Pizza in America has transformed into a culinary marvel, pushing boundaries with inventive flavors and rich cultural influences. From vibrant city centers to cozy towns, here are some of the standout pizzerias across the country:
Amar Pizza – Hamtramck, Mich.
Nestled in a neighborhood steeped in pizza tradition, Amar Pizza shines with its Bangladeshi-inspired creations. Owner Khurshed Ahmed’s innovative use of dried fish paste and Naga chiles has made a lasting impression since opening in 2010.
Bird Pizzeria – Charlotte, N.C.
Founded by Kerrel and Nkem Thompson, Bird Pizzeria brings a local twist to New York-style pies. Known for their caramelized crusts and seasonal delights like dandelion pesto, Bird has quickly become a local favorite since its debut in 2021.
Bungalow by Middle Brow – Chicago, Ill.
Tucked within a brewery, Bungalow by Middle Brow offers fragrant Neapolitan pizzas alongside crafted beers and wines. Their menu, featuring imaginative combinations such as German potato salad-inspired pies, reflects a dynamic culinary ethos.
City House – Nashville, Tenn.
Chef Tandy Wilson’s City House marries Italian tradition with Southern flair, crafting pizzas that spotlight local treasures like tomatoes and peaches. Since 2007, City House has led the charge in blending Southern ingredients with Italian culinary finesse.
Hapa Pizza – Beaverton, Ore.
A gem in Portland’s pizza scene, Hapa Pizza blends Neapolitan fundamentals with vibrant Asian flavors. Aaron Truong’s pizzas, featuring toppings like pho and Thai green curry, offer a distinct culinary journey rooted in cultural diversity.
Bocca al Lupo – Juneau, Alaska
In the heart of Alaska’s capital, In Bocca al Lupo celebrates locally sourced ingredients in their wood-fired pizzas. Chef Beau Schooler’s creations, including halibut and asparagus pies, showcase both regional bounty and culinary ingenuity.
Leña Pizza & Bagel – Cleveland, Miss.
Marisol Doyle infuses influences from Naples, the Mississippi Delta, and Sonora, Mexico at Leña Pizza & Bagel. Featuring pies like al pastor with refried beans, Leña blends flavors in a charming small-town setting.
The Lincoln Winebar – Mount Vernon, Iowa
Jesse Sauerbrie’s Lincoln Winebar offers pizzas infused with Iowa’s essence, from local morels to Iowa pepperoni and hot honey. With a focus on community and culinary exploration, Lincoln is a haven for pizza enthusiasts in rural Iowa.
Little Donna’s – Baltimore, Md.
Robbie Tutlewski’s Little Donna’s merges Indiana and Baltimore flavors, featuring pizzas like soft-shell crab creations. Situated in a cozy tavern, it’s a place where local traditions meet global culinary influences.
Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix, Ariz.
Chris Bianco’s Pizzeria Bianco has achieved legendary status with its meticulously crafted pies. Featuring ingredients like Arizona pistachios and rosemary, Pizzeria Bianco remains a pilgrimage site for pizza connoisseurs.
Pizzeria Sei – Los Angeles, Calif.
William Joo’s Pizzeria Sei in LA blends Neapolitan techniques with Asian-inspired twists. Renowned for specials like beef tongue and squash blossoms, Sei offers a taste of global cuisine in LA’s vibrant atmosphere.
Post Office Pies – Mountain Brook, Ala.
Founded by John Hall, Post Office Pies brings Neapolitan traditions to Birmingham with a Southern touch. Highlighting local produce and flavors influenced by Southern barbecue, it has become a local staple since its inception.
Razza – Jersey City, N.J.
Dan Richer’s Razza elevates pizza to an agricultural art form with locally sourced ingredients like honey and hazelnuts. Celebrating New Jersey’s culinary heritage, Razza sets a standard for quality and sustainability in pizza.