Best Pizza in Columbia MO (Updated Fall 2023)

I’m confident I’ve located the best pizza places in town after eating slices from twelve different joints. From classic margheritas to deep dish pies, I know which places hit the spot.

My goal was finding the hidden gems that have Columbia locals coming back for more. With a lighthearted and humorous tone, I’ll share my experiences with some of the best pizza around. Get ready for an adventure in Columbia MO pizza!

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

#1 best pizza place in Columbia - Pizza Tree

#1 Pizza Tree

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 4-9PM
Sunday: 4-9PM

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol


The crust here is phenomenal. It’s perfectly cooked and has a delightfully crunchy texture. The toppings are always fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The selection of sauces is also impressive, and you can choose from a variety of delicious flavors.

Plus, the atmosphere is perfect for pizza lovers. You can grab a slice on the go or sit down in their cozy dining room. They also have a great selection of craft beers and wines to pair with your meal.

All in all, I’d highly recommend Pizza Tree for anyone looking for the best pizza in Columbia MO! If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, this place definitely won’t disappoint!

If you’re willing to go an extra 58 miles, you can get to 14 more pizza places in Osage Beach!

#2 best pizza place in Columbia - Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown

#2 Shakespeare’s Pizza – Downtown

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-10PM
Tuesday: 11AM-10PM
Wednesday: 11AM-10PM
Thursday: 11AM-10PM
Friday: 11AM-11PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

I entered the restaurant with high expectations and, I must say, I was not disappointed! The interior is warm and inviting yet modern and stylish. The perfect setting to enjoy a good pizza.

But the atmosphere isn’t what really matters when it comes to pizza, so let’s get on to the food! The pizza here is simply divine. Every bite is a flavor explosion – from the perfectly crisp crust to the gooey cheese and delicious toppings. It’s obvious that each ingredient is carefully chosen with an eye for quality and flavor.

The service at Shakespeare’s Pizza – Downtown was great, too! Everyone was friendly, helpful, and always quick to respond to my questions or needs. They even gave me free samples of different varieties of dough so I could find one that suited my tastes best!

All in all, I can confidently say that Shakespeare’s Pizza – Downtown has some of the best pizza in Columbia MO. If you’re looking for some truly delicious pizzas, this is without a doubt the place to go!

#3 best pizza place in Columbia - Shakespeare's Pizza - South

#3 Shakespeare’s Pizza – South

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Nice tourist spot


The atmosphere is great, with a quippy nod to old English literature that you can’t help but appreciate. And the staff were incredibly friendly while taking my order and offering suggestions.

The pizza itself was unlike anything I’d ever had before – it was fresh, cheesy, and absolutely delicious! The crust had the perfect texture, the flavours were well balanced and there was nothing too over-the-top about it. It’s clear that their ingredients are high quality, as the flavor profiles really shine through.

I would definitely recommend Shakespeare’s Pizza – South to anyone looking for a great slice of pizza in Columbia MO. You won’t be disappointed!

#4 best pizza place in Columbia - Arris' Pizza

#4 Arris’ Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 11AM-9PM
Sunday: 11AM-9PM

Benefits
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Offers dessert


I’m not just saying that either. The moment I walked in the door, it was like I stepped into pizza heaven. The aroma of freshly baked pizza wafted through the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

The crust was thick and crunchy, but not too hard-just perfect! And the toppings were unimaginably fresh. A combination of savory meats, fruits, vegetables and cheeses that literally left my taste buds singing with delight. It’s no wonder why so many people have been raving about this place!

I also have to mention the service here-the staff is as friendly and helpful as can be. They made sure everything went smoothly and they even gave me a few extra toppings on my pizza without charging extra!

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Columbia MO, then Arris’ Pizza is an absolute must-try. It’s definitely worth a visit if you ever get a chance!

#5 best pizza place in Columbia - PaPPo's Pizzeria & Pub W Nifong Columbia, Mo

#5 PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub W Nifong Columbia, Mo

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: 11AM-9PM

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert


The atmosphere of the restaurant is also a major plus in my book. The walls are adorned with photos and posters of classic movies, making it quite nostalgic. The staff has been friendly and accommodating each time I’ve visited, which has definitely enhanced my experience there.

When it comes to the pizza itself, it’s hard to beat PaPPo’s recipes! Their crust is always cooked perfectly – not too thin that it’s soggy and not too thick that it’s chewy. They top their pizzas with an array of delicious veggies and meats, all made fresh right there in the store. The sauces they use are flavorful and just the right amount of tangy – never overpowering or bland.

