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Pizza Guru
3534 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 563-3250
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Pizza Guru writes:
Locally-owned and operated, Pizza Guru serves traditional and eccentric gourmet pizzas, salads, panini & pastas - made fresh daily from locally-sourced, organic ingredients. The Guru also specializes in vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free pizzas & entrees. Daily Lunch Specials and Blissful Happy Hours, too! We're devoted to deliciousness!
Fresh, locally-sourced, organic goodness in-house and delivered.
Pizzas, Panini, Pastas, Calzones, Soups, Salads, Desserts, Beer/Wine
Home of the Gluten-free Crust! and Gluten-free beer!
- Happy Hour: 3pm - 7pm
- Delivery: $15 minimum, $2 delivery fee, Delivery hours: 11am-9pm, Delivery region: Milpas St to Patterson Ave, Payment options: cash, check or credit, Call (805) 563-3250
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Reviews by the General Public
Love Pizza Guru, 6/23/2010
Reviewer: Amanda
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love Pizza Guru, they have so many tasty and delicious options. I love that they are one of the restaurants that thinks about vegan and gluten free options. They really do have a pizza to make everyone happy as well as a lot of other great menu options.
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Closed Temporarily?, 6/18/2010
Reviewer: Pete
from Santa Barbara, CA
The owner and her husband were arrested this week for money laundering from their nearby marijuana club. As John ("The Restaurant Guy") wrote in his blog, this place "went up in smoke". Presumably the pun was intentional?
Hopefully the charges won't stick and this place will re-open. I love their pizza.
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Was Closed Yesterday with Sign to Check Back-What Gives, 6/17/2010
Reviewer: steve
from Santa Barbara, CA
Great Pizza. Anybody know why they seem temporarially closed, or?...
Hope this is just an anomally.
Addicted to this Pizza.
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Pulled Pork n Pineapple, 6/1/2010
Reviewer: Fadi McGee
from Seal Beach, CA
First time eating at pizza guru and was very impressed! called for a pick up, got served right when walking in...was in n out in less than 5 mins. Have never had pulled pork on a pizza but was amazing with pineapple and bacon. ALso ordered the nirvana specialty which was fully covered in fresh tasty vegies. Will reurn/ recomend this place for sure!!!
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Poor Service - Cold Food, 5/21/2010
Reviewer: Ryan McGinnis
from Santa Barbara, CA
It is not with great pleasure that I write this review, as I am an advocate for healthy, natural food. However, Pizza Guru has been a terrible disappointment. Within the past 4 months I have requested delivery. Each time, my pizza arrived at room temp. In my opinion, there is nothing better than a hot pie. Room temperature pizza... not nearly as tasty. We decided to try P.G. one more time and called in an order for pick-up, figuring this would cure the issue. An employee told us 20 minutes max. We arrived after 15 and waited another 35 before approaching the counter. We learned that our pie had been ready and they never thought to call our name. Once the pizza was located we learned the salad we ordered had not been made either, so we had another 5 minute wait. No apology was given. After this experience we e-mailed twice and left a phone message for a manager. Management never followed up. This place is disorganized which really ruins a good thing. I will find alternatives in the future and do not recommend Pizza Guru.
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Fantastic Gluten Free Pizza!, 4/21/2010
Reviewer: Terry ;Mish
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been to Pizza Guru several times and the best thing about the choice of gluten free pizza!!! It is consistantly wonderful. The wait time for it to cook is long but very worth it. A friend of mine tried my pizza and the next time she ordered a gluten free one. I love this pizza
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apparently they don't want our business, 4/13/2010
Reviewer: karen
from Santa Barbara, CA
Hi, We live in the neighborhood and came in on Saturday for lunch. We waited at the counter for 10 minutes and the 2 people working there never came over and took our order. They just kept making their pizzas and talking on the phone... We wanted to like this place, but after this we won't be back.
