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Best Pizza in Cleveland OH (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve been to some of the world’s best pizza places and even developed a bit of an expertise for judging it. But I was curious to see if any of Cleveland OH’s pizzerias could measure up. So, I set out on a mission to find the best pizza in town, tasting 12 different ones!

From Chicago deep dish to Sicilian slices, it was time for some serious taste testing. Join me as I share my findings on the best pizza in Cleveland OH. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find your favorite place here!

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

#1 Il Rione

From the first bite, it was obvious why people rave about this place. The flavor of the dough and sauce were perfectly balanced and the toppings were cooked to perfection. Every bite was an adventure!

But, of course, there are some other things that make Il Rione stand out from other pizza restaurants. For one thing, they serve alcohol, which is great for those who want to make their pizza experience more relaxing and enjoyable. Secondly, they offer some vegetarian options, so even people with special dietary needs can enjoy their pizza experience here. Plus they also provide dessert as well!

The only downside is that they don’t offer delivery. But it’s worth going out of your way to visit Il Rione if you’re looking for the best pizza in Cleveland OH! They have the perfect environment for a tourist or local looking for a great meal and a good time.

If you’re willing to go an extra 2 miles, you can get to 27 more pizza places in Lakewood!

#2 Cent’s Pizza + Goods

The restaurant itself had a great atmosphere, with a cozy Italian vibe. I loved that they had great music playing in the background, which gave my meal an even better experience.

Now on to the food! The pizza here is really something special. They offer a variety of different pizza creations with delicious ingredients and there’s something for everyone. I was truly blown away by their selection of fresh toppings and quality sauces.

I decided to try out the ‘Cleveland Style’ pizza and it did not disappoint! The crust was cooked to perfection and the sauce was seriously amazing – it made my mouth water just thinking about it again! The cheese blend was also top-notch, making each slice taste like pure bliss.

If you’re ever in Cleveland, pay Cent’s Pizza + Goods a visit – you won’t regret it! It’s definitely one of the best places I’ve been to get the best pizza in Cleveland OH!

#3 Athens Pizzeria

I had heard a lot of good things about Athens Pizzeria, so I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Upon walking in, I was immediately impressed by the cozy atmosphere and knew it was going to be an enjoyable experience.

The pizza here is as close to perfection as you can get. The crust is perfectly thin and crispy with just the right amount of chewiness, while the sauce-to-cheese ratio and toppings were in perfect harmony. Don’t let their conservative look deceive you – they pack tons of flavor!

It’s not just the food that makes this place so great – the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. They made sure everything ran smoothly and provided excellent service throughout my visit.

If you’re looking for some incredible pizza in Cleveland OH, look no further than Athens Pizzeria – it’s simply the best!

#4 City Slice Pizzeria

Upon walking into City Slice Pizzeria, I was immediately greeted by a friendly staff who told me all about their delicious pizzas. With each slice made from handcrafted dough, their pizzas clearly had the potential to be some of the best.

Once my order arrived, I couldn’t help but smile. The crust was golden brown and crispy with a delightful chewiness that wasn’t too hard nor soft. Each bite brought out more flavors of homemade tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese that melted in my mouth like butter. And finally, the toppings were abundant – giving a flavor boost to each slice you tasted!

To make it even better, City Slice Pizzeria has an extensive selection of craft beers that easily pairs with their pizza. This is definitely one pizza joint I would recommend to any foodie looking for some of the best pizza in Cleveland OH!

#5 Pizza Whirl

I recently visited Pizza Whirl and was absolutely blown away by the quality and creativity of their pies. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, and the topping selection was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The spicy chorizo pizza had a flavorful kick that left me wanting more, while the classic Margherita was fresh and balanced.

But what really made Pizza Whirl stand out was the atmosphere. The staff were super friendly and welcoming, which made me feel right at home. And even though it was incredibly busy, they still managed to keep everything running smoothly.

Overall, Pizza Whirl is definitely one of the best pizza restaurants in Cleveland OH! Their delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to quality make it a must-try for anyone looking for a great pie. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

#6 Edison’s Pizza Kitchen

The location itself is a perfect tourist spot, surrounded by some great attractions. The atmosphere inside is warm and inviting and they even serve alcoholic beverages – which only adds to the appeal of dining at Edison’s Pizza Kitchen.

