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The Best Pizza in Tucson

The Best Pizza in Tucson

by Max WingertJul 11, 2023Updated Jul 14, 20266 min read
Ready to dive into Tucson's pizza scene? Or should we say "Tuscan?" (we shouldn't). From sourdough perfection at Anello to solar-powered slices at Brooklyn Pizza Company, this guide is your ticket to the tastiest slices in town. Take a tour through the best pizza in Tucson digitally — and then, of course, physically.
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21 spots

Anello (Photo by Anna Smirnova)

ANELLO

222 East 6th StreetDowntown

This intimate, discreet pizzeria showcases seasonal local vegetables on their naturally leavened crust. Share a seasonal veggie course and seasonal salad for an easy, wholesome date night. While their technique shines in the classic Margherita, the Bianca is a garlic white pizza with mozzarella, basil, ricotta, and a punch of chiltepín. Save room for the almond olive oil cake.
Jackie Tran’s favorite

(Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Pizza Company)

Brooklyn Pizza Company

534 North 4th AvenueDowntown

This spot is all about fresh, hand-tossed, solar-powered pizzas. It's right in downtown Tucson on Fourth Avenue. And let's not forget their garlic knots. Plus you can grab a slice and stargaze at Sky Bar next door. Win-win! They also deliver locally.

Margherita Pizza from Charred Pie (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Charred Pie

12125 North Oracle RoadOro Valley

Their wood-fired pizzas are a work of art, thanks to owner Reza's backyard pizza-making trials. The place has a cool patio with mountain views and a quirky interior. Must-tries? The classic Margherita and the mushroom-filled Fungi Pizza.

The Snakebite Pizza at Ciao Down (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Ciao Down Pizza Bistro (Oro Valley)

Ciao Down Pizza Bistro in Oro Valley emphasizes inventive wood-fired pizzas and scratch ingredients in a casual yet polished setting. The location Rooney Ranch center, with seating indoors and a front patio to catch sunset views.

The signature Snake Bite pizza remains a draw, topped with chipotle-raspberry jam, jalapeños, cream cheese and hickory bacon. The menu also includes salads, starters and desserts from Ciao Down’s Treat bakery. Beverage offerings include craft sodas and ice tea, with full cocktails, beer, and wine.

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(Photo courtesy of Embers Pizza)

Embers Pizza

This mobile wood-fired pizza oven features a mean margherita alongside American pizza favorites, such as jalapeño and bacon. Their Piña pizza takes a Mexican spin with grilled pinapple, red auce, chilorio (Sinaloa fried red chili pork), bacon, red onion, ricotta, and three cheese blend.

While they have an address listed at Vail, they are a food truck, so check their social media to find out where they are at the moment.

Elote Pizza at Empire Pizza (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Empire Pizza & Pub

137 East Congress StreetDowntown

Empire is all about that genuine New York-style pizza, right in the heart of downtown Tucson. Their hand-tossed pizzas use 100% Grande Mozzarella. Furthermore, their elote pizza was arguably the first in town, featuring a combination of roasted corn, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and chipotle mayo. Plus, they're open late!

Za Zucca Pizza at Falora (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Falora

3906 N Oracle Rd Suite 110

Picture this: you're jamming to records in a super cool spot, chowing down on some of the tastiest pizza you've ever had. The El Fauxrizo — topped with house-made vegan chorizo, plant-based mozzarella, black beans, corn, cilantro lime crema, and scallions. Their staff and the music are also always on point when it comes to setting a vibe.

Fiamme Pizza (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Fiamme Pizza Napoletana

4706 East Sunrise DriveFoothills

Tucked away in a strip mall, Fiamme Pizza Napoletana lives up to the name with Neapolitan flour, San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte (fresh mozzarella), fresh basil, and a variety of other locally sourced ingredients. Head pizzaiolo Scott Volpe also happens to be a world class pizza acrobat. If you're lucky, you'll catch him performing a trick or two.

Jaime's Pizza Kitchen

312 East Congress StreetDowntown

Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen stands out for its family‑rooted, scratch‑made pizzas in downtown Tucson. The interior features warm lighting, casual wooden seating with a clear view of Congress Street. "We’re passionate about what we do," said Gabriel Moreno, owner and chef of Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen. "Everything is still made from scratch." This includes the meatballs, sausage, and chicken sausage. Furthermore, they grind their cheeses in house and hand-pull their mozzarella too.

