Unearth The Voyage
Arkansas might not be the first place you think of when craving amazing pizza, but the Natural State is home to some seriously good pie shops. From wood-fired Neapolitan classics to crispy New York-style slices, local pizzerias across the state are serving up fresh, creative, and downright delicious options. Whether you’re exploring downtown Hot Springs, hanging out in Little Rock’s Heights district, or checking out the buzzing food scene in Northwest Arkansas, these pizza spots deserve a place on your must-visit list.
1. DeLuca’s Pizza — Hot Springs
Anthony Valinoti turned this Hot Springs gem into a destination that pizza lovers travel hours to visit. Hand-stretched dough gets blistered to perfection in a brick oven, creating pies with that ideal crispy-yet-chewy crust. The shop moved downtown to Central Avenue after the original six-table space couldn’t handle the crowds anymore.
Pies are made in limited batches, so arriving early is smart—they sell out regularly. Classic New York-leaning pepperoni showcases their technique beautifully, while white pies offer a creamy, garlicky alternative. If meatballs appear on the menu, order them without hesitation.
Dave Portnoy’s 8.7 rating helped put DeLuca’s on the national radar, but locals knew about this treasure long before.
2. ZAZA Fine Salad & Wood-Oven Pizza Co. — Little Rock (Heights)
Oak wood fuels the ovens at this fast-casual favorite, blending Italian tradition with Southern charm. Located in Little Rock’s historic Heights neighborhood, ZAZA has built a loyal following over the years by consistently delivering quality without pretension. Families, couples, and solo diners all find something to love here.
Neapolitan-style margherita pizzas emerge from the oven with beautifully charred edges and fresh basil. But don’t sleep on the salads—they’re made from scratch and could easily be a meal on their own. House-made gelato provides the perfect sweet finish.
The casual vibe means you can pop in wearing jeans and leave completely satisfied without breaking the bank.
3. Wood Stone Craft Pizza + Bar — Fayetteville
With two Fayetteville locations, Wood Stone has become a community hub where creative pizza meets local beer culture. Everything’s made from scratch, and the kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment with bold flavor combinations. Buffalo cream, asiago, and Korean BBQ sauces show up alongside more traditional options.
Their menu shifts with the seasons, keeping regulars coming back to see what’s new. The “T.H.I.S.S.S.” pie (yes, all those S’s) and smoky pork-topped creations earn consistent praise. Pair any pizza with a Northwest Arkansas craft brew for the full experience.
The relaxed atmosphere welcomes everyone from college students to families looking for a casual night out.
4. U.S. Pizza Co. — Statewide (Little Rock-born classic)
Since 1972, U.S. Pizza Co. has been an Arkansas institution, proving that simple done right never goes out of style. Stone-hearth ovens bake thin-crust pies that stay crispy from the first bite to the last. Multiple locations across the state make it easy to find one near you.
Cracker-thin pepperoni represents the classic experience—cheese melted perfectly, sauce balanced just right, crust that snaps when you fold it. The house salad complements any pizza order beautifully. Sandwiches round out the menu for anyone not in a pizza mood.
Groups especially appreciate the casual atmosphere and menu variety that keeps everyone happy, from picky kids to adventurous eaters.
5. Oven & Tap — Bentonville (Downtown)
Just steps from Bentonville’s downtown square, Oven & Tap transforms pizza night into a proper evening out. An Italian-crafted oven anchors the kitchen, turning out pies that balance Old World technique with Southern hospitality. The tap list and cocktail menu deserve as much attention as the food.
Margherita pizza showcases what the oven can do—blistered crust, fresh mozzarella, bright tomato sauce. Seasonal salads change throughout the year, always featuring fresh ingredients. Daily specials keep the menu interesting for regulars who visit weekly.
The neighborhood vibe makes it perfect for catching up with friends over a bottle of wine or celebrating something special without feeling stuffy.
6. Pizzeria Ruby — Springdale (Johnson)
Big eighteen-inch New York-style pies and all-day slices have made Pizzeria Ruby a Northwest Arkansas sensation. Expect crowds during peak hours—locals gladly wait because they know what’s coming. The menu extends beyond pizza to include pastas and soft-serve gelato for dessert.
White Pie stands out with fontina, whipped ricotta, and sweet onion jam creating flavor combinations that surprise first-timers. Classic pepperoni slices satisfy traditional cravings perfectly. The Johnson location buzzes with energy, especially on weekends.
Grab a slice for lunch or commit to a full pie for dinner. Either way, the quality stays consistent from the first customer to the last one out the door.
7. SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint — Hot Springs
A family-run brewpub where house-brewed beer and hand-made pizza come together in a lovingly restored downtown building. The story behind SQZBX’s creation adds heart to every visit—owners poured passion into both the space and the recipes. Visitor reviews consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and quality.
Simple pepperoni pizza paired with a house ale represents the core experience perfectly. The beer selection rotates, giving regulars new options to explore. Pizza specials change regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients and creative ideas from the kitchen.
Downtown Hot Springs offers plenty to explore before or after your meal, making SQZBX an easy addition to any itinerary in the area.
8. The Pizzeria — Little Rock (Heights)
Neapolitan tradition meets Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood at this locally owned spot that’s become a date-night favorite. An Italian wood-burning oven imported specifically for authentic results produces pies with leopard-spotted crusts and perfectly melted cheese. The intimate setting encourages conversation and lingering over wine.
Prosciutto-arugula pizza balances salty meat with peppery greens beautifully, while margherita remains the benchmark for judging technique. The wine and cocktail list receives as much care as the food menu. Reservations help, especially on weekends.
Whether celebrating an anniversary or just escaping Tuesday night routine, The Pizzeria delivers an experience that feels special without trying too hard.
9. Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom — Little Rock (SoMa)
SoMa’s trendy dining scene finds a cornerstone in Raduno, where brick-oven pizzas share menu space with Italian-leaning small plates. The beverage program runs deep, offering carefully selected wines, craft cocktails, and local beers. Reservations are accepted and recommended, especially for weekend evenings.
Classic margherita demonstrates their mastery of fundamentals—San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil. Pancetta-topped specialty pies add richness and depth for those wanting something heartier. Small plates let you build a full Italian-inspired meal beyond just pizza.
Well-reviewed by both critics and everyday diners, Raduno has earned its reputation through consistent execution and genuine hospitality in every visit.
10. Vino’s Brewpub — Little Rock (Downtown)
Since 1990, Vino’s has been Little Rock’s original brewpub, serving New York-style pizza with a scrappy, authentic vibe that newer spots can’t replicate. House-brewed beers flow from taps while live music fills the space several nights weekly. Calzones stuffed with cheese and toppings offer an alternative to traditional pies.
Grab a slice and a house pint for the quintessential Vino’s experience. Weekday pizza specials make it even more budget-friendly for students and locals who visit regularly. The atmosphere feels lived-in and welcoming, never pretentious or polished.
Three decades of operation prove that doing pizza and beer right, with good music and zero attitude, creates something timeless worth preserving.
