10 Best Pizza Places in the USA You Need to Try
The USA, when thinking of pizza, is a country of infinite varieties, flavors, and techniques-from deeply chewy pies out of Chicago to the thin-and-crisp crusts hailing out of New York. If you’re a local or visiting, you have to find the best pizza. Below is a compilation of the list in this blog of the best 10 pizza places in the USA that are a synonym for authenticity, creativity, and mouth-watering flavors. Each of these has managed to gain a reputation for serving slices that one would never forget. Here’s why you should visit them on your next pizza adventure.
1. Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix, Arizona
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
As for the USA pizza places that are highly recognized, few shine as bright as Pizzeria Bianco, situated in Phoenix, Arizona. Without question, firmly established as an artisanal pizza restaurant, this pizzeria has received some of the highest praise from food critics and pizza enthusiasts alike. Chris Bianco, an award-winning chef and artist of the pizza world who is often credited to bringing the “art” of pizza making to Phoenix, utilizes nothing but the finest ingredients available, such as fresh, locally grown produce and handmade mozzarella. The Bianco-style pizza has a crust that is both crispy and tender with a selection of the freshest toppings.
Recommended:
Wiseguy Pizza: As a type of signature pizza it has smoked mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, and a layer filled with a delicious Italian sausage making it iconic.
The Margherita: It is made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil which makes this creation a little classy while it’s simple.
2. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven, Connecticut
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
If you’re a fan of classic New Haven-style pizza, here’s a spot you need to know: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Since this historic pizzeria started serving in 1925, it’s been one of the oldest restaurants serving pizza in the United States, and it’s known for coal-fired pizza. A crispy, charred crust paired with a quality topping earns Frank Pepe’s pies their status as a New Haven institution.
Must-Try:
Clam Pizza: With fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and grated cheese all baked to perfection, Frank Pepe’s is a Connecticut specialty. The Margherita: Simple yet divine, this pizza gives evidence to the freshness of the mozzarella and perfect charring on the crust.
3. Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn, New York
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Di Fara Pizza is a Brooklyn institution and largely hailed as one of the best pizza establishments in New York City. For over 50 years, Dom DeMarco has been hand-crafting each pie with the perfect balance of fresh ingredients, including imported Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Di Fara’s thin, crispy crust combined with a uniquely flavored sauce has won for it a devoted fan base from across the globe.
Must-Try:
- Classic Cheese Pizza: Di Fara’s classic cheese pizza is an exercise in restraint, where the quality of ingredients really shines. It’s a must-eat for any pizza enthusiast.
- The Square Pizza: A thick, pillowy crust Sicilian-style pizza topped with mozzarella, sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan.
4. Pizzana – Los Angeles, California
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Pizzana has reinvented the wheel in Los Angeles with its ultra-modern take on Neapolitan pizza. Innovative and exquisite in its approach, Pizzana only utilizes the finest ingredients imported from Italy, including that renowned 00 flour with which dough is made. Its pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven to an exact crispiness and airiness. No surprise, really, since it’s gained praise among the cream of the crop of LA pizza establishments.
This is a must-try:
Margherita Pizza: Made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil.
Cacio e Pepe Pizza: Influenced by the famous Roman pasta dish, the pizza unites a rich mix of Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Chicago, Illinois
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
For deep dish pizza, one has to visit Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. This family operation has been a Chicago fixture for over 40 years. It is the classic deep dish experience. A thick, buttery crust fills the bowl of mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and savory sausage. Unlike some overly heavy deep-dish pizzas, Lou Malnati’s deep-dish strikes just the right note on flavor and balance.
Must-Have:
- Malnati Chicago Classic: With mozzarella, sausage, and vine-ripened tomato sauce, this deep-dish pizza represents the very best of Chicago deep-dish.
- Buttercrust Pizza: Perhaps the most popular for its signature crust, it strikes a perfect balance between crispy and flaky.
6. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Brooklyn, New York
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Another Brooklyn treasure, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is one of those establishments known for their coal-fired brick oven pizzas. Nestled right under the Brooklyn Bridge, this family-owned pizzeria has been churning out pies since 1990. The coal-fired oven gives the pizzas a distinctive smoky flavor while the fresh mozzarella and the hand-stretched dough takes the classic New York-style pizza to another level.
Must-Try:
- The Margherita Pizza: It’s all so basic, but it has that perfect taste combination with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- The White Pizza: A little unorthodox, this pizza is topped by ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil.
7. Lupa Osteria Romana – New York, New York
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Lupa Osteria Romana is an Italian-inspired restaurant whose specialty is Roman-style pizza. This is highly noted for serving pizza al taglio, or in other words, a variety of pizza sold by the slice in a rectangular shape. The crust is very light and airy, while toppings range from classic to innovative.
Must-Have:
- Margherita al Taglio: Delicious Roman-style Margherita made with fresh mozzarella, topped with basil.
- Fennel Sausage Pizza: Another topping of fennel sausage, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
8. Antico Pizza Napoletana – Atlanta, Georgia
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
For authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in the heart of the South, head to Antico Pizza Napoletana, located in Atlanta. Acclaimed for the excellence of its wood-fired pies, this Neapolitan-style pizzeria takes pride in fresh and simple ingredients. The dough is fermented for a minimum of 24 hours, which gives it a light and airy crust that is crispy outside, with a chewy interior.
Must Try:
Margherita Pizza: The Neapolitan-style classic, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Sausage and Peppers Pizza: Sweet and savory from a partnership between Italian sausage, roasted peppers, and mozzarella.
9. Zahav – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
While Zahav is most popular for serving a modern interpretation of Israeli cuisine, its pizzas are not to be overlooked. The pita pizza at Zahav forms an interesting take on traditional pizzas, as the base is fresh pita bread, then topped with fresh ingredients in season. Pizzas at Zahav are a mouth-watering mish-mash of flavors and texture combinations, hence ranking top for one of the most inventive pizza places in Philadelphia.
Must-Try:
- Za’atar Pita Pizza: This Middle Eastern creation, with a pita crust smeared with za’atar spices and olive oil, can be finished with any number of vegetables you like.
- Lamb and Feta Pizza: Tender lamb and feta cheese, along with a few other creative ingredients mixed together give it quite the kick.
10. Pappy’s Pizzeria – St. Louis, Missouri
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
When in St. Louis, a trip to Pappy’s Pizzeria is a must to experience real St. Louis-style pizza. Pappy’s doles out singular pies thanks to its signature ultra-thin, cracker-like crust topped with a specialized blend of Provel cheese. This is a pizza you will want to try for any lover of regional pizza variations-it’s very different, but well worth trying.
Must-Try:
- St. Louis Style Pizza: Just about the archetype of a St. Louis pizza, with Provel cheese and a thin, crisp crust.
- The Pappy’s Special: Just an excellent combination of classic toppings, including but not limited to pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.
Conclusion: Best Pizza Places in the USA
The following is the list of best 10 pizza places in the USA-incredible diversity and creativity make for a truly special American pizza: from classic New York pies to innovative takes on traditional Italian pizza, there’s something on this list to satisfy any craving. Be it thick crust, thin crust, or anything in between, these are the