If you’re reading this during the day on Friday, there’s a good chance I’m currently waiting for my dough to proof. I’m hosting my first pizza party tonight, and I’m making four pizzas (two red, two seasonal whites) for some pizza-loving friends based on recipes from Pizza Camp book by Lancaster native Joe Beddia, the owner of Pizzeria Beddia. I’ll let you know how it goes.

I hope you get to kick back on this long holiday weekend (happy 250th America—you don’t look a day over 248) and enjoy some pizza with the ones you love. 

A couple of quick things:

🍕 Since we’re halfway through the year, I wanted to take a look back at the best pizzas I’ve eaten so far in 2026. You’ll find more on that below.

🍕 If you’re a regular reader, you know the drill by now: If you like what you’re seeing here in Pizzavania, please let your pizza-loving friends know about us!

🍕 Miss our recent feature on the Virtual Pizza Academy? Taking a little vacation and need pizza recs for the Jersey Shore or the Poconos? You can find all past Pizzavania content right here.

Since many of us like to throw back a summer-y drink with pizza this time of year, in our last edition we asked: What’s your favorite beverage to pair with pizza in the summertime? 

I love an ice cold Italian-style pilsner with my pizza (I’m currently loving Wanderback’s Forza, made in New Jersey), and it seems I’m not alone. Beer came out on top with 40% of the vote, followed by iced tea (17%), wine (16%), canned cocktails (10%), sparkling water (9%), and lemonade (8%).

This time around, since we’re on the eve of America’s 250th birthday, we’d like to know:

I’m going with Jackie Robinson. With the barriers he broke as Major League Baseball’s first Black player, and how he endured such extreme hatred with dignity and grace, his impact on sports and our country at large is immeasurable. 

Reply with your answer below. 👇

Some of the best pizzas Pizzavania editor Patrick Berkery has enjoyed so far in 2026 include (clockwise from left): Verona Pizza in Maple Glen, Affinito Pizza Parlor and Cafe in Emmaus, CJ & D’s Trenton Tomato Pies in Philadelphia, and Apizzeria 888 by Sebastian in Elkins Park. (Patrick Berkery)  

Like most years, I’ve eaten a lot of pizza so far in 2026. Some of it good, some of it not so good, and some of it exceptional.

Let’s focus on the exceptional stuff.

We’re halfway through 2026, so I wanted to take a look back at the best pizzas I’ve eaten so far this year. One of my favorites had an unconventional topping, while another came from a new pizza kid on the block in the Philadelphia suburbs. And then there was an old Trenton, New Jersey staple served on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River.   

These are the best pizzas I’ve had so far this year. Hopefully, there are many more to come.

🍕 Oakwood Pizzeria, the promised restaurant collaboration between Oakwood Cafe owner Shane McGarrey and Colony Pizza’s Eric Broffman is now open for business in Erie. Learn about the new shop, which offers Reuben pizza, right here.

🍕 In Lancaster, the Brazen Bull Pizza Co. is expected to be taking over for Pizzeria 211 at Southern Market later this month, specializing in “light, airy, Roman-style pies.” Follow Brazen Bull Pizza on Instagram for updates.

🍕 In Northampton County, a new pizzeria is replacing Salvatore’s Pizza, which closed last year after nearly 50 years in business. Find out more from WFMZ.

🍕 If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making the Philadelphia version of the tomato pie—that room-temp, rectangular pie with a focaccia-like crust, topped with a mix of crushed tomatoes, oregano, and grated cheese—The New York Times is sharing Joe Beddia’s recipe. Check it out here.

Let’s hear about your favorite pizzerias! Take it away, Pizzavania readers:

“Sabo’s Pizza in downtown Fairview.” —Dan S. 

“You have to get to Ravenisi Pizzeria in Glen Mills. The dough is so fresh. They do a pie with roasted red peppers and arugula that takes my breath away!” —Laurie

“I have Pizzavania to thank for turning me on to Johnny’s Pizza in Wayne. I’d just moved to the area from north Jersey late last year when I read about them through your newsletter. Johnny’s hangs with some of the best places I’ve tried in and around New York City.” —Jeremy Q. (Editor’s note: You’re welcome. We’re here to help.)

“Palermo’s Pizza in Hummelstown has the best stuffed pizza I’ve ever had. It’ll fill you up in the best way, and the prices aren’t bad at all.” —Tony Harris

“The Fridge in Lancaster makes a very nice thin crust pie. Plus you’ve got all those great beers.” —C.J.

**You can find plenty more reader recommendations right here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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