Truly Pizza — Restaurant in Dana Point

The next stop on the pizza quest has been checked off, Truly Pizza. While overwhelmingly a great experience, I have slight mixed feelings due to hype (which it lived up to) and serving championship pizza (hard to judge). I'm surprised the rating of this place as I write this is only 4.2....that's too low.

Food: I try to keep it really about the pizza, but the garlic pull apart bread is essentially just garlic knots. More importantly, the best iteration of a garlic knot I have ever had. Stupendous and worth mentioning. We tried the Championship Cheese and the Pepperoni, both round. We'll try a square pie next time (the Smoky Vodka looked and smelled amazing) but was important to stay round today. The Championship Cheese was indeed delicious in every way, just wish it didn't come with the championship title, sets a near unrealistic expectation. The sauce is very good---a little sweet, but very bright and fresh. The cheese was great and cooked perfectly. The star of the show though is the dough. Pretty decent undercarriage, and the outer crust so crisp, airy, and tasty. Possibly the best crust in the OC pizza game. This one in particular also had a little sea salt on the crust and boy it really took it next level, that must be the championship touch. Simple, but perfect. The pepperoni was the same in most attributes except no salt on the crust, just the regular sauce (cheese had roasted tomatoes also, which were great), and of course pepperoni. I wish this one was cooked just a little longer to crisp the edges of the pep just a bit, but fantastic nonetheless. A little small for the price but the flavor and quality is definitely there.

Service: We had a great server in Linda. Incredibly friendly and there when we needed her, not hovering when we didn't. Good suggestions regarding the menu. Service was lovely. The wait time we were informed was 90 minutes, ended up being 30. Can't complain.

Atmosphere: So, in terms of design and decor, very good. Lemon and lemon trees are a focal point of the design and I personally am a huge fan of that. It's really all outdoor seating but it's covered, patio style really. Vibes and all are wonderful. It does get a small knock because there are a fair number of seats that are basically bar style----barstools along a small countertop, unfortunately where we were seated. It was small, the stools not very comfortable, and it did hurt the experience a little. It would have been exponentially better if we were seated at an actual table. However, given the size of the place and it's popularity, they need seats wherever they can get them in there. Also, if you told me it was 30 minutes for the bar seat or 90 minutes for the table, I'd have picked the bar...not so bad that it's unbearable, more just inconvenient.

Despite the uncomfortable seating assignment, the food made it worth it and that was just a minor inconvenience in the end. The competition is stiffer than I ever expected in OC but I think Truly may now be my 2nd favorite pizza place in the county, and definitely no worse than 3rd. It's just absolutely outstanding. Atmosphere and service are great, but the food is what matters, and it delivers. If you're a serious pizza person in Orange County you...

Truly Pizza in Dana Point is my go-to spot for celebrating birthdays, casual dinners, and any occasion that calls for exceptional pizza in a vibrant, coastal setting.

🍕 The Pizza: A Culinary Delight

The Smoky Vodka pizza is an absolute standout. Its rich vodka sauce, combined with roasted tomatoes, stracciatella, and pistachio lemon pesto, creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Another favorite is the Umami Mushroom pizza, featuring creamy onion and garlic sauce, smoked mozzarella, marinated roasted mushrooms, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, green onion, and bonito flakes. The unique combination delivers a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.

Whether you prefer the light, crispy thin crust or the airy, square deep-dish style, Truly Pizza offers both options, each crafted with care and quality ingredients.

🌿 Beyond Pizza: Fresh and Flavorful Sides

Complementing the pizzas are fresh salads like the Spagnola Salad, which combines arugula and radicchio with quince dressing, Manchego cheese, zodiac pears, Marcona almonds, and speck. The kids are fans of the crispy fries and the delightful bread service, making it a hit for family outings. 

🍋 Ambiance: Coastal Charm

The outdoor seating under lemon trees provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the upstairs patio offers stunning views of the Dana Point Bluffs. It’s an ideal setting for enjoying a sunny day or a cozy evening, with heaters and blankets available for cooler weather.

🍷 Drinks and Dessert: The Perfect Finish

Truly Pizza boasts a selection of regional craft beers and wines, perfect for pairing with your meal. For dessert, the soft-serve ice cream is a treat, with rotating flavors and a variety of toppings to choose from. 

👨‍🍳 Service: Exceptional Hospitality

A special shoutout to Lalo, whose attentive and friendly service enhances the dining experience, making each visit memorable.

🚶‍♂️ Post-Meal Stroll: Scenic Views

After indulging in a hearty meal, a walk along the Dana Point Bluffs offers a refreshing way to enjoy the breathtaking coastal views and perhaps burn off a few calories.

🎉 Perfect for Gatherings

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a gathering with friends, Truly Pizza accommodates large groups with ease, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

🛍️ Takeout Tips

The pizzas travel well, and the deep-dish varieties reheat beautifully in an air fryer, making leftovers something to look forward to.

In summary, Truly Pizza combines exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service, making it a must-visit destination...

We each traveled about an hour to try this pizza spot. We did not have reservations so we knew there would be a wait. The wait was 30 minutes, which isn’t bad. When I realized we were eating outside, I was dreading the cold, my jacket wasn’t enough to keep me warm. Wrong planning on me. Drats! So we were seated at a table for 8, mind you, we were 4. We asked the young lady who sat us for blankets and were ignored. Then when the water server came, we asked if possible, could we be seated at the table for 4? Again we were ignored. That was a bit off putting. When our waitress arrived, we brought up the blankets & if we could move to the table for 4, as our party was 4 and we had been seated at a table for 8? She stated she needed to ask the hostess. We thought that was odd. The waitress came back and said the hostess said no, because when we finish she will have to seat 8 at the table we are seated at. This made no sense at all. We were disappointed. The hostess came and tried to explain the 8 table situation to us. She then said “you guys can move to the table behind there, with the umbrella.” Which sat 4, so we said yes!! It wasn’t a very welcoming feeling for a first timer to try this spot. We have to coordinate schedules, kids, driving & dates available for when we get to do something together. This was our FriendGiving. We usually will do our FriendsGiving some place we have never tried and this was the spot one of our girls chose. Food wise, I did not enjoy the Garlic Pull Apart Bread. I got a piece that was super hard, I couldn’t even cut it. Half of my piece that I ate was rock hard and then the other was soft. It wasn’t the best. We also ordered a House Salad, which was perfect for us to split among us 4. Now for the pizza, I chose the Spinach & Artichoke square pizza. It was delicious!! I could’ve ordered that just for me! So bomb. We also ordered the Sweet & Spicy and the Crispy Pepperoni. They were good but nothing to note about. The wine selection was good as well. Their soda beverages are the glass bottle & the extra ice was a nice touch. I enjoyed the servers constantly checking the tables for finished plates, drinks, anything to take back to have less to clean up. One of the guys was kind enough to share were we could go for dessert, as we had traveled out here and we wanted a close dessert place. The was very kind. This will probably be the first and last time to visit...