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- Finding the best pizza in the U.S. is a delicious mission. America's most beloved comfort food can be found everywhere, but some cities hold the reputation of being home to the best pizzas in America. This list has been expanded to include four more cities tasty cities.
Pizza holds a special place as one of the ultimate comfort foods in America and it’s part of its history. From the best pizzas in the US to local favorites, it has become a staple in households nationwide. New York is famous for having some of the country’s most famous pizza places, but other cities also stand out for its quality.
The perfect combination of dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings creates a satisfying and indulgent experience. Whether enjoying a classic New York slice, a deep-dish Chicago-style pie, or a wood-fired Neapolitan masterpiece, pizza has the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Its versatility and endless variety make it a go-to choice for gatherings, parties, and casual meals. Truly, pizza is undeniably one of the best comfort foods in America.
UPDATE: 2023/07/16 11:50 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA
Finding the best pizza in the U.S. is a delicious mission. America's most beloved comfort food can be found everywhere, but some cities hold the reputation of being home to the best pizzas in America. This list has been expanded to include four more cities tasty cities.
14 Cuba Has Influenced The Pizzas In Miami
The Miami Cuban pizza showcases the cultural diversity and culinary creativity of Miami's vibrant food scene, offering a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza.The Miami Cuban pizza is a unique and flavorful variation of traditional pizza found in the Cuban-American community of Miami, Florida. It draws inspiration from Cuban cuisine and combines it with the classic pizza concept.
It typically features a thin, crispy crust similar to New York-style pizza. The toppings often include a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, along with traditional Cuban ingredients such as roasted pork (lechón), sliced ham, pickles, mustard, and sometimes Swiss cheese. This combination creates a fusion of flavors, incorporating the savory, smoky, and tangy elements of Cuban cuisine into a familiar pizza format.
Nestled within a quaint shopping plaza in Hialeah, Star Chiguas is a charming, family-owned establishment with limited seating. The pizza served here is nothing short of stellar, particularly when it comes to the crust and toppings. Handcrafted with their unique dough, the crust boasts a delightful thinness that sets it apart.
13 Washington, DC, Has High-Quality Pizzas
The food scene in Washington, DC offers a diverse and thriving culinary landscape with options to suit every taste. When it comes to pizza, it’s no different. From traditional New York-style slices to Neapolitan-style pies and creative gourmet toppings, DC has something for everyone.
The city is home to numerous pizzerias and restaurants known for their high-quality pizzas. Adams Morgan, Shaw, and H Street are just a few neighborhoods where you can find popular pizza spots. Whether you prefer thin and crispy crusts or chewy wood-fired creations, you'll discover a wide range of flavors and styles to satisfy your pizza cravings in the vibrant food scene of Washington, DC.
At Boogy & Peel, a charming pizza shop in Dupont, a standout creation is the Harambe Loved Big Macs pizza. This unique pie captures the essence of a McDonald's burger in a delightful pizza format. With its carefully crafted flavors, it delivers the nostalgic taste of a Big Mac, showcasing the perfect fusion of classic burger elements and pizza goodness.
12 San Francisco Is Home To A "World Cup" Champion Pizza
The San Francisco pizza scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, offering a wide range of styles and flavors to satisfy every pizza lover's cravings.The city boasts an array of pizzerias that showcase the city's culinary creativity. Neighborhoods like North Beach, the Mission, and Hayes Valley are known for their excellent pizza offerings. Whether one prefers thin and crispy crusts or soft and chewy dough, they'll find innovative toppings and quality ingredients that elevate the pizza experience. San Francisco's pizza scene reflects the city's commitment to culinary excellence and guarantees a memorable slice for every pizza enthusiast.
How many pizza parlors can say they have won the pizza World Cup? Tony's Pizza Napoletana,won the World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani not one, but 13 times.
11 Phoenix Has Impressive Pizzas
Phoenix, Arizona has a thriving pizza scene that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Neighborhoods like downtown Phoenix, Arcadia, and Scottsdale are home to popular pizzerias that showcase the city's culinary prowess. Local establishments prioritize high-quality ingredients and creative toppings, ensuring a memorable and delicious pizza experience. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, Phoenix's pizza scene is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
The Rec Pizzaria has square pies that embody the signature thickness of this style, featuring a perfectly browned crust with a delightful cheese crisp. The toppings range from classic choices to adventurous combinations like bacon and Alfredo, Hatch chile and crema, and even spicy pickles.
10 Try Delicious Pizza From Detroit, Michigan
When pizza became a national sensation, Detroit decided to serve up its own slice of comfort with a unique twist. By preparing pizza in rectangular pans made from steel auto parts, they created a new type of pizza now known as the Detroit-style pizza. The pan works to craft a crunchy, golden-brown shell that is the ideal vessel for your favorite sauce and toppings. What is the best sauce for dipping pizza? Try one of the many popular Detroit blends, ranging from ranch blends to tomato-based sauces. This addition to this pizza's caramelized texture makes it all the more tantalizing!