The food itself was out of this world delicious. I tried a couple slices of the cheese pizza and it had just the right amount of tangy sauce and melted cheese on top. It was so good! They also offer some vegetarian options which is always nice to have.

The only downside is that they don’t offer delivery, so you’ll have to make sure you go to the restaurant for a bite! But trust me, it’s worth it for the best pizza in Cleveland OH you can find.

#7 Citizen Pie Roman Cafe

The first thing that caught my attention was the sheer abundance of options on their menu. From classic Margarita pies to unique flavor combinations like pear and gorgonzola, Citizen Pie offers something for everyone. Plus, all their pizzas are made with premium, locally sourced ingredients ensuring top-notch flavor in every bite.

I opted for a classic pepperoni pizza and couldn’t have been more impressed by what I tasted. The crust was thin and crunchy while the toppings were abundant and perfectly cooked. The zesty red sauce was well-balanced and blended flawlessly with the salty cheese and pepperoni. It was a symphony of flavors as each taste danced harmoniously on my tongue!

Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza around, Citizen Pie Roman Cafe is definitely worth a visit. You’ll not only enjoy amazing food but also great service—what more can you ask for? Make sure you give this spot a try; you won’t be disappointed!

#8 Vero Pizza Napoletana

To start, their beer selection is fantastic. Whether you like a light lager or something stronger, they’ve got the perfect brew for any pizza-loving palate!

Now onto the pizza. I tried both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and let me just say… wow! The crust was light and airy, with just enough char from the wood fired oven so that you know it’s real Neapolitan pizza. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, with no skimping on quality ingredients.

I also have to give them props for offering up some delicious desserts too. No matter how full you are after a slice (or two, who am I to judge?), there’s always room for something sweet—including their specialty tiramisu!

The only downside to Vero Pizza Napoletana is that they don’t offer delivery. So unless you want to take your pizza on the road or eat it in-house (which I highly recommend!), then plan ahead.

All in all, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Cleveland OH then look no further than Vero Pizza Napoletana! You won’t be disappointed!

If you’re willing to go an extra 5 miles, you can get to 31 more pizza places in Parma!

#9 Citizen Pie

I ordered the classic Margherita pizza, and it was heavenly! The crust was just crunchy enough with a hint of buttery goodness. The tomato sauce was fresh and herby, while the mozzarella cheese melted perfectly into each slice. Pure bliss!

The staff at Citizen Pie were super friendly and helpful – they even gave me some great recommendations for other pizzas to try. My favorite was their spicy pepperoni pizza with extra cheese – the combination of flavors was out of this world.

Overall, I’d give Citizen Pie five big stars for their amazing pizzas and top notch service! Not to mention, their prices are unbeatable – you definitely get your money’s worth. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Cleveland OH, look no further than Citizen Pie!

#10 Scotti’s Italian Eatery

I like that their menu has something for everyone, whether you’re a vegetarian, a fan of hard liquor (they have beer and wine too!), or someone just looking for a good slice.

The pizza had the perfect texture – not too gooey, not too crunchy – and all the ingredients worked together to create a balance of flavors that made me keep coming back for more. The waitress was friendly and helpful, giving me great tips on what to try.

My only complaint would be that they don’t offer delivery; sure, you can order online and pick it up at the restaurant but sometimes I just want to kick back on the couch with some pizza!

All in all, I’d say Scotti’s Italian Eatery is definitely worth a visit if you want to treat yourself to some of the best pizza in Cleveland OH.

#11 Crust

I must admit, I was expecting just an okay slice at best when I visited Crust. But man, was I in for a surprise! As soon as I walked in the door and got a whiff of that delicious pizza smell, I knew this place was something special.

The ambiance at Crust is quite delightful. The walls are painted with vibrant colors and interesting artwork. Plus, the music selection is great! It’s just the kind of environment you want to enjoy while devouring some of the best pizza around.

But enough about ambiance, on to the pizza! After ordering a couple slices, it didn’t take long for me to see why Crust has made such a name for itself. From the perfectly cooked crust to its delectable cheese and toppings – each bite felt like an adventure. This pizza could make even the most jaded food critic swoon with joy!

In summary, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Cleveland OH – look no further than Crust! When you bite into this deliciousness, you’ll be wishing you could take it home with you no matter where your travels take you next.

