Unearth The Voyage
Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about amazing pizza, but locals know better. Tucked away in neighborhoods across Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and beyond are family-run pizzerias that have been perfecting their recipes for decades. These aren’t the flashy spots you see on Instagram—they’re the places where generations of Ohioans have celebrated birthdays, watched games, and created memories over crispy, cheese-covered slices.
1. Rubino’s Pizza (Bexley/Columbus)
Step inside Rubino’s and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to 1954. The décor hasn’t changed much, the pizza hasn’t either, and that’s exactly how locals want it. This cash-only gem serves whisper-thin, square-cut pies that crackle with every bite.
Columbus-style pizza is a thing here—sweet sauce, edge-to-edge toppings, and a crust so thin you can almost see through it. Order the pepperoni or sausage and watch the magic happen in a kitchen that’s been doing the same thing for nearly seventy years. No credit cards, no apps, no fuss—just honest pizza made the old way.
2. Terita’s Pizza (North Linden/Columbus)
Since 1959, the same family has been rolling dough and spreading that signature slightly sweet sauce at Terita’s. Locals swear by the generous toppings that reach every corner of the pie, leaving no sad, naked crust behind.
The house-made sausage is the real MVP here, crumbled thick and seasoned just right. Pair it with pepperoni for a double-meat masterpiece that tastes like Sunday dinner at your Italian grandmother’s house. The atmosphere is warm, the service friendly, and the pizza exactly what you’d hope for from a neighborhood spot that’s been feeding families for more than six decades.
3. Tommy’s Pizza (Upper Arlington/Columbus)
Tommy’s has been a Central Ohio tradition since 1952, and one bite tells you why. The crust is crisp, the cuts are party-style squares, and the taste brings back memories of tailgates and college game days.
Order the Deluxe or go with sausage and mushroom if you want the full experience. The pies come out hot, the cheese stretches just right, and the flavor is pure nostalgia. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see families, students, and longtime locals all sitting side by side, united by their love of a simple, well-made pizza that never tries to be anything more than it is.
4. Adriatico’s (OSU/Columbus)
Walk into Adriatico’s near Ohio State’s campus and you’ll understand why students and alumni alike make pilgrimages here. This spot is famous for its hearty Sicilian pies—thick, doughy, and loaded with toppings that don’t quit.
Go for the thick crust with pepperoni, or ask for the extra-garlicky dough if you’re feeling bold. The hand-tossed classics are solid too, but the Sicilian is what built the legend. Whether you’re fueling up before a game or nursing a late-night craving, Adriatico’s delivers the kind of satisfying, belly-filling pizza that college memories are made of.
5. Fireside Pizza (Walnut Hills/Cincinnati)
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century firehouse, Fireside Pizza combines history with flavor. The setting is humble, but the Neapolitan-leaning pies are anything but ordinary.
Each pizza is fired to perfection, with a blistered crust and simple, high-quality toppings. The Margherita is a must—fresh mozzarella, bright tomato sauce, and fragrant basil that tastes like summer. If you want a little kick, try the spicy pepperoni. Fireside proves you don’t need a fancy dining room or a celebrity chef to make exceptional pizza. Sometimes all you need is a hot oven, good ingredients, and a passion for doing things right.
6. Taglio (OTR, Columbia-Tusculum & more/Cincinnati)
Taglio brings Detroit-style pizza to the Queen City, and the results are downright addictive. These thick, rectangular slabs feature caramelized, crispy edges and creative toppings that celebrate local flavors.
The pepperoni with hot honey is a fan favorite—sweet, spicy, and perfectly balanced. They also serve solid New York-style slices if you’re in the mood for something thinner. With multiple locations around Cincinnati, Taglio makes it easy to get your fix. The vibe is laid-back, the staff is friendly, and the pizza is proof that sometimes the best traditions come from borrowing the best ideas and making them your own.
7. Mama Santa’s (Little Italy/Cleveland)
Mama Santa’s has been a Little Italy fixture since 1961, serving up nostalgic pizza nights in a humble dining room that feels like home. The recipes are family secrets, passed down and perfected over decades.
Order the sausage and pepperoni for a hearty, satisfying pie, or keep it simple with a cheese pizza that lets the dough and sauce shine. There’s nothing fancy here—just honest Italian-American cooking that tastes like tradition. Locals have been coming here for generations, celebrating milestones and making memories over red-sauce classics. If you want to taste Cleveland’s Italian heritage, Mama Santa’s is where you start.
8. Geraci’s (University Heights & area/Cleveland)
Geraci’s has been a Cleveland neighborhood institution since 1956, and the downtown Slice Shop keeps the legacy alive with unfussy, delicious pizza. Locals know to grab a classic cheese or pepperoni slice—simple, satisfying, and always reliable.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Hot Tito,” a local celebrity favorite that brings the heat. The vibe is no-nonsense, the slices are generous, and the quality is consistent. Whether you’re a longtime Clevelander or just passing through, Geraci’s offers a taste of the city’s working-class pizza roots—straightforward, affordable, and absolutely worth the stop.
9. Guido’s Pizza Haven & Restaurant (Chesterland/Geauga County)
East of Cleveland in quiet Chesterland, Guido’s Pizza Haven has built a loyal following with its cozy, old-school dining room and generous pies. This is the kind of place where everyone knows the owners and the pizza tastes like a family recipe.
The “Everything” pizza lives up to its name—piled high with toppings and big on flavor. If you prefer something meatier, go for a sausage-heavy pie that doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. Guido’s isn’t trying to reinvent pizza; it’s just doing it right, the way it’s been done for years, and that’s exactly what keeps people coming back.
10. Wedgewood Pizza (Austintown/Boardman – Mahoning Valley)
Since 1967, Wedgewood Pizza has been serving up Mahoning Valley classics in sheet-pan party pies perfect for feeding a crowd. This is regional pizza at its finest, with recipes that reflect the area’s unique Italian-American heritage.
The Original Deluxe is a safe bet, but don’t miss the Brier Hill—a Youngstown specialty topped with green peppers, tomatoes, and Romano cheese instead of mozzarella. It’s tangy, savory, and unlike anything you’ll find outside this corner of Ohio. Wedgewood is proof that every region has its own pizza identity, and the Mahoning Valley’s deserves more attention.
11. The Original Flying Pizza (Downtown/Dayton)
The Original Flying Pizza has been slinging New York-style slices in downtown Dayton since the early 1970s. This is grab-and-go pizza at its best—no tables, no fuss, just hot slices served over the counter.
Order a classic cheese or pepperoni, fold it in half the proper New York way, and enjoy. When available, the Sicilian is thick, satisfying, and worth the wait. Flying Pizza isn’t about atmosphere or ambiance; it’s about feeding hungry people quickly with pizza that actually tastes good. Sometimes that’s all you need—a solid slice, a fair price, and the kind of no-frills experience that keeps locals coming back decade after decade.
