I’ve had the pleasure of trying out 12 pizza places here, and I’m delighted to share my findings with you.
My mission is not to take pizza-tasting seriously – this is an exploration of Iowa City’s pizza offerings where I can have some fun. I’m looking for flavor pairings that make me grin from ear-to-ear when I take a bite, and am always open to getting surprised!
So buckle up, folks. We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure, revealing the best pizza in Iowa City.
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Iowa
#1 A & A Pagliai’s Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- Nice tourist spot
The atmosphere at A & A Pagliai’s Pizza is truly unique. With its old-school Italian feel, it instantly brought me back to the classic pizzerias of my home country. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we enjoyed a few laughs before our food arrived.
The pizza itself was phenomenal. The dough was soft, chewy, and creamy – just perfect for stretching! And the toppings! Oh my goodness! Even though it was a simple cheese pizza, the perfect blend of cheeses had me practically licking my plate clean.
Overall, I can confidently say that A & A Pagliai’s Pizza has some of the best pizza in Iowa City. From the atmosphere to the food, everything about this restaurant felt like an experience worth savoring!
If you’re willing to go an extra 26 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Cedar Rapids!
#2 Wig & Pen Pizza Pub
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Nice tourist spot
- Great place to watch sports
The atmosphere is absolutely amazing – they’ve truly crafted a unique pub-style experience that you can’t find anywhere else. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, answering any questions you may have about the menu.
The pizza certainly lives up to its reputation. I got their signature dish, the Wig & Pen Pizza, which was out of this world! It had a high quality crust with just the right amount of crunch, plenty of cheese and flavorful toppings. The slice was surprisingly large and filled me up quickly.
What really pushed this pizza over the top for me were the sauces offered as accompaniments. They had several different kinds of sauces ranging from a spicy chipotle salsa to a smoky barbecue sauce. Even better, each one was made in house using local ingredients – and they tasted incredible!
I highly recommend Wig & Pen Pizza Pub if you’re ever in Iowa City looking for the best pizza around – it really doesn’t get much better than this!
#3 Maggie’s Farm Wood-fired Pizza
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
I’ll be honest, I was a little hesitant to try it at first. It’s located in an old farmhouse and the decor is definitely a bit rustic. But when I tasted the pizza, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
The crust was perfectly crispy with just the right amount of char from the wood-fired oven. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, and everything came together for a truly delicious experience.
From thin-crust to deep-dish, Maggie’s Farm Wood-fired Pizza has something for everyone. Even better – they don’t skimp on quality! Every slice is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Plus, they have some unique specialty pizzas like their Veggie Delight and Truffle Mushroom that really stand out from the rest.
When it comes down to it, Maggie’s Farm Wood-fired Pizza serves up some of the best pizza in Iowa City – no doubt about it!
#4 Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew that this place was something special. The atmosphere is bright and inviting, with its warm wood paneling and whimsical artwork — it almost feels like you’re in a pizza wonderland!
When it comes to the food, Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza lives up to its promise of offering delicious, freshly-made pizzas. They have all your classic favorites as well as some unique options that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, they offer so many different toppings and ingredients that you can create your perfect custom pie. My favorite? The Hawaiian Supreme — incredible!
Not only do they have amazing food, but the customer service at Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza has always been top-notch. Everyone there is friendly, helpful, and really attentive to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Iowa City – this is the place to go!
#5 Mesa Pizza Iowa City
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
The crust is crispy and perfectly cooked, the cheese is of a high quality, and the toppings are plentiful and varied. The place has a great atmosphere too – from the friendly staff to the cozy seating.
The pizzas come in different sizes – perfect for both large groups and small parties. I’m particularly fond of the ones with BBQ chicken, garlic and jalapenos. The flavors blend together nicely and make for an unforgettable experience.
What really sets Mesa Pizza Iowa City apart though is their desserts. They have a variety of options such as gelato, cheesecake and chocolate-covered strawberries. Everything I’ve tried was delicious!
In conclusion, Mesa Pizza Iowa City has some of the best pizza in Iowa City. From its delicious ingredients to its cozy atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in town!
#6 Wedge Pizzeria
- Has some vegetarian options
The pies are amazing; they come out of the oven with a perfectly thin crust, loaded with melty cheese and flavorful toppings. The signature Wedge Pie is especially delicious, topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and olives.
The service at Wedge Pizzeria is also top-notch; the staff is friendly and attentive. Whether you’re dining-in or getting takeout for delivery, you can be sure that your order will be accurate and promptly fulfilled. They even offer gluten-free pizza for those who prefer it!
For me, Wedge Pizzeria has become my go-to spot when I’m traveling to Iowa City. It’s hard to beat the quality and flavor of their pizza – not to mention all the other great menu items they offer, like wings and salads. I’d highly recommend giving them a try!
#7 Wig & Pen East
It’s hard to find good pizza outside of the big cities, but Wig & Pen East is an exception. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew I was in for something special. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a hint of sophistication.
The pizza itself is truly amazing — far better than any other place I’ve tried in this area. The dough is light and crispy, perfectly cooked every time. And the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. You won’t find a better Margherita or Hawaiian pizza anywhere else!
