
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria
Artisan pizzeria crafting thin, charred wood-fired pizzas from a three-day fermented dough with unique appetizers and a must-try dessert.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Artisan pizzeria crafting thin, charred wood-fired pizzas from a three-day fermented dough with unique appetizers and a must-try dessert.
Book Ahead Online
Make reservations online for indoor dining to guarantee your spot, especially for weekend evenings.
Don't Miss the Staff Favorite Pizza
Try the Staff Favorite pizza, a delicious combination of house-made tomato sauce, sausage, and heavy cream.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pizzeria
Price
$$$
Phone
(760) 634-7671
Address
897 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Website
blueribbonpizzeria.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Wood-Fired Pizzas
Enjoy impossibly thin, beautifully charred pizzas made from dough fermented for three days, baked to a crisp.

Signature Butterscotch Pudding
Indulge in the dreamy, creamy butterscotch salted caramel pudding that guests rave about.

Cozy Rustic Atmosphere
Experience a rustic-chic space with options for heated or covered outdoor seating, perfect for any occasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead Online
Make reservations online for indoor dining to guarantee your spot, especially for weekend evenings.
Don't Miss the Staff Favorite Pizza
Try the Staff Favorite pizza, a delicious combination of house-made tomato sauce, sausage, and heavy cream.
Gluten-Free Options Available
Blue Ribbon offers gluten-free crusts, making their pizzas accessible for those with dietary needs.
Perfect Post-Beach Spot
Visit after a beach walk at sunset for a memorable and relaxing dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead Online
Make reservations online for indoor dining to guarantee your spot, especially for weekend evenings.
Don't Miss the Staff Favorite Pizza
Try the Staff Favorite pizza, a delicious combination of house-made tomato sauce, sausage, and heavy cream.
Gluten-Free Options Available
Blue Ribbon offers gluten-free crusts, making their pizzas accessible for those with dietary needs.
Perfect Post-Beach Spot
Visit after a beach walk at sunset for a memorable and relaxing dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria is celebrated for its delicious, thin-crust wood-fired pizzas and unique appetizers. Diners praise the cozy atmosphere and exceptional butterscotch pudding. However, some find the pizzas pricey for their size, and a few have experienced inconsistent service or undercooked crusts.
"Blue Ribbon Pizza – 8 Years Later and Still a Knockout!
We totally forgot about this gem—until last night, when my brother-in-law took us back after a beautiful sunset beach walk in Encinitas. Eight years later, it’s still a hit. As a French guy from Marseille, I’ve got high standards when it comes to pizza—back home, it’s a legacy. But Blue Ribbon did not disappoint.
We were craving wood-fired pizza, and from the moment we sat down, the vibe was just right. Our waitress, Marie Michelle (French Canadian—sorry, from Quebec!), set the tone with a warm welcome and immediately went to get us her best wine in the house: red cab (sorry forgot the name)
We kicked things off with a burrata to share—absolutely divine. Creamy, dreamy, with delicious olive oil, a touch of balsamic, and that warm, crusty bread to dip in. To die for.
Then came the pizzas, fresh out of the wood fire oven. We went classic with the Margherita and got creative with the Red Oak—added prosciutto, black olives, and mushrooms. Honestly, they should add that combo to the menu. One note for the pizzaiolo: don’t be shy to let it char just a tiny bit more. Nothing better than that little edge of crisp, burnt goodness!
And then... dessert. I’m still dreaming about it: butterscotch salted caramel pudding. Don’t even think about leaving without trying it.
Huge shoutout to Marie Michelle and her husband for such a lovely night—and the cherry on top? The patio is puppy-friendly! My pup didn’t miss a single crust.
We’re definitely coming back. Way sooner than 8 years this time."
franck pedretti
"The pizza was looked nice and was decent. However, I wholeheartedly agree with the cost/value situation of these pizzas. Maybe it’s because I am from the east coast but $24 for a 12” pie with underdone crust is insane. The mozzarella sticks, $14, were absolutely gorgeous, but the ooey gooey stretchy filling was sacrificed for the sake of its beautiful, in-retrospect-slightly-overdone dark golden crust. 3 of them were completely hollow, with only a trace of mozzarella left. However, the staff was very kind, clearly hustling, and I didn’t have to wait too long."
