it definitely a basic pizza place. Few tables. Looks like they primarily cater to take out. Which is ok since the calzone was really good. I'll add this to my places in Merced to get pizza in the future.

Calzone: Golden Gate 2

Calzone: Santa Monica 3

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Calzone: Napa 4

Destino's

4.2(266 reviews)

1.6 mi

Everything! Last…read moremonth I enjoyed dinner here with while catching up with a long "lost" old friend. I ordered something delicious off the dinner menu. I can't remember what it was, but I know that he had the pasta. And we shared the calamari and it was absolutely delicious! The service was amazing, and everyone here feels like family. They greet you at the door they treat you like, you're a cousin that came over for dinner, and the vibe here is always amazing. Whether you come for lunch or dinner or happy hour, you'll always be welcome and greeted with a smile. A couple of weeks ago I came here for early lunch and I enjoyed their pizza and side salad. I love meat pizza, and I added pineapple and jalapenos and it was absolutely fire!!! I had to take half of the pizza to go, because I already filled up on the salad and then I enjoyed the rest of the pizza for my dinner at my hotel and it was perfect. This time I enjoyed their pastrami sandwich and a cup of soup and salad and all I can tell you is that homemade ministry soup was the best soup. I have ever had. I highly recommend it!! I had to take the sandwich to go, because I filled up on the soup and the salad, which worked out perfect for my evening dinner. I love that the owner Tessa no, is her customers by name and treats them like they are coming over for lunch or dinner at her home. The staff that work at the bartender are amazing. They make you feel like family as they greet. You, when you walk in whether you sit in their area or not, everyone is welcome with a hospitable vibe that you don't see or feel just anywhere. That's a shout out to Andrew and Nikki! And when I had lunch with the pizza and the salad, I was able to meet the manager Amanda, she is so humble and kind and she has worked there for quite a while working her way up to the position that she is in now, and I love her leadership style and that she is a total team player! I also want to give a shout out to the people who cook in the back. I know one of the days. It was Aiden, and another day, someone who served my lunch also made the soup that morning, so this is a shout out for Madison, and Rudy for being behind the scenes, making the magic happen in the kitchen. Anytime I visit Merced, i do my best to stop by for lunch or dinner! Spread the word you won't be disappointed. And they have the best lunch and happy hour specials!

Our go-to when we want to treat ourselves to a delicious pizza and not a commercial made one. So…read moregood!!

Upstairs seating area for parties and such...

Fried Calamari

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Gnocchi with lobster sauce & french fries with catsup.

The Mainzer

4.0(392 reviews)

1.5 mi

Came across The Mainzer while staying next door for the night and of course I was curious thinking…read morethis was a German place based on the name. Apparently the owners might been from Mainz but that's about it. The ambience and food were great and so was their beer! Cheers

Fun place to hang out for beer and tacos, maybe onion rings too. There's an actual movie theatre as…read morewell as a game area with I think skeeball and some other stuff that we didn't check out. Vibe felt like they'd put some money in to the remodel and upkeep, leading to a bright, contemporary vibe that managed to preserve the original feel. Was here for a vendor event, where the extensive beer selection, accessed by self-service RFID cards, worked better in theory than reality. They measure the pours at each machine and it's quite interactive, but it felt like a bunch of the kegs were empty (so the corresponding dispensers were not working), and there were definitely some issues with the RFID system that they, to their credit, did get sorted out. Chips and guac are good and hard to mess up, the carne asada tacos were very good, the chicken tacos were pretty forgettable. 3.5 stars. Tempted to rate higher but they seem to promise a bit more than they delivered.

Sold Out Concert! Photo Credit: Indigo Rain

Tomato Brunch Cast Iron

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Smoked Turkey Club

Pizza Factory

Well went in at 12:15pm to have the lunch buffet. Was very disappointed they had 2 pizza's that…read morewere out half gone and cold. Luckily the salad bar was filled so I could have salad and 1pizza of cold pizza. It took them over 30mins. to put anymore out. The counter girl was very nice. There were over 12 people in the restaurant who were just waiting for hot pizza. Won't be returning back. Never had this problem at any of the pother locations I go to!!

