Unearth The Voyage
Detroit-style pizza is more than just food; it’s a cultural treasure born in the Motor City. With its signature rectangular shape, crispy caramelized edges, and cheese that stretches all the way to the corners, this style has captured hearts far beyond Michigan. Whether you’re a lifelong Detroiter or a curious visitor, exploring the city’s legendary pizza spots is a delicious journey through history, creativity, and pure comfort.
1. Michigan & Trumbull (New Center / Core City, Detroit)
Revived and relocated to the buzzing Dreamtroit development, Michigan & Trumbull has become a neighborhood favorite all over again. Their lacy-edged squares are a work of art, with cheese that bubbles and browns into delicate, crunchy ribbons along every side. Seasonal toppings keep the menu fresh and exciting year-round.
The “Cowabunga” pie is a must-try, loaded with bold flavors that change with the harvest. Local food writers have showered this spot with rave reviews, praising both the quality and the creative spirit. The vibe is modern yet welcoming, perfect for families and pizza pilgrims alike.
Grab a seat, watch the pies emerge golden from the oven, and savor every cheesy, crispy corner.
2. Pie-Sci (Woodbridge, Detroit)
Pie-Sci treats pizza like a science experiment, and the results are delicious. Tucked in the artsy Woodbridge neighborhood, this spot blends classic Detroit-style technique with wild, weekly specials that surprise even the pickiest eaters. One week might bring a fig-and-prosciutto square, the next a spicy Thai-inspired creation.
Vegan and gluten-free diners won’t feel left out here. The kitchen takes dietary needs seriously, crafting pies that taste indulgent no matter the restrictions. The crust stays thick and pillowy, edges crisp, and toppings always inventive.
Regulars love the rotating menu because no two visits are ever the same. It’s pizza for adventurous eaters who crave both tradition and innovation on one pan.
3. Grandma Bob’s (Corktown, Detroit)
Grandma Bob’s brings funky, fearless energy to Corktown’s bustling food scene. Their square pies break all the rules in the best way, pairing unexpected ingredients like sausage and pistachio into combinations that somehow just work. Vegan options aren’t an afterthought here; they’re celebrated with the same creativity as the meat-loaded pies.
Recent reviews confirm the kitchen is humming along with steady hours and consistent quality. The sausage-pistachio square has become a local legend, balancing savory richness with a surprising nutty crunch. Each bite feels like a little rebellion against boring pizza.
The atmosphere is laid-back and quirky, matching the bold flavors on every plate. It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name.
4. Shield’s of Detroit (Midtown, Woodward Ave.)
Shield’s has been a metro Detroit staple for decades, and their Midtown location on Woodward Avenue keeps that tradition alive. The squares here are thick and airy, with a light, almost fluffy crumb beneath a blanket of melted cheese. Every slice feels substantial without being heavy.
Their full menu goes beyond pizza, but the Detroit-style squares remain the star attraction. Toppings are generous, and the cheese-to-sauce ratio is perfected after years of practice. The crust edges caramelize beautifully, offering that signature crunch locals crave.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, Shield’s delivers reliable, satisfying pizza every single time. It’s comfort food done right, with decades of experience in every bite.
5. Niki’s Pizza (Greektown, Detroit)
In the heart of Greektown, Niki’s Pizza has earned a devoted following for its square deep-dish pies with caramelized edges. This downtown stalwart blends Greek and Detroit traditions, creating something truly special. The feta-topped square is a menu highlight, adding tangy, salty richness to the classic formula.
Cheese stretches endlessly, and those golden-brown edges crunch with every bite. The sauce is bright and balanced, never overpowering the quality toppings. Locals and tourists alike line up for a taste, especially after catching a show or game nearby.
Niki’s proves that Detroit-style pizza can embrace multicultural influences without losing its soul. Each pie is a delicious reminder that great food brings communities together.
6. Jet’s Pizza — E. Jefferson (Detroit)
Jet’s Pizza started in Detroit and grew into a beloved chain, but the E. Jefferson location keeps it real with buttery, corner-proud squares. Those corners are the stuff of legend, crispy and golden, with cheese that practically fries against the hot pan. Online ordering makes grabbing a pie easy, even on the busiest nights.
The crust strikes a perfect balance: thick enough to hold generous toppings but light enough to finish multiple slices. Jet’s uses quality ingredients and never skimps on cheese. The buttery flavor comes through in every bite, making it feel indulgent yet comforting.
It’s proof that chain pizza can still honor Detroit’s deep-dish roots. Consistency and convenience meet hometown pride on every pan.
7. Cloverleaf (Eastpointe)
Cloverleaf carries one of the most important legacies in Detroit pizza history. After leaving Buddy’s, Gus Guerra opened this spot in Eastpointe and continued perfecting the square pie he helped invent in the 1940s. The recipe here is as close to the original as you can get, making every visit feel like a pilgrimage.
