If you ask ten different people what their favorite local pizza joint is, you'll likely get ten different answers.
Whether you're looking for an enormous slice of New York-style or a fancier slice of authentic Neapolitan pie, Tucson is home to an array of options.
Below are local pizza choices, categorized by style, in Tucson. For the most part, they're all pizzerias or restaurants known for their pizza — not places that happen to also serve pizza.
Also, if you're looking for a slice of vegan pizza, check out our Vegan Pizza Guide.
Typically New York-style pizza means large slices, a light layer of tomato sauce, lots of mozzarella cheese, and a thin crust — sometimes charred and usually hand-tossed. The crust usually has a crunch around the edge, but the pizza is soft in the middle.
When it comes to New York-style, Tucson has plenty of it.
Arizona Pizza Company has just one location in Tucson now. The pizza crust isn't quite thin enough to be officially classified as New York-style, but definitely not thick enough to be deep dish. The wings are also a worthy menu option.
For more information, visit azpizzacompany.com.
Along with sister company Sky Bar, Brooklyn Pizza Company is solar-powered to better our environment and our economy.
And let's not forget about the garlic knots — they're talked about almost as much as the pizza.
For more information, visit brooklynpizzacompany.com.
Dominick's Real Italian serves Italian favorites, but the pizzas are the hit of the menu.
Dominick's allows the option to dine-in, order online for carryout, and delivery. Besides the pizza, the garlic knots, and chicken marsala are the talk of the restaurant.
For more information, visit dominicksrealitalian.com.
Located in the heart of downtown, New York-inspired Empire Pizza offers a convenient location for your night out.
And if you're craving pizza at 2 a.m., no problem. Empire is open until 3 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and also has late-night deliveries in the works.
For more information, visit empirepizzapub.com.
Some people love it, others don't. But one thing's for sure — Mama's is a Tucson essential for pizza.
The slices at Mama's are gargantuan — that in itself is enough to differentiate them from other pizzas mentioned.
For more information, visit mamasfamous.com.
No Anchovies offers a large menu, full bars on two stories, a nightclub, and over 50 flat-screen televisions.
Five different pizza favorites feature chicken on top. And no, anchovies are not on the list of available toppings.
For more information, visit noanchoviespizza.com.
Unaffiliated with the similarly-named pizza chain, this east side favorite moved from its longtime Wilmot Road location to a space on Tanque Verde Road.
Toppings venture into adventurous territory with options such as sauerkraut, hot cherry peppers, and eggplant.
For more information, visit nypizzadepartment.com.
Located near the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, family-owned PieZano's began serving Tucson in 2012. Heavy New York inspiration comes through with photos of the Big Apple on the walls and intimate space.
The hand-tossed pizzas are made fresh with a slightly sweet sauce and quality toppings.
For more information, visit piezanostucson.com.
Serial Grillers was created by two brothers who wanted to bring something different to Tucson. With a creative theme and mouthwatering food, they've certainly accomplished their goal.
Serial Grillers also serve a mean burger and cheesesteak, but the pizzas are definitely the menu highlight, all of which are named after serial killers and thriller films — Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Copycat, and Natural Born Killers, to name a few.
For more information, visit serialgrillersaz.com.
Trident Pizza Pub took over the former space of Grimaldi's to showcase their own brick oven pizza. Although they did inherit the acrobatic pizza chef.
Keep an eye out for monthly specials such as the New Haven White Clam pizza.
For more information, visit tridentgrill.com/pizzapub.
Deep dish pizza is the most famous style in Chicago. The dough is pressed against a deep pan and the cheese is added first, followed by toppings, and the sauce goes on top.
Because a deep dish needs longer cooking time than a standard pizza, the reverse order keeps the toppings from burning. It's also wise to call ahead to avoid a wait.
Stuffed pizzas are also common in Chicago. The dough is added to a pan followed by toppings and cheese, and then another layer of dough. Thin crust can also be found in Chicago, but unlike New York-style, the pizza crust is crispier and often cut into squares.
Although it isn't a pizza-focussed restaurant, Frog & Firkin in Main Gate Square deserves a mention for its deep-dish pizza similar to Chicago-style.