Food service and ambiance i give great big servings served hot and very fresh tasting.read more

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Table 59

4.2(200 reviews)

0.9 mi

Family-owned & operated

Catering service

My party of six friends ate at Table 59 the other night. We were all very pleased with our orders,…read morethe atmosphere, and the attentiveness of the server. Our food was delivered accurately, as were the drinks. Everything was delicious! A few of us took a take-home box, since the servings were large enough for an extra meal at home. Overall, an excellent evening. We'll be back.

Super nice owners and staff. Good place for date night or dinner out with friends. I usually order…read morethe steak, but their pizzas are great too.

Salt, Lime, $5 Margaritas. That's the vibe ‍ Every Wednesday's celebrate in style

#ScampiEnergy

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Creamy Cajun sauce Pizza topped with shrimp, onions, bell peppers, and spinach drizzled in Cajun sauce.

Pizza Guys

3.5(74 reviews)

1.4 mi

Love their pizzas and calzones Quick and easy service with…read moregood delivery and friendly people Definitely recommend this place

So I feel we have all been experiencing the major chains offering greatly increased pricing, with…read moregreatly decreasing quality with their pizzas. Thankfully, Pizza Guys is bucking this trend. Now, don't get me wrong. Pizza Guys isn't cheap. A large pepperoni was about $20. But the quality and customer service make this price tag well worth it. We ordered 3 pizzas for pick up. They were ready, fresh and on time. The employees were super friendly, offering plates, extra peppers and cheese, and even a 2 liter of soda on the house. The service was only out matched by the quality of food. Our pizzas were amazing. Hot and crisp and overflowing with toppings. We will be back no doubt. We may try dine in next time. Seemed standard pizza parlor vibe with beer on tap. Excited for our next trip.

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Save $4 on any Large Pizza at regular menu price. CODE: SAVE4

Bella Luna

4.0(654 reviews)

1.7 mi

Decided to take family out for dinner on saturday night to bella luna. The greeters were very nice…read moreand seated us shortly after.the food was absolutely delicious. We order calamary,caesar salad,capellini and italiano pizza which was outstanding. Service was ok, our server jasmine was very short with words and seem to be in a rush, we did not kept us from enjoying our food. We will definatly be back to try other pizzas and pastas.

Bread is freshly baked and yum but not complimentary. Meatballs appetizer is tasty, comes with 4…read morebig meatballs. Combo: half salad and half sandwich are limited to a few options only. Asked the waiter if I can pay extra to select a different salad on the menu and they said No. Pasta is great, salad is average, the beet salad plate was cold, seems like it came straight from the fridge. Pizza took very long to make, it came towards the end of our meal. The waiter gave us some free fries and soups to make up the long wait time. Overall it's not a bad experience, I would go back for pasta dishes only.

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Best Seat in the House

A Place To Bring a Friend

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Book for Private Events. Contact : banquets@bellalunamerced.com. Tuscan Room. Seats 80.

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33 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

P J.

