When asked to write this article on pizza in Pittsburgh, Jess Iacullo was intimidated. After living here for 10 years, she’s seen how seriously people take their opinions on pizza. “Pizza is held to a high standard, everyone has their go-to spot, and pizza slices are just as important as pizza pies,” she states. As a new year with old favorites and new emergences continues, Jess shares just a few of the spots that have kept her coming back consistently for their charm, character, and memorable “‘za.”
8 of the Best Pizza Spots in Pittsburgh
Fazio’s
4028 Penn Avenue, Bloomfield
In my experience, the spots with no frills, no social media presence, and a family-staff feel always deliver the slices that feel like home. For me, Fazio’s is that spot. The plain pizza slices give me the nostalgic feeling of what I grew up eating: a crispy-bottom yet doughy crust, the perfect tang-to-sweet ratio of sauce, and cheese melted just right.
Badamo’s
1509 Potomac Avenue, Dormont
While they’re best known for their North Side location, their South Hills spot deserves some love. It’s similar to the original location, including a standing room for ordering pizza by the slice or by pie. But they also have some tables to stay and enjoy. They passed the takeout test for me, especially their square pepperoni slice. Their slice options change daily and per location, but I highly recommend any of their Sicilian options.
Pizza Lupo
5123 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
If you need to know something about my dedication to pizza, it’s the fact that my boyfriend and I have celebrated the past two Valentine’s Days with a pizza crawl … and Pizza Lupo is always the star of the show. While you can’t go wrong with any of their specialty pies, our favorites are the ‘Drunk Meatball’ (vodka sauce, Lupo’s meatballs, house cheese blend, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, basil) and ‘Lupo Loco’ (arrabbiata sauce, mozzarella, soppressata, pepperoni, pickled jalapeño, hot honey drizzle). This spot is strictly takeout only, and I suggest ordering online with plenty of time beforehand.
Benny Fierro’s
1906 East Carson Street, South Side
As a proud Pitt grad, I can’t leave out a college staple. While the pizza of Oakland has drastically changed since my time as a student (Sorrento’s is greatly missed), Benny Fierro’s has been proud and true to the late-night pizza scene, not to mention the value per slice. All slices are bigger than your head and range from plain and pepperoni to rotating monthly specialty slices. They now make their own ranch as well, for those who prefer a ranchy pizza bite. Need even more convincing? They’re also BYOB. Check on their social pages for the specialty slices of the month. If you show up at a party with a whole pie, I can almost guarantee you’ll be the favorite guest of the evening.
Pizza Milano
1304 Fifth Avenue, Uptown
Speaking of pizzerias that have stood the test of time and have never let me down, Pizza Milano is high on that list. If you’re a student or grad of Duquesne, this was most likely your go-to pizza joint. Aside from hot, delicious, cheese-pull-focused plain pizza pies to surprisingly flavorful and juicy chicken wings and loaded buffalo fries, this is an ideal spot for multiple takeout (and delivery) purposes, whether watching the game, entertaining guests, or craving late-night pizza any day of the week. In case a Hawaiian pizza is your thing, they make a memorable one.
Pizzeria Davide
2551 Penn Avenue Rear, Strip District
When I first moved to Pittsburgh, DiAnoia’s was one of my go-to spots for every meal of the day. I didn’t think they could get any better, but then they opened a pizza spot. Focusing on Old World and New York-style pizza, there’s truly a slice here for everyone. Their Old World slices are memorable. Let your tastebuds explore this creation of provolone cheese on the bottom with sauce on top, parmesan, oregano, and basil. They also make an incredible cheesesteak, and I highly recommend trying them while they last: they make a limited amount per day.
Rockaway Pizzeria
1137 South Braddock Avenue, Regent Square
While the owner, Josh Sickels, made history during his time in White Oak, there’s a vast following anxiously awaiting his Regent Square opening … me included. While everyone has their favorite at this New York-style pizza spot, their sesame-seeded, beautifully crusted, square Sicilian pies put them on the map for me. I still think about their vodka pie to this day. Plus, Josh did a dedicated pizza tour up and down the East Coast recently as research and included one of my childhood New Jersey staples. That’s how I know he’s the real deal.
Piccolo Forno
3801 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
While most of my list includes restaurants focused on takeout and casual dining, Piccolo Forno hits all the marks for an upscale, classic pizzeria. There’s nothing I love more than meeting a friend for dinner and being lucky enough to snag a seat outside. It’s everything a pizzeria and Italian restaurant should be. Be sure to go hungry, with room for antipasti and their traditional pizzas. My recommendation: the Calabrese with crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, provolone cheese, Calabrian chili peppers, crispy pancetta, and hot honey drizzle. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Continue the ideal evening (or lunch!) by visiting their wine and cocktail bar, Grapperia, next door.
Story by Jess Iacullo
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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