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2nd Visit Just As Good As 1st, 3/28/2010
Reviewer: Brennan
from Santa Barbara, CA
I tried this place out with friends a few weeks ago and loved the "Buff Chic" pizza (basically buffalo wings taste on pizza... great idea and highly recommended). Ate here again this weekend with a group of friends who all ordered different pizzas and all had good things to say. They have a nice sized patio and the seating inside has been updated (the yellow tables in the picture are outdated). Service was pleasant this time and excellent the first time. I'd highly recommend it!
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Like the food, but uneven service experiences, 3/25/2010
Reviewer: Justine
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have ordered delivery twice from Pizza Guru and like some things a lot (goat cheese salad, bbq chicken pizza) and other things not so much (mac & cheese). The attitude of the servers who've taken my phone orders have been top-notch: very friendly and helpful. But the first time when they told me it would be 30 min for delivery, it was nearly twice that long. And the second time, I was brought a pizza missing some key ingredients (lettuce/tomato/dressing on the cheeseburger pizza). When I called the delivery person to let him know this, he had just left and was very nice about coming back right away to pick it up from me. Then he brought it back with the addition of the missing ingredients, but by this time, the rest of it was cold. I would have preferred for them to make a new one, or even just bring me the lettuce/tomato mixture to put on myself Btw, it would have been tastier had the dressing been tossed with the greens rather than drizzled on top, the way CPK does it... I have to say, I like CPK's cheeseburger pizza much better. So, I am apt to order from Pizza Guru again, but will take their delivery time estimate with a grain of salt and be more assertive about how I ask them to fix mistakes. They do have a good card discount--buy one pizza, get one free!
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So many options! For Vegans too!!, 3/12/2010
Reviewer: Ceccie
from Santa Barbara, CA
Pizza Guru is hands down the best place to have pizza in SB when the craving strucks. Not only do they have so many delicious regular toppings, they also offer fresh, vegan/gluten-free substitutions too! Recently they have spiced up their specials menu with new soups and desserts... the cinnamon twist is seriously to die for! I feel that the new owners are trying really hard at providing tasty food that is also holistic in nutrition - and that's what hooked me and all my friends.
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But a person CAN throw stones in THEIR own house, 3/9/2010
Reviewer: Vera
from Santa Barbara, CA
This is to offset the "People who live in glass houses..." ummmm "review"(?) The REAL reviewer of 3/7/10 (Josh) had a perfect right to give a bad review based on his experience. The "glass houses" writer, while she may have a right to compliment Pizza Guru on a recent ACTUAL dining experience she may have enjoyed, clearly was not doing so in her comment. Instead, she chose to belittle the review/reaction to the real dining experience that Josh had by relating about how she noticed there have been (non-time specific) improvements to Pizza Guru and how her restaurant background seemingly gives her the right to dismiss Josh's concern about strangers "smelling" the pizza. I guess her stint in the restaurant trade has made her immune to the everyday germs that may be carried in one's breath/close contact. (There is that other saying about covering one's mouth when coughing, etc.) I, for one, agree with Josh's decision to pass on that pizza and his disappointment with the staffer who declined to make a new one.
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, 3/9/2010
Reviewer: Christie
from Santa Barbara, CA
I think that last review was kind of ridiculous. I've been eating at pizza guru since it's been under new ownership and all that I have noticed are improvements. Yes, there have been times when things haven't been perfect but so it goes with all new businesses trying to work out the snags. To swear off a place because one teenage employee "insulted" you by not wanting to make an entirely new pizza when there was no harm done to the first is just silly. I'm sorry for anyone who is so repulsed by strangers smelling their food that they find it inedible...your life must be hard. I'm not usually one to write reviews but after many years working in restaurants I have a very low tolerance for people writing authoritative reviews in anger because of one bad experience. This place has good pizza and, for the most part, decent enough employees. Personally, I just care about the pizza. Some people just need to get over themselves. P.S. Try the euphoria pizza, it's awesome!
