Unearth The Voyage
Florida might be famous for sunshine and beaches, but locals know the real treasure lies in its pizza scene. From wood-fired Neapolitan masterpieces to foldable New York slices made with imported water, the Sunshine State has earned serious street cred among pizza lovers. Whether you’re hunting down a late-night slice in St. Pete or waiting in line at a Brooklyn legend transplanted to Miami Beach, these ten spots represent the absolute best pies Floridians swear by.
1. Eleventh Street Pizza — Miami (Downtown)
Born as a pandemic pop-up, this Downtown Miami gem has exploded into a full-blown obsession thanks to its sourdough-fermented dough and perfect char. Miami New Times crowned it “Best Pizza” in 2025, and Time Out gave it global recognition—not bad for a scrappy startup.
The secret lies in that tangy, airy sourdough base that supports both classic round slices and thick Sicilian squares. Order the pepperoni in either format and watch how the grease pools in those crispy little cups.
Locals line up because every bite delivers that elusive balance of chew, crunch, and flavor. It’s proof that sometimes the best things really do come from the toughest times.
2. Lucali — Miami Beach (Sunset Harbour)
When a Brooklyn legend sets up shop in Miami Beach, you know the standards are sky-high. Mark Iacono’s Lucali brings the same candlelit magic and blistered-crust perfection that made the original a New York institution.
Each 18-inch pie emerges from the wood-fired oven crowned with fresh basil and a simple but stunning sauce. The margherita is what locals call perfection—no frills, just flawless execution.
Reservations vanish faster than free samples at Costco, so prepare to wait. But once you fold into that chewy, charred crust, you’ll understand why people plan entire evenings around this place. MICHELIN and Eater Miami both agree: it’s worth every minute.
3. Pizza Bruno — Orlando (College Park & Curry Ford)
Orlando’s pizza king wears a MICHELIN rating like a crown, and one bite of those blistered Neapolitan pies explains why. The “Blanca” hits you with waves of roasted garlic, while the “5-0” divides crowds—but the brave ones always come back for more.
Owner Bruno Zacchini learned his craft in Italy, and it shows in every leopard-spotted crust. Orlando Weekly readers named it “Best Gourmet Pizza” in 2025, joining a chorus of critics who can’t stop raving.
With two locations now serving College Park and Curry Ford, you’ve got double the chances to snag a table. Just don’t skip the creative specials—Bruno’s imagination runs as hot as his ovens.
4. Eddie & Sam’s N.Y. Pizza — Tampa (Downtown)
Here’s a fun fact that sounds wild but is absolutely true: Eddie & Sam’s imports actual New York water to make their dough. That’s the kind of obsessive dedication that turns a downtown Tampa spot into a full-blown institution.
The result? Foldable, grease-dripping slices that taste like they were teleported straight from a Manhattan corner joint. Locals swear by the classic cheese slice, but the real cult favorite is the Lasagna Pie—a carb-loaded fever dream that somehow works.
Name-drop this place to any Tampa native and watch their eyes light up. It’s not just pizza; it’s a point of civic pride baked at 550 degrees.
5. Moon River Pizza — Jacksonville (Riverside & Springfield)
Jacksonville’s artsy Riverside and Springfield neighborhoods have a pizza heartbeat, and it beats inside Moon River. The vibe is laid-back, the walls showcase local art, and the slices? Absolutely massive.
Thin crust serves as the canvas for generously topped specialty pies that don’t mess around. The “Special #2” has achieved legendary status among Jax locals—order it once and you’ll join the club.
What makes Moon River essential isn’t just the pizza, though that’s certainly enough. It’s the neighborhood energy, the commitment to big flavors without pretension, and the fact that every visit feels like catching up with an old friend. Enjoy Travel knows what’s up when they spotlight this gem.
6. Joey Brooklyn’s Famous Pizza Kitchen — St. Petersburg (Downtown)
Steps from Jannus Live, Joey Brooklyn’s has saved countless post-concert appetites with classic New York slices served until the early hours. Even Barstool Sports stopped by to give it the pizza review treatment.
The plain slice is where true believers start—it’s the ultimate test of a pizzeria’s fundamentals. Crispy bottom, foldable structure, and that perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio that separates pretenders from contenders.
Downtown St. Pete comes alive at night, and Joey Brooklyn’s is the delicious fuel that keeps the party going. Whether you’re leaving a show or just wandering the streets, that neon glow promises exactly what you’re craving. Shop St. Petersburg lists it among essentials for good reason.
7. Pizza Craft Artisan Pizzeria — Fort Lauderdale (Himmarshee District)
Tucked into Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee District, Pizza Craft hides a delicious secret—literally. Behind the restaurant lies Apothecary 330, a speakeasy serving craft cocktails that pair beautifully with wood-fired pies.
Start with a simple margherita to appreciate the char and chew of that artisan crust. Then explore the creative menu while sipping a negroni from next door—it’s dinner and a show without leaving the building.
Miami New Times regularly lists it among Fort Lauderdale’s best, and the neighborhood vibe keeps locals coming back. It’s cozy without being cramped, inventive without being pretentious, and absolutely essential for anyone serious about pizza in South Florida.
8. Duetto Pizza & Gelato — Key West (Old Town)
Key West moves at its own pace, and Duetto fits right in with super-thin pies and house-made gelato that locals have voted “best of” year after year. Thousands of glowing reviews don’t lie—this Old Town spot nails the formula.
The crust is almost cracker-thin, letting toppings shine without weighing you down in the Florida heat. After you finish your slice, the gelato provides the perfect tropical cool-down.
Positioned perfectly for a quick bite between Duval Street adventures, Duetto has become as essential to the Key West experience as sunset at Mallory Square. It’s unpretentious, consistently delicious, and exactly what island life demands from its pizza.
9. Satchel’s Pizza — Gainesville
Part pizza parlor, part outdoor art installation, Satchel’s greets you with a vintage van, an actual plane, and enough quirky decor to fill a folk-art museum. But don’t let the spectacle distract you—the pizza is dead serious.
Taste of Home called it Florida’s best pizza, and Gainesville locals have been quietly agreeing for years. The pies balance creative toppings with solid fundamentals, proving you can be fun and excellent at the same time.
Grab a seat in the garden, order a pie, and soak in the wonderfully weird atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that reminds you pizza should be joyful, not just delicious—though Satchel’s absolutely delivers on both fronts.
10. O’Zone Pizza Pub — Pensacola (North Hill)
Hidden in the basement of Pensacola’s historic Sacred Heart Hospital building, O’Zone Pizza Pub feels like a delicious secret locals guard jealously. Brick walls, quirky vibes, and creative pies make this North Hill spot a legend.
The “Ponderosa Stomp” has achieved house-legend status—order it with a craft beer and settle in. Visit Pensacola highlights it for good reason: it’s the kind of neighborhood joint that defines a city’s food culture.
Locals pack the place not just for pizza but for the whole experience—the underground energy, the inventive menu, and the sense that you’ve discovered something truly special. That’s the O’Zone effect, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.
