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Hungry for the best pizza in the US? Tahoe-area restaurant ranked in the top 10, Yelp says

Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe is one of the top 10 pizza restaurants in the United States in 2024, according to Yelp.
Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe is one of the top 10 pizza restaurants in the United States in 2024, according to Yelp. Base Camp Pizza

Hungry? The Tahoe area has some of the best pizza in the nation, according to Yelp.

The popular review website recently released its 2024 list of the Top 100 Pizza Spots in the United States, ranking the best restaurants for thin crust, deep dish and more.

Winners were selected by Yelp Elites, described by the site as its “most passionate and trusted reviewers and influencers.”

Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe was one of 10 California pizzerias to make the list, landing at No. 5.

Here’s why this pie-slinger stands apart from the rest.

Yelp recently released its list of the 2024 Top 100 Pizza Spots in the nation.
Yelp recently released its list of the 2024 Top 100 Pizza Spots in the nation. ma-no Getty Images/iStockphoto

What makes Tahoe pizza restaurant one of California’s best?

Base Camp Pizza Co., 1001 Heavenly Village Way, Suite No. 25A, in South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for pizza lovers.

“This casual spot earns ‘peak’ ratings for its gourmet pizzas and spectacular setting,” Yelp said, as well as live music, open-mike events and craft beer tap takeovers.

“We spend a significant amount of effort and time preparing fresh, high-quality ingredients that top our pizzas.” CEO and co-founder Ray Villaman told Yelp. “They’re cooked and seasoned, then cooked again on the pizzas, so there’s a lot of flavor packed in.”

Popular menu options include the Thai Chicken Curry, Smoky BBQ Chicken with Bacon, and Pear & Gorgonzola pizzas.

Base Camp Pizza has an average Yelp rating of 4.4 stars, with a total of 6,686 reviews.

Yelp reviewer Cindy W. of San Rafael said the restaurant serves up “the BEST pizza in South Lake! You can tell by the smell of the pies wafting through the air.”

In her five-star review, she praised the “absolutely delicious” pizza and “excellent selection of brews on tap.”

“Anytime my husband and I visit Lake Tahoe, coming to Base Camp is an absolute must!” Yelp user Asia B. of Elk Grove wrote in her five-star review. “The pizza is amazing and I love the total atmosphere of this restaurant and the service never disappoints.”

Yelp reviewer Derek Y. of Allen, Texas, also had high praise for the restaurant.

“Base Camp Pizza hits all the right notes for a casual yet delicious dining experience in South Lake Tahoe,” he wrote. “From the tasty thin-crust pizza to the excellent service, this spot is definitely worth a visit.”

What are the top 10 pizza restaurants in the US?

According to Yelp, these are the top 10 pizzerias in the nation:

  1. Pequod’s Pizzeria in Chicago
  2. Bestia in Los Angeles
  3. Lombardi’s Pizza in New York City
  4. Mama D’s Italian Kitchen in Newport Beach
  5. Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe
  6. Secret Pizza in Las Vegas
  7. Prince Street Pizza in New York City
  8. Olio e Più in New York City
  9. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman in Kapolei, Hawaii
  10. Cucina Urbana in San Diego

How did Yelp come up with its rankings?

Yelp looked at businesses in the pizza category and ranked them based on a variety of factors, including the number of five-star reviews and reviews from members of the Yelp Elite Squad.

Eligible restaurants had to be open and have a passing health score as of December 2023 to be included on the list.

Sarah Linn
The Tribune
Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.
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