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Refused the Pizza after it was given to someone else. , 3/7/2010
Reviewer: Josh
from Santa Barbara, CA
I am shocked at the behavior at the counter of Pizza Guru yesterday at 4:30pm. I called in an order to go. As I was waiting to pick up the Pizza, I saw a group of guys that took the pizza to their table, opened it and all hovered over it. They realized it wasn't theirs and took it back. I then gave her my name and she said that this was my Pizza. I told her this group took it to their table, opened it, I saw them all take a look at it closely as a few guys with long hair got real close to look at it, breathing on it etc etc. It was a Soy Cheese with Vegas toppings so it probably looked different to them. I told the girl that I wanted a different Pizza made, I didn't want one where they all were passing it around to look at it and breathing/hovering over it. She argued with me about not making me another one. She told me that all they did was open the box, that was not the case, she couldn't of saw what they did because she was doing another task. I couldn't believe another Pizza was not made for me. I was not about to eat a Pizza that had been passed around, breathed on and hovered all over by a group of 6 people. I walked out without buying a pizza and will not be back. This was one of my favorite places to eat but what happened is not ok. I know a lot of people that eat at Pizza Guru and I will be telling them my story. Customer Service was an insult last night.
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Biggest Let Down, 2/6/2010
Reviewer: Krista
from Santa Barbara, CA
I was very excited to try this Pizza Guru after the recent rave reviews and the fact that they use organic ingredients. We were the only ones in there and it took forever to receive 2 pizzas. Did the dough have to rise a half hour? Is it that homemade? One cook, one pizza at a time...SLOW. For the price I was expecting a gourmet pizza with all the ingredients listed in the description. However, ingredients were sliced so thinly they lost all flavor, while some ingredients (eggplant) were cut so thinly I could barely even find any. Since the pizza had no flavor & ingredients were cut so small, I could barely detect if it had all the ingredients. It certainly didn't taste like the Nirvana described. The crust was not great - fine if you're on a health kick, but again no flavor and little crunch, not thin, but not thick. The sauce was almost non-existent...like tomato paste, but hardly any. The cheese was thin and took on a burned appearance. So we will not be eating here again. It felt like a rip off with the prices being charged for a pizza with very little topping, no flavor and leaving hungry (and I REALLY don't have a big appetite, just used to a hearty pizza.) 4 people could eat a large pizza, each having 2 thin slices and 1 person getting an extra, and still be hungry afterward. Because of the stinginess with all the ingredients: sauce, cheese and toppings, I won't eat here again.
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Wow-Don't have to go to Europe for great pizza, 1/22/2010
Reviewer: steve
from Santa Barbara, CA
Newer ownership has even made this place better. We've stopped asking how their crust can be so perfect because they just smile. -We've tried for decades to make perfect Euro pizza at home, -ordered the special Italian flour, perfect pans, perfect expensive hot ovens, stones....sorry...ours is pretty good, but not like this. Wonderful upbeat new decoration, by the slice for 3. bucks or our favorite...$15 happy hour special...they let you have the upscale beers in a BIG pitcher and one yummy LARGE pizza...gimme a break...we love this place. Saves us not so many expensive European Plane Tickets.(pepperoni unusually tasty and clean)Ask them to hold the garlic if you don't care for much...we don't like it so just ask when ordering...or ask for a little less sauce====perfection.
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Best pizza in town!, 1/20/2010
Reviewer: Katie
from Goleta, CA
This is hands down the best pizza in town. If you haven't tried it since the ownership has changed, I definitely recommend it! It is a completely new menu and AMAZING. My favorites would be the "Buff Chick" (buffalo chicken pizza), the "Euphoria" (steak and potato pizza), the "White House" (chicken, white sauce, artichoke, etc..). All of the specialty pizzas are to die for. They also have vegan and gluten-free, and whole wheat options. I can't say enough about this restaurant!
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Good Food & Good Service, 12/9/2009
Reviewer: Pradip
from Goleta, CA
We go to Pizza guru since many years now and meanwhile three owners changed. Lately, after this new owner, pizza taste is better and service is good too. We visit them once a week. We used to go to Giovanies in isla Vista for more than ten years then we switched to Gina's in Goleta and now we like Pizza guru
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Delicious, 11/30/2009
Reviewer: Lisa
from Santa Barbara, CA
The pizza here is absolutely delish. Better than Giovanni's maybe? Well, different. The sauce is so tasty and the crust is just right. You have to try it since it's under new management, it is a cute place inside and they have a very varied menu.
