Of all the places I’ve lived and all the pizza scenes I’ve attempted to conquer, Pittsburgh’s is by far the best. (Sorry, Denver.) There’s no shortage of pizza places here, so I’ve yet to try them all, but ten out of the forty or so pizza places I’ve tried so far really stand out above the rest.
When I sample a pizza place, I don’t stop at the pizza. Other factors are vital for a pizza place to get my attention. First, a pizza joint needs to offer a tasty, well-made homemade ranch. Many Yinzers would agree that even a good slice of pie isn’t going to cut it if it’s served with low-quality or (gasp) store-bought ranch. We’re better than that, people. Second, I’ll rate a pizza place higher if it offers good wings. And third, a pizza place will get my applause if there’s a good service and atmosphere element.
That said, as of January 2025, these are my favorite pizza places in Pittsburgh. As I venture out and try new spots, and as the scene changes, so too will this list.
10. Pizza Fiesta
Who says there’s nothing good in Downtown Pittsburgh? Pizza Fiesta may not be an artisanal pizza hot spot or hit anyone else’s top 10 lists, but hear me out. This New York-style pie is floppy, bubbly, and never skimps on the toppings. The folks at Pizza Fiesta also make their own flavorful, runny ranch. And to top it off, they have good fries, and they serve up a perfectly terrible-for-you iceberg lettuce and too-much-cheese Pittsburgh-style salad.
Pizza Fiesta has been slinging pies at 14 Smithfield Street for twenty years. Beyond pizzas ranch and wonderfully bad salads, their menu features a variety of items, including subs, wings, calzones, and their “fiesta rolls.” Pizza Fiesta is also one of the few places I can think of that stays open late. The Downtown location stays open until 1 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and extends to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ok, so their pizzas can be greasy at times. Despite this, I love the consistent freshness and taste of the food. Plus, it’s a good cheap option for a Downtown office lunch.
9. Large Plain
While Large Plain in McCandless might not hit anyone else’s top ten list, it gets my #9 spot not just because it’s my kids’ favorite pizza place, but because it’s one of the few places in Pittsburgh that has truly decent wingdings. Their wings are finished with just the right amount of crips, something I haven’t gotten to enjoy since my days living in Erie.
Large Plain Pizza and Pints specializes in “Pittsburgh-style pizza,” which is apparently hand-tossed pizzas using homemade dough and sauces prepared daily from scratch. Beyond their signature pizzas, the menu features a variety of offerings, including appetizers, salads, wings, and toasted hoagies.
Large Plain has also never let me down. Once, I ordered pizza delivery from them and my order was dropped off incorrectly. Not only did they tell me to keep the wrong food, and enjoy it, but they sent the correct order for free. Now that’s great service!
8. Mercurio’s
The Neapolitan pizza at Mercurio’s is exceptional, but the gelato is out of this world. I’ve been to the locations in Shadyside and O’Hara Township, but I had no idea that this lovely eatery began as the Mulberry Street Creamery in Kittanning, PA. Founded by the Mercurio parents in 1999, the original focused solely on gelato. Over time, siblings Anna, Michael, and Joe Mercurio expanded the business into Mercurio’s Gelato & Pizza, introducing authentic Neapolitan pizzas alongside their artisan gelato.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend Mercurio’s for both the quality of the wood-fired pizzas and the gelato. The traditional recipes and a family-friendly yet lovely, modern atmosphere make it a perfect spot for an afternoon outing for me and my family.
7. Rockaway Pizzeria
Rockaway Pizzeria is closed…temporarily, so don’t run out and try to indulge in their delightful pies just yet. If you’re a New York-style pizza snob, hold onto your britches. They’ll be opening in Regent Square soon, however, I’m not sure of the exact date, but I’m pretty confident that they aren’t either. Originally, the new location was slated to open in autumn of 2024, but we’re crossing our fingers for any day now. (You can follow their socials for updates.)
Founded by owner Josh Sickels, Rockaway has garnered acclaim for its authentic New York-style pizza in the Pittsburgh area. Originally located in White Oak, the pizzeria became a local favorite. In 2023, Rockaway Pizzeria received significant attention when Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports (who loves pizza but thinks Pittsburgers are unattractive, probably because some nice Yinzer lady turned his less-than-pretty mug down, is my guess) awarded it an 8.2 rating during his One Bite Pizza Review, marking it as the highest-rated pizza in Pittsburgh at the time.
Following this recognition, not to mention the buzz surrounding Rockaway on Pittsburgh’s active Reddit page, the pizzeria’s reputation for delivering high-quality, authentic New York-style pizza remains strong.
6. Aiello’s
And now, we’re off to one of Pittsburgh’s best food meccas: Squirrel Hill. If you’re hungry, this is the neighborhood for you. With many acclaimed Asian restaurants, delis, and pizza joints, plus an international fully-automated vending machine store, you’ll never go hungry here.
The first pizza place I got to sample in Squirrel Hill was Aiello’s Pizza back in 2019. Established over 44 years ago by Giuseppe Aiello, it’s a cherished institution in the neighborhood. Aiello’s has built a reputation for its authentic and flavorful pizzas, marked by their signature sweet sauce and a light and crispy crust.
My take on the pizza at Aiello’s: it’s delightful and satisfying, but I was also super impressed with the friendly service there. The pizzeria has garnered attention from local newspapers, magazines, and local Instagram foodies. But, most importantly, Aeillo’s longstanding presence and commitment to quality have solidified its status as a staple in Pittsburgh’s pizza scene.
