I used to love deep dish, super cheesy, sausage and onion Chicago style pizza. Back in the day, I could eat half a large pie like that. No wonder I was a chubby chica!
I don’t eat like that anymore, but I still love pizza. While I can make a tasty vegan pizza at home, it’s a challenge to find a good one when dining out. Last weekend, however; my husband, sister and I discovered a fabulous vegan-friendly pizza place in San Diego.
With its funky mosaic floor, colorful wall murals and background reggae music, Zia Gourmet Pizza has a relaxed vibe. It’s also a super friendly place. The girl at the counter made us feel welcome and was helpful in going over the vegan options. And the owner engaged with us casually as if we had been friends forever.
Zia Pizza owner, Khaled Waleh
When our pizza came, my husband and sister wanted to snap photos for my blog, so all of us took lots pictures of the pizza and each other while laughing. I think we made a bit of a scene.
My hubby trying to snap an awesome photo
My sister’s photo of me taking a photo
We ordered a half and half pizza and tried the vegan chorizo, avocado, scallion and cilantro half first. It was a splendid combo! The sweet and spicy peach and herb sauce we choose had some heat, but the avocado cooled it down nicely.
My sis, Michelle, tasting her first bite
Next we tasted the mushroom, scallion, potato and basil side of the pie, which had a lovely herbal taste. This side was delicious, but I preferred the chorizo side. My husband and sister, however; both gave an edge to the potato side.
I should also say that the crust was phenomenal! It was light and slightly chewy and reminded me of fresh out of the oven homemade bread. It was obvious that it was hand-made and hand tossed.
I highly recommend this place – the pizza lives up to its gourmet name!
The top photo is courtesy of the Zia Gourmet Pizza website.
Honk If You're Vegan 
Haha! I love your photos, and the fact that you made a scene!
I can relate. 🙂
The pizza looks fabulous!
Hi Ally! Yea, things always get more exciting when my sis is around. She’s the wild one in the family! Celeste:)
Ah, the Wild Ones are so much fun! 🙂
Yes they are!! Sometimes I wish I was more wild like my sis, but I am what I am. 🙂
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I go to San Diego every 6 months…and the stellar vegan food is a big part of why I keep going back! MUST try this place when I’m there in the fall!
Hi Lisa!! Thanks so much for stopping by. I just started following your blog, by the way. I’m hesitant to follow blogs that I have to follow by email rather than those I can see in my reader, but your blog is so awesome I made an exception!
And I have to tell you about another wonderful SD restaurant. If you’ve never been to Muzita Bistro, you’ve got to go. It’s my favorite SD restaurant!! Celeste:)
This pizza inspired me to make my own vegan pizza. I wish I didn’t live in a small hick town where meat and dairy rule everything. We need more vegan friendly restaurants or I just need to move away. I love the pictures and it looks delicious. I’m quite jealous!
I just checked out the vegan pizza you made – it looks really good!! Still, I hear you. Sometimes it’s nice to go out and have someone else do the cooking. I guess I’m fortunate to live close to some vegan-friendly restaurants. I know that a lot of places don’t have any. I do believe that vegan restaurants are becoming more popular, however. So maybe you’ll get some in your town soon. Celeste:)
Yum! How cute are you?! I imagine that most restaurant owners love having bloggers come in – – any help spreading the word!
I always appreciate your thoughts and support Annie – you’re such a caring chica!! Yea, I don’t think the owner minded, but everyone in the restaurant was staring at us. I’m shy, so once I realized this I got really self conscious!! Celeste:)
This looks so great – makes me even more excited about my San Diego trip this September. I’ll definitely have to try this place out!! And I love that you guys made a scene – I always want to document my food/outings but like you, I dread the scene! Oh well, sisters are there to make it funny 😉
Hi Kristin! Your comments are always appreciated girl!! My sis is the wild one in the family, so when she’s around things are a lot more fun!! That’s wonderful that you’ll be in San Diego in September. Let me know if you want any other restaurant suggestions. I’m happy to help!! Celeste:)
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The pizza sounds so delicious, I can just imagine how it tasted from the description! Thanks for stopping by and have a pleasant week!
Hey there Liz! Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes, the pizza was fab. Celeste 🙂