Top 12 Independent Pizzerias to Visit in 2026 (U.S. Edition)

Every year we compile a list of independent pizzerias that demonstrate culinary integrity, community connection, and consistent execution. Our team visited 12 standout pizzerias across the United States, tasting their signature pies and assessing service, atmosphere, and value. Below are the highlights and full reviews.

"Great pizza is a conversation between crust, sauce, and heat. When those elements sing together, it doesn’t matter where you are—magic happens."

Review methodology

Each location was visited anonymously during normal service hours. We evaluated the following criteria on a 1–10 scale: crust texture and flavor, sauce balance, toppings quality and compatibility, bake consistency, service friendliness, and overall value. Scores shown are aggregated averages from multiple visits.

1. Osteria del Forno — Portland, OR

Score: 9.4. Known for a wood-fired short-fermentation crust that combines chew and blistered char, Osteria del Forno’s Margherita is nuanced, with bright basil and a restrained, herbal sauce. Service is warm and knowledgeable. Value is high for the neighborhood location.

2. Eastside Slice Co. — Brooklyn, NY

Score: 9.1. Classic New York-style slices: foldable, chewy, with a thin reach of crisped edges. Their pepperoni caramelizes into cups; sauce is slightly sweet and comforting. Great for late-night crowds.

3. La Tavola Bianca — Chicago, IL

Score: 9.0. Thick-crust al taglio that showcases airy interior and crispy bottom. Toppings are ingredient-forward—think fennel sausage and fermented chili oil. The environment is lively with artisan soda pairings.

4. Casa Napoli — San Francisco, CA

Score: 8.9. Neapolitan-focused with high-hydration dough and blistering from a 900°F oven. Pizza is delicate and ephemeral—best eaten immediately. They excel at seasonal combinations using local produce.

5. Rustica Pizzeria — Austin, TX

Score: 8.8. Craft-forward pizzas with Texas influence: brisket bianca and smoked jalapeño pies are crowd pleasers. Friendly service and solid value. Great for groups and late-night orders.

6. Molino Verde — Seattle, WA

Score: 8.7. Focus on whole-grain flours and fermentation. Crust has nutty depth, and toppings are sustainably sourced. A must-visit for health-minded pizza fans.

7. Little Italy Pizzeria — Boston, MA

Score: 8.6. Straightforward Italian-American pies with an emphasis on family recipes. The ricotta-and-spinach special is a local legend.

8. Barrio Pizza — Miami, FL

Score: 8.5. Latin-inspired toppings and tropical flavors give this spot a bold identity. The crust is thin and crisp, perfect for complex topping combinations.

9. The Brick Oven — Denver, CO

Score: 8.4. Solid all-around pizza with dependable service. Great option for kids and families, with a good beer list to match.

10. Old Town Pie — Savannah, GA

Score: 8.3. Charming historic setting and pies that skew toward Southern ingredients—collard greens, smoked ham, and pecan finishes. Hospitality is exceptional.

11. Harbor Slice — Honolulu, HI

Score: 8.2. Local seafood toppings and tropical fruit chutneys provide a Hawaiian spin without losing pizza fundamentals. Scenic waterfront seating adds to the experience.

12. Desert Oven — Phoenix, AZ

Score: 8.0. Focus on high-heat baking to deliver crisp crusts even in a desert climate. Good value and dependable quality; a standout for late dinners.

Common strengths among our picks

• Ingredient quality: Fresh sauces and thoughtfully sourced toppings.
• Consistent baking: Visual and timed indicators used by staff.
• Hospitality: Staff who know the menu and can guide choices.
• Sense of place: Each pizzeria reflects its neighborhood or regional influence.

How to use this list

Visit based on style preference (Neapolitan vs. New York vs. sheet/roman), or sample different pies across a weekend trip. If you own a pizzeria, study the operations behind why these places work—menu focus, oven choice, and community engagement are recurring themes.

Final note: Great pizza is always evolving. We will update this list annually. If you think your favorite independent pizzeria belongs on next year’s list, send us a note with specifics about signature pies, location, and why it stands out.