Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the United States. It comes in many forms—thin crust, deep dish, wood-fired, Sicilian, and even New York slices folded in half. In 2024, several pizzerias across the country continue to earn praise for their creativity, quality, and dedication to tradition. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, knowing where to find the best pizza can turn an ordinary day into a memorable culinary adventure. This article introduces the top ten pizza spots in the United States in 2024. We will explore what makes each of them special, their unique approach, and the story behind their success.
Lucali – Brooklyn, New York
Lucali is a quiet gem hidden in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. Founded by Mark Iacono, Lucali is famous for its brick oven pizza and rustic charm. The dough is hand-rolled using a wine bottle instead of a rolling pin, giving the crust a tender, chewy texture with a crisp finish. Lucali’s pizza is topped with a delicate tomato sauce, rich mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. There is no printed menu. Guests choose between a pizza or a calzone and bring their own drinks. Celebrities and food lovers line up for hours just to get a table. The balance of flavor and the simplicity of ingredients make Lucali a top pick year after year.
Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix, Arizona
Chef Chris Bianco started Pizzeria Bianco with the vision of making pizza the right way—slow and thoughtful. His pizzas begin with organic flour and naturally fermented dough, which is then baked in a wood-fired oven. The mozzarella is hand-pulled, and the tomatoes are locally grown. One of the most popular options here is the “Wiseguy,” a white pizza topped with roasted onions, house-smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage. Each pizza is a display of balance, care, and craftsmanship. The flavors are bold yet refined, giving every bite a sense of tradition and passion.
Pequod’s Pizza – Chicago, Illinois
Pequod’s is one of the best places for deep-dish pizza in the United States. What makes Pequod’s stand out is its caramelized crust. Instead of piling cheese only on the pizza top, Pequod’s adds a layer along the edge of the cast iron pan, which melts and forms a crunchy, flavorful border. The toppings are generous, and the cheese stretches endlessly with each bite. Their house-made sausage and thick tomato sauce provide a hearty, comforting experience. It’s a Chicago staple that blends local tradition with a one-of-a-kind texture and taste.
Razza Pizza Artigianale – Jersey City, New Jersey
Located just across the river from Manhattan, Razza has quickly risen to fame with its quality-driven approach. Chef Dan Richer focuses on the science of pizza dough and fermentation. The ingredients are sourced from local farmers, and even the butter served with the bread is made in-house. Razza’s signature Margherita features bright tomato sauce, silky fresh mozzarella, and perfectly blistered crust. It’s more than just pizza—it’s a carefully constructed culinary experience. Richer believes in using fewer ingredients, but each one must be the best possible. The result is a pizza that tastes as fresh and satisfying as it looks.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco, California
Tony Gemignani is a world champion pizza maker, and his San Francisco restaurant is a tribute to every pizza style imaginable. From Neapolitan to Sicilian, New York, and even Detroit-style, Tony’s offers them all. His restaurant uses multiple ovens, each specially made for a certain type of crust and temperature. One of the most famous creations is the Margherita Napoletana, baked in a 900-degree wood-fired oven for exactly 90 seconds. The crust has a soft and pillowy edge, charred in just the right spots. Tony’s commitment to excellence and pizza education makes it a cornerstone of the American pizza scene.
Santarpio’s Pizza – Boston, Massachusetts
Santarpio’s has been serving East Boston since 1903, making it one of the oldest pizzerias in the country. Its charm comes from its no-frills interior and old-school approach. The pizza is thin, chewy, and slightly charred from the brick oven. Their sausage, made in-house, is full of flavor and is often paired with garlic and anchovies. Locals love the balance between the crispy crust and hearty toppings. It’s not a fancy place, but it’s the kind of spot where the taste speaks louder than the décor. The atmosphere is lively, and the recipes have stood the test of time.
Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn, New York
Another Brooklyn legend, Di Fara Pizza is known for the work of Dom DeMarco, who made every pie himself for decades. The pizzeria continues to uphold his legacy with pizzas that mix New York and Italian flavors. Each pizza is topped with multiple cheeses, including imported Parmigiano-Reggiano and hand-cut basil. Olive oil is drizzled over the top before serving. The crust is crispy but soft in the middle, and every bite has a rich and complex flavor. Di Fara’s pizza is often seen as the definition of New York-style done with Italian soul.
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven, Connecticut
Known simply as “Pepe’s” by locals, this New Haven institution has been around since 1925. The most famous item is the white clam pizza, topped with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and grated cheese. The crust is thin and slightly chewy, baked in a coal-fired oven that gives it a perfect char. Pepe’s style is called New Haven-style pizza, or “apizza,” known for its crispy texture and rich flavors. Their tomato pies are also loved by fans. The consistency, unique regional style, and generations of tradition make this a must-visit for any pizza lover.
Sally’s Apizza – New Haven, Connecticut
Sally’s Apizza, a close cousin to Frank Pepe’s, is another legendary spot in New Haven. The restaurant has a loyal following and long lines outside are a common sight. Sally’s pizza is known for its coal-fired thin crust, tangy tomato sauce, and light layer of cheese. One standout item is the tomato pie with fresh mozzarella and basil, a simple combination that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine. The crust has just the right amount of chew, and the smokiness from the oven adds depth to every slice. This is traditional New Haven-style pizza at its finest.
Prince Street Pizza – New York City, New York
Prince Street Pizza in Manhattan is famous for its square slices with thick crust and crispy edges. The most iconic slice is the Spicy Spring, which features pepperoni cups that curl and crisp around the edges, releasing oil that adds to the flavor. The crust is airy but firm, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. The sauce is tangy and bright, balancing the richness of the cheese and meats. Prince Street Pizza has become a landmark for pizza lovers, offering a bold and flavorful alternative to the classic New York slice. It brings a modern flair to a timeless dish.
What Makes a Pizza the Best?
Several factors determine the quality of a pizza. The dough is perhaps the most important. It should be made with care, often fermented over time to develop flavor and texture. The sauce must be fresh, ideally from ripe tomatoes with a hint of seasoning. Cheese matters too—it should melt well and add creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
The cooking method is another major factor. Wood-fired ovens offer a smokier flavor and faster cook time, creating a chewy yet charred crust. Coal-fired ovens produce a crispy bottom with subtle bitterness. Even the placement of toppings, the balance between crust and cheese, and the moisture level in the dough can change the overall result.
The best pizza shops take all these elements seriously. They use traditional methods, local ingredients, and years of experience. Some places focus on classic recipes passed down through generations. Others experiment with new techniques while respecting the roots of Italian pizza.
Regional Styles Across the U.S.
New York-style pizza is large, thin, and foldable. Chicago deep-dish is thick with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. New Haven-style pizza is coal-fired with a thin, chewy crust. Detroit-style is square, with a thick crust and cheese that caramelizes around the edges. California-style often uses unusual toppings like goat cheese or arugula.
Each region has its fans, and the diversity is part of what makes American pizza culture so rich. From coast to coast, you’ll find pizza that reflects the character of the place where it’s made.
Conclusion
In 2024, America continues to be home to some of the world’s best pizza. From the streets of Brooklyn to the ovens of Phoenix, every top pizzeria brings something unique to the table. These places are not just about food—they represent culture, history, and a deep love for craftsmanship. Whether you enjoy the thick, cheesy comfort of a deep dish or the crisp, fresh flavor of a Neapolitan pie, there is a perfect slice waiting for you somewhere in the U.S.
Eating at one of these top ten pizza spots is more than just a meal—it’s a journey into the heart of American food culture. Every pizza has a story, and every bite connects you to a tradition that keeps evolving with time.
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