Having the privilege of eating pizza around the world, I know a good slice when I taste one. From the cheesy and greasy to the fancy artisanal pies, I’m always on the lookout for something unique.
This time, I decided to find out which places in Northern VA serve up the best pizza. After sampling a dozen pizzas from different restaurants in the area, here are my findings!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Virginia
#1 Crust Pizzeria Napoletana – Herndon
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
The pizza here is nothing short of exceptional. The pizzas are made with freshly rolled dough and baked in a traditional Neapolitan wood-fired oven – and let me tell you, it shows! Their crust is chewy, crispy, and flavorful all at the same time.
The toppings are always fresh, flavorful, and plentiful. I usually go for their classic margherita pizza with a few extra toppings to tantalize my taste buds and it never disappoints. They have an excellent selection of topping options that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters (and trust me, I’m pretty picky). And if you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer some unique specialty pies like the Diavolo or Tartufata that are sure to thrill your taste buds!
I was super impressed by the friendly staff at Crust Pizzeria Napoletana – Herndon too. Not only did they make delicious pizza – they were also very courteous and knowledgeable about their menu items. Oh, and they even threw in a free cannoli when I visited! Now that’s what I call good customer service.
Overall, I’d highly recommend visiting Crust Pizzeria Napoletana – Herndon if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Northern VA. From the excellent crust to the generous toppings to the helpful staff – everything here is top-notch!
If you’re willing to go an extra 4 miles, you can get to 27 more pizza places in Sterling!
#2 Lil Italian Pizza
- Has a kid’s menu
On a recent visit, I had the pleasure of tasting the delicious Margherita pizza. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy with just the right amount of charring. Topped with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, every bite was incredibly flavorful. This alone would have been enough to recommend this place as one of the best pizza places in Northern VA, but what really sealed the deal was their house-made garlic oil – it added a wonderful zing to every slice!
Rounding out my meal, I also sampled their spicy capicola calzone which did not disappoint. The dough was soft and slightly yeasty with a bit of crunch from the generous layer of cheese that encased the pepperoni and salami inside. If you’re looking for something on the more indulgent side then I highly suggest going for this dish.
Service at Lil Italian Pizza was great too – our server was attentive and knowledgeable about their menu items. On top of that, they also offer takeout if you don’t feel like dining in. All in all, Lil Italian Pizza is definitely one of the best places to get pizza in Northern VA and definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in town!
#3 Ciao Osteria
- Has insanely good dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
- No delivery
I was delighted by their offerings – from the wide selection of alcoholic beverages (including hard liquor!) that make this place perfect for adults, to the kid’s menu that means everyone can enjoy a great meal. And if you’re vegetarian, there are some delicious options available.
But before we get to the pizza, let me tell you about their desserts – they were insanely good! It was almost hard to resist eating them right away and get to the pizza.
When I finally made it to the pizza section of their menu, I was not disappointed. The crust was nice and crispy with just enough cheese and toppings. It definitely lived up to its reputation as one of the best pizzas in Northern VA.
My only complaint is that they don’t offer delivery, but considering how great their food is and how much of a nice tourist spot it is, it makes up for it easily.
If you’re looking for some truly excellent pizza in Northern VA, look no further than Ciao Osteria!
#4 HAVABITE EATERY
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has insanely good dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
The crust was crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, just like a perfect pizza should be. The sauce had a slight sweetness to it and the generous amount of cheese melted beautifully – I could tell that the chef took their time to get everything just right.
The menu includes all of the classic pizzas along with some unique options, such as their Mexican-style pizza with cilantro, jalapenos, lime crema, and feta. All of these flavors combined together perfectly for one delicious combination!
I highly recommend HAVABITE EATERY’s pizza to everyone looking for the best pizza in Northern VA. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to any other pizzeria!
#5 The Espositos Restaurant
- Serves alcohol
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has insanely good dessert
- No delivery
When I first visited The Espositos Restaurant, the atmosphere was lively and inviting. I felt immediately at ease and excited to try some of their famous pizza.
The menu had a great range of options for both vegetarians and carnivores, as well as a kid’s menu. People of all ages can find something to enjoy here. There were also drinks available, which is always welcome in an Italian restaurant!
But it was the pizza that impressed me most about The Espositos Restaurant. This place certainly lives up to its high reputation – the pizza was amazingly delicious. Each slice was perfectly cooked with the right ratio of crust to cheese and toppings. It really was some of the best pizza I’ve ever had! And what made it even better was the amazing desserts they offered after: insanely good!
The only downside is that The Espositos Restaurant does not offer delivery service. But trust me – it’s worth going there just for their delicious pizza!
#6 Extreme Pizza – Virginia Square
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Great place to watch sports
- Serves alcohol
I walked into the restaurant and was immediately impressed. It had a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course, delicious pizza! The menu has plenty of options for every type of pizza connoisseur – veggie lovers, meat eaters, and everything in between.
When it comes to taste, Extreme Pizza ranks up there with the best. The thin crust is perfectly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. The sauce is bursting with flavor, not too sweet or sour. And the toppings are fresh – I mean really fresh! Extreme Pizza even offers a special blend of cheeses that add an extra zing to each bite.
And don’t forget about their signature ‘Extreme’ pizzas – if you’re feeling daring you can definitely go all out here!
Overall I can say without hesitation that Extreme Pizza – Virginia Square has some of the best pizza in Northern VA that you’ll ever have!
#7 Pupatella
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
As soon as I walked inside, I was greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable about their menu, and I was able to get some great recommendations from them.
