Unearth The Voyage
Arizona might be famous for its desert landscapes and towering cacti, but locals know the state holds another treasure: incredible pizza. From Phoenix’s award-winning wood-fired masterpieces to mountain-town hideaways serving pies among the pines, these spots prove that great pizza can be found anywhere. Whether you’re craving thin crust with a perfect char or deep-dish Chicago style, these 16 pizzerias are worth the drive.
Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix
Critics across the country call this a pilgrimage site for pizza lovers, and locals wholeheartedly agree. House-milled flour, wood-fired ovens, and thoughtfully chosen toppings transform each pie into something unforgettable. Several food writers have even declared it the best pizza in the United States.
The wait can stretch for hours, but regulars insist it’s worth every minute. That smoky depth, the perfectly charred crust, and the way each flavor balances on your tongue set this spot apart. Expect a line, bring patience, and prepare for pizza that lives up to the hype.
La Grande Orange Pizzeria – Tucson
Farm-to-table philosophy meets pizza perfection at this Tucson favorite. Creative topping combinations highlight fresh, local produce, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and stylish. You might find arugula paired with unexpected cheeses or seasonal vegetables that change with the harvest.
Locals say this is one of those rare places where you’d happily make the drive to Tucson just for dinner and a slice. The quality shines through in every bite, and the commitment to fresh ingredients makes each visit feel special. It’s pizza with purpose, flavor, and a whole lot of heart.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistros – Scottsdale & Other Locations
Nostalgic comfort food meets hearty portions at this beloved Arizona chain. Thick crust, generous toppings, and fun indulgences like the famous Pizza Cookie for dessert make every meal feel like a celebration. The diner-style atmosphere adds to the charm, creating a place where families gather and memories are made.
Locals appreciate that Oregano’s delivers familiar flavors done exceptionally well. Nothing feels rushed or mass-produced here. Instead, you get quality ingredients, satisfying portions, and a menu that keeps people coming back year after year. It’s the kind of place that feels like home.
Crust Pizzeria – Mesa
Thin-crust enthusiasts have found their haven in Mesa. Known for pizzas with a crisp edge and inventive flavor combinations, this spot puts the crust front and center. Tight, charred, and with just enough chew, the foundation here is what makes everything else shine.
Locals often mention that the crust is the true star of the show. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender dough that holds toppings without getting soggy. Creative pairings keep the menu interesting, but even a simple margherita tastes extraordinary when the base is this good. It’s pizza craftsmanship at its finest.
Joe’s New York Pizza – Scottsdale & Tempe
Late-night cravings and big appetites meet their match at this classic slice shop. Large, foldable slices deliver authentic New York style, and the local crowd trusts this place for consistent quality. Whether you’re leaving a concert or just need a reliable pizza fix, this spot delivers.
Regulars say the line after a show is always worth it. The crust folds perfectly, the cheese stretches just right, and the sauce hits that sweet spot between tangy and savory. It’s no-frills pizza done exactly how it should be, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Hot Daisy Pizza – Phoenix (Roosevelt Row)
Art-district energy infuses every aspect of this Roosevelt Row gem. Creative toppings, day-to-day specials, and thin crust done right make each visit an adventure. The vibe matches the neighborhood: eclectic, vibrant, and always evolving.
Locals love the variability here because every visit might bring something new and delicious. One week you might find a pizza topped with roasted beets and goat cheese, the next could feature spicy sausage with honey drizzle. The thin crust provides the perfect canvas for culinary experimentation, and the kitchen never holds back on flavor or creativity.
Vero Chicago Pizza – Queen Creek
Deep-dish devotees no longer need to fly to Chicago. This Queen Creek spot brings authentic Chicago-style pies to Arizona with buttery crusts, hearty cheese layers, and rich, satisfying flavor. Each pie takes time to prepare, but the result is worth the wait.
Locals say if you’re craving real deep-dish, this is absolutely the drive. The crust is flaky and golden, the cheese pulls apart in long, gooey strands, and the chunky tomato sauce on top ties everything together. It’s a knife-and-fork pizza experience that transports you straight to the Windy City.
Pizza To The Rescue – Phoenix
Great pizza with a heartwarming mission makes this Phoenix spot stand out. Craft crusts, quality toppings, and a commitment to helping rescue puppies add charm to every meal. The concept is simple: eat pizza, save puppies, and everyone wins.
