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I’ve walked by this place a few times over the years and never really felt compelled to go in. Today, as all restaurants were packed with long lines for Mother’s Day brunch, my mother and I gave Pizza Place California a shot. I didn’t expect much, but I am happy to report how wrong I was.

As soon as we entered, we realized what a nice restaurant we were in. Although the restaurant name specified pizza, once we looked at the menu, we could see this was not a typical pizza parlor. From the intimate design of the restaurant to the dessert case with a whole tiramisu on display, it was a very pleasant atmosphere. Everything was great! What’s more, we were particularly pleased when no sooner were we seated, we were given a basket of warm bread. The bread is drenched in olive oil, but it is very good, especially when you’re hungry.

I started off with ordering the clam chowder ($4.95). I expected a small bowl, but the soup was practically a meal itself. The soup was topped with parsley and fresh garlic croutons. It was so filled with clams. One of my pet peeves is clam chowder full of potatoes and no clams. This was one was just the opposite. While there were potatoes in the soup, ever spoonful had a piece of clam. Another pet peeve of mine with soup is when it is served lukewarm instead of piping hot. There was no such problem here. This might be the best clam chowder I’ve had since my vacation in Boston last fall.

As for the actual entrées, that was a tough decision. While the regular menu was tempting, we ordered from the Sunday brunch menu. My mother ordered Eggs Florentine. The plate was filled with bell peppers and potatoes. Above that were eggs and spinach and tomatoes. I went with the calzone, filled with ham, eggs, spinach, cheese, red onions, and potatoes. Remember how I said the clam chowder was practically a meal itself? Even if I had not finished the entire bowl of the chowder, I doubt I would have been able to finish the calzone. That thing was huge! I loved how soft the dough was. What was also great was when the waitress brought me a little side of tomato sauce to dip each forkful. Our entrées were $7.95 each.

A few things to know about Pizza Place California… While we were dining, so many people came to pick up their pizzas to go. Although we didn’t try the pizza, it seems to be a hit here. It’s good to come hungry, as the portions are very generous, but it does take a while before you get your food. This may be one of the reasons why they give you so much bread. Believe me though, the food is worth the wait. Other items that might be worth trying: Chinese-Style Duck Confit Risotto (with shrimp & barbeque pork) $9.95, Seared Ahi Tuna Steak (with sautéed vegetables & soy lime vinaigrette) $18.95, and whatever their nightly specials are $9.50. Definitely worth many return visits.

Pizza Place California
303 S. Mission Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 570-9622 & (626) 570-9655

By Pauline (see more of her posts).