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Best Pizza in Madison WI (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve eaten pizza all over the world, from the Neapolitan classic to Tokyo-style deep dish. What puts it all together is a great crust, sauce and toppings, so in my hunt for Madison WI’s best pie, I visited 12 places to find the perfect combination.

It was no easy task to select the best among them – they all had something special! But after much tasting and even more debating with myself, I think I finally found what makes these pizzas stand out above the rest. Keep reading to see which one reigns supreme as Madison WI’s top pizza spot.

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Wisconsin

#1 Novanta

My experience at Novanta was nothing short of amazing. The staff were very friendly and accommodating from the moment I stepped foot in the door.

The pizzas they make are truly unique and delicious. The crust is thin and light, but still has a nice crunch to it that is so satisfying! The sauce is flavorful and not too sweet or acidic. To top it off, the cheese they use is some of the best I’ve ever had – it’s creamy and melts into every bite.

In addition to their outstanding pizza, Novanta also offers a selection of appetizers and salads that pair perfectly with your meal. I got to try a few of these items during my visit and can honestly say that they did not disappoint!

If you’re ever looking for great pizza in Madison WI, look no further than Novanta! They will definitely satisfy your craving for delicious Italian food.

If you’re willing to go an extra 38 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Janesville!

#2 Novanta

I was a bit hesitant when I first arrived, but the minute I saw the modern decor, friendly staff, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked dough, I knew this experience would be something special. And boy, was I right!

The pizza at Novanta is truly top-notch. Their pies are crafted with care and attention to detail – each one done to perfection. The crust is light and fluffy, and their combination of toppings creates a flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

I’m particularly fond of their pepperoni pie; it has just the right amount of spice that it leaves you wanting more each time. The portions are generous as well – one slice could easily satisfy two people! Plus, if you’re looking for something extra special, they offer many unique topping combinations which really take things to another level!

Overall, Novanta is definitely worth checking out if you’re craving some truly outstanding pizza. It’s without a doubt one of the best pizza places in Madison WI and definitely deserves a visit from any serious pizza aficionado!

#3 Nattspil

I’m so glad to have stumbled upon this place as it offers so much more than just delicious, traditional pizzas. Not only do they have a great selection of vegetarian options, but they also offer hard liquor! What a treat – I’ve never seen that before at a pizza place!

But the best part was their desserts. After enjoying their signature pizzas, I got to indulge in some delectable desserts. All that said, there is one drawback – no delivery service available. But if you’re looking for the best pizza in Madison WI, then Nattspil is the place to go!

#4 Pizza Brutta

The first thing I noticed was the delicious and unique crust, which was thin but with a slightly charred and crispy texture. The dough itself had a perfect flavor balance between savory and sweet.

The toppings were also spectacular. The pepperoni had just the right amount of zest, while the fresh vegetables added a great crunchy texture. My favorite part was the cheese though – it was stretchy and gooey in all the right places. Plus, they use locally-sourced cheeses to ensure maximum freshness!

The staff at Pizza Brutta were another highlight. They were friendly and helpful, willing to take time to explain their menu items in full detail so that I could make an informed decision about what to order. Plus, their prices are incredibly reasonable for the high quality of pizza they offer!

Overall, Pizza Brutta is definitely one of my new go-to spots for some of the best pizza in Madison WI!

#5 Ian’s Pizza on State

I arrived at Ian’s Pizza on State full of expectation. From the outside, it looked like a classic pizza joint – bright neon signs advertising their specials and pies of every shape and size in the window.

When I stepped inside, I was instantly greeted with a warm welcome from the staff. My first impression was that this is definitely a family friendly place. After ordering my pizza, I grabbed a seat at one of the tables and waited for my pie to arrive.

When my pizza came, I was absolutely blown away! The crust was perfectly cooked with just the right crunch and flavor, the sauce was so flavorful you could taste all the spices used in it, and the cheese melted perfectly on top of everything else. It truly felt like I had died and gone to pizza heaven!

The atmosphere at Ian’s Pizza on State is also perfect to enjoy your meal — vibrant yet relaxed. The combination of aromas coming from their kitchen, great music playing in the background and conversations going around added to my experience even further.

If you’re looking for some really good pizza in Madison WI, look no further — Ian’s Pizza on State has got you covered!

#6 Buck’s Pizza

To start, their crusts are well-crafted and flavorful, leaving me wanting more. The sauce is tangy and tasty, with a hint of sweetness. The cheese is freshly grated, melted to perfection and distributed evenly throughout the pizza. Finally, their toppings have been thoughtfully selected to create distinct flavor profiles that bring out the best in each pizza.

