Rafael's Pizza, Santa Ana

A disc of dough floats down from above, its trajectory halted by a pair of nimble hands. Such is the scene at Rafael's Pizza, where each pie is made to order by hand, not defrosted by a chef with very warm hugs. The staff has made pizzas this way for more than 35 years, strewing Wisconsin mozzarella and fresh veggies atop each one. Specialty dishes include the signature Rafael's Pizza with pepperoni, ham, and bacon. Diners boost their meals with plates of pasta or hot and cold subs.