0

1

4 years ago

I use to work at this place but I got fired because I told one manager(Seth) that I was clocking out after the other manager(Irma) told me to clock out because I needed a 10 minute break. Wasn't even 10 minutes, I asked her for one minute and she said "you either come back in now or clock out". I would say working there was hell, I wouldn't recommend anyone to work there. I would definitely compare that place to a sweat shop, maybe even worse honestly. They treat their employees like slaves, if anyone would talk or have any kind of fun even while we were doing our work then we would get yelled at and breaks taken away. The pizza girls always looked sad and miserable, they do the most work but get treated so poorly. Irma likes to change up the rules every day when it comes to things so one day it's this way and the next completely different. Both managers seem to be bipolar because their moods switch up so quickly and they don't know how to treat employees. They treat employees like trash and degrade them, mostly Irma. She talks bad about employees to other employees there. Their favorite like to use is "I can do what I want and whatever I say goes", no matter how wrong it is and how wrong they are. They seem to have a very strong god complex which is one reason why they're always understaffed. They can never own up to mistakes but if any of the employees make a mistake then we would get yelled at for it. The main reason why mistakes happen is because they train you for half a day and expect you to know it all and be perfect. Seth can never man up and handle things as a owned but sends his assistant manager to do all the dirty work. Irma seems more in charge then Seth, she talks to Seth like trash as well but he just goes into the office to cry about it. I was told when I first started here that you need to have thick skin to work here, that's not the case. You have to be okay with being treated like slaves/bitch and bite your tongue every second no matter how bad you're treated and how much they degrade you. They sell lots of expired soda so be sure to check yours when you buy one, I've myself have pulled out about 100 bottles of expired soda out the cooler. I've also seen the guys in the back drop pizza dough on the floor but still pick it up to be used to make the pizzas. I've never seen the floors get mopped. When cleaning, we would wipe the seats down but use that same towel to wipe the tables down which is disgusting, they're not cleaned properly. They overcharge on all sizes of pizzas and also toppings. Even when paying for extra toppings, they still don't give out extra or only out toppings on half the pizza. This place is a joke, they don't care about employees or their guest that go in. They're very UNPROFESSIONAL. read more

Mark S.

0

1

0

7 years ago

I'm from Merced but moved away years ago. I always looked forward to eating at Pizza Villa when visiting my folks. When Andy closed his business I was very sad but was glad to hear it had reopened under new owners. Well, I stopped by today and ordered the Big Joe. The pizza was just okay. Andy never put yellow cheese on his pizza ($45 with yellow cheese?). I also feel like the sauce has changed. As far as I am concerned unless the new owner starts to respect the quality pizza Andy created there is no reason for me to return. Skipping on quality ingredients is unforgivable. What an absolute disappointment. I feel like the new owner addressed my concerns. I look forward to trying again when visiting CA. read more

D C.

47

61

10

13 years ago

Oh, Pizza Villa...how I love you....let me count the ways. I have been eating at Pizza Villa my whole 28.5 years of existence and my love for it has remained the same. Every time the hubby and I are in town we HAVE to get a pizza from this place even if it's on our way back out of town...we'll take it back to Sac. with us. Yes, that's how good Pizza Villa is. The salad bar is amazing as well! Please never close down or change owners...as every time there are rumors of that happening tons of hearts break throughout Merced. See you soon PV. read more

Alexander L.

Elite 9

279

271

6

17 years ago

This review would probably be a bit more coherent if I could stay awake after eating the meat lover's pizza. It's not hte best pizza in the world, but the fact that it's all full of things that make you sleepy doesn't help. I think this is a great place for someone who's on a budget and doesn't want to spend a ton on like roundtable pizza - although you're not able to get too excited off of their menu. They didn't have anything that's covered in garlic. I'd um... if you want to get it you can go but I don't know that I'll be following. read more

Jeniffer F.

0

1

0

7 years ago

If I could give zero stars for the way the boss Seth treats his employees I would. As a customer I've sat there and seen how he treats his employees and it looks threatening. His attitude can definitely use a lot of work. I'm scared for them. He literally banged his fists on the counter and frightened my kid. I regret ever coming into this establishment because of his lack of manners. Work on your anger Seth. read more

Christopher V.

0

2

0

9 years ago

The best pizza you will ever eat in your life. Period. This place does it all from pizza to sandwiches and they have a salad bar. If you want pizza in Merced no other place even comes close to pizza villa. It is a little more expensive than other pizza places but it is worth every penny. read more

Tania G.

0

13

1

6 years ago

Nasty. Rude workers. Terrible service. Pizza tastes like grease on cardboard. Not worth it. Go somewhere else. Just the attitude of manager alone is a reason to boycott this place until they go out of business. No respect or service skills. read more

Megan S.

125

7

0

9 years ago

By far the best pizza in Merced I can't say enough good things about pizza Villa it's quality service efficiency it's definitely a staple in our community is been around for years and always stayed consistently delicious read more

Ray J.

3

4

0

14 years ago

Overpriced for good pizza, there salad bar is not that great either. Service was nice and dont let the old exterior fool you its pretty kept up inside. I recommend trying it still, but too pricey for me. read more

Jenie M.