All in all, if you’re looking for some great pizza in Columbia MO, be sure to stop by PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub W Nifong Columbia, Mo. You won’t be disappointed!

#6 best pizza place in Columbia - G & D Pizzaria

#6 G & D Pizzaria

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-8:30PM
Tuesday: 11AM-8:30PM
Wednesday: 11AM-8:30PM
Thursday: 11AM-8:30PM
Friday: 11AM-8:30PM
Saturday: 11AM-8:30PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert
  • Serves alcohol


Let me start off by saying that the atmosphere of this place is amazing; it has a very relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about their menu items.

The pizza itself was cooked to perfection; the crust was thin and crispy around the edges and thick and chewy in the center. The toppings were flavorsome, fresh, and well-balanced – making for one delicious pizza!

I’m typically not one for dessert but G & D Pizzaria’s desserts are worth a try! Their homemade cannoli with sweet ricotta filling was nothing short of decadent. I must admit that I couldn’t resist marvelling at my piece of heaven as I devoured it down.

Overall, I would highly recommend G & D Pizzaria to anyone looking for fantastic pizza in Columbia MO — they serve up some of the best pizza around!

#7 best pizza place in Columbia - MOD Pizza

#7 MOD Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-10PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-10PM
Friday: 10:30AM-11PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-8PM
Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol
  • Nice tourist spot


The first thing that struck me when I visited was how cool the atmosphere is. It’s like a modern-industrial kind of vibe, and you can watch the pizzaiolos make your pizza right in front of you!

The crust is light and fluffy, and they offer a range of topping options so that everyone can find something they are passionate about. The toppings are cooked to perfection – not too crunchy, but not too soft. And, their signature sauces really make the pies pop!

The staff at MOD Pizza is also top-notch. They are friendly and knowledgeable about their craft, so if you ever have any questions or concerns about your pizza, they will happily help out.

Overall, I think MOD Pizza is definitely one of the best places for pizza in Columbia MO! Highly recommended!

#8 best pizza place in Columbia - Shakespeare's Pizza - West

#8 Shakespeare’s Pizza – West

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert


As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with a wonderful smell of freshly made pizza. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and my server was extremely friendly.

The pizza at Shakespeare’s Pizza – West is second to none! It has a perfectly cooked crust with just the right amount of crunch, and their toppings are incredibly fresh and flavorful. The cheese is especially delicious – melted to perfection – and I’m convinced there must be some kind of secret ingredient in the sauce that gives it such great flavor.

I highly recommend visiting Shakespeare’s Pizza – West if you’re in Columbia MO. Not only will you get the best pizza in town, but you’ll also have an enjoyable experience with great service too!

If you’re willing to go an extra 97 miles, you can get to 22 more pizza places in Chesterfield!

#9 best pizza place in Columbia - Tony's Pizza Palace

#9 Tony’s Pizza Palace

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-2PM,4-10:30PM
Tuesday: 11AM-2PM,4-10:30PM
Wednesday: 11AM-2PM,4-10:30PM
Thursday: 11AM-2PM,4-10:30PM
Friday: 11AM-2PM,4PM-12AM
Saturday: 4-11PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Serves alcohol
  • Offers dessert
  • Nice tourist spot


The first thing that struck me as I stepped inside was the atmosphere – it was like stepping back in time to an Italian pizzeria in the 50s. The wait staff were friendly and attentive, and it had a cozy atmosphere complete with red-checked tablecloths.

I ordered a classic Margherita pizza, which was cooked to perfection in the wood-fire oven. The sauce was flavorful without being too acidic or overpowering, and the crust perfectly thin yet crispy at the same time. The mozzarella cheese was melted beautifully over the tomatoes, basil, and garlic giving it a wonderfully balanced flavor profile that I just couldn’t get enough of.

To top it off, I tried Tony’s specialty garlic knots which were superbly soft with a golden-brown exterior. Paired with their house marinara sauce, they were some of the best garlic knots I’ve ever had!

All in all, if you’re looking for authentic pizza made with high quality ingredients produced in an inviting atmosphere, Tony’s Pizza Palace is definitely worth checking out – hands-down some of the best pizza in Columbia MO!

