> At a Glance
> – First-ever SoCal Pizza Week runs Feb 8-15, 2026, spanning Valentine’s Day
> – 50+ restaurants-including Long Island Mike’s Pizza, Slice House, and Nardo’s-will offer specials
> – Roma and Chicago styles headline the showcased pizza varieties
> – Why it matters: Local pizzerias get a week-long marketing boost during a traditionally slow season
Southern California’s pizza scene lands its own spotlight next February. Organizers promise eight days of cheesy specials, neighborhood tours, and a public vote that could crown one pizzeria the king of slices.
Event Details
The Southern California Food & Beverage group is steering the debut. Leysla Rubino, the organization’s executive director, frames it as a regional showcase:
> “SoCal Pizza Week is more than an eight-day event featuring dozens of pizzerias and restaurants. It’s an opportunity to showcase the many pizza styles that Southern California has to offer.”
Participating restaurants will spotlight two heavyweight styles:
- Roma – thin, crisp, rectangular
- Chicago – deep, cheesy, pie-like
Diners can track favorites and cast ballots for the Golden Slice Awards, an online vote that will single out one standout shop.
Restaurant Perspective
Julio Martinez, owner of Terra Mia Pizzeria in the San Fernando Valley, sees the week as free publicity:
> “We’re super excited to participate in this unique event as it’s the perfect chance to share our pizzeria with more pizza lovers. It’s awesome to see the Southern California community come together to support pizzerias like ours during an especially challenging time for all restaurants.”
His message underscores the broader goal: drive traffic to independents that have battled rising costs and slower foot traffic.
How to Join In
- Visit the official SoCal Pizza Week site for the evolving roster
- Pick a style-Roma, Chicago, Neapolitan-or bounce among newcomers
- Vote online before Feb 15 for the Golden Slice Awards
Key Takeaways
- The inaugural SoCal Pizza Week runs Feb 8-15, 2026
- More than 50 pizzerias county-wide will run specials
- Public votes determine the Golden Slice Awards winner
- Event doubles as a lifeline for local restaurants
Mark the calendar-Valentine’s date night could revolve around pepperoni instead of prix-fixe.