Indulging in a slice of Detroit-style pizza is a treat for the taste buds. Despite its hearty and robust appearance, this dish is unexpectedly airy and light - a delightful medley of flavors in every single bite. The crust alone is a triumph, its caramelization adding a level of sweetness and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory toppings. It's no wonder that Detroit-style pizza has become a favorite across the country and even the world!
Stop by Grandma Bob's and make sure to sample their Detroit-style pizza. The unique cheesy crust is worth a try, and the creative toppings are perfect for those feeling adventurous. This is one of the best pizza places, according to celebs, so don't be surprised if there's a star-studded sighting while you're chowing down.
9 Enjoy The Classic Slice In New York City
Where did pizza come from when we're talking about the modern U.S. pie? When discussing the American roots of this popular food, it's virtually impossible not to mention New York City. The Big Apple proudly lays claim to the first pizzeria in the United States, Lombardi's in Lower Manhattan. Introduced to the country by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s, this favorite comfort food has become synonymous with New York City.
Although the city offers an array of pizza styles, the most famous type is the Neapolitan-style pizza, served in giant triangular slices that can be conveniently folded and eaten. But what sets the best pizza places in New York City apart from the rest is the combination of thin, crispy crust and melty, gooey cheese resulting in an irresistible slice of heaven.
Indulging in a slice of New York-style pizza is not only a gastronomic delight but also a fantastic way to experience the rich history of New York City. Take a stroll through Central Park while folding and savoring the slice, and you'll feel like a real New Yorker!
Step back in time to Patsy's original location in the heart of East Harlem. This classic coal-oven pizzeria is one of the oldest in New York and offers a unique experience - you can dine in or grab a slice in the picturesque storefront next door.
8 A Unique East Coast Crust In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is known for its distinctive take on pizza that sets it apart from the rest of the East Coast. While most Northeastern states offer pizzas with a thin, crispy crust, Philly's pizza dough rises to create a thick and chewy crust that is both soft and indulgent.
A flavorful sauce forms the foundation of the pizza, one that is sweeter than usual, adding a delicious twist to its taste. The sauce consists of crushed tomatoes that are simmered with herbs like oregano and basil, plus a hint of sugar to even out the acidity, resulting in a magnificent flavor that delights the senses.
Unlike most styles that usually pile on the cheese, Philly's pizza offers a more restrained amount of cheese, allowing the other flavors to shine through. The melted cheese adds the needed tangy and delicious flavor that ties everything together.
Philly's pizza is a unique, flavorful experience like no other, and it's no surprise that it enjoys such a dedicated following among pizza lovers around the world.
Sample the pizza perfection of Pizzeria Beddia in Philly - with its larger size and crispier crust, plus toppings like spiked arrabbiata sauce, Calabrian cream, and oregano. Dine in or get takeout - either way, it's a treat!
7 Dig Into Deep Dish In Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, known as the windy city, is also known for their unique and distinctive pizza styles that can satisfy every craving. They offer three types of pizza that are simple yet diverse, and each one has managed to acquire a dedicated following over the years. The best restaurants for deep-dish pizza in Chicago usually carry all three styles for locals to enjoy.
Among the three, the most famous is the deep-dish pizza, featuring a deep crust that is loaded with ingredients and smothered in sauce. Every bite of an authentic deep-dish pizza is an explosion of flavors, thanks to the layers of toppings that are spread throughout the thick crust. The style is almost more casserole than pizza, but the indulgence speaks for itself.
The second style is the tavern style, a thin to medium-sized crust option that is cut into squares and perfect for sharing. Despite its thin crust, it's still filling, and the crispy crust provides a satisfying texture that complements the toppings added.
Lastly, there's the stuffed pizza, similar to the deep-dish, but with a twist. It features a double crust with a generous layer of sauce on top, making it stand out from the other two. It's loaded with toppings and has a mouthwatering crunch.
No matter which style you choose, you're sure to find a pizza that will satisfy your cravings in Chicago.
Rich Labriola has created a baking empire in Chicago, and his restaurant Labriola Chicago, situated right off the famous Magnificent Mile, provides tourists with deep-dish pizzas they can enjoy without waiting in long lines. The pies are topped with ample caramelized cheese, a well-balanced sauce, and an always crisp crust, and the Russo Sausage topping is especially popular.
6 Try A Cheese-Free Pizza In Providence, Rhode Island
Providence offers a pizza style that is unlike any other, called "strips." These rectangular-shaped pies were created in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants and are a nod to the pizza's original form.
Strip pizza is similar to focaccia bread, with a thick crust topped with flavorful tomato sauce but no cheese. Strips are typically served at room temperature, allowing you to appreciate the slightly crunchy texture and delectable flavors with every bite.