5. Mineo’s
Another Squirrel Hill favorite, Mineo’s Pizza House, nears the top of my list. I nearly did a backflip when they opened their Allison Park location, much closer to my home, especially since they don’t deliver. In addition to the Squirrel Hill and Allison Park locations, Mineo’s also expanded south of the city to Mt. Lebanon.
This cherished Pittsburgh institution was founded in 1958 by Giovanni “John” Mineo, who immigrated from Bagheria, Sicily, in 1955. After arriving in America, John discovered an empty storefront on Murray Avenue, where he established the pizzeria that has become a family-run legacy spanning three generations.
Mineo’s is renowned for its homemade dough, sauce that actually tastes like fresh Roma tomatoes, and signature cheeses. In short, the crew at Mineo’s has done a bang-up job of maintaining the authentic recipes John Mineo introduced.
(Since we’re on the Squirrel Hill beat, I must inform you that I have not yet tried Pastoli’s. It’s a huge favorite of pizza fans in the area, so I’ll make sure to try it soon!)
4. Iron Born
I have two go-to pizza places whenever I’m in the Strip District. The first is Iron Born Pizza. It’s so different: iron skillet baked, semi-deep-dish, crispy, delightful, and the flavor combinations can’t be found anywhere else. Dining in, you get to enjoy a modern diner-like atmosphere with an open kitchen for watching the pizza-making action. Pair that with old-school bottles of Coke, and you’re in for a super amazing treat.
Iron Born was established in 2017 by chef Pete Tolman who introduced Detroit-style pizza to Pittsburgh’s culinary scene. The inspiration struck during a vacation in Colorado, where Tolman first encountered this unique style and decided to bring it back to his hometown. Initially operating from the Smallman Galley in the Strip District (RIP), Iron Born later expanded to a standalone location at 413 Grant Avenue in Millvale. And now, it has a full-sized operation back in the Strip District, across from The Terminal.
Don’t get crazy when ordering Iron Born’s pizza. It’s THICK. Order one. You can try a different flavor next time. About three slices of this pie is enough for an average-sized adult to feel satiated. Any more than that, and you’re likely to go into a full-blown food coma.
3. Spak Bros
Hey vegan friends, I’m talking to you. This is the best pizza place in town that not only accommodates a vegan diet but does it so well that omnivores, such as myself, keep coming back for more. And their vegan ranch…? Forget about it. It’s not only the best vegan ranch I’ve ever had, but it’s also one of the best homemade ranch sauces in Pittsburgh hands down.
Spak Brothers Pizza was established in 2008 and is situated at 5107 Penn Avenue in Garfield. Over the past 15 years, it has become an integral part of the local community, notably anchoring the monthly “Unblurred: First Fridays” art event. The pizzeria offers a diverse menu, which includes traditional pizzas, calzones, and hoagies, as well as a variety of vegan options, such as seitan wings and vegan cheese pizzas. Yep. You can try all that amazing food while surrounded by amazing local art and listening to local bands. Good times.
Spak Brothers is closed on Mondays. So make sure you go any other day to enjoy the quality and taste of the food, the generous portions, and the friendly vibe. Some reviews mention occasional longer wait times, but that’s never happened to me. I guess it all depends on when you go.
2. Shelly Pie
This place blew me away. I don’t have enough good things to say. I sampled my daughter’s Sicilian pizza, and it was so wonderful. The crust was flavorful, I could taste the herbs in the sauce, and there was the perfect amount of cheese on each slice. Not too greasy. Bravo.
If you are a pizza snob in Pittsburgh, you probably already love Shelly Pie. Known for their authentic Sicilian pizza, Shelly Pie is a go-to for pizza lovers around town. Located at 912 Penn Avenue Extension in Turtle Creek, this family-style restaurant has become a local favorite. Shelly Pie offers a spacious dining area, so you can bring your whole crew. Reservations are recommended, however, especially on weekends.
Shelly Pie’s regulars frequently praise the delicious, generously topped pizzas and the friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Some people also love that it’s BYOB. Others love that their gluten-free crust is actually good!
1. Pizzeria Davide
Of course, the owners of D’Anoia’s have conquered pizza and made it not just as good as their signature Italian fare, but somehow better. In all my travels in all my life, I have not had a better pizza experience anywhere. Period.
Pizzeria Davide is pretty new to the scene. Established in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Dave and Aimee DiAndrea Anoia, who also own the neighboring DiAnoia’s Eatery, the pizzeria was born out of the increasing demand for their signature Old World style pizzas at DiAnoia’s.
Pizzeria Davide specializes in both Old World and New York-style pizzas, emphasizing quality ingredients and traditional techniques. The dough is crafted using Molino Pasini flour imported from Italy and undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, resulting in a crisp and flavorful crust. Toppings include house-made sauces, fresh vegetables, and premium meats and cheeses, such as locally made Salty Pork Bits sausage and fresh mozzarella. Not to mention their pepperoni, which is still the most flavorful pepperoni I’ve ever tasted.
But it’s not just the excellent Old-World pizza that blew me away. Their homemade ranch is filled with flavorful herbs and has the right consistency for dipping. They have amazing wings, too! Their full (Pittsburgh-style) wings are so flavorful and juicy that I couldn’t stop eating them. And they also have an amazing butter and garlic sauce. 10/10. So, it’s not just the pizza that makes Pizzeria Davide the best in town in my book, it’s the whole experience.
I’m grateful to the editors at The Keystone for allowing me to share my Pittsburgh pizza story with you. Now, I’m going to attempt to exercise off the five pounds I’ve gained while researching this article.
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