The staff at Wig & Pen East are top-notch as well — friendly, knowledgeable and always eager to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. It definitely makes for a great overall dining experience.
To sum it up: if you’re looking for the best pizza in Iowa City, look no further than Wig & Pen East!
If you’re willing to go an extra 49 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Davenport!
#8 Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
Their classic pizzas are the perfect blend of Italian tradition and modern flavors. The crust is crunchy and flavorful, while the toppings are fresh, delicious, and cooked to perfection. And if you’re looking for an even more unique pizza experience, they have a variety of specialty pies as well as some interesting vegetarian options.
The atmosphere at Baroncini is top-notch – with warm colors, Italian decor, and relaxing music in the background – it’s truly a pleasant experience all around. The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing excellent service throughout my meal.
Overall, I highly recommend Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza – it’s definitely among the best pizza places in Iowa City!
#9 Monica’s
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Nice tourist spot
Located right in the heart of town, Monica’s is a cozy restaurant with an atmosphere that feels like home. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the service exceeded my expectations.
The pizza itself was truly extraordinary! The crust was perfectly cooked—crispy and golden brown on the edges but still soft in the middle. It had just enough chewiness to make it satisfyingly comforting with every bite.
The toppings were flavorful and plentiful. I even asked them to add some extra cheese, which they gladly did. Every bite was filled with cheesy goodness that made each slice heavenly delicious!
Overall, Monica’s has definitely earned the title of best pizza in Iowa City! If you haven’t tried it yet, don’t wait any longer—head over to Monica’s for an unforgettable pizza experience!
#10 Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
To start off, I can’t say enough about the atmosphere. It’s a cozy little spot, tucked away in an alley off the main street. It has a rustic charm that really sets it apart from other pizzerias.
The pizza itself is top notch. The crust is perfectly cooked and slightly charred with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside; while maintaining a softness inside. The toppings are fresh, flavorful and plentiful. My favorite is their prosciutto and arugula white pie – the flavors pair nicely with each other and make for an amazing pizza-eating experience.
The service at Basta Pizzeria Ristorante is also impressive; they’ve got friendly staff that work efficiently to get your order out quickly and accurately. On top of that, they use eco-friendly materials whenever possible to limit their environmental impact – which is always nice to see in a restaurant!
Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Iowa City, Basta Pizzeria Ristorante should be your go-to spot!
#11 Sam’s Pizza
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
- Great place to watch sports
The first thing I noticed when I walked into Sam’s was the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated in a classic Italian style, with red and white checkered tablecloths and candles on each table. It made me feel like I was truly in an Italian pizzeria.
As for the pizza, it was out of this world! From traditional cheese and pepperoni to specialty pies like their Barbeque Chicken Pizza, there’s something for everyone. The crust was light and airy – just the right combination of crispness and chewiness – while the sauces were full of flavor. The toppings were also fresh and the cheese melted perfectly on top.
They also have a great selection of sides to choose from, such as garlic knots and stuffed focaccia. Everything tasted amazing!
All in all, Sam’s Pizza is definitely one of my favorite places to get a slice in Iowa City. It definitely earns its spot as one of the best pizza places around!
#12 Marquee Pizzeria
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
The restaurant itself isn’t anything special, but the atmosphere is cozy and family-friendly. The menu is full of options for everyone – from typical pizzas to unique creations that’d make your taste buds dance. Plus, their prices are very reasonable!
The pizza here was unbelievably good; it was loaded with flavorful toppings and cooked to perfection. I tried several different pies during my visit and each one was better than the last. From classic pepperoni to decadent garlic shrimp, every pie here has something for everyone.
I’m convinced Marquee Pizzeria really does have some of the best pizza in Iowa City. So if you’re ever in town looking for a piping hot slice of deliciousness, look no further than Marquee Pizzeria – you won’t be disappointed!
Best Thin Crust Pizza – A & A Pagliai’s Pizza
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- No delivery
- Does not accept reservations
Now, before you start raising your crusty eyebrows, let me tell you about this hidden gem. First of all, they serve alcohol. And let’s be honest, any place that pairs pizza with booze deserves all the awards.
But it’s not just the libations that make A & A Pagliai’s so special. They also offer some vegetarian options, so even your veggie-loving friends won’t have to pine for a slice. I mean, who knew veggies could have so much fun on a thin crust?
Now, here’s the kicker – A & A Pagliai’s is not just a pizza joint, it’s a tourist spot! Who would have thought that a place serving pies could become a must-visit destination? I doubt the locals even know how lucky they are to have this pizza shrine in their backyard.
However, let me warn you about a couple of things. First, they don’t offer delivery. So if you’re too lazy or too busy binge-watching a show, you’ll have to drag yourself out of the house and into their pizza paradise.
Secondly, don’t even try to make reservations. At A & A Pagliai’s, you take what you can get, and that’s a fact. But hey, isn’t spontaneity the spice of life? Plus, you can always grab a drink at the bar while you wait for your turn to devour their masterpiece.
So, if you’re seeking the best thin crust pizza in iowa city – with the added bonus of alcohol and a lively atmosphere – head to A & A Pagliai’s Pizza. It’s a slice of heaven that won’t disappoint!
