Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPK Original BBQ Chicken Pizza | Best Overall | ~$8-12 | 4.7/5 |
| CPK Thin Crust Margherita | Best Budget | ~$7-10 | 4.6/5 |
| CPK Crispy Thin Crust White Pizza | Best Premium | ~$8-12 | 4.7/5 |
| CPK Sicilian Recipe Pizza | Best for Sharing | ~$8-12 | 4.5/5 |
| CPK Gluten Free Margherita | Best Compact | ~$9-13 | 4.6/5 |
Intro
California Pizza Kitchen did not just open a restaurant. it rewrote what pizza could be. Since 1985, CPK has pushed the boundaries of toppings, sauces, and crusts, turning pizza into a full culinary canvas that spans Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, and classic Italian influences.
With dozens of pies on the menu and seasonal specials rotating throughout the year, deciding what to order can be genuinely difficult. Whether you are a first-timer walking into your nearest CPK or a regular who wants to branch out from your usual order, this guide ranks the five best pizzas on the menu, explains what makes each one special, and helps you pick the right pie for your taste.
Top 5 Picks
1. Original BBQ Chicken Pizza The one that started it all. Tangy barbecue sauce replaces tomato, topped with grilled chicken, smoked Gouda, red onion, cilantro, and mozzarella. The contrast of sweet barbecue, sharp cheese, and the brightness of fresh cilantro is still unmatched nearly 40 years after its debut. This is the pizza that defines CPK and every visit should include at least one.
2. Thai Chicken Pizza One of CPK’s most creative and beloved pies. A spicy peanut sauce base is topped with chicken, julienned carrots, bean sprouts, cucumber, shredded green onion, and cilantro. It tastes nothing like conventional pizza and everything like a brilliant mashup. If you are willing to step outside traditional pizza comfort zones, this is the most rewarding order on the menu.
3. The Carne Asada Pizza A newer fan favorite that earns its spot. Marinated carne asada, roasted corn, black beans, jalapeño, and cotija cheese sit on a chipotle sauce base. It eats more like an elevated street taco than a pizza, and that is a compliment. Bold, hearty, and genuinely satisfying for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired flavors.
4. Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza CPK’s answer to the classic Italian-American combo. House-made tomato sauce, a generous layer of mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and wild mushrooms. The mushrooms add an earthy depth that elevates what could have been a generic pepperoni pie into something worth ordering again. The best option for traditionalists who still want a slight CPK spin.
5. California Club Pizza Cold toppings on a warm pizza sounds risky, but CPK nails it. A thin crust base with mozzarella comes out of the oven, then gets topped with avocado, bacon, tomato, and arugula dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The temperature contrast and freshness of the cold ingredients against the warm crust make it unlike anything else on the menu. light, fresh, and surprisingly filling.
What to Look For
Crust Style. CPK offers their original hand-tossed, thin, and gluten-free crust on most pies. The thin crust lets bold toppings shine. The original hand-tossed adds chew and substance for heavier topping combinations.
Seasonal Specials. CPK rotates limited-time pies throughout the year. These are often the most creative options and worth trying when available. Check the CPK app or website before visiting.
Half-and-Half Option. CPK allows you to split most pizzas half-and-half. two flavors on one pie. This is perfect for groups with differing preferences or for trying two options without over-ordering.
Pairing with Sides. The full power of a CPK meal is a pizza paired with their soup or salad. The Tortilla Soup and the Classic Caesar are both strong choices that complement the more savory pizzas on this list.
Final Thoughts
CPK earns its place as one of the most innovative pizza chains in America by refusing to play it safe. Whether you go for the iconic BBQ Chicken or venture into Thai or Carne Asada territory, you are getting a pizza crafted with real thought behind each ingredient combination. Start with the Original BBQ Chicken on your first or next visit. then use the Thai Chicken to remind yourself why CPK has remained relevant for four decades.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular pizza at California Pizza Kitchen?+
The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza is CPK's signature dish and the item most closely associated with the brand. It was created in 1985 and is credited with launching the gourmet pizza trend in America. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, smoked Gouda, red onion, and cilantro remains the top-seller at most CPK locations today.
Does California Pizza Kitchen offer gluten-free pizza crust?+
Yes, CPK offers a gluten-free pizza crust option at most locations. It is made with a rice-flour-based dough and is suitable for diners with gluten sensitivities, though CPK notes that cross-contamination is possible in their open kitchen environments. Guests with celiac disease should inform their server and check with the specific location.
Can I order CPK pizzas for delivery or frozen at the grocery store?+
Both options are available. CPK partners with major delivery platforms including DoorDash and Uber Eats for restaurant delivery. CPK also has an extensive line of frozen pizzas sold nationwide at grocery chains including Walmart, Kroger, and Target, covering many of the same flavors available in-restaurant.