Zia Gourmet Pizza: Vegan Pizza San Diego

We normally wouldn’t equate pizza with fine dining. But when it comes to the perfect balance of organic fruits and vegetables, high-quality meats and fresh herbs and spices—now we’re talking about something entirely different. And at Zia Gourmet Pizza, it’s easy to see why some consider America’s favorite pie the everlasting food of the gods.

Vegan pizzas in San Diego are hard to find but this place is not only vegan but also offers gluten free pizzas, all the way to their crusts!

To say Zia Gourmet takes an uncommon approach to pizza-making would be an understatement. They’ve rebuilt the traditional pizza recipe from the ground up, from the cheese to the crust and everything in between. Starting with handmade, white or whole wheat crust (that is inarguably one of the softest and most flavorful you’ll find), the foundation is laid for a distinctive work of culinary art.

Also Read: 5 Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

Next comes the succulent sauces (tangy red, creamy white or zesty orange) and an unusual combination of toppings—from eggplant and potatoes to cranberries and even walnuts. And finally, the pie is topped off with a unique selection of delicious cheese and fresh, flavorful seasonings.

But it’s not just the fresh, extraordinary ingredients that puts Zia pizza in the gourmet class, it’s more to do with the careful blending of flavors, paired with an artistic flair and personal touch that rarely exists in the bland world of corporate pizza production. It’s what makes Zia one of the most sought-after pizza joints in San Diego, with a die-hard, totally-loyal, almost-fanatical following. Says founder Khlaed Waleh:

"I wanted to create pizza that wasn't just life sustaining food. Simply said, I wanted art. Pizza lends itself so naturally to this task. It's like a round canvas that can be dressed to fit any occasion. However, food has to first look appealing to the eyes. Once the task of visually stimulating the potential food connoisseur is completed, the next vital task is enticing the nose."

And so on. Now we see where the creative genius behind Zia Gourmet Pizza originates. And what creativity! To give you an example of how splendidly off-the-wall Zia’s menu is, consider the Sweet Southern French—a succulent chicken, marinated in a savory lemon-garlic sauce with feta crumbles, caramelized pears, crunchy walnuts and warm mozzarella. Or there’s the Potato pizza, made with perfectly-roasted rosemary potatoes, fresh garlic, scallions, feta cream cheese and mozzarella.

Hungry for something sweet? There’s also an exotic desert menu—the Cinnamon Pear, the Tropical Splash, and the well-known, highly-demanded Banana Split Pizza (think chocolate sauce, banana slices, cream cheese and chocolate chips). So whatever you’re in the mood for, Zia Gourmet is a great place to whet your appetite.

Zia Gourmet Pizza is located in the Normal Heights area at 3311 Adams Ave, in between 33rd and Felton St. They’re open 7 days from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. so stop in anytime for a late lunch, dinner or dessert you won’t soon forget. In fact, after trying any one of their delectable pizza creations, you’re likely to become a faithful member of the Zia Pizza fan club for the rest of your days.