3

9

1

7 years ago

Good crusty cheese pizza we ha at this nice place we Went there with my family and having lot of fun out there and was a great experience with this restaurant and made new memories read more

reallyreal d.

0

3

0

16 years ago

Best pizza i've ever had. They keep it simple and they've been doing it forever. I would definitely be proud to put it up against any other pizza in the nation. read more

Nabila S.

25

8

9 years ago

Love this place! Ive been eating here since I moved to Merced. Their salad bar is full with options. (Very fresh) and the service is awesome. read more

Mike C.

0

7

0

15 years ago

Always a great pizza. Andy runs a tight ship. One of the few remaining business that care about the way their employees look and act.

Pete C.

0

2

0

13 years ago

This has to be one of the best pizzas in town. Nice thin crust with just a little spice. Pizza is a little $$ but well worth it

Kathryne L.

552

9

13

6 years ago

I love Pizza Villa it's one of my family favorites delicious for years and many more to come thank goodness!

Chris C.

0

4

0

5 years ago

Seth, I'm surprised you haven't heard of the Labor Code 351 about tipping. You just can't take them away.

Christine C.

0

26

0

12 years ago

Hands down the best pizza ever! We love this place and go there weekly! Best pizza you'll ever have!

Adrian M.

69

31

2

15 years ago

They make some of the best pizzas I've ever had. A little pricey sometimes, but definitely worth it.

Steven Y.

0

3

0

15 years ago

Best pizza in Merced. The prices are a bit high, but worth the quality. That is all I have to say.

Savvas P.

0

107

7

8 years ago

One of the best pizza places ever!! You won't be disappointed! The best sausage and pepperoni!

Pizza Villa - pizza - Updated September 2026

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Little Oven Pizza

4.6

(570 reviews)

Tucked away in Merced, this little pizza shack delivers legit New York-style pizza by the slice…read morewithout trying too hard to be "authentic" every five seconds. The slices are large, around $4.50 each, and worth it. I tried the pepperoni and the Tucci special -- roasted tomatoes, pesto, and ricotta -- and that one absolutely stole the show. Simple combo, big flavor. The inside is definitely on the smaller side, so don't expect a big dine-in experience, but the staff was friendly and the food came out fast. Great spot when you want a solid slice without the usual mall-food-court disappointment pretending to be pizza.

This spot has very minimal seating. It's more of a takeout place…read more However, the cheese pizza here is actually really good. It reminds me of New York style pizza. There's a bunch of cheese and they don't overdo it on the sauce. I also tried the Papas Island pizza personally, it was not for me. However, if you're into like sweet and savory together, I think it would be a good pizza for you. I didn't get to take a picture of the pizzas, but the slices were really big. Also, the staff is super nice here which is a bonus and they are quick. They had a line out the door and they were able to quickly get everyone's pizzas. I would totally come here again!

Gateway Pizza-N-Subs

4.2

(72 reviews)

This place is amazing and the owner always takes care of you. A bit pricey but it's a family owned…read morerestaurant so it helps them. There corn dogs are always sold out if you wanted something small and fast. The bonus is you can see them cooking your meal if you wanted to wait there while it was being cooked. There's no dine in experience it's take it and go all around pretty tasty.

I like to try different pizza places and this place is a hidden gem. First off the pizza was fresh…read moreand delicious. The man running it was friendly but not overly talkative. This is a take out place not a sit down restaurant. I'm glad I did I ate half of a large pizza and was stuffed. Reminded me of the pizza when I was younger. I will be back again.

Pizza Plus

4.1

(77 reviews)

We used to go to Pizza Plus thirty years ago when we lived in Patterson. Yes, I'm old…read more I visited the Hilmar Pizza Plus and the pizza was delicious, like going back in time.

