Unearth The Voyage
Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about pizza, but locals know better. From Cleveland’s blistered Neapolitan pies to Columbus’s legendary square-cut style, the Buckeye State has carved out its own delicious slice of pizza history. Whether you’re craving wood-fired crust or old-school comfort food, these seven spots prove that Ohio’s pizza scene can hold its own against anywhere in the country.
1. Angelo’s Pizza (Lakewood, Cleveland area)
Walk into Angelo’s on Madison Avenue and you’ll immediately understand why this Lakewood gem has been packing tables for decades. Creative specialty pies are the name of the game here—think baked potato pizza loaded with sour cream and bacon, or a Philly cheesesteak pie that tastes like it came straight from Pennsylvania.
Families love the generous portions and welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a regular. The Deluxe pizza remains a crowd favorite, stacked high with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers.
Located at 13715 Madison Avenue, Angelo’s proves that sometimes the best pizza isn’t about fancy ingredients—it’s about heart, creativity, and knowing exactly what your neighborhood craves.
2. Il Rione (Cleveland, Gordon Square)
Gordon Square’s culinary crown jewel, Il Rione brings authentic Neapolitan tradition to Cleveland’s west side. Their wood-fired oven produces pies with those signature leopard-spotted crusts that pizza purists dream about.
The Diavola pizza—topped with spicy salami and hot honey—has become legendary among locals who know good pizza when they taste it. Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, this spot has earned its reputation as Cleveland’s finest in multiple local competitions.
Located at 1303 West 65th Street, the restaurant buzzes with energy and conversation. The rotating specials keep regulars coming back, always curious about what creative combination the kitchen will dream up next.
3. Terita’s Pizza (North Linden, Columbus)
Family-owned since 1959, Terita’s has been making Columbus residents happy for over six decades. Their secret weapon? House-made sausage that adds a depth of flavor you simply can’t get from pre-made ingredients.
Terita’s Special loads up that signature thin crust with their famous sausage, while the sausage and green pepper combination offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Like most Columbus pizza, it arrives cut into those satisfying squares.
Located at 3905 Cleveland Avenue, this North Linden gem has weathered changing neighborhoods and evolving tastes by staying true to what works. Recent reviews consistently praise both the quality and the warm, welcoming service that makes customers feel like family.
4. Hounddog’s 3 Degree Pizza (Clintonville/OSU, Columbus)
When Ohio State students and Clintonville locals need a late-night fix, Hounddog’s delivers—literally and figuratively. The cult-favorite Smokin’ Joe’s crust adds a spicy kick that transforms ordinary pizza into something memorable.
Try the Smokin’ Joe’s pepperoni for a flavor explosion, or venture into quirky territory with the taco pizza. The extensive beer list pairs perfectly with whatever pie you choose, making this a destination for craft beer lovers too.
Located at 2657 North High Street, Hounddog’s has become a Columbus institution by embracing creativity and never taking itself too seriously. The vibe is casual, the pizzas are delicious, and the memories made here last well beyond graduation.
5. The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar (Toledo)
New York-style pizza has found a devoted following in Toledo, thanks to The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar. Located near the University of Toledo at 3115 West Bancroft Street, this spot serves up authentic, foldable slices that would make any New Yorker nod in approval.
The pepperoni slice showcases everything great about NY-style: thin but sturdy crust, quality toppings, and that satisfying fold-and-eat technique. For bigger appetites, build your own 18-inch pie with classic toppings.
The name reflects the owner’s determination to bring real East Coast pizza to Northwest Ohio, and locals appreciate the stubborn commitment to quality. Fresh ingredients and proper technique make every slice worth the visit.
6. Pizza Crossing (Logan & Lancaster; Hocking Hills)
Sometimes the best pizza hides in unexpected places. Pizza Crossing, with locations in Logan and Lancaster near the Hocking Hills, has earned statewide recognition despite its small-town roots.
National travel site Far & Wide named it Ohio’s best pizza—high praise that Columbus media quickly amplified. The pepperoni pizza delivers classic satisfaction, while the taco pizza offers adventurous eaters something different.
Don’t skip the cheesy breadsticks, which have achieved legendary status among regulars. Both locations remain active and beloved by locals who appreciate quality ingredients and throwback hospitality. When you’re exploring Hocking Hills, Pizza Crossing proves that great pizza can be found anywhere passion and skill intersect.
7. Old Scratch Pizza (Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville)
Old Scratch Pizza in Dayton offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Known for its wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, this spot captures the essence of community dining.
The minimalist decor and open kitchen design invite guests to witness the art of pizza-making. It’s a place where laughter and conversations flow as freely as the craft beers on tap.
Whether it’s a classic Margherita or a creative seasonal special, each slice tells a story of passion and quality. Locals swear by it, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers.
