10 Best Pizzas in Every State

A variety of pizzas from different states

Pizza, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated taste buds around the globe, finds its unique expression in every corner of the United States. From the bustling streets of New York to the sun-kissed shores of California, a diverse array of pizza styles beckons, each with its own distinctive flavors and textures. Embark on a culinary journey across the nation, discovering the best pizza in every state, where local pride and culinary ingenuity converge to create unforgettable dining experiences.

In the heart of the Windy City, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza reigns supreme. Its thick, doughy crust forms a deep, cheese-filled vessel, topped with a rich tomato sauce and generously laden with toppings. The result is a culinary marvel that demands both a fork and knife and the patience to savor each decadent bite. Transitioning to the vibrant streets of New York City, we find the iconic New York-style pizza, a thin, crispy masterpiece folded in half for easy on-the-go enjoyment. Its simple yet irresistible combination of tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a scattering of toppings epitomizes the fast-paced, no-nonsense spirit of the city that never sleeps.

Venturing down the coast, we encounter the sourdough-based pizzas of San Francisco, renowned for their tangy, slightly chewy crusts. These culinary creations are often adorned with unconventional yet delectable toppings, reflecting the city’s bohemian spirit and love of experimentation. In the sunny state of Florida, the delectable Cuban-style pizza steals the spotlight, its crust infused with a vibrant yellow hue from turmeric and topped with a savory blend of meats, cheese, and a generous helping of pickles. As we journey through the diverse culinary landscape of the United States, each state unveils its own pizza masterpiece, showcasing the boundless creativity and passion of local pizzaioli. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embark on an unforgettable pizza-filled adventure across the nation.

The Quintessential New York Slice

In the bustling, iconic metropolis of New York City, where culinary artistry reigns supreme, there resides a culinary icon: the quintessential New York slice. This gastronomic marvel is the embodiment of the city’s vibrant spirit and a beloved staple in the hearts of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Crafted with unparalleled precision and a touch of old-world charm, the New York slice transcends mere sustenance, becoming a culinary pilgrimage for pizza aficionados and a symbol of the city’s rich culinary traditions.

The quintessential New York slice is a masterful symphony of flavors and textures, a testament to the skill and dedication of the city’s pizzaioli. The crust is a culinary masterpiece in itself, a thin, crispy canvas upon which an orchestra of toppings dances. Its charred edges and delicate crunch provide a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy interior, creating a perfect balance of textures.

The toppings, a vibrant tapestry of colors and flavors, are arranged with the artistry of a master painter. From the classic combination of mozzarella, tomato sauce, and pepperoni to more adventurous creations adorned with artisanal meats, exotic mushrooms, and gourmet cheeses, each slice tells a unique culinary tale. The mozzarella, a creamy, flavorful cheese, melts perfectly over the toppings, creating a gooey, irresistible blanket that unites the slice into a harmonious whole.

The tomato sauce, a rich and aromatic blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, serves as the vibrant foundation for the toppings. Its balanced acidity and subtle sweetness complement the flavors of the cheese and toppings without overpowering them, allowing each ingredient to shine through.

The pepperoni, a spicy, cured meat, adds a savory punch to the slice. Its crispy edges and smoky flavor provide a delightful contrast to the other toppings, adding an element of complexity that elevates the slice to new culinary heights.

Pizza Place	Location	Signature Slice
Joe’s Pizza	Greenwich Village	Classic New York Slice
John’s of Bleecker Street	West Village	Margherita Pizza
Patsy’s Pizzeria	East Harlem	White Clam Pizza

California’s Artisan Creations

California, a culinary melting pot, offers an unparalleled range of artisanal pizza experiences that showcase local ingredients and innovative techniques.

Artisanal Pizza in Los Angeles

Los Angeles boasts some of the most acclaimed artisanal pizza joints in the country. Here are a few not to miss:

Gjelina: Known for its wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings like roasted beets, goat cheese, and black truffle honey.
Mozza: A modern Italian eatery serving up Neapolitan-style pizzas with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and basil.
Roberta’s: A Brooklyn import that has gained a cult following in LA for its thin-crust pizzas with sourdough bases and creative toppings.

Artisanal Pizza in the Bay Area

The Bay Area is another culinary hotspot, offering an array of artisanal pizza options:

Pizzaiolo: A beloved Berkeley institution serving up classic Neapolitan pizzas with a focus on local, seasonal toppings.
Flour + Water: A Michelin-starred pizzeria known for its sourdough-based pizzas with unique combinations like roasted eggplant, clams, and ‘nduja sausage.
Del Popolo: A popular mobile pizzeria that roams the Bay Area, offering wood-fired pizzas with toppings like porcini mushrooms, roasted garlic, and artisanal cheeses.