Thick, cheesy squares emerge from the oven with edges so caramelized they shatter at the first bite. The sauce is tangy and bright, balancing the richness of the cheese. Locals know this place is the real deal, no hype needed.
Eating at Cloverleaf is like tasting a piece of Detroit’s culinary soul. History and flavor come together on every pan.
8. Amar Pizza (Hamtramck)
Amar Pizza in Hamtramck brings heat and heritage to Detroit’s pizza scene. Bangladeshi-influenced flavors meet classic square pies, creating something bold and unforgettable. Ghost pepper options aren’t for the faint of heart, but they showcase how Detroit-style pizza can embrace global tastes without losing its identity.
The crust stays true to tradition: thick, airy, and crispy at the edges. Spicy toppings pack serious punch, balanced by cooling cheese and tangy sauce. Ordering and hours are current, making it easy to plan your visit and prepare your taste buds.
It’s a delicious reminder that Detroit’s pizza culture is alive, evolving, and unafraid to experiment. Every bite tells a story of community and creativity colliding.
9. Green Lantern Pizza (multiple metro locations)
Green Lantern Pizza is famous across metro Detroit for packing more pepperoni onto a pie than seems physically possible. Their deep-dish Detroit-style square is a meat lover’s dream, with layers of cheese holding everything together. Multiple locations make it easy to find a Green Lantern no matter where you are in the area.
The crust is thick and sturdy, standing up to all that pepperoni without getting soggy. Cheese stretches gloriously, and the edges crisp up beautifully in the pan. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Regulars swear by the pepperoni square, but the full menu offers plenty of variety. Consistency across locations means you know exactly what you’re getting every time.
10. Detroit Style Pizza Co. (St. Clair Shores)
Detroit Style Pizza Co. in St. Clair Shores isn’t just good; it’s award-winning. With world-champion pedigree, this spot has earned serious bragging rights while staying humble and community-focused. They ship pies nationwide, but nothing beats picking up a fresh square from the source.
The crust is perfectly engineered: crispy edges, fluffy interior, and cheese that caramelizes into golden-brown perfection. Every topping is carefully chosen for quality and flavor. Carryout and delivery options make it convenient, whether you’re local or just passing through.
Eating here feels like tasting the pinnacle of Detroit-style pizza. Passion, skill, and tradition come together in every expertly crafted pan.
11. Palazzo di Pizza (Royal Oak)
Palazzo di Pizza opened in Royal Oak in 2019 with one clear mission: make the best Detroit-style squares possible using top-quality ingredients. This metro newcomer quickly won over locals with pies that honor tradition while showcasing premium toppings. Every ingredient is carefully sourced, and it shows in the flavor.
The crust is thick and airy, with edges that caramelize into crunchy, cheesy perfection. Sauce is bright and well-balanced, never overwhelming the carefully chosen toppings. The attention to detail sets Palazzo apart from spots that cut corners.
It’s proof that newcomers can earn respect in Detroit’s competitive pizza scene. Quality and passion speak louder than decades of history when the pizza is this good.
12. Belle Isle Pizza (West Village, Detroit)
Belle Isle Pizza in West Village is a carryout gem offering Detroit deep-dish squares alongside traditional rounds. The 7 Villages pie is a neighborhood favorite, loaded with toppings that celebrate local flavor and pride. Building your own is equally satisfying, with plenty of options to customize your perfect square.
The crust is thick and satisfying, with edges that crisp up beautifully. Cheese stretches endlessly, and the sauce is tangy and bright. Carryout only means you’ll want to plan ahead, but the wait is always worth it.
It’s a cozy, community-focused spot where pizza is made with care and served with a smile. Locals know this is one of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets.
13. The Detroit Pizza Bar (Livernois & 6 Mile, Detroit)
The Detroit Pizza Bar at Livernois and 6 Mile brings halal-friendly Detroit-style pies to the community with style and flavor. The “Coleman Young” pie is a standout, honoring the city’s legendary mayor with bold toppings and classic technique. A rooftop opens in warm months, making it a perfect summer hangout spot.
Squares arrive hot and crispy, with cheese that melts into every corner. The halal options ensure everyone can enjoy authentic Detroit-style pizza without compromise. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, blending neighborhood vibes with serious pizza skills.
It’s a place where food, community, and history intersect deliciously. Every pie celebrates Detroit’s diversity and culinary creativity.
14. Buddy’s Pizza — Downtown Detroit (Broadway St.)
Buddy’s downtown outpost on Broadway Street brings the legendary Detroit-style brand to the city center. Active hours and online ordering make it easy to grab a pie before a game, concert, or night out. The same blue steel pans and classic recipe that made the original famous are alive and well here.
Squares arrive hot and golden, with cheese that caramelizes into those signature crunchy edges. The sauce goes on top, bright and tangy, protecting the toppings below. Downtown visitors and office workers alike rely on Buddy’s for a taste of authentic Detroit pizza.
It’s convenient, consistent, and always delicious. The downtown location makes Buddy’s accessible to everyone exploring the city.
