Truly Pizza Opens in North Laguna: A Culinary Gem for Locals
The wait is finally over for pizza lovers in North Laguna as Truly Pizza has opened its second location at 320 N. Coast Hwy, strategically placed next to Urth Caffé and across from the iconic Laguna Art Museum. This much-anticipated opening follows an impressive run for its original Dana Point location, which garnered national accolades and solidified its status in the pizza world. Truly Pizza is poised to become a favorite hangout for residents and visitors alike.
A Rich History at a Lively Location
The corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Cliff Drive has a rich history, once home to the beloved John Madison’s Madison Square & Garden Café, a cherished neighborhood establishment for decades. Its recent transformation continues a legacy of community-oriented businesses. Seating around 100 guests, the new Truly Pizza space features a breezy dining room and an inviting open-air patio, aligning perfectly with Laguna’s vibrant vibe. This thoughtful design enhances the dining experience while celebrating the area’s scenic beauty.
Meet the Culinary Experts Behind Truly Pizza
Truly Pizza is the brainchild of an exceptional team. Donna Baldwin, a former Las Vegas hospitality expert with over 20 years in Laguna Beach, describes bringing Truly Pizza to the area as a homecoming. She collaborates with John Arena, a third-generation New York pizzaiolo, renowned for his work at Metro Pizza. Additionally, the team includes World Pizza Champion Chris Decker and James Beard-nominated pizzaiolo Michael Vakneen. Collectively, this powerhouse of culinary talent brings years of expertise to the kitchen, ensuring that each pizza is crafted to perfection.
Award-Winning Pizzas That Stand Out
What makes Truly Pizza a standout destination? Its flagship location in Dana Point earned an impressive No. 9 spot on the 2025 50 Top Pizza USA list. The accolades don’t end there—Truly Pizza clinched the Best Cheese Pizza title at the 2024 International Pizza Expo and celebrated a Performance of the Year award. The secret to their success lies in a meticulously crafted five-day fermented dough that produces a light, airy crust with a signature shatter-crisp edge. This unique preparation elevates the pizza experience, making it so delicious that it will never be left on the plate.
Must-Try Menu Highlights
For newcomers to Truly Pizza, there are several dishes worth trying. The Original Cheese pizza features a square Sicilian crust made with that coveted five-day dough, quickly becoming a local favorite. If you desire something more straightforward, the round Our Cheese California offers a delightful balance of California red sauce and fresh mozzarella. A prominent crowd-pleaser is the Smoky Vodka pizza, topped with vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, stracciatella, and a unique pistachio-lemon pesto. Notably, $1 from every Smoky Vodka pizza sold is donated to the Laguna Beach Policy & Community Foundation’s K9 Unit—a delicious way to support a great cause. Beyond pizza, diners can indulge in California-inspired salads, fluffy focaccia sandwiches, and delectable charcuterie boards. To finish, Truly Pizza offers premium soft-serve flavors reminiscent of classic summer treats, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to any meal.
Perfectly Situated for Locals and Tourists
Baldwin’s understanding of Laguna’s community rhythms shines through in the design of Truly Pizza’s new location. It’s easily accessible for pedestrians, highly visible from PCH, and features outdoor seating that invites spontaneous visits on sunny afternoons. Reservations are recommended, especially during the bustling weekend hours, though walk-ins are certainly welcome. Given the early excitement surrounding Truly Pizza, it is wise for guests to anticipate some wait times, as locals embrace this new culinary hotspot.
Visit Truly Pizza Today
You can enjoy Truly Pizza from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (closed Tuesdays), making it a convenient dinner option or a casual weekend lunch spot. Located at 320 N. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, this pizzeria is ready to delight taste buds while contributing to the local community. Don’t miss the chance to experience the blend of expert craftsmanship and quality ingredients under one roof. Join the buzz and discover the mouthwatering offerings at Truly Pizza—your palate will thank you!
For more delicious local insights, stay tuned to Locale Magazine, where our talented team of writers captures the culinary essence of our beloved Orange County.