(Photo courtesy of Lumbre Pizza A La Leña)

Lumbre Pizza A La Leña

210 East Broadway BoulevardDowntown

Lumbre Pizza A La Leña operates inside Cartel Roasting Co., serving up wood-fired pizzas with Sonoran-inspired flair. Its compact setting blends warm coffeehouse charm with the earthy glow of a central pizza oven. Customers come back for the Carne Asada pizza and the Chorizo con Papas pizza as well.

Penelope Pizza

800 North Kolb RoadEastside

This pizza joint is a crowd-pleaser with its unique flavor profiles for each of their pizzas. The crispy and delicious crusts enhance the overall experience, with even the simplest of their offerings, like the Margherita pizza, standing out due to its wonderful sauce, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil on top.

Yukon Gold & Pecorino Pizza at Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink

101 East Pennington StreetDowntown

This cool downtown joint serves up artisanal pizzas. The secret sleeper is the Yukon gold potato & pecorino pizza with cream sauce, mozzarella, roasted garlic, and rosemary. Plus, they've got a chill outdoor beer garden and rooftop bar for hanging out​.

Renee's Tucson

7065 E Tanque Verde RdEastside

A cozy spot for pizza lovers, Renee's whips up organic, custom pizzas that are as unique as they are tasty. They've got everything — from a veggie-packed pizza to a goat cheese & mushroom one on an herby crust. Plus they're close to some sweet spots like Sabino Canyon and Mt. Lemmon.

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria

2555 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity

Rocco's Little Chicago is all about that Chicago-style pizza life. They've got four types to choose from, including Classic Thin, Deep Dish, Stuffed, and even Gluten-Free. You gotta check out their quirky specialty pizzas like the Fungus Humongous loaded with mushrooms or the spicy Great Chicago Fire.

Time Market

444 East University BoulevardDowntown

Serving as a neighborhood market for over 90 years, Time Market offers a range of products including organic produce, freshly baked bread, and, of course, outstanding pizzas. Their 620-degree deck oven churns out crispy-crusted pizzas with just the right amount of pull. Pizza offerings range from simple cheese to more complex flavors like the Boscaiola or the Cipolla Funghi.

Ugly But Honest Pizza (Photo by Doug Marcoux)

Ugly But Honest Pizzeria and Beer Garden

733 South Stone AvenueDowntown

The team behind Upper Crust Pizza (1909 E. Grant Rd.) and Arizona Pizza Company (4955 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.) renovated the former Ugly But Honest — a car sales and service business that opened in 1933. Now, the space combines pizza and beer in the trending Five Points neighborhood.

Ugly But Honest Pizzeria and Beer Garden centers on wood fired pizza and a laid back neighborhood vibe. An open beer garden adds greenery and creates an easygoing, social atmosphere.

Vero Amore

2920 North Swan RoadMidtown

Conveniently located on Swan Road, Vero Amore offers a menu that mirrors the Dove Mountain location, boasting a myriad of pizzas such as the Mediterranean with pesto cream and gorgonzola, and the Bianca al Prosciutto with garlic-olive oil and arugula. They get bonus points for being among the very first to serve Neapolitan style pizza in Tucson.

4. (tomato sauce, salami, Calabrian chili, red onion, ricotta, parmesan) at Whole Slvce Pizza (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Whole Slvce Pizza

160 South Avenida del ConventoDowntown

Whole Slvce Pizza brings New York–style slice culture to Tucson’s Mercado District from its walk‑up window in the Monier Apartments. The interior features an art installation by New York‑native Nick Georgiou and gives off a classic pizzeria vibe with local flair. Diners enjoy the casual, neighborhood atmosphere that echoes a friendly New York slice shop.

The menu offers signature pies available in both Classic and Vegan versions, like one topped with salami, Calabrian chili, red onion, ricotta and parmesan. And take the cannoli.

Pizzas at Zio Peppe (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Zio Peppe

6502 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

Zio Peppe is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation where gourmet meets casual. It's named after the fun-loving "Uncle Joe" in Italian, exuding a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone​. Their specialty pizzas are a highlight, with unique options such as the El Rustico Birria, topped with Chef Juan Almanza's legendary beef birria, mozzarella, onion, cilantro, and consommé. The kiss of mesquite flour in their crust makes it particularly Tucson.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!