You might think Phoenix is more of a taco town, but we can hold our own when it comes to dishing up the perfect pizza.
In fact, we have no shortage of absolutely mouthwatering pizza joints all around the Valley—some are award-winning, some bring family recipes and ingredients straight from Italy, and others are just a scrumptious way to scratch your pizza craving itch.
The competition was fierce, but the following 10 selections are our top picks for the best pizza joints in Phoenix.
Pizzeria Bianco, Downtown Phoenix
It’s no wonder people line up 30 minutes before Pizzeria Bianco even opens most days—New York Times food critic Ed Levine wrote that James Beard-award-winning chef Chris Bianco crafts what “might just be the best pizza in the world.” While that may seem like a bold statement if you’ve ever spent time in Italy, the wood-fired oven and fresh ingredients make all the difference in these delicious pies. Plus, the historic Heritage Square location and exposed brick walls are the perfect ambiance.
We recommend: Biancoverde with fresh mozzarella, parmigiano Reggiano, ricotta, and arugula
POMO, Scottsdale
It’s easy to reminisce about your vacation in Campania at POMO, because it’s about as authentic as you can get in the United States. Handcrafted in the tradition of Old Italy, the slow-rising sourdough is made from wheat flour imported from Naples and even the sea salt comes from the Mediterranean. On a nice day, the inviting patio is an excellent choice.
We recommend: Burratella, made with imported burrata, hot soppressata, local organic honey, mozzarella, chili, and basil
Cibo, Downtown Phoenix
Set in a 1900s-era bungalow in downtown Phoenix, Cibo (pronounced CHEE-boh) has been a hot reservation since 2005. The patio is a particularly lovely place to dine, especially at night when it’s illuminated by twinkle lights. Choose from many Pizze Rosse (red sauce) or Pizze Bianche (white) options and don’t sleep on the Nutella crepes for dessert.
We recommend: Tartufata, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto crudo, and truffle oil
Spinato’s Pizzeria, Central Phoenix
Love a slightly sweet red sauce? Then head straight to Spinato’s Pizzeria (with locations in North and Central Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Gilbert), for rich Italian flavors and a family-friendly atmosphere—you’ll be thinking about their addictive signature sauce for days to come. The calzones are another fan favorite here, and the happy-hour pricing is hard to beat.
We recommend: The Chicago pizza, with Italian sausage, red onions, mixed bell peppers, mozzarella, and oregano
Hot Daisy Pizza, Downtown Phoenix
Lovers of sweet treats are familiar with Tammie Coe Cakes—and now this classically trained pastry chef known for her amazing cupcakes is busy making pizza pies on Roosevelt Row at Hot Daisy Pizza. Coe describes her 14-inch pies made from scratch dough and artisan-quality meats and cheeses as “New York meets California.” Stop in for a slice or a whole pizza.
We recommend: Corny Baby-Elote Pie, with roasted corn, cilantro, mozzarella, cotija cheese, and chipotle oil
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, Paradise Valley
Gluten-free pizza eaters know they can count on Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen for a wide selection of options (including gluten-free crust and cauliflower crust—and all gluten-free pizzas are made in a dedicated gluten-free stone oven) that will meet their needs and taste good. Of course there’s regular crust too, and even an extensive vegan menu at each location, including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe/Chandler, Arrowhead, Gilbert, and Sedona.
We recommend: Spicy Calabrian Pizza, with mozzarella, tomato sauce, herbed ricotta, pepperoni, and a generous drizzle of Calabrian aioli
La Grande Orange (LGO) Grocery and Pizzeria, Central Phoenix
Is this a highly curated general store? A wine shop? A pizzeria? A bakery? A gelateria? Yes, La Grande Orange is all of those things wrapped into one amazing neighborhood eatery (and shopping mecca) in Arcadia—and the pizzas, which are only available after 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and starting at 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday, are sure to knock your socks off. LGO also proudly caters to all dietary preferences, from vegan and vegetarian to gluten-free options.
We recommend: The Bisbee, AZ, with beef chorizo, sundried tomatoes, salsa verde, Anaheim pepper, jalapeno, and pistachios
Federal Pizza, Phoenix
Housed in the historic First Federal Saving Loan building originally designed by famed architect Al Beadle, Federal Pizza pays homage to the building’s roots with its name. The bank’s old teller lane has been transformed into a pickup window for easy to-go access—though you might want to stay, as the mid-century look mixed with modern touches is a vibe. We especially love the Monday and Tuesday night special of one pizza and a bottle of house wine or two pitchers of beer for $30.
We recommend: At Last, with broccolini, roasted corn, goat cheese, Calabrian chilis, basil, and lemon oil
Streets of New York, Phoenix
Casual dining and great pizza is exactly what Streets of New York (with locations all over the Valley, including Mesa, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale) has been dishing up for nearly 50 years. The authentic East Coast flavors and large portions are sure to satisfy, and you can create your own pasta entrees and pizzas, too. Choose from hand-tossed or a thin and crispy crust and enjoy the garlic butter brushed onto the crust for an extra flavor bomb.
We recommend: New York Combo, with pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatballs, mixed bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and black olives
Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen, Phoenix
Dough that’s made by hand daily? Check. Ingredients that are imported from Italy? Check. A menu that changes slightly every few months to keep things fresh? Check. Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen is family-owned, opened by chef Rocco Pezzano, and the menu centers around his family’s southern Italian roots. The artisanal pizzas are stone-fired and everything’s made from scratch.
We recommend: Calbrese, with San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, Calabrian soppressata, and drizzled honey
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