While cheese lovers may hesitate to try this pizza style, the unique array of spices and toppings allows other flavors to come through. Strip pizza is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and lactose-intolerant folks, considering there's no cheese.
Francesco's is the perfect spot to taste authentic coal-fired pizza; their oven fire burns for 12 hours and reaches a temperature of 1,200 degrees, creating an incredibly delicious crust with a perfectly balanced flavor. The dough is also slow-proofed for 24 hours before it's baked, resulting in an even more flavorful experience.
5 Enjoy A Crisp Thin Crust With St. Louis Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is a beloved local tradition in St. Louis, Missouri, and surrounding areas. The pizza's unique thin, cracker-like yeast-free crust is crispy and delightful.
One of the characterizing features that make St. Louis-style pizza unique is the use of Provel cheese, a combination of Swiss, cheddar, and provolone, that adds layers of flavor and texture. The pizza is cut into small squares or rectangles, unlike the usual wedges found in other styles.
St. Louis-style pizza is unlike any other, and it's a must-try while in the area. Partner it with a cold beer, and you'll have an utterly distinctive and satisfying food experience that you won't soon forget.
Veteran chef Vito Chirco at Chirco’s Pizza uses family recipes to recreate thin and crispy pizzas, along with an array of appetizers, tasty homemade desserts, and substantial salads. He takes great pride in using the finest, freshest ingredients to ensure a flavorful and unforgettable experience for each meal.
4 Keep Your Pizza Ingredients Fresh With A Slice from L.A. California
It's no secret that Los Angeles had a reputation for serving up below-par pizzas. However, that all changed, and LA has now become the go-to destination for sensational pizzas that rival any pizza city in the country.
These days, pizza in Los Angeles is all about fresh, sustainable ingredients and thin, crispy crusts that perfectly complement the signature West Coast flavors. Bet you can't resist trying them all!
From traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas to delicious flatbreads, Los Angeles offers an impressive range of creative pizzas that will tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more. All over the city, you'll find numerous artisanal pizzerias serving fantastic pies that more than make up for any past misgivings about LA pizza.
William Joo and Jennifer So are bringing Tokyo-style Neapolitan pies to the Pico-Robertson neighborhood with Pizzeria Sei, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Diners can watch from an intimate wrap-around counter as Joo prepares the delicious pies.
3 Get Creative With Pizza In Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a foodie haven where using fresh ingredients and culinary ingenuity come together seamlessly. And pizza in Portland is no different; it's a true masterpiece of flavors and creativity that puts a unique spin on the traditional pies.
While there's no particular style of pizza that Portland is famous for, the city has a knack for perfecting and modifying existing styles with some artisan flair. From vegan options to gluten-free and classic styles, there's a pizza for everyone in Portland.
But what truly sets Portland pizzas apart from the rest is the creativity that goes into making them. Let your imagination run wild with unexpected toppings, innovative crusts, and delightful flavor combinations. This city is a treasure trove of inventive pizza options that are sure to delight and leave you wanting more.
For anyone seeking innovative and unconventional pizzas that transcend tradition, Portland is undeniably a must-visit destination where food is a true art form.
No Saint, the latest addition to Portland’s pizza selection, serves up delicious pies topped with a unique mix of vegetables, such as purple Brussels sprouts and rainbow carrots.
2 Try A High-Fired Pizza In New Haven, Connecticut
What food is Connecticut known for? While you may not have guessed pizza, this region has its own spin on the classic pie. If you're looking for something truly unique, then you must try New Haven-style pizza, otherwise known as "apizza". This extraordinary pie is a true masterpiece due to its delectable crust, which owes its delicious flavor to a complex fermentation process and cooking method in an oven heated to at least 600 degrees.
Topping and sauce variations may vary, but they pale in comparison to the remarkable flavor of the crust that truly sets this pizza apart from others.
Though one of the best places to get New Haven-style pizza remains New Haven itself, it can now also be found around the country. Whether in Connecticut or beyond, make sure you take a bite of this distinctly flavorful pizza!
Modern Apizza is renowned for being the friendliest and most generous pizza spot. Its 80-year history is reflected in its traditional open flame brick oven, from which it produces charred, chewy pizzas - including the famous “Italian Bomb” with seven toppings.
1 Savor The Cheese When Eating Pizza In Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee-style pizza takes the city's cheese reputation to a whole other level! Combining rectangular Sicilian thick crust with thin-crust Neapolitan pies, it's an ultra-thin crust that was invented by the Caradaro Club, Milwaukee's first pizzeria.
Cheesy and ultra-crispy all at once, this pizza delivers a unique flavor combination that is hard to resist. Make sure you try this local specialty when you visit Wisconsin, and you won't be disappointed!
Zaffiro's Pizza & Bar has become a Milwaukee landmark, with the family's Sicilian roots lending to the unique flavor. Their signature topping combination includes sausage, mushroom, and onion - and while this may be common in other local pizza places, Zaffiro's certainly has perfected it.