The pizza itself lives up to its reputation. It’s cooked perfectly in an authentic Italian wood-fired oven, giving it that unique flavor only found in Italy. The crust is thin and crisp yet still chewy on the inside, and the toppings are plentiful and flavorful.
The selection of pizzas here is immense – it’s honestly hard to choose just one! From traditional Margherita to the more adventurous Tartufo pizza topped with truffle oil and fontina cheese, Pupatella really has something for everyone.
Overall, my experience at Pupatella left me feeling satisfied – after all this time spent traveling around in search of the best pizza in Northern VA, I think I’ve finally found it!
#8 Pizzeria Orso
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
The crust was perfectly thin and crisp, the sauce had a delicious sweetness that played perfectly with the herbs and spices. The toppings were all fresh and flavorful. I especially enjoyed the pepperoni pizza with its generous helping of slices.
When it comes to atmosphere, Pizzeria Orso doesn’t disappoint either. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming vibe with plenty of seating and good music playing in the background. The staff were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about their menu – all signs of great service.
All in all, my experience at Pizzeria Orso was top-notch! If you’re ever in Northern VA looking for the best pizza around, make sure you stop by Pizzeria Orso – you won’t regret it!
If you’re willing to go an extra 9 miles, you can get to 25 more pizza places in Vienna!
#9 Pan Am Restaurant
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
The atmosphere is great and the staff are always friendly. The decor is modern yet nostalgic, making it a great place to relax or meet with friends.
When it comes to their pizza, Pan Am really knocks it out of the park. Their pies are always loaded with fresh toppings, and the dough is always cooked perfectly to perfection. The sauce has just the right amount of flavor without being overpowering. And, if you’re a cheese lover like me, you won’t be disappointed!
The menu also offers plenty of options so I can try something different each time I visit. They also have some tasty appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts that really hit the spot and allow me to switch things up on my visits.
Overall, I’m constantly impressed by Pan Am Restaurant and consider it to have some of the best pizza in Northern VA! Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a delicious slice!
#10 Malek’s Pizza Palace
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has a kid’s menu
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
It’s definitely the best place to go if you’re in the mood for a genuine Italian pie. From the moment you open the door, you can smell the delicious aroma of freshly-made pizza crust and toppings cooking in their brick oven.
Their menu offers an impressive selection – everything from classic margherita to more creative options like bacon and pineapple. My particular favorite is the pepperoni; it’s perfectly spiced, with just enough cheese and a delectable tomato sauce. It honestly rivals some of the best pizza I’ve had in Italy!
But that’s not all – in addition to great food, Malek’s Pizza Palace has an amazing atmosphere. It’s got a cozy, old-school vibe that immediately puts you at ease, and you feel like part of a big family when you walk through the doors. Plus, their prices are incredibly reasonable for such high quality food – another bonus!
I would highly recommend anyone looking for the best pizza in Northern VA to visit Malek’s Pizza Palace; it won’t disappoint!
#11 Tony’s NY Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
From the first bite, I knew I was in for something special. The crust was thin and crispy yet had a nice chewy consistency that held all of the flavors together. The sauce had just the right balance of acidity and sweetness, while the combination of fresh mozzarella and Italian sausage gave it an unbeatable depth of flavor.
The atmosphere of Tony’s NY Pizza is also one-of-a-kind. You’ll never forget walking through the door; the smell of garlic and herbs fills the air and instantly puts a smile on your face. Even though it’s a small space, everything is immaculately clean, making you feel at home to enjoy some truly delicious pizza!
My advice? Don’t take my word for it – try Tony’s NY Pizza for yourself! Whether you’re looking for a great slice or a full pie, you won’t be disappointed with this place. It has quickly become my go-to spot when I’m craving some of the best pizza in Northern VA – trust me, there’s no better place around!
#12 MOD Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
Upon walking into MOD Pizza, I was instantaneously hit with a wave of delicious smells. The pizza being cooked in the oven behind the counter and the sweet aroma of garlic made my mouth instantly start to water.
The menu board was one of the best I’ve ever seen, with a wide variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. I decided to go for their classic margherita pizza, topped with pesto, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
The pizza itself was divine. The crust was fluffy yet crispy, with just enough sauce and cheese to make it perfect. But what really set this pizza apart from all others was the pesto; it added an earthy flavor that balanced out the sweetness of the mozzarella and basil beautifully.
All in all, MOD Pizza serves up some of the best pizza in Northern VA! If you haven’t been there yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice – trust me!
Best Thin Crust Pizza – Ledo Pizza
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- No delivery
- Does not accept reservations
Now, I should preface this review by saying that Ledo Pizza doesn’t deliver. So, if you’re feeling particularly lazy or just don’t want to put on pants, you might want to reconsider. But trust me, it’s worth the effort.
The first time I walked into Ledo Pizza, I was immediately greeted by the heavenly aroma of freshly baked pizza. The place was buzzing with energy, and I could see why – they serve alcohol! A pizza joint that understands the importance of a good brew is a winner in my book.
And let’s not forget about the food. Ledo Pizza offers a variety of vegetarian options, which is great for those herbivores out there who don’t just want to munch on lettuce leaves all day. The thin crust pizza at Ledo is a dream come true – crispy, yet still chewy, with just the right amount of toppings and cheese. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds doing a victory dance.
But what really seals the deal for me is their dessert. Ledo Pizza knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. Their chocolate lava cake is a sinfully delicious treat that will have you begging for more.
Now, I do have a bone to pick with Ledo Pizza – they don’t accept reservations. So, if you want to secure a table, be prepared to channel your inner ninja and swoop in at just the right moment.
All in all, Ledo Pizza is definitely worth a visit, even if you have to put on pants and wait for a table.