Rocco's has been serving Tucson for over two decades and people could not be happier about it.
If you want authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza in Tucson, Rocco's is the place to go. The pizzeria serves thin crust and stuffed pizzas, but the deep dish is the popular choice by far.
For more information, visit roccoslittlechicago.com.
Naples is proud of their pizza. And rightfully so.
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas abide by the rules of the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana in Italy, although not all of the Tucson establishments serving this style have received certification. By the criteria of the association, Neapolitan pizza dough must be made of wheat flour, kneaded by hand, carefully measured in thickness, and baked in a wood-fired oven. Also, Neapolitan pies are usually made with imported or handmade ingredients such as fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes.
The following places elevate the art and authenticity of pizza. And they're typically great spots for a more intimate experience sans TV.
Anello offers a beautifully minimalist environment and menu highlighting the quality and seasonal ingredients. Always make sure to order the seasonal vegetable special.
While the pizzas are fantastic on their own, feel free to add some premium La Quercia prosciutto, 'nduja salami, or local Forbes Italian sausage.
For more information, visit anello.space.
Located next to the Century Theatre at the Oro Valley Marketplace, the restaurant features warm woods and whimsical art, bar seating, and a spacious patio with a glorious view of the Pusch Ridge mountains.
Owner Reza Shapouri spent the past year and a half making pizzas in his backyard until he was fully confident with his recipe; the Neapolitan-inspired crust is charred beautifully the ingredients are clearly good quality.
For more information, visit charredpie.com.
Located in a small, intimate space on Broadway west of Country Club, Falora offers wood-baked pizza with a smoky and delicious flavor.
The Neapolitan pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven built by third-generation oven builder Stefano Ferrara. The oven, which burns pecan wood at 700 degrees without gas, coal, or electricity, was shipped from Italy and forklifted into the restaurant's kitchen.
Fiamme has its own brick-and-mortar joint seating only a handful of guests at a time to reflect the authenticity of pizzerias in Naples, Italy.
Additionally, Fiamme bakes each of their pizzas in an imported Italian Valoriani oven with flour and tomatoes imported from Naples.
For more information, visit fiammepizzatucson.com.
Proof offers a wide variety of pizza options with countless components made from scratch in-house.
Enjoy a traditional margherita or a divisive pineapple pizza on the cozy climate-controlled patio looking over the St. Philip's Plaza.
For more information, visit prooftucson.com.
Vero Amore was founded by brothers Aric and Josh Mussman in 2006 when they felt Tucson was lacking in its pizza scene. Together, they opened an Italian restaurant featuring traditional Neapolitan pizzas.
They also became the first certified Neapolitan pizzeria in all of Arizona. To remain certified, Vero Amore dedicates a lot of time and care to each of their pizzas.
Rumor has it, a small speakeasy is hidden nearby.
For more information, visit veroamorepizza.com.
Differing versions of Sicilian pizza, also called the Italian tomato pie, comes from two areas — Sicily, Italy, and the less-authentic evolution in U.S. cities.
More often than not, the pizza has a thick crust and is cut into squares. Sicilian-style pizza also has more sauce, cheese, and dough than a Neapolitan pie would.
In Sicily, the pizza sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and anchovies and is topped with bread crumbs and sometimes grated cheese. The U.S. version is usually topped with the typical tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Besides the one pizzeria listed below, New York Pizza Department on Wilmot Road and Mama's Famous Pizza (listed above) also offer Sicilian-style, though they're most popular for New York-style.
Located on Congress east of Grande Avenue, Los Olivos is often credited as the best pizza in west Tucson.
If the taste isn't enough to draw you in, the price should be. The 14-inch specialty pizzas are priced as low as $10.95. Plus, if you follow their social media, they often have even better discounts.
Keep up with Los Olivos Pizzeria en Menlo Park on Facebook.
In February 2022, Squared Up Pizza opened up and has been slingin’ dough left and right since its conception.
“We use a New York WaterMaker,” said Patrick McColley. “It’s a machine specifically designed for my water main and turns Tucson water into the best drinking and baking water. New York’s water is naturally filtered through the Catskill Mountains, and the calcium and magnesium levels in it are what make the yeast react to the growing.”
