Back Bench Pizza — Restaurant in Ventura

Brought the family up from Santa Barbara just to try this place bc of all the great reviews. We got a Calabrian chili pepperoni pizza w dollops of ricotta and honey drizzle as well as a few slices of plain, some with pesto, and a slice of the special, “Spring Thing” which was a white pizza with preserved lemon and spring tendrils. Oh! And some herbed olives on the side. Each item was prepared with such pristine care that I had to savor each bite. It was a refreshing way to enjoy a simple, solid slice of NY style super crispy, crusty pizza. The first few bites were so enchanting that I forgot about the ranch dressing which tasted dill-forward and certainly homemade. The ‘Plain’ was my favorite. A salty, savory slice of za topped w a freshly torn basil leaf. Perfection. We were full when we finished, but cookies were coming out of the oven in 15 minutes so we hung around for a few which was the right choice by all accounts as they came out hot and melty, topped with flaky salt. 10/10 recommend trying this spot because it’s the only NY-style pizza I have ever found on...

I have eaten at Back Bench Pizza twice so far and I can’t wait to go back again! This is a small, cozy pizza place but there’s still plenty of seating inside. The owner/operator is friendly and approachable and provides excellent service. The real highlight here is the terrific pizza!!

Unbelievable homemade sourdough crust that is soft and delicious while providing stellar slices or whole pies. The sauce and cheese on the standard plain cheese is amazing as well and the pizza holds up perfectly as leftover whether heated or eaten cold. But the first pizza I tried (which I forgot to grab a pic of) was truly unique and delicious with toppings of roasted lemons that paired perfectly with a mound of fresh greens on top.

I would recommend checking in often (as I intend to do) because the owner is very creative and always presenting adventurous new specialty pizzas based on local ingredient...

This pizza is fantastic!!! I had a slice of the kale and sausage. So much going on, where to begin? Let's start with the crust- excellent thin New York style crust that finds itself crispy yet light, and not greasy at all. The sauce is packed full of flavor, very well balanced and gives a perfect transition from the crust to the cheese. The cheese and toppings all tasted like top shelf ingredients, fresh and leaving my taste buds craving more. This pie was the perfect marriage of ingredients and a love of the art of cooking, and easily my new favorite. Oh and for a quick dessert I had one of the chocolate chip cookies. This thing was insane- generous size, super chocolatey and lightly dusted with large salt crystals - instant classic! Go check...