When it comes to presentation, Buck’s Pizza has it down pat. They use premium plates that add a layer of elegance to your dining experience. And don’t get me started on how generous they are with the portions; you won’t be hungry for hours after finishing one of these delicious pies!

Overall, I’d give Buck’s Pizza an A+ for their incredible pizzas. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Madison WI, this should definitely be at the top of your list!

#7 MOD Pizza

Let me tell you, I have tried some pizzas in my time and MOD Pizza has definitely raised the bar. The thin-crust and fresh ingredients that went into making each pizza were simply amazing.

The service from the staff was top-notch as well. Everyone was incredibly friendly and attentive to our needs, almost as if they knew I had come all the way from Italy for the best pizza in Madison WI!

Our group ordered a variety of toppings including pepperoni, olives, tomatoes, mushrooms and more. Each pizza was cooked to perfection with crispy edges and an overall great flavor. The atmosphere inside was also pleasant with bright colors, modern decor, and lively music playing in the background.

Overall we enjoyed ourselves at MOD Pizza and I’m sure we will be back again soon. If you’re ever looking for some of the best pizza in Madison WI then look no further than MOD Pizza – you won’t regret it!

#8 Naples 15

If you’re looking for a great pizza experience, look no further. The crust is perfectly crispy, the cheese is deliciously gooey, and the toppings are outrageously flavorful. They even offer unique options such as vegan and gluten-free options!

The restaurant itself has a wonderful atmosphere that’s cozy and comfortable, perfect for a family dinner out or even just grabbing a slice after work. It’s conveniently located downtown so you don’t have to worry about finding parking. The staff also has always been super friendly; they really make you feel welcome!

Overall, I’d highly recommend Naples 15 if you’re in the Madison area looking for some of the best pizza around. Whether it’s your first time or hundredth time visiting this premiere spot, you’re sure to be delighted!

If you’re willing to go an extra 40 miles, you can get to 12 more pizza places in Wisconsin Dells!

#9 Salvatore’s Tomato Pies – Livingston

I stopped by to sample their wares, and I’m glad I did – the pizza was delicious! The crust was perfectly cooked and it had the perfect amount of char. The sauce was sweet with a hint of smoke, and the cheese was gooey and melted just right.

The toppings were creative and fresh. They had everything from house-made pepperoni to roasted garlic, bell peppers, black olives, and even artichoke hearts. Plus, they offer unique options like vegan sausage or tofu ricotta for non-meat eaters.

The atmosphere is cozy, but lively. It’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family – they have a great variety of craft beers on tap and TVs playing sports that everyone can enjoy.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend Salvatore’s Tomato Pies – Livingston if you’re looking for some seriously great pizza in Madison WI!

#10 Eat the Best Pizza

I was skeptical at first, but when I arrived and saw the restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere and smelled the delicious smell of pizza in the air, I knew I had come to the right place.

The staff were all extremely helpful and went out of their way to make sure I had an enjoyable experience. They even let me try a few slices from different pizzas before deciding what I would order!

When my pizza arrived, it was everything they promised- a perfectly cooked crust with just the right amount of cheese and other toppings. Not only that, but one slice was enough to fill me up! It’s clear why this spot is hailed as having the best pizza in Madison WI.

Overall, Eat the Best Pizza lived up to its reputation. If you’re looking for top-notch pizza in Madison WI, this is definitely the place to go!

#11 Grampa’s Pizzeria

I recently visited Grampa’s Pizzeria and let me tell ya – it was quite a slice of heaven. From the moment I walked in, I could tell there was something special about this place. The walls were covered with vintage photos of Grampa himself and his famous recipes, giving the restaurant an authentic Italian feel.

The pizza, however, is what truly blew my socks off. The crust was thin and airy yet crispy, with the perfect amount of char around the edges. The sauce was sweet and savory, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. Not to mention, they have a wide range of topping options so you can customize your pizza just as you like it!

Furthermore, Grampa’s Pizzeria prides itself on its friendly service, which never fails to make one feel welcome. I noticed during my visit that each server took their time explaining what goes into each pizza – from ingredients to cooking processes – ensuring customers get the best experience possible.

Overall, I’d say Grampa’s Pizzeria is an experience worth trying if you’re ever in Madison WI looking for great pizza. It definitely lives up to its (well-deserved) reputation as one of the best pizzerias in town!