Pizza in San Diego

San Diego is home to a thriving pizza scene that emphasizes fresh ingredients and creative combinations:

Pizzeria	Signature Pizza
Fiore Artisan Woodfired Pizza	Margherita with bufala mozzarella and fresh basil
Basic Pizza	Pepperoni with house-made pepperoni and spicy honey
Stella Public House	Burrata with burrata cheese, roasted tomatoes, and pesto

The Italian Heritage in the Midwest

The Italian diaspora in the Midwest stretches back to the 19th century when immigrants from Italy settled in cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Cleveland. These newcomers brought their culinary traditions with them, and pizza quickly became a staple of the region’s food scene.

The History of Pizza in the Midwest

The first pizzerias in the Midwest opened in the early 1900s. These early establishments were often family-run businesses that served a simple menu of pizza, pasta, and soup. Over time, pizza evolved from a humble dish to a regional favorite. Midwestern pizzas are typically characterized by their thin, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and generous toppings.

The Italian-American Community in the Midwest

The Italian-American community has played a vital role in the development of pizza in the Midwest. Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the region, and their descendants have continued to innovate and expand upon the tradition. Today, there are countless pizzerias in the Midwest that are owned and operated by Italian-Americans.

The Best Pizza in the Midwest

The Midwest is home to some of the best pizza in the country. Here are a few of our favorites:

City	Pizzeria
Chicago	Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
St. Louis	Imo’s Pizza
Cleveland	Presti’s Bakery & Deli
Detroit	Buddy’s Pizza
Columbus	Borgata Pizza Cafe

Southern Delights from Coast to Coast

Texas: Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix)

Pizzeria Bianco has been a Phoenix institution for over two decades, serving up wood-fired pizzas with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their “Rosa” pizza, with mozzarella, white onions, potatoes, and rosemary, is a must-try.

Oklahoma: Nichols Hills Pizza Napoletana (Oklahoma City)

This upscale pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan-style pizzas, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Their “Margherita” pizza, with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, is a classic choice.

Arkansas: Big Orange (Little Rock)

Big Orange is a lively pizzeria with a wide selection of pizzas, including traditional, gluten-free, and vegan options. Their “The Works” pizza is a crowd-pleaser, topped with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

Louisiana: Ancora Pizzeria (New Orleans)

Ancora Pizzeria is a cozy spot in the heart of the French Quarter, serving up wood-fired pizzas with a creative twist. Their “Blue Crab” pizza, with blue crab, corn, peppers, and onions, is a local favorite.

Mississippi: Sal & Mookie’s (Jackson)

Sal & Mookie’s is a funky pizzeria with a focus on Southern flavors. Their “Mississippi Mastadon” pizza is a must-try, with a unique blend of roasted pork, Alabama white sauce, and mozzarella.

Alabama: ZaZa (Birmingham)

ZaZa is a popular pizzeria with several locations in Alabama. They offer a wide range of pizzas, from classic to gourmet, and their “Tuscan” pizza, with artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, is a standout.

Pizzeria	City	Signature Pizza
Pizzeria Bianco	Phoenix, AZ	Rosa (mozzarella, white onions, potatoes, rosemary)
Nichols Hills Pizza Napoletana	Oklahoma City, OK	Margherita (San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil)
Big Orange	Little Rock, AR	The Works (pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions, peppers)
Ancora Pizzeria	New Orleans, LA	Blue Crab (blue crab, corn, peppers, onions)
Sal & Mookie’s	Jackson, MS	Mississippi Mastadon (roasted pork, Alabama white sauce, mozzarella)
ZaZa	Birmingham, AL	Tuscan (artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach)

West Coast Innovation

The West Coast is a hotbed of culinary innovation, and pizza is no exception. From San Diego to Seattle, there are countless pizzerias pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be. Here are a few of the most innovative pizzas on the West Coast:

1. The “Impossible” Pizza at Impossible Pizza in Berkeley, California

This pizza is made with a plant-based mozzarella cheese that is indistinguishable from the real thing. It’s topped with roasted vegetables, vegan sausage, and a creamy garlic sauce. The result is a delicious and satisfying pizza that is also good for the planet.

2. The “Octopus” Pizza at Una Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, California

This pizza is made with a traditional Neapolitan crust and topped with octopus, olives, capers, and oregano. The octopus is cooked to perfection, and the pizza is flavorful and complex.

3. The “Clam & Pancetta” Pizza at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles, California

This pizza is made with a thin, crispy crust and topped with clams, pancetta, garlic, and olive oil. The clams are fresh and briny, and the pancetta adds a salty and savory flavor. The pizza is finished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.