#12 Mamma Santa’s

The atmosphere is great, there’s a bar for all of you 21 and up that like to grab a beer with your pizza. There’s also a kid’s menu that makes it possible for the whole family to enjoy the delicious offerings. For those with dietary restrictions, they even have some vegetarian options.

But the best part by far is their desserts! They’re absolutely insane! I’m talking about being so good you’ll be dreaming about them for days. Trust me, get the dessert!

Unfortunately they don’t offer delivery, which could be an issue if you want to stay in and relax after a long day of sightseeing. But they do offer carryout, making them a great spot when you’re sightseeing around Cleveland OH and want the best pizza around!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Captain Tony’s Pizza

First of all, let me just say that Captain Tony’s truly understands the importance of dessert. As a self-proclaimed pizza enthusiast, I often find myself looking for the perfect sweet treat to round out my meal. And let me tell you, Captain Tony’s does not disappoint in this department. Their dessert options are out of this world! From the rich and creamy tiramisu to the indulgent chocolate lava cake, every bite is like a little piece of heaven. I have to admit, I’ve had dreams about their desserts. Yes, dreams!

Now, onto the atmosphere. Captain Tony’s is not just a pizza joint; it’s a tourist spot. The walls are adorned with nautical-themed decorations, and the waitstaff is dressed as pirates. Yes, you heard me right, pirates! They serve pizza with a side of swashbuckling charm. It’s hard not to get caught up in the whimsy of it all.

However, I must warn you, Captain Tony’s is not for the planners. They do not accept reservations. So if you’re the kind of person who likes to have everything scheduled down to the minute, you may want to reconsider. But if you’re willing to take a chance and trust in the pizza gods, it will be worth it.

Overall, Captain Tony’s Pizza is a must-visit for any pizza connoisseur. The combination of incredible deep dish pizza, divine desserts, and a quirky atmosphere make it a standout in Cleveland, Ohio. Just remember to leave your reservation books at home and prepare to embark on a pizza adventure like no other. Ahoy!

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Il Rione

Let me start by saying, this place is a hidden gem. Located in the heart of the city, Il Rione is not only a pizza joint, but also a nice tourist spot. The moment you step into the restaurant, you can smell the heavenly aroma of melted cheese and freshly baked dough. It’s like being transported to pizza paradise.

Now, let’s talk about the pizza itself. Oh boy, the thin crust is perfection! It’s thin and crispy, yet somehow manages to hold all the toppings without collapsing. I have never seen such masterful pizza craftsmanship. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

And guess what? Il Rione not only serves alcohol, but they have hard liquor too! Who would’ve thought you could enjoy a quality cocktail with your pizza? It’s like a match made in heaven. Plus, for my vegetarian friends, they offer some delicious meat-free options. So, everyone can find something to satisfy their pizza cravings.

However, it’s not all sunshine and pepperoni. Unfortunately, Il Rione doesn’t offer delivery. So, if you’re too lazy to step out of your house, you’ll have to find another way to satisfy your pizza cravings. But trust me, it’s worth the trip.

In conclusion, Il Rione is a must-visit for all pizza lovers. It’s the place where dreams come true, and where you can find some of the best thin crust pizza in cleveland ohio. Just make sure to bring your appetite and a sense of humor, because this place is as delightful as it is funny.

Best Wood Fired Pizza – Pizza Whirl

First of all, let me just say that as a food critic, I take my pizza very seriously. And boy, did Pizza Whirl not disappoint! The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked dough. I knew I was in for a treat.

Now, let’s talk about the pizza toppings. They have options for everyone, including some vegetarian choices for those of us who prefer to keep our taste buds strictly herbivorous. The combination of their thin, crispy crust and the perfectly melted cheese is pure pizza heaven.

But wait, there’s more! Pizza Whirl also serves alcohol. Yes, you read that correctly. They have a fully stocked bar, so you can wash down that delicious slice with your favorite beverage. Cheers to that!

And if you have a sweet tooth like me, don’t worry. Pizza Whirl also offers a tantalizing array of desserts. My personal favorite? The Nutella pizza. Trust me, it’s like a little slice of chocolate paradise.

Now, I must mention one downside. Pizza Whirl does not accept reservations, which can be a bit inconvenient if you’re in a hurry or if you have a large group. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?

In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best wood fired pizza in cleveland with a side of laughter and a dash of adventure, look no further than Pizza Whirl. It’s the perfect tourist spot for indulging in a slice (or five) of deliciousness.