Rose Feldman
"Everything was so good. The deviled eggs were a surprise, and my grandma never made them lime this, despite what the menu says. The filling was whipped and so smooth and it really did melt in your mouth. The pizza was great, although a bit too thin for my personal preference. Still, it was tasty and the hot honey is a great addition to the menu. Service was beyond reproach and so friendly. I'd stop by here every week if I were local."
Grey H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The pizzas feature impossibly thin, beautifully charred crusts made from dough fermented for three days.
Yes, Blue Ribbon offers gluten-free crusts for all their pizzas.
Yes, making reservations online for indoor dining is recommended to secure your spot.
The signature butterscotch salted caramel pudding is highly praised and a must-try for dessert.
Yes, the restaurant offers options for heated or covered outdoor seating.
Popular appetizers include mozzarella sticks, risotto balls with prosciutto, and fried ravioli.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Pizza in San Diego: Places With the Best Slices & Pies
For more than 13 years, Wade and Kristi Hageman have been turning out impossibly thin, beautifully charred pizzas, made from dough that’s been fermented for three days and baked a few minutes longer than traditional Neapolitan pizza, giving it a crackling crisp crust and soft crumb. Simple, high-quality embellishments range from the brightly flavored Signature pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, lemon zest, red onion, basil, and lemon extra virgin olive oil to the Staff Favorite with house-made tomato sauce, sausage, basil, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a drizzle of heavy cream. If you can, save room for their signature dessert, a creamy, delectable Butterscotch Pudding.How to order: Make reservations for indoor dining online.
The Craftsman New American Tavern Restaurant Encinitas San Diego CA Reviews
Chef Wade Hageman, who mastered thin-crust pies at Blue Ribbon Pizzeria, and his wife-general manager Kristi’s second eatery in Encinitas delivers compelling comfort food. Reclaimed wood from an old Amish barn sets the nostalgic tavern tone, while modern twists on traditional fare entice, like deviled eggs and Serrano ham, lobster corn dogs, deep-fried Brussels sprouts and duck fat fries with black garlic aïoli. The menu features juicy burgers like the Craftsman, grass-fed-beef with bacon-onion marmalade; and the Speakeasy with smoked bacon, a sunny side up egg, tomato confit and arugula.
Best Restaurants in Carlsbad and Encinitas
In Encinitas, pizza lovers can't go wrong with Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria, at the Lumberyard shopping center, 897 S. Coast Hwy. 101 (tel. 760/634-7671; www.blueribbonpizzeria), where you can even get a gluten-free crust; or the skillful Japanese food and sushi available at Yu Me Ya Sake House, 1246 N. Coast Hwy. 101 (tel. 760/633-4288).
20 Best Restaurants in Encinitas (A Local's Guide)
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria is a beloved establishment known for serving some of Encinitas’ finest wood-fired pizzas. The wood-fired oven imparts a unique smoky flavor and crispy crust to each pie, elevating the pizza experience to new heights. Whether you prefer classic combinations or inventive creations, Blue Ribbon has it all.
21 Must-Try Encinitas Restaurants to Try in 2023
Cuisine: PizzeriaAddress: 897 S Coast Highway 101 Ste F102, Encinitas, CA 92024Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria’s Website. Are you on the search for a new pizzeria?. If so, head to Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria where you can find some great pizzas, minestrone, or bruschetta perfect for a night out or takeout dinner.
50+ Gluten-Free Restaurants in San Diego North County (Master List)
Located in the Encinitas Lumberyard, Blue Ribbon Pizza has been a local favorite for years. All of their pizzas can be enjoyed with a gluten-free crust. Unique pizza toppings include fennel sausage, heirloom tomatoes, crimini mushrooms, goat cheese and arugula pesto.
You Need to Try These Downtown Encinitas Restaurants!
This rustic pizzeria serves phenomenal wood-fired pies crafted with local, organic ingredients. Here, you’ll also enjoy great craft beers and wines. Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria also offers gluten-free options!
San Diego Food Guide: Best Places to Eat and Drink in the City - American and the Brit
If you are craving authentic wood fire pizza, you have to try Blue Ribbon in Encinitas. The pizzas here are comparable to the ones you can get on the streets of Rome. They are pretty incredible!
San Diego Best Restaurants | Best Restaurants in San Diego
Open since June of 2010, the owners Wade and Kristi Hageman have made this a nightly favorite for foodies!. The pizza is wonderful and they serve up some awesome wine and brew.
San Diego – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
If you’re in the mood for a pizza dinner, check out Blue Ribbon Pizza or URBN Pizza. Otherwise, The Third Corner is a great wine bar option.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit