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Pizza is one of those universal languages that Americans just get. Even if the styles are vastly different based on the region—like a thin wide slice from New York, a thick rectangular cut with crispy edges from Detroit, or deep cheesy pie in a pan from Chicago—many can agree that the combination of chewy dough, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese is a true American classic.

The growing number of pizza joints is proof enough: More than , up just under 1% over the last five years. Yet, with so many options to choose from, how is a pizza connoisseur supposed to know the best place to grab a slice?

There's a lot of competition out there to become the best pizza place in town, especially with people who have a lot of opinions. The aesthetic is always important to consider; maybe customers prefer a classic greasy joint with checkered tablecloths and shakers of Parmesan and red pepper flakes to douse their slice, or perhaps something artisanal with wood-fired pies served with a thoughtfully curated wine menu. Then there's the pizza itself. Is the restaurant using high-quality ingredients? Does the taste make you want to keep eating more and more?

It may seem like a lot of meticulous details, but given that Americans could eat up to , it only makes sense that all of these details are considered when choosing a go-to local spot. Thankfully, there's enough data out there to steer customers in the right direction instead of having to do the research themselves.

compiled a list of the highest-rated pizza shops in the Merced area based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "pizza" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Merced were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Get ready to find the perfect place for your next slice!