The Pacific Beach original drew national attention when the Washington Post named it the best Detroit-style pizza in California, edging out many high-profile contenders. Founded in 2016 by Fred Santos with partner Bruno Lippi, Square Pizza Co. built a following around three signature pizza formats - Detroit style, Sicilian, and the lighter, thinner "Boston Beach"- with pies cheekily named after classic American car models.
The new shop is now serving on Park Boulevard in the former Make Pizza & Salads space, with operations ramping up over the coming weeks. Fans can expect favorites like the “Dodge,” a Detroit-style slab layered with spinach, mushrooms, ricotta, garlic, red sauce, Parmesan, and oregano. Sweet finishes and snacks such as cannoli and Brazilian cheese bread have been part of the draw, and the East Village’s expanded kitchen is already inspiring new items.
At the new location, the team will use its popular Brazilian cheese bread as the base for hot sliders, a savory addition unique to the downtown shop. A salad or two may also join the lineup, with the menu set to be "dialed in" during the soft-opening phase before a fuller launch later this month. Square Pizza Co.’s East Village hours and offerings will broaden as the opening progresses, so check the restaurant’s channels for the latest updates.
Square Pizza Co. is located at 699 Park Boulevard in East Village San Diego. For more information, visit squarepizzaco.com.
Originally published on September 5, 2025.