#12 Luigi’s Pizza

It was love at first bite. From the crunchy crust to the savory sauce and flavorful toppings, it had all the elements of a classic Italian pizza. Plus, you can really taste the freshness of each ingredient!

I usually get a large sausage and pepperoni for myself, but I went with something different this time. I tried their speciality – Bruschetta Pizza. It was even better than I imagined it would be! The combination of tomato, garlic, olive oil and herbs was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!

The service was also top-notch. Everyone from the waitstaff to the kitchen staff were friendly and welcoming. They made sure I had everything I needed and answered all my questions about their menu with ease.

Overall, if you’re looking for an amazing pizza experience in Madison WI then Luigi’s Pizza is definitely the place to go!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Rosati’s Pizza

But first, let’s talk about the downsides. The fact that Rosati’s doesn’t accept reservations is a bummer. Nothing ruins a night out like having to wait for a table while your stomach is growling. It’s like torture. But, trust me, the wait is worth it.

Once you step inside Rosati’s, you’ll immediately notice the lively atmosphere. It feels like you’ve stumbled into a family reunion, but instead of your cranky aunt Edna, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of pizza. They even serve alcohol, so you can sip on a cold beer while you wait for your slice of heaven.

Now, let’s talk about the pizza itself. Rosati’s deep dish is a masterpiece. The crust is thick, buttery, and perfectly golden. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. And the cheese? Oh, the cheese! It’s gooey, stretchy, and oh-so-satisfying. The toppings are fresh and flavorful, even for us vegetarians. I can’t get enough of their veggie-loaded pizzas.

But wait, there’s more! Rosati’s even offers dessert. As someone with a sweet tooth the size of Texas, this is music to my ears. Their tiramisu is to die for. It’s creamy, rich, and has just the right amount of coffee kick to keep you awake for hours pondering the mysteries of life.

So, despite the no-reservation policy, Rosati’s Pizza is a must-visit for pizza lovers in Madison. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to come with an empty stomach and a sense of humor, because the wait is worth every cheesy bite.

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Pizza Brutta

First, let’s talk about the benefits. Pizza Brutta knows how to keep their patrons happy by serving alcohol. That’s right, folks, you can pair your delicious thin crust pizza with a nice cold beer or a glass of wine. It’s like a match made in cheesy heaven!

For all you herbivores out there, fret not! Pizza Brutta has got you covered with their vegetarian options. You can load up your pie with all the fresh veggies your heart desires, and let’s not forget the delectable array of melted cheese. It’s enough to make any carnivore reconsider their meat-loving ways!

But wait, there’s more! Pizza Brutta doesn’t just stop at pizza. They also offer a mouthwatering selection of desserts. Whether you’re craving a classic tiramisu or a gooey, warm chocolate lava cake, this place knows how to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Now, onto the downsides. Brace yourselves, because this is a big one – Pizza Brutta does not accept reservations. So, if you’re planning a big pizza feast with your friends, you better be prepared to wait. But hey, I guess that just gives you more time to ponder the meaning of life and strategize your pizza toppings. Silver linings, right?

Overall, Pizza Brutta is not only a haven for pizza lovers but also a nice spot for tourists to indulge in some cheesy goodness. So, grab your appetite, leave your reservations at the door (literally), and get ready for a pizza experience like no other!

Best Wood Fired Pizza – Lucille

If you’re looking for a pizza joint that takes their wood-fired game seriously, Lucille is the place to be. As soon as I stepped inside, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of smoky goodness. It was like entering a mystical pizza wonderland where the ultimate goal is to reach pizza nirvana.

The menu was a delightful blend of classic and unique options. I could tell from the moment I laid eyes on it that this was not your average pizza joint. They had everything from the traditional Margherita to some mind-blowing concoction called The Flaming Phoenix which involved actual flames shooting out of your pizza for that extra crispy goodness. Just kidding, but they definitely know how to add some excitement to their menu.

Now let’s talk about the pizza itself. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of flavors, with the perfect balance of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tangy sauce. It was as if the pizza gods themselves had come down to bless my taste buds. The toppings were fresh and plentiful, and the wood-fired oven gave the crust that irresistible smoky flavor that I had been yearning for.

The service at Lucille was also top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and didn’t balk at my ridiculous requests for extra cheese or a side of ranch dressing. They even threw in a free dessert pizza shaped like a smiley face, which brought a smile to my face as well.

In conclusion, if you’re in Madison and craving some wood-fired pizza that will make your taste buds do a happy dance, Lucille is the place to be. It’s a pizza paradise that will forever hold a special place in my pizza-loving heart.