From Bakersfield but have lived here for the past decade+, I gotchu...
For pizza: Sgt. Pepperoni (best all around pizza for the $$$, have never taken a guest here that didn't absolutely love it, it's a good go-to) OR Apizza Doho (the best period, worth the drive from NB to Dana Point, seriously…
I really like Bayside restaurant for family birthday celebrations. But any of the Hillstone Group restaurants (Gulfstream, Bandera, Houston's, R&D Kitchen), are great choices also.