4. The “White Pizza” at Bianco Pizzeria in Phoenix, Arizona

This pizza is made with a white sauce made with ricotta cheese, olive oil, and garlic. It’s topped with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. The pizza is creamy and flavorful, and the crust is perfectly cooked.

5. The “Truffle” Pizza at Pizzeria Brunetti in Seattle, Washington

This pizza is made with a black truffle oil base and topped with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh black truffles. The black truffles add a rich and earthy flavor to the pizza. The pizza is finished with a drizzle of olive oil.

6. The “Fig & Prosciutto” Pizza at Pizzeria Romana in Sacramento, California

This pizza is made with a traditional Italian crust and topped with fresh figs, prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic vinegar. The figs are sweet and juicy, and the prosciutto adds a salty and savory flavor. The arugula adds a peppery flavor, and the balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity. The pizza is finished with a sprinkling of fresh Parmesan cheese.

7. The “BBQ Chicken” Pizza at Upper Crust Pizza in San Diego, California

This pizza is made with a BBQ sauce base and topped with grilled chicken, bacon, red onions, and cilantro. The BBQ sauce is sweet and smoky, and the grilled chicken is juicy and tender. The bacon adds a salty and savory flavor, and the red onions add a bit of crunch. The pizza is finished with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.

8. The “Huli Huli” Pizza at Big Island Pizza in Honolulu, Hawaii

This pizza is made with a sweet and savory sauce made with Hawaiian Huli Huli sauce. It’s topped with Kalua pork, pineapple, green onions, and red onions. The Kalua pork is tender and flavorful, and the pineapple adds a sweet and juicy flavor. The green onions add a bit of freshness, and the red onions add a bit of crunch. The pizza is finished with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.

Pizza	Toppings	Location
Impossible Pizza	Roasted vegetables, vegan sausage, creamy garlic sauce	Impossible Pizza, Berkeley, California
Octopus Pizza	Octopus, olives, capers, oregano	Una Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco, California
Clam & Pancetta Pizza	Clams, pancetta, garlic, olive oil	Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles, California
White Pizza	Ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil	Bianco Pizzeria, Phoenix, Arizona
Truffle Pizza	Black truffle oil, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh black truffles	Pizzeria Brunetti, Seattle, Washington
Fig & Prosciutto Pizza	Fresh figs, prosciutto, arugula, balsamic vinegar	Pizzeria Romana, Sacramento, California
BBQ Chicken Pizza	BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, bacon, red onions, cilantro	Upper Crust Pizza, San Diego, California
Huli Huli Pizza	Huli Huli sauce, Kalua pork, pineapple, green onions, red onions	Big Island Pizza, Honolulu, Hawaii

Pizza Perfection in the Pacific Northwest

1. Washington

Serious Pie & Biscuit (Seattle): Wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings and house-made sourdough.
Delancey (Seattle): Neapolitan-style pizzas with a crispy crust and fresh ingredients.
Via Tribunali (Spokane): Authentic Italian pizzas made with imported flour and tomatoes.

2. Oregon

Ken’s Artisan Bakery (Portland): Sourdough pizzas with local and seasonal toppings.
Ava Gene’s (Portland): Award-winning pizzas with a crispy thin crust and creative flavor combinations.
Boxcar Pizza (Portland): New York-style pizzas with a foldable crust and generous toppings.

10. Montana

Montana’s pizza scene may be small, but it’s mighty. Here are three must-try spots where you’ll find excellent pizzas topped with fresh, local ingredients and cooked to perfection:

City	Restaurant	Signature Pizza
Bozeman	The Bozeman Pizza Company	The Wildcat: Pepperoni, sausage, chopped onion, green peppers, and mushrooms
Missoula	Biga Pizza	The Classic: Marinara, mozzarella, and fresh basil
Helena	Racine’s West Main Pizza	The Montana: Pepperoni, sausage, beef, bacon, and onions

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Pizza in Every State

From the bustling streets of New York City to the laid-back beaches of California, pizza is a beloved culinary delight that can be found in every corner of the United States. Each state boasts its own unique pizza styles, from classic New York slices to deep-dish Chicago pies. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best pizza in every state:

California: Pizzeria Mozza (Los Angeles)
Colorado: Pizzeria Locale (Boulder)
Connecticut: Sally’s Apizza (New Haven)
Florida: Old School Pizza (Fort Lauderdale)
Illinois: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Chicago)
Massachusetts: Regina Pizzeria (Boston)
Michigan: Buddy’s Pizza (Detroit)
New Jersey: Razza Pizza Artigianale (Jersey City)
New York: Patsy’s Pizzeria (New York City)
Texas: Homeslice Pizza (Austin)