For more information, follow Squared Up Pizza on Instagram.
The pizzas that don't really fit in with the rest. New York-style? Not quite. But not quite Chicago-style or Neapolitan either.
Most of these are not your standard pepperoni and cheese pizzas. The toppings and ingredients are different, innovative, and definitely creative.
“I owe my recipes to my mom Joanne Avella, pizza experts Tony Gemignani and Francisco Pinello, and lots of practice,” co-owner Andrew Avella said.
The style of the cuisine treads somewhere between Italian-American and traditional Italian. The pizza crust combines qualities of both styles.
“We achieve a hybrid Neapolitan-New York crust by using high gluten all-purpose flour and cooking it at a slightly higher temp than most pizzerias,” Avella said.
For more information, visit baciotucson.com.
Phoenix-based pizza chain Barro’s Pizza features two Tucson locations.
The crust is available original and thin. Prices are some of the most affordable with a wide range of non-pizza options available as well.
For more information, visit barrospizza.com.
The location features an open patio and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that flood the restaurant with an abundance of natural light. Additionally, art by local artist Lisa Kanouse is displayed, a number of televisions play sports games, and a kids’ corner filled with toys and books help keep children entertained.
Pizza is hard to mess up but difficult to do right. If you’re looking for a contemporary version of the timeless classic, look no further.
For more information, visit bearcanyonpizza.com.
While pizza is in the name of east Tucson BZ's Pizza Company, they've also gained a following for their craft beer selection, wings, and jalapeño poppers.
BZ's also offers wine and classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver #2, which pairs well with the occasional live jazz or comedy events.
For more information, visit bzsitaliankitchen.com.
We, the southern Arizona victorious, are fortunate to be gifted some of the finest and tastiest pizza among any municipality, all in thanks to a man named Paul Reyes.
Ciao Down was originally a food truck but recently moved into the Metal Arts Village (keeping the food truck around for special events) and now serves its glorious pizzas next to Tucson Hop Shop.
Read our October 2022 article, "Movile pizzeria, Ciao Down, is now a brick-and-mortar culinary studio."
For more information, visit ciaodownpizza.com and follow Ciao Down on Facebook and Instagram.
As the story goes, when Fenton's parents began dating 40 years ago, his Italian mother worried that her grandmother would disapprove of a non-Italian suitor. In a way to appeal to her nonna, she claimed that his last name was Fentonelli.
Also, we need to make it clear that Reilly's flagship location on Pennington Street downtown will remain unchanged and is not part of the re-brand.
"Our goal is to make food that is fun and nostalgic for our guests," said Fenton. "Our larger pizzas are great for groups and family-style sharing."
Read our February 2023 article, "Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink reveals new name & menu for its Oro Valley location."
Keep up with the latest by following Fentonelli's on Instagram and by visiting fentonellispizzeria.com.
The new pizza joint recently opened in December 2022 inside the former Dry River Company.
The building’s brand-new mesquite-burning brick oven is cranking out all of its new pizza recipes (18-inch pies), including a “two slice and beverage” deal for $12 (upgrade to a beer for an extra $3).
For more information, follow FireTruck Pizza Company on Facebook.
Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria is family-friendly and fast-casual. The pizzeria has fourteen beers on tap, made-from-scratch pizza recipes, and vegan and gluten-free options.
Fresco is owned by couple Mat and Britnee Cable. Growing up, Mat was surrounded by his family's gelato and Italian ice business, and he also worked for several pizzerias. His experiences led him to open a pizzeria of his own.
For more information, visit frescopizzeria.com.
Magpies has three locations in Tucson, which makes it easy for residents of all areas to enjoy the pizzeria. They're also constantly in the running for Tucson Weekly's Best Pizza category and if they don't win, they're usually a finalist.
And before you dive into your slice of pizza, Magpies serves complimentary popcorn and has a long list of starters and salads.
For more information, visit magpiespizza.com.
Over the Counter Pizza, which was often found parked outside local craft beer spots and bars, has changed its name to Penelope Wood Fired Pizza. Plus, with the new name comes a new permanent location inside Cartel Roasting Co. at 210 E. Broadway Blvd.
