Some of the best pizza in Ohio hides inside plain little buildings you could drive past a hundred times. You walk in expecting an ordinary slice, and you walk out planning your next visit before the car door even closes.
The Youngstown area has a pizza culture so proud that locals will happily argue it tops anything up the road in Cleveland. Grab a napkin, because these nine shops make a very tasty case.
1. Wedgewood Fernando’s Pizza, Austintown, OH
Pickle pizza. Pierogi pizza.
A local favorite called the Brier Hill. Wedgewood Fernando’s on South Raccoon Road has never been shy about getting creative, yet its heart stays rooted in classic Austintown comfort.
Pies come round or in big sheet pans, perfect for feeding a whole crew. The dough tastes homemade, the cheese is the real deal, and the crust leans thick enough to carry a generous pile of toppings.
Garlic pizza bread, hot peppers in oil, and hot honey dip cups round out the order nicely.
Service runs at the counter, and the room feels cozy and casual, with free Wi-Fi and high chairs for little ones. Prices sit around $10 to $20 per person.
Plan around Monday, since the doors stay closed, and expect a rush on Friday and Saturday evenings. A full vegetarian menu and a gluten-free option mean nobody in the group gets left out.
2. The Elmton, Struthers, OH
Back in 1945, The Elmton opened its doors on 5th Street in Struthers, and the town has been showing up hungry ever since. Few places in the Mahoning Valley carry that kind of hometown history.
Pizza here comes by the slice or the whole pie, with a crust that turns out crispy and thick. Still, plenty of regulars split their order, because the broasted chicken is a legend of its own.
Add handmade french fries, wings, butter and onion pierogies, or a grilled cheese, and you have a true Valley feast.
Family-owned and cozy, it offers table service, a kids’ menu, and a private dining room for bigger gatherings. Want pizza later?
Grab a frozen 12-inch pie to bake at home. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, with Sundays and Mondays off, so plan your trip accordingly and arrive early on Friday nights.
3. Avalon Downtown Pizzeria, Youngstown, OH
Downtown Youngstown has a certain buzz on Federal Street, and Avalon sits right in the middle of it. The vibe mixes city energy with a speakeasy-like charm, complete with flat-screen TVs for game nights.
Award-winning pies are the main draw. Buffalo chicken and pepperoni lead the pack, made with fresh ingredients and baked just right.
Don’t skip the pepperoni rolls either, since they have earned a serious reputation around town.
The menu stretches well past pizza. Wedding soup, fried pickles, onion rings, fried dough, and cannoli make it easy to graze.
Families, college students, and groups all feel at home, and a full vegetarian menu adds flexibility.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Saturday evenings. Parking includes street spots and paid lots nearby, so give yourself a few extra minutes downtown.
4. Sunrise Inn of Warren, Warren, OH
Breakfast at 9 AM, deep dish at dinner, and cheesecake for dessert. Sunrise Inn of Warren covers the whole day, and it has been doing so as a beloved Trumbull County classic for a long time.
Lively and welcoming, the place blends a family restaurant with a pizza shop feel. The Deluxe Deep Dish and Greek Pizza get plenty of attention, but the scratch-made kitchen spreads its talents wide.
Veal parmesan, Cajun chicken alfredo, the Pizza Burger Splash, and homemade soups all have loyal fans.
Portions run big, especially the salads, so come hungry or plan on leftovers. A kids’ menu, high chairs, and a full vegan and vegetarian menu keep every family member happy.
Reservations are welcome, and the doors open seven days a week. Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, while weekday mornings stay calm.
5. Nicky’s Pizzeria, Youngstown, OH
Sometimes the best pizza hides on a quiet stretch of road. Nicky’s, out on McCartney Road, is that kind of neighborhood gem, the place locals mention with a knowing smile.
Crust comes thin and crispy, and the balance of sauce, toppings, and cheese is spot on. Expect piping hot, gooey cheese, flavorful pepperoni, and a red sauce worth bragging about.
Try the pepperoni and hot peppers pizza for a true Youngstown kick.
Pepperoni rolls here rank among the best in the area. Wings deserve attention too, especially the spicy ranch version.
Fresh, homemade ingredients set the tone, and the atmosphere stays relaxed and kid-friendly. There is no table service, so grab your order and settle in, or take it home.
Weekend afternoons get busy, while Monday and Tuesday afternoons are calmer. Prices land around $10 to $20 a person.
6. Cornersburg Pizza, Youngstown, OH
Here is a quirky detail that makes Cornersburg stand out: the pepperoni goes on after the pizza comes out of the oven. That little twist keeps the slices tasting fresh and bold.
The rest of the pie follows a careful formula. The crust is not too thick and not too thin, with a satisfying bite and chew.
The sauce shines, and the cheese-to-sauce ratio hits that sweet spot.
Located on Canfield Road, this casual shop is built mostly for takeout. There is no restroom and no table service, so think grab-and-go.
Curbside pickup and delivery make it even easier. A full vegan and vegetarian menu means everyone can find a favorite.
Hours run noon to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 PM on Sundays. Expect to spend about $20 to $30 per person.
7. Uptown Pizza (Liberty), Youngstown, OH
Love cheese? Uptown on Belmont Avenue might be your new happy place.
The pies arrive smothered, and nobody here thinks there is such a thing as too much.
Part of the fun is the show. You can watch the pizza maker shuffle pies between different ovens, chasing that perfect crunch and golden color.
The result is an old-fashioned pizza house experience, with excellent dough and generous toppings at friendly prices.
Beyond pizza, the subs come stuffed with meat and cheese, and the steak hoagie is a solid pick. Ravioli and meatballs and a comforting wedding soup round things out nicely.
The room feels cozy and family-oriented, with table service, high chairs, and fast turnaround. Note that delivery is not offered, so plan to dine in or pick up.
Weeknight evenings and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
8. Cocca’s Pizza, Canfield, OH
Picture a pizza night where the kids have a play area, the adults have a game room, and live music fills the air. Cocca’s in Canfield turns dinner into a full outing.
Wednesdays are especially fun, thanks to a pizza buffet packed with variety, including dessert pizzas, for $6.99. Menu stars include huge pepperoni rolls, taco pizza, white pizza, chicken bacon ranch, fried ravioli, and jumbo wings.
Takeout pies come cooked well and loaded with toppings.
One tip before you go: use the Shields Road entrance, since that is the only way in. Outdoor seating, a kids’ menu, and birthday-friendly space make it a family favorite.
Reservations are accepted, and hours run late, until 11 PM most nights. Thursday and Saturday evenings bring the crowds, so arrive early if you want the buffet at its freshest.
9. Bruno Brothers Pizza, Boardman, OH
Bring your appetite, because Da Big Bruno does not mess around. The deep dish comes fully loaded, with a crust that crunches outside and stays chewy inside.
Bruno Brothers on Market Street in Boardman handles several styles with confidence. Sicilian, Neapolitan, and New York pepperoni all share a great dough and a sturdy undercarriage.
The sauce has real depth of seasoning, which really shines on the margherita.
Pepperoni rolls arrive packed with cheese, and homemade garlic rolls, stuffed pizza slices, and bone-in wings make tempting sidekicks. Subs and other Italian favorites fill out the menu.
The dining room is clean and relaxed, with spotless restrooms and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. A kids’ menu helps families.
Hours run 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 PM Sunday, with Thursday and Friday evenings busiest.
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