#10 best pizza place in Columbia - MOD Pizza

#10 MOD Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-10PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-10PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-10PM
Friday: 10:30AM-11PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-8PM
Sunday: 10:30AM-10PM

Benefits
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot


I must admit, initially I was skeptical – fast-casual pizza? How could it possibly be good? Well, I’m happy to report that my doubts were unfounded. MOD Pizza served up a delicious pie that completely exceeded my expectations.

The crust was light and crispy – exactly what you want when eating pizza. The amount of toppings offered was perfect – not too many, not too few. And the sauce! It had a great zing to it that really elevated the experience.

But perhaps the greatest thing about MOD Pizza is their commitment to excellence in customer service. The staff were friendly and helpful; they went out of their way to make sure I had a good experience.

Overall, MOD Pizza has earned a place at the top of my list for best pizza in Columbia MO! From the delicious pizzas to the outstanding service, it’s clear why this restaurant has become so popular in such a short time.

#11 best pizza place in Columbia - Your Pie Pizza

#11 Your Pie Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-8PM
Tuesday: 11AM-8PM
Wednesday: 11AM-8PM
Thursday: 11AM-8PM
Friday: 11AM-8PM
Saturday: 11AM-8PM
Sunday: 11AM-8PM

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Serves alcohol
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert


The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the friendly atmosphere. Everyone was so eager to help and make sure I got exactly what I wanted. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about the pizza, making sure that everything was just right for me.

The menu had some interesting options, including build-your-own pizzas. You could pick from a wide variety of toppings, from pepperoni to pineapple! It also had some specialty pizzas, like the “Buffalo Chicken” which actually ended up being my favorite.

The pizza itself was delicious! The crust was light, yet still crunchy, and it held up the rest of the toppings well. The cheese melted perfectly and had just enough flavor without overpowering any other ingredients. The toppings were fresh and flavorful – even the pineapple tasted great!

Overall, Your Pie Pizza is one of the best places for pizza in Columbia MO. If you’re ever in town, be sure to check it out!

#12 best pizza place in Columbia - Southside Pizza & Pub

#12 Southside Pizza & Pub

Open Hours
Monday: 3PM-3AM
Tuesday: 3PM-3AM
Wednesday: 3PM-3AM
Thursday: 3PM-3AM
Friday: 3PM-4AM
Saturday: 11AM-4AM
Sunday: 11AM-3AM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Offers dessert
  • Has a kid’s menu


From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew this was no ordinary pizzeria. The décor was inviting and cozy, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. And the pizza – oh my – it was delicious!

The crust was light and fluffy with a perfect balance of crunchy bits on top. The sauce had just enough tang to give it an extra kick of flavor. As for the toppings, they were fresh and flavorful. From veggie combos to pepperoni-laden pies, Southside Pizza & Pub had something for everyone’s tastes.

To top it all off, the service was impeccable! Not only did they take great care when preparing my meal but they also took the time to get to know me as a customer. They answered all my questions and treated me like family.

All in all, if you’re looking for great pizza in Columbia MO, Southside Pizza & Pub is definitely worth checking out!

Best Thin Crust pizza place in Columbia - Pizza Tree

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Pizza Tree

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM-9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM-9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM
Friday: 11 AM-10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM-9 PM

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options

Downsides
  • Does not accept reservations


Picture this: I stroll into Pizza Tree, my stomach rumbling with anticipation. The smell of dough and cheese hits me like a heavy-weight boxer, sending my taste buds into a frenzy. The sight of the vibrant ingredients arranged meticulously on the pizza is like a work of art – a masterpiece just waiting to be devoured.

Now, I must warn you, Pizza Tree does not accept reservations. It’s like they’re telling you, We know we’re good, but you better show up early if you want a piece of this deliciousness. So, plan accordingly and don’t be late, or you may be left waiting outside, nose pressed against the glass, drooling like a dog.

But don’t let that deter you! Once inside, you can’t help but notice the fantastic vegetarian options. As a self-proclaimed meat lover, I never thought I’d say this, but their veggie pizzas are so good, they could turn an ardent carnivore into a broccoli worshipper. From the exotic flavor combinations to the fresh, crunchy veggies, every bite is a delightful surprise.

And let’s not forget, Pizza Tree is also a tourist spot. Who needs overpriced sightseeing tours when you can embark on a culinary adventure right on their premises? Trust me, folks, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
So, next time you’re in columbia mo and in need of some mouthwatering, thin crust pizza, head on over to Pizza Tree. Just remember to come early, bring your appetite, and be prepared to indulge in a slice of heaven!

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