“Over the Counter was always supposed to be a jump-off point for a full-service restaurant,” said Schwartz. “We only planned on running the trailer for about six months, but the trailer held up. The momentum of everything kept us rolling for two years. Once we knew we were going to go into a brick-and-mortar we had the name Penelope Pizza locked and loaded for the transition. It’s named after a loved one in the family — our mini dachshund.”
For more information, follow Penelope Pizza on Instagram.
For a fancier slice of pizza, Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink should be among your top choices. If it's not, try the fennel sausage pizza and you'll change your mind.
People rave about Reilly constantly, especially with the innovative pizza choices and starters like the Stracciatella Cheese Toast or Brussels sprouts. Reilly also features an underground bar, Tough Luck Club, and a Beer Garden with 28 rotating tap beers and eight tap wines.
For more information, visit reillypizza.com.
Renee's isn't just known for the pizza. The restaurant also serves sandwiches, salads, pasta, calzones, and a long list of starter dishes to get you going.
If you couldn't guess from the name, Renee's Organic Oven serves organic and locally sourced food. And for those who want an entirely organic meal, Renee's makes it possible — just notify your server.
Read our November 2022 article, "What's in a name? How Renee's pared down & grew up."
For more information, visit reneestucson.com.
Sauce Pizza & Wine offers four Tucson locations and several others throughout Phoenix and New Mexico.
Sauce has a family-friendly atmosphere with signature pizzas or the option to build your own. Beyond pizza, Sauce is known for its affordable wine selection and variety of salads.
For more information, visit saucepizzaandwine.com.
Have you caught a whiff of the goodness flowing all around the Boxyard on Fourth Avenue? One of those scents is coming from Sal's Fat Slice.
It's the perfect combo if you're enjoying a cocktail, beer, or simply the warm sunlight in the afternoon.
For more information, visit Sal's Fat Slice on Facebook.
Scordato's Pizzeria, originally owned by local chef Daniel Scordato of Vivace's fame, offers several gourmet pizza options.
Once named Pizzeria Vivace, Scordato's Pizzeria prepares artisan pizzas featuring crispy, charred crust on the outside and chewy goodness on the inside. Scordato's crafts their pizza dough with the "same level of attention as great bread makers of the world."
For more information, visit scordatospizzeria.com.
Time Market is a mix of things — a market, restaurant, bakery, and coffee shop.
The sandwiches and salads are popular, but the wood-fired pizzas are no less worthy. Time Market utilizes premium ingredients in each of their pizzas, including Sierra Nevada goat cheese, house-made ricotta, and fresh pineapple.
Read our April 2019 article Time Market's Exciting Pastry Program Launches this Season to find out the story behind this popular establishment.
For more information, visit timemarket.xyz.
Transplant Pizza is a Detroit-style pizza joint and the latest concept from the Serial Grillers.
“It’s a nod to Detroit-style pizza but with a familiar twist from our other restaurants; Serial Grillers, Toro Loco, and Boulevard BBQ,” said Travis Miller. “We like to refer to the concept as ‘Born in Tucson, Inspired by Detroit.'”
For more information, visit transplantpizza.com.
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Perhaps you’ve seen this deal plastered on a sandwich board on the corner of Grant and Campbell. You can get a large slice of cheese pizza and a fountain drink for $8 (additional toppings are $1 each). This deal is valid for takeout and dine-in.
For more information, visit uppercrustpizzatucson.com.
Local chefs, Devon Sanner and Mat Cable, opened Zio Peppe in 2021, something they describe as their “culinary bromance” restaurant project.
Zio Peppe, which means “Uncle Joe” in Italian, is in part a tribute to Cable’s uncle, Joe Sottosanti, who opened Tucson’s first Sicilian pizza place, Tesseo’s Pizzeria, nearly 50 years ago. Once the dining room opens to the public, you’ll notice some black and white photos of Joe and his pizzeria on the walls.
For more information, visit ziopeppeaz.com.
What's your favorite pizza place in Tucson? Let us know in the comments.
[This article was originally written on February 9, 2017, and updated on February 9, 2023.]