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Nothing to write home about..., 10/23/2009
Reviewer: Pizza Eater
from Santa Barbara, CA
We picked up our pizza, so we are not able to comment on the "atmosphere" of the Guru. However, while we were there, we had to wait in line for what seemed to be 7 minutes or longer. Friendy people, just slow people.
We excitedly drove home with the enticing aroma of the "Guru Special" filling our car and teasing our tastebuds, and were let down only when we actually took a bite. The food is not "bad" but for the price, it's not great. And it does not even compare to other restaurants in the area such as Gino's (on Figueroa) or Pasaenos(?) on San Andres St. For these reasons, we will not be going back to Guru. And now we don't know what to do with our left-overs.
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Delicious Pizza and Gluten free stuff is TASTY!!, 10/5/2009
Reviewer: MG
from Santa Barbara, CA
Love the Gluten free options. Like the options for toppings and sauces. Service is good and friendly, maybe a little young to be experienced in customer service, but some at the counter really try and are very nice.
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Gluten Free Pizza is Great, 9/10/2009
Reviewer: Mark
from Santa Barbara, CA
I'm so happy that there is finally a place offering gluten free pizza. The texture and flavor of the crust was great. Also noticed that they had gluten free mac and cheese, I'll be sure to try it next time.
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it would have been nice if we LEFT with a pizza?
Reviewer: cielo
from Santa Barbara, CA
I will preface this by saying I was VERY excited to try Pizza Guru out after learning they have a gluten free crust for people who can't eat wheat (like me!)...
I went there last night to try the gluten free pizza 20 minutes after ordering it for take out. The girl working was pretty busy when we got there and when she was able to get to the register and checked on our pizza saw that the chef hadn't even started our order and it looked like he was behind on about 3 other pizzas... so she told us it would take an hour to make a gluten free one. Sad. We went someplace else.
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much more than pizza!
Reviewer: jennifer foster
from Santa Barbara, CA
I had the pleasure of dining in Pizza Guru for the first time last week- we have ordered delivery in the past, but with new owners we decided to check out the restaurant in person- don't let the pictures above fool you- the inside has been re done and is super cute and quaint inside, with nice oversize wood furniture and a big screen TV- great first impression. The menu is amazing- so many delicious sounding choices- we ordered a pizza, a salad, and a pitcher of beer- pizza was really good but missing the main ingredient (which was steak)..salad was excellent, so fresh tasting, with bits of goat cheese, apple and candied walnuts, really good dressing too. We heard another couple saying that their pizza was missing the steak too, so I don't know if the cook was not familiar with the menu yet or what, but they were really nice about it and sent us home with some lovely tiramisu for the mistake. Service was very nice, even though they were so busy with delivery orders. One suggestion- please make your menu available online- I'm sure you would get much more business if people could see all the wonderful items you offer (other than the typical pepperoni pizza!) :-)
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Pizza Guru Enlightens Upper State st.
Reviewer: Dro
from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is conveniently located by my work on upper State. I've tried their pizzas, sandwiches, calzones,lasagna, chicken wings and beer. All were great. Everything is fresh, healthy and for the most part organic.
Eating healthy is important to me and so is saving money. That's why I go to the Guru for lunch. You cant beat their slice and a beer combo for happy hour.
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Finally GLUTEN FREE Pizza in Santa Barbara!!
Reviewer: Paul S.
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been eating at Pizza Guru for about three years now. There have definitely been some ups and downs in the past, but I believe they are under new ownership, which probably explains why I've been finding myself there more and more lately. The crust on their pizza is by far the best in town, and you can tell that they use quality ingredients in their pie. Most importantly they offer gluten free pizza and beer here, which I haven't found anywhere else in Santa Barbara. My girlfriend loves their salads (she likes to say they are "better than Fresco"), and I've been trying more of their paninis lately. They've made a lot of changes in the decor and it has a really nice, warm feel to it. Overall the food is easily 5 stars, the only area they could improve a bit is customer service, but I can still give them 4.5 stars for that. If you haven't tried it yet you are missing out.
