Unearth The Voyage
Boston takes its pizza seriously, and locals know which spots are worth braving the crowds. From century-old brick ovens in the North End to creative wood-fired pies across the harbor, the city offers incredible variety that goes way beyond the usual chains. Whether you crave thin-crust classics, thick Sicilian slabs, or inventive toppings paired with craft beer, these beloved pizzerias have earned their reputations one delicious slice at a time.
1. Regina Pizzeria – The Original North End Icon
Open since 1926, this legendary spot holds the title of Boston’s oldest pizzeria and remains a North End landmark. The flagship shop at 11½ Thacher Street still fires pies in a brick oven, producing thin crusts with that signature chewy, blistered edge and bright, tangy sauce that generations have come to love.
Most locals will point you here if you can only visit one pizza place in the city. Popular orders stick to the classics: cheese, pepperoni, and traditional combinations that let the crust and sauce shine through.
Lines snake out the door most evenings, but regulars insist the wait is part of the experience. That almost century-old routine delivers consistent quality and a taste of Boston history in every bite, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers and history buffs alike.
2. Santarpio’s Pizza – East Boston Legend for Pie & Grilled Meats
Across the harbor at 111 Chelsea Street, this family-run institution has been serving New York-style pies and grilled skewers for decades. Daily hours run from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the place buzzes with locals who know exactly what to order.
Inside, sports memorabilia covers the walls while customers tear into sausage- and garlic-loaded pies. The real secret here is pairing your pizza with grilled lamb or sausage topped with spicy peppers, a combination that reviewers rave about constantly.
No-frills charm defines the atmosphere: thick Boston accents at the bar, zero pretension, and food that speaks for itself. It’s a quintessential Boston experience that goes beyond just grabbing a meal, offering a genuine taste of East Boston’s tight-knit community and decades of pizza-making tradition.
3. Picco – Sourdough Pizza & House-Made Ice Cream in the South End
This South End gem at 513 Tremont Street combines two irresistible treats: long-fermented sourdough pizza and in-house ice cream. The dough undergoes cold fermentation, which builds deep flavor and creates those stylish leopard spots from the high-heat bake.
Popular pies include Margherita, sausage and fennel, and rotating seasonal specials that showcase fresh ingredients. The crust alone is worth the visit, with a satisfying chew and complex taste that sets it apart from typical pizza dough.
Many regulars finish their meal with a scoop or pint of house-made ice cream or sorbet to go. The combination might sound unusual, but it works perfectly, giving you both savory satisfaction and sweet indulgence in one stop. Expect a wait during peak hours as word has spread about this creative approach.
4. Galleria Umberto – Classic Sicilian Slabs in the North End
For lunch-only, old-school Sicilian slices, this cash-only spot at 289 Hanover Street is a must. The menu stays simple: thick, pan-baked Sicilian pizza, arancini, and panzarotti, all at prices that won’t empty your wallet.
They open late morning and close once the trays are gone, and they do regularly sell out. Expect a line, basic menu boards, and big rectangular slices that fill you up fast.
The vibe is pure North End institution, with a very local feel and zero pretension. You’re not here for fancy toppings or trendy combinations; you’re here for honest, satisfying Sicilian pizza that’s been made the same way for years. Arrive early if you want the best selection, and bring cash because they don’t take cards. This is Boston pizza at its most authentic and affordable.
5. Ernesto’s Pizza – Giant North End Slices
A few blocks away at 69 Salem Street, this spot has built its reputation on oversized slices and a huge variety of topping combinations. One slice is basically a meal, making it perfect for hungry tourists and locals alike.
Sheet pans line the counter with pies like Buffalo chicken, spinach and garlic, and loaded Saint Anthony combinations. The ordering site and delivery partners show it actively taking orders with full hours and an extensive menu.
The vibe is fast, casual, and perfect for a quick bite while you wander the North End. You won’t find white tablecloths or fancy plating here, just big, satisfying slices that hit the spot when you’re craving pizza on the go. Popular with the late-night crowd and anyone who values quantity alongside quality.