Locals mention the pizza tastes even better when you know they’re doing good in the community. The flavors are bold, the ingredients are fresh, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Whether you’re a dog lover or just a pizza enthusiast, this place delivers on both fronts. It’s feel-good food in the best possible way.
Rosa’s Pizzeria – Prescott Valley
Sometimes the best pizza hides in unexpected places. This strip-mall gem in Prescott Valley proves that location doesn’t determine quality. Solid dough, good sauce, and reliable flavor have turned this into a local secret that people guard jealously.
Locals say it’s one of those places you stop at on your way out of town and then vow to return. Nothing fancy, nothing trendy—just honest pizza made with care. The kind of spot where the owner knows regulars by name and the recipe hasn’t changed in years. That consistency is what keeps people coming back.
Old County Inn – Pine
Mountain-town magic transforms pizza into an experience at this Pine hideaway. Sit on the deck, breathe in cool air scented with pines, and enjoy wood-fired pizza that tastes even better surrounded by nature. The setting alone makes this worth the journey.
Locals say the combination of location and pizza makes the drive part of the adventure. Escaping the desert heat for mountain breezes while eating exceptional pizza feels like a mini vacation. The pies are delicious, but the atmosphere elevates everything. It’s the kind of place you remember long after the last bite.
Brooklyn Pizza Company – Tucson
Solar-powered ovens and family recipes come together at this Tucson favorite. New York-style slices stand up to the desert heat, literally and figuratively. The commitment to sustainability doesn’t compromise flavor—if anything, it enhances the experience.
Locals mention that the crust holds together even when you’re walking out with it, which is always a good sign. The fold test passes with flying colors, and the flavor profile stays true to Brooklyn roots. Family traditions meet Arizona innovation here, creating pizza that respects the past while embracing the future.
Fratelli Pizza – Flagstaff
Northern Arizona’s pizza scene shines at this Flagstaff staple. Stone-deck ovens, a warm comfy interior, and locals who know altitude doesn’t compromise flavor make this a must-visit. The mountain setting adds character, but the pizza stands on its own merits.
Regulars say when you’re near Flagstaff, skip the chain restaurants back home and come here instead. The crust achieves that perfect balance of crispy and chewy, even at high elevation. Toppings are generous without overwhelming, and the atmosphere feels like gathering with friends. It’s pizza that makes you want to linger.
Venezia’s New York Style Pizzeria – Gilbert
A suburban favorite with a glowing neon sign and strong New York-style credentials. Foldable crust, sauce balanced just right, and friendly staff create the complete package. This is the kind of neighborhood spot that becomes part of your routine.
Locals say this is the slice to grab after running errands or picking up kids from practice. Nothing complicated, nothing pretentious—just solid pizza that hits the spot every single time. The consistency is remarkable, and the portions are generous. It’s the dependable friend of the Gilbert pizza scene.
Salerno’s – Gilbert
Family-owned tradition runs deep at this Gilbert institution. Rooted in Italian heritage, everything from the dough to the sauce to the hospitality is done right. The area around it has changed dramatically over the years, but Salerno’s remains wonderfully constant.
Locals like that it hasn’t changed even as Gilbert has grown into a bustling suburb. The recipes stay true, the service stays warm, and the pizza stays delicious. Walking through the door feels like stepping into a different era, when family recipes were guarded treasures and hospitality meant something. That authenticity is rare and precious.
CIBO – Phoenix
Elegant yet relaxed, this Phoenix gem occupies a beautifully restored bungalow. Artisanal pies showcase a focus on dough and craft rather than gimmicks. The setting feels special without being stuffy, creating an atmosphere where great food takes center stage.
Locals say this place feels like more than just lunch—it’s pizza with intention. Every ingredient is chosen carefully, every technique is executed precisely, and the result is consistently excellent. The restored building adds historical charm, but the pizza is what keeps people returning. It’s sophistication served on a perfectly charred crust.
Pizzicletta – Flagstaff
Neapolitan spirit thrives in the Arizona mountains at this Flagstaff favorite. Thin crust, wood-fired heat, and inventive toppings like arugula and prosciutto bring Italian authenticity to the high country. The attention to detail shows in every element, from dough preparation to final presentation.
Locals say it’s pizza-tour worthy, especially if you’re exploring the Flagstaff area. The crust achieves that signature Neapolitan leopard-spotting, with charred bubbles and tender centers. Toppings are applied with restraint, allowing each flavor to shine. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you slow down and savor every bite.