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Gluten free pizza!
Reviewer: Gluten Free
from Santa Barbara, CA
This is the only place in town to get gluten-free pizza. They also have a great selection of toppings and soy cheese. The service is pretty bad, and every time I call for a delivery, they tell me that they don't deliver to my area. I tell them that the manager said that they do, and after checking, they take my order.
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Gluten Free Pizza!
Reviewer: Jocelyn
from Santa Barbara, CA
We tried Pizza Guru tonight after hearing they offered gluten-free pizza. My husband is gluten-free and has never eaten a restaurant pizza in his entire life. Thank you so much for having this option. Having it listed directly on the menu inspires confidence that everything will be done correctly and his needs will be met. He also really enjoyed being able to get a gluten-free beer to go with his pizza. There are so many choices and combinations for toppings that we will definitely be back to try more.
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OMG Great Pizza
Reviewer: Jonny
from Goleta, CA
I have eaten A LOT of pizza in my day. So as my family headed into Pizza Guru for the first time I was skeptical. We ordered the White Pizza and the Pulled Pork BBQ pizza (name?). The BBQ pizza rocked my world with great flavors without being overpowering as some BBQ meals can be. The White Pizza was also very good with a fairly strong garlic flavor. The crust held up well and did not distract from the toppings. As our Governor would say "I'll Be Back!"
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Ok food/service
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
The pizza was really good, the sandwich was just Ok. Night shift cook Mr. Grumpy and I had a wait, Daytime shift people were nice. Salad was good. Lots of veggie/gourmet pizza options.
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new owner does not live up to the original
Reviewer: marla S Wilson
from Santa Barbara, CA
Service was lovely this pizzone was soooo disappointing- really guys sauce is not tomato paste from the can spread onto a pizza- why would i go here over a frozen pizza? they used to be good- now they need to step it - up
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It's okay..
Reviewer: Bryan
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've ordered from Pizza Guru a few times. Each time it has been okay, just nothing to write home about. I ordered last night. I had a cheese pizza with the white garlic sauce, and asked for it well done. The pizza was pretty tasty but it was not well done like i asked. Rusty's is really good about actually making it well done. I also ordered a chicken ceasar salad. The driver originally had forgotten it, so he had to drive back to the shop to get it. It only took him 5 minutes or less since i live down the street. So that was good. The salad was okay. The dressing wasn't that good though, and neither were the "garlic" croutons which tasted bland. But overall, I probably will order from them again, just because I love their garlic breadsticks! They also have a pretty extensive menu compared to Rusty's.
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Don't ever call in an order because they'll never get back
Reviewer: Vince
from Santa Barbara, CA
I really love the pizza at this place, but everytime I call in an order, they put me on hold for a long time and never pick up. Horrible customer service!
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Favorite Pizza in SB after new ownership!
Reviewer: Justin
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love their pizza with the white garlic sauce. I highly reccomend to try the white garlic sauce with your favorite two toppings. Some of the best pizza i have ever had, definately best in SB. Very small so i would highly reccomend to order take out or delivery. Also only place ive seen with decent looking delivery chicks.
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Great Pizza... Vegan Options Available Occasionally
Reviewer: Nancy Kim
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love Pizza Guru and have eaten there many times. Whether ordering take out or eating in, their pizza has always been tasty. My only dislike is that sometimes if you order a pizza that is heavy on the toppings, the pizza gets extremely soggy. Aside from that, Pizza Guru has got to be one of my favorite pizza joints in town.
Word of advice to vegans/vegetarians though - CALL AHEAD to make sure they have the soy cheese. I cannot tell you how many times my vegan friend and I have tried to order a pizza to share and been told they were out. To date, I've only gotten one (1) vegan pizza out of at least ten (10) attempts.
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