6. Brewer’s Fork – Wood-Fired Pies & Beer in Charlestown
At 7 Moulton Street in Charlestown, this spot pairs wood-fired pizza with a strong craft beer list. City guides and reviews highlight it as a top Charlestown destination for inventive, blistered pies and an extensive tap selection.
Expect toppings like house-made sausage, funky cheeses, and seasonal vegetables on a chewy, charred crust. The kitchen takes creative risks that pay off, offering combinations you won’t find at more traditional pizzerias.
The atmosphere leans neighborhood gastropub: lively but comfortable, equally good for a date night or a post-Bunker Hill Monument carb refuel. The beer selection is taken seriously, with knowledgeable staff ready to suggest pairings. It’s become a Charlestown favorite for good reason, combining quality ingredients, skilled cooking, and a welcoming vibe that keeps locals coming back regularly.
7. O’Cheese – North End Neighborhood Gem
At 261 North Street, this spot flies under the tourist radar compared with some Hanover Street locations but pulls outstanding reviews from locals and visitors. Its website and ordering pages list a full menu and long hours most days of the week.
The menu covers classic cheese slices, loaded Whatchamacallit pies, Buffalo chicken, and more, plus subs and panini. What stands out in recent write-ups is the consistently high ratings, often 4.8 to 4.9 out of 5, and the cozy, family-run feel.
Regulars appreciate the personal touch and the fact that quality never slips even during busy rushes. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your order and the pizza tastes like someone actually cares about what they’re making. For an authentic neighborhood experience without the tourist crowds, this is your spot.
8. Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca – Big Slices in Beacon Hill
On Beacon Hill at 16 Derne Street, this spot is known for huge slices and Sicilian squares. Their official site lists pizza, pasta, panini, and salads with weekday hours into the evening, and recent directories show it operating with strong reviews.
The counter-serve model makes it ideal for a quick lunch near the State House. Regulars praise the foldable New York-style slices, Sicilian slabs, and hearty panini, which is great if your group is split between must-have pizza and maybe-a-sandwich camps.
Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, especially considering the Beacon Hill location. The casual setup means you can grab food quickly without sacrificing quality, making it a favorite for state workers, students, and tourists exploring the historic neighborhood. Expect a steady stream of customers during lunch hours.
9. Pizzeria Rustico – Go-To Pre-Game Pie by the Garden
Just steps from TD Garden at 85 Canal Street, this spot is a favorite pre- and post-game stop. Current listings show it serving slices and whole pies with standout ratings around 4.8 and a menu full of classics like cheese, pepperoni, quattro formaggi, and house specialties.
It’s small, busy, and very grab-a-slice-and-go, which makes it perfect if you’re heading to a concert or a Bruins or Celtics game. The food is leagues better than stadium options and the prices won’t shock you.
Timing is everything here: arrive too close to game time and you’ll face a serious line, but the staff moves quickly and efficiently. The pizza is hot, fresh, and satisfying, exactly what you need before cheering your team to victory or rocking out at a concert.
10. Boston Kitchen Pizza – Late-Night Slices in the Theater District
In the Theater District at 1 Stuart Street, this spot has long been a go-to for post-show and late-night slices. Recent 2025 listings show it open with a big menu of slices, pies, calzones, and sides, and reviews consistently mention it as a reliable, fast option downtown.
Think classic cheese and pepperoni, Buffalo chicken, and spinach pies, plus garlic bread and fries if you’re really leaning into the carb life. It’s more hearty and convenient than fussy artisan, exactly what you want at midnight.
The late hours make it a lifesaver after shows, concerts, or a night out in downtown Boston. You won’t find innovative toppings or sourdough crusts here, but you will find hot, satisfying pizza when most other places have closed for the night. That reliability has earned it a loyal following.
