While going to school in Chico, I remember walking across town for the sole purpose of grabbing a slice of Celestino’s toothsome pizza. Years later, I’ve come to adore the small chain’s Rocklin location and find myself visiting on numerous occasions. Even as my palate has matured, Celestino’s remains some of the best pizza I’ve ever eaten.

Although a seat-yourself-and-order-at-the counter restaurant, the atmosphere makes it feel slightly fancier than other parlors. The ceilings are high, while checkered tile floors bring a hint of class; and after placing your order, the food is delivered to your table.

I recently treated a friend to Celestino’s after a long, grueling day of yard work. If anything can make up for Saturday morning drudgery, it’s a large Celestino’s pizza: half Tom Jones, half Godfather. Along with the pizza we also ordered garlic knots and a cannoli.

The garlic knots arrived first, baked to perfection and served with a tangy marinara sauce. Just as we fought over the last one, the main event (our pizza) arrived. The Tom Jones is a meat lovers’ dream come true. Topped with high-quality sausage, Canadian bacon and pepperoni, and served atop a thin, chewy crust, each bite seemed better than the last. The Godfather, on the other hand, is a juggernaut of pizza innovation. Its ricotta base and combination of fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and globs of fresh pesto made every slice a decadent masterpiece.

We were two largish guys bordering on famished, but we didn’t even come close to finishing. When they say large they really mean it! We boxed up the remaining slices and ate what we could of the creamy, crunchy and chocolate-y cannoli. Needless to say, we walked away completely content—stomachs smiling and, thanks to their online coupons, wallets full.

Celestino’s Pizza - Rocklin, CA