I came here after being told they were comparable to Gold Dust in Ripon.. I would agree. The pizza…read moreis very similar. I like the combo personally with a lot of extra toppings. The restaurant was clean but it felt not very comfortable. Almost temporary. I'd say everything was a good experience but nothing quite unforgettable

Dean's Pizza

4.0

(101 reviews)

Their pizza and food is always delicious. I love the fact you can do take and bake or they'll bake…read morefor you, for a small fee. that you can order a whole pizza or buy a slice. their salads and sandwiches are wonderful, just all around a wonderful wonderful place to pick up dinner or lunch.

Pizzas were good and always have been. But got charged a "technology fee". Wth is that??? I know…read morewhat it is, it's a surcharge for using a credit card. But getting hosed over 4% for that? At least ask me up front if I'm willing to get hosed before you charge me. This is nonsense!

Daily Dough Pizza

3.0

(10 reviews)

Sadly, we waited almost less than two hours on a hot day for our ham and pineapple and could of…read morebeen done more crispier. Others who were waiting said they've been there for more than an hour themselves but they liked their pizzas, hence, we said both said, lets give them a try. We had the ham and pineapple on our pizza. Unfortunately, we didn't like it and would not go back again. I would rather have again, Lovers Deli, in downtown Merced, then a movie. BTW, we still had left overs, decided to bring out our pizza oven to try it for the second time and make our dough crispier, added our own pineapple and ham our way. Nope, it didn't work for us. We the customers want to see more toppings, you know, what we ordered, not less. The ambiance is worth it if you want to sit outside, enjoy the day or night atmosphere. And there are several tables where to sit at since there are more food trucks to try out.

Pizza NY Style was on Point. Service was incredible. Be patient and kind these guys just opened and…read moreare Ironing out problems that may arise. They took care of me and I will be back.

Lover’s Deli

4.6

(120 reviews)

The food was amazing and very delicious the music was spot on inside the place is such a nostalgic…read moreup beat vibe! And with a small wait time!

10/10!!! I had…read morelooked up places to eat in Merced and it had popped up with some good reviews for sandwiches. We had passed it and turned back around to get a slice of pizza. So glad we did. Loved the vibe. Cool retro displays. We ordered the bambino. WOW. It was so good. Good big squared slice. The vodka sauce w/ the mozzarella yum. Whenever I'm in Merced again, I'm getting another slice of pizza.

Rico's Pizza

3.5

(48 reviews)

I've been coming to Rico's Pizza in Delhi for years and have always had a good experience, which is…read morewhy this visit was so disappointing. I placed a large order today and paid extra for a side of hot sauce, but it wasn't included. When I went back to ask about it, the employee was rude and dismissive, making me feel like I was in the wrong for asking about something I had already paid for. I also asked for plates for our takeout order, which I've been given many times before, but was told no in a very unfriendly way.(didn't get a name but it was the one with the botched lips) I'm not one to complain, but the attitude and lack of customer service really stood out this time. I hope management can address this, because this location has always been a go-to for me and my family.

Came here to watch the NFL game and have dinner. Restaurant and bathrooms were clean and we had…read moreexceptional service. We had pizza and wings and both were delicious. Everything was fresh and tasted soo good.

Geneo's Pizza

4.0

(136 reviews)

Pizza is amazing but the service is lacking a lot The…read moreelderly lady who has the worst attitude and doesn't even say hello after you said it .. retire

Their daily specials are a great deal! So, try going during lunch time. You won't be disappointed…read morewith their pizza sandwich and fried chicken and wings. Their house ranch is to die for! The service is always nice too. I wish this place was closer to my work place in Merced. But me and a couple of coworkers fly over there once in a blue moon to eat during our lunch time. It is always worth the trip!

Pedro's Pizza

3.7

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Came after an interview (wish me luck)! Reminds me of the pizza place we use to have in my home…read moretown :) good to know Chowchilla has a homey pizza anyone can come down and enjoy. Ambiance is nice, workers are educated and diligent to their craft. Would recommend their combo + Hawaiian pizza. Didn't try their other stuff but I Imagine it's tasty. Great job!

Great service great food. They have Mexican cuisine, pizza, hamburgers, and sandwiches. It's cozy…read moreand a tad warm from the ovens and grills going on, but worth the wait.

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