11. Union Park Pizza – Newbury Street Neighborhood Favorite
Now operating from 244 Newbury Street, this spot has become a neighborhood staple for customizable pies and slices. Updated listings from 2025 show it open with strong ratings and regulars calling out friendly service and creative combos like The Neighborhood and various chicken-topped pies.
You can grab simple cheese or build your own with plenty of toppings. The atmosphere is casual counter service, and its Newbury Street location makes it an easy stop between shopping and strolling the Back Bay.
The staff is genuinely friendly, happy to make recommendations or accommodate special requests. It’s the kind of place that feels like a neighborhood hangout even on touristy Newbury Street, offering quality pizza without the attitude. Perfect for refueling during a long shopping day or grabbing dinner before exploring the area.
12. The Salty Pig – Charcuterie-Driven Pies by Back Bay Station
At the edge of Back Bay and the South End at 130 Dartmouth Street, this spot blends a meat-centric Italian menu with excellent pizza. It’s currently listed as open with high ratings, and reviewers frequently single out both the charcuterie boards and pizzas like the namesake Salty Pig topped with house-cured meats.
Expect thin crusts, creative toppings including prosciutto, funky cheeses, and tangy accompaniments, and a lively, slightly rustic dining room. The craft beer and wine selection is taken seriously, with knowledgeable staff ready to suggest pairings.
If you want pizza with a craft-beer-and-wine bar feel, this is a strong pick. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between elevated and approachable, making it work for both casual dinners and special occasions. The focus on quality cured meats sets it apart from typical pizzerias.
13. Pastoral ARTisan Pizza + Kitchen + Bar – Neapolitan in Fort Point
Down in Fort Point at 345 Congress Street, this spot focuses on Neapolitan-style pies cooked in a high-heat oven. Current menus and reviews highlight classics like Margherita and prosciutto pies, plus antipasti, salads, and a full bar program.
The crust leans soft and blistered with a chewy cornicione, and topping combos stay relatively focused and ingredient-driven. It’s a good elevated-but-not-stuffy option before or after a walk along the Seaport or a show nearby.
The bar program is solid, offering cocktails, wine, and beer that pair well with the pizza. The space feels modern and welcoming, attracting a mix of Fort Point residents, Seaport workers, and visitors exploring the area. Quality ingredients and careful technique make the pies stand out without feeling overly precious or fussy about tradition.
14. Woody’s Grill & Tap – Wood-Fired Pizza Near Fenway
Close to Fenway at 58 Hemenway Street, this longtime neighborhood spot centers around a wood-fired oven. The restaurant’s site describes it simply: wood-fired pizza, cold beer, and good times, and recent menu listings confirm it’s open with a strong beer lineup and a slate of specialty pies.
Popular options range from Buffalo chicken and Jamaican jerk pizzas to meat-lover combinations. The vibe is casual, with TVs and a pubby atmosphere, ideal for pre- or post-game hangs or a low-key night out.
The location near Fenway makes it a natural gathering spot before Red Sox games or concerts. The crowd skews local and laid-back, with regulars claiming their favorite seats at the bar. It’s the kind of place where good pizza and cold beer are all you really need for a great night.
15. Bardo’s Bar Pizza – Southie’s Crispy Bar-Pie Hotspot
Inside Castle Island Brewing’s South Boston taproom at 10 Old Colony Avenue, you’ll find this spot focused on South Shore-style bar pies: individual, crispy-edged pizzas served alongside local beer. Coverage in local food media and the brewery’s own info show it going strong in 2025 with a menu full of creative toppings.
Expect thin, lacy-edged pies with lots of cheese all the way to the rim, a fun atmosphere, and the option to pair your pizza with whatever Castle Island has on draft. The crispy texture and generous cheese make these pies addictive.
It’s slightly outside the tourist core, which helps keep it feeling like a locals’ hang. The combination of quality beer and excellent bar pizza creates a winning formula that’s packed on weekends and busy weeknights alike.
