The 5 best pizza places in Erie, according to one native

I’m an Erie native living in Pittsburgh. I often pack a cooler in the trunk of my Subaru when I depart to visit my family and friends in Erie because, despite the fact that Pittsburgh has a larger and, for the most part, more elevated foodie landscape, I miss my favorite Erie foods. So if you see a blonde woman unabashedly lugging bags of pepperoni balls and ten tubs of ox roast out of Tops Market or Wegmans and shoving them into an Outback, that’s me.

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I spent eleven years living in Denver (before I moved to Pittsburgh) which, at the time housed a hodgepodge of people from all around the country outnumbering the loud and proud Colorado natives. A common refrain from foodies in Colorado was how the pizza from Chicago, New York, Detroit, Dallas, or wherever the person was from was automatically the best pizza in the world and couldn’t be beat. It got me thinking about the pizza in Erie.

There’s no signature Erie pizza. Think about it. We don’t “own” a style. However, Erie is home to some dang good pizza given our history of long-standing family-owned bakeries and Italian eateries. My favorite pizza joint for many years is still my number-one pick in Erie. But there are other amazing pizza places that have popped up recently that I’ve had the privilege of sampling during my many visits with family and friends.

My top five picks for the best pizza in Erie start with a place that’s close to my heart…

5. Steel City Sandwich Co

Obviously, a Yinzer would pick Steel City Sandwich Co. for the best pizza, right? But even without the nod to Pittsburgh, Steel City Sandwich Co. is entirely original. Despite crafting Strip District-style fries and slaw on thick bread sandwiches — which, by the way, they do better than Primanti Bros., IMO — Steel City Sandwich Company has created a signature style all its own with its something for everyone menu that doesn’t skimp on quality anywhere (except the fries).

Located at 4801 Peach Street, Steel City has established itself as a popular eatery that’s enjoyed by locals and visitors seeking a very filling meal in a casual-enough-for-sweatpants kind of setting.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it doesn’t stay open super late, not even on weekends to satisfy those late-night cravings (RIP Luchetti’s). But, if you choose to eat during the day, you can enjoy generous portion sizes of sandwiches and slices that have been deemed “Absolutely 10/10.” 

My take on Steel City Pizza is that it hits all the right marks. Homemade dough: check. Good sauce: check. Cheese that doesn’t pool with grease: check. Other options beyond pizza: check. 

READ MORE: The best pepperoni balls in Erie

4. Ippa Pizza Napoletana

My cousin Steph absolutely insisted that I try this place. I’m thrilled that I did. Ippa Pizza Napoletana, located at 508 State Street in the Flagship City Food Hall Erie, has won my cold dead heart with its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. 

In early 2024, Ippa Pizza announced plans to expand into the Flagship City Food Hall at 22 North Park Row, replacing Perry’s Tavern. Owner Jason Spore expressed enthusiasm about the move, highlighting the team’s readiness for expansion and the opportunity to reach a broader customer base. Timing is everything because I was able to get in after they opened up shop in this cool location.

I was a little shaky trying Ippa for the first time since customer reviews have been mixed. Some Erie foodies praise the quality of the pizza and the lovely wood-fired char. However, others have expressed concerns regarding service speed and pricing — two things, after living in bigger cities, that I don’t really give a flush about. One reviewer mentioned that the pizza was “overpriced” and noted “slow service” which didn’t reflect my own experience.

Though other wood-fired pizza places in Erie are also pretty dang good, Ippa Pizza Napoletana offers a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza in Erie, with back-to-basics toppings, attention to detail, and a really flavorful signature white sauce. 

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3. Vintage Wood Fired

Vintage Wood Fire Pizza & Catering, located at 3826 West 26th Street, is now a prominent culinary destination in the area. Like many places in Erie, they do a little bit of everything: BBQ, pizza, subs, fries, salads, etc. But what got me was the signature pie selection: different, modern, delicious.

You can’t call yourself “Wood Fired” without making good wood-fired pizzas. Vintage’s pies are crafted using traditional methods to achieve a distinctive flavor and texture. The restaurant is a cool place to go with friends and also the sort of place where you can feel comfortable bringing the kids. In addition to its dine-in services, Vintage Wood Fire offers mobile catering, featuring impeccably restored classic trucks including a 1956 Ford F750 and 1942 Dodge. To be honest, it was my son’s reaction to the cars and the bright smile on his face that landed Vintage at my #3 spot. 

The owners of Vintage Wood Fire have expanded their culinary ventures within the Erie area — you know, a little bit of everything. In October 2024, they launched Vintage Wood Fire BBQ at 4655 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek, focusing on smoked meats such as ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken. 

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2. Colony Pizza

Photo courtesy of Colony Pizza

I absolutely love this place. From the space-age-looking yellow pizza oven to the smile on the chef’s face as he’s turning the pizza in the oven. It’s like magic. I’ve never seen a pizza cooked so quickly in all my life, and yet it was so, so good. 

Colony Pizza & Catering Co., located next to Colony Pub in the Colony Plaza, has earned its reputation for offering some of the best pizza in town. The establishment has received high praise since it opened, with one reviewer stating, “One of the best pizza experiences I’ve had in Erie! Went here one night and it was a pleasant surprise. I definitely recommend!” 

In addition to its catering services, Colony Pizza & Catering Co. operates a dine-in restaurant with just a few seats, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests — but you have to get in while the getting’s good. The menu features a variety of pizza options, all crafted with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection.

In summary, Colony Pizza & Catering Co. in Erie, PA, offers a delightful, bubbly, slightly charred, carefully made pizza with fresh toppings and sauce that actually tastes like fresh tomatoes. Check it out, and enjoy the show!

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1. John’s Wildwood 

You can’t beat the OG. This has been and continues to be my favorite pizza place in Erie County, hands down.

John’s Wildwood Pizzeria was established in 1979 and has been a cornerstone of the Edinboro community for over forty years. With decades of praise from college students, locals, foodies, and Pennsylvania slingshots like me, John’s Wildwood continues a tradition of amazing pizza that people crave years after trying it.

Originally located at 105 Erie Street, this family-owned establishment recently expanded into Erie. The pizzeria’s longevity and popularity can be tied to the owner, John Bellucci, who is known for his hands-on approach, often seen in the shop tossing crusts or mixing up batches of dough. 

Maybe I’m remembering it wrong, but I feel like they used to be open late. However now, their operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. In addition to their renowned pizzas, John’s Wildwood Pizzeria offers a variety of other menu items, including hoagies, wings, fries, salads, and breadsticks. 

And, even though it’s rumored that John’s Wildwood sells Ken’s ranch instead of making their own, I still love dipping my crunchy crust at the end of each slice, especially now that their menu includes a buffalo chicken pizza. 

Seriously, this place is pizza heaven, a home away from home. And it may possibly be the signature style for Erie pizza given its quality and longevity.

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