From thin-crust classics to creative, flavor-packed pies, explore the pizza spots that locals and visitors can't stop raving about.
Philadelphia is home to some of the best pizza spots in the country, offering a range of styles and flavors that cater to every type of pizza lover.
Whether you're into thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pies, thick, cheesy Detroit slices, or something entirely unique, the city’s pizzerias have it all.
From long-established favorites to hidden neighborhood gems, this guide will take you through the best places to grab a slice (or a whole pie) in Philly. No matter where you go, these spots are guaranteed to satisfy your pizza cravings.
Pizzeria Beddia in Fishtown is a staple in Philly’s pizza scene, known for its thin, crispy pies and quality ingredients. The pizzas here come in a larger format and pair perfectly with a glass from their natural wine list. They’ve got spicy arrabbiata sauce, Calabrian cream, or a simple Sicilian oregano pie and more. The takeout holds up well, but dining on their covered patio offers a great view for people-watching. The restaurant, once a tiny takeout spot with lines around the block, has since expanded to a larger space with a sleek, industrial vibe. If you're unsure what to get, try the No. 2, which combines Calabrian cream, mozzarella, and Old Gold gouda for a mac-and-cheese-like flavor on perfectly baked dough.
Pizza Shackamaxon, located in Fishtown, is known for serving up giant, crispy slices. Their signature thin crust has a blistered, charred look (not burnt—just part of their style) that holds the sauce and toppings perfectly in place. The menu is simple: plain, pepperoni, tomato, and a weekly rotating special. Though takeout-only, ordering is easy, and you can call ahead for whole pies or email if you're buying four or more. For an upgrade, try topping your slice with house-made crushed red pepper or lemon-basil whipped ricotta. Their sister spot in Port Richmond offers a sit-down BYOB experience, making it easier to enjoy their classic cheese or white spinach pizza without rushing to eat on the sidewalk.
Circles and Squares, started by Daniel Gutter, is best known for its thick-crusted Detroit-style pan pizza. Gutter, once an apprentice at Pizzeria Beddia, branched out on his own, opening this brick-and-mortar shop in 2019. The pizzas here are square, with a crispy, cheesy crust and soft, airy dough. While Gutter has expanded to two other spots with slightly different menus, the original location on Tulip Street remains a favorite.
Angelo’s Pizzeria sticks to its roots with a few firm rules: cash only, takeout only, and preorders by phone. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or until sold out), Angelo’s is worth the wait. The pizza features a chewy, slightly sour crust topped with layers of cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh basil. While pizza is the star, their hoagies and cheesesteaks on fresh-baked bread are just as popular. Originally from Haddonfield, they brought their famous long-fermented dough recipe to Philly in 2019.
Tacconelli’s in Port Richmond is a Philly institution, known for its super-thin, crispy brick-oven pies. The restaurant’s history dates back to the 1920s when Giovanni Tacconelli originally built the brick oven for baking bread before switching to pizza in 1946. To ensure you get a pie, it's a good idea to call ahead and reserve your dough—yes, that's a thing here. The menu is simple, including white pies and classic cheese pizzas with toppings like sausage and peppers. It’s a BYOB spot, so bring your beer or wine, and don’t forget cash. People on Reddit say that the crust is so thin that adding more than two toppings might lead to some spillover, but the plain pizza is so perfectly balanced, you won’t need much more.
Sally, located in Fitler Square, is a good spot for sourdough pizzas and natural wine. The crust here is unique, with a fermented, slightly sweet flavor that could easily be eaten on its own. The menu changes frequently, but there are always at least a couple of red and white pizza options to choose from.
Pizzata Pizzeria in Fitler Square brings New York-style sourdough pizzas to Philly, with co-owners Davide Labruno and Vinny Gallagher taking their craft seriously. Labruno’s experience from his family’s pizza restaurant in Naples shines through in every pie, which is wood-fired and topped with high-quality ingredients like burrata and spicy salami. The sourdough crust is airy with a satisfying crunch, making each bite a mini explosion of flavor. Whether you’re grabbing a classic red or white pizza, you can count on fresh basil, parmesan, and olive oil to finish it off. Some google reviews have mentioned that although it’s mostly a takeout spot, there are a few tables outside when the weather is nice.
Santucci’s is a Philly institution, known for its square, sauce-on-top pizzas that have been a local favorite for decades. With locations near the Italian Market, on North Broad Street, Roxborough, and beyond, it's a must-try to fully appreciate Philly’s pizza scene. The pies have a unique low-walled, square shape that sets them apart from both Detroit and traditional round pizzas, and the dough is soft and pillowy.
Stina Pizzeria in South Philly has become a local favorite, known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired small plates. The menu offers many standout pies, including options like anchovy and tomato, spicy soppressata, and short rib beef bacon. Alongside pizza, Stina serves seasonal dishes like grilled octopus, fried smelt, and fattoush salad, making it a well-rounded dining experience. With a rotating selection of creative toppings, Stina delivers the perfect mix of classic Neapolitan flavors and inventive, Mediterranean twists.
San Lucas Pizzeria in South Philly stands out for its unique fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and traditional pizza. Known for bold combinations, their pies feature ingredients like spicy jalapeños, savory chorizo, fresh cilantro, and lime.
Tucked inside Cartesian Brewing on East Passyunk Avenue, CJ & D’s Trenton-style tomato pies are one of South Philly's best-kept secrets. Known for their crispy, thin, no-flop crust, these pies are made with cheese directly on the dough, topped with a tangy tomato sauce. Each pie is crafted one at a time, with just four options on the menu, but the white pizza and pepperoni are local favorites according to facebook. The pizzas feature puffs of charred bubbles along the edges, adding a perfect crispiness to each bite. Despite the hassle of in-person orders, the quality and flavor make it more than worth the effort.
Paulie Gee’s Soul City Slice Shop in Washington Square West is a New York import that’s won over even the toughest Philly pizza critics. This late-night hangout offers a nostalgic vibe with white-and-black-tiled floors, wood paneling, and a ’70s vinyl soundtrack. Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, it's the perfect spot to grab a slice, play pool, or try your hand at Atari. Many google reviews say that the standout pie here is the Freddy Prinze, an upside-down Sicilian pizza with sweet tomato sauce, mozzarella, pecorino romano, and a sesame seed bottom for added crunch. The shop also serves several round pies and vegan options.
Pitruco Pizza, once known for serving wood-fired, Neapolitan-inspired pies from a food truck, now has a permanent spot at Franklin’s Table food hall at Penn. Their pizzas feature a bubbly, charred crust, with options ranging from classic margherita with buffalo mozzarella to other choices like spicy garlic and radicchio. While the food hall location is a convenient spot, the original truck is still rolling around Philly—check their website for updates on where to find it.
Pizzeria Salvy, located in the Comcast Technology Center, is known for its hot, bubbly 12-inch pizzas. Pizzeria Salvy offers creative options like the Fiorella sausage & peppers pie, topped with sausage, roasted peppers, mozzarella, and pecorino. They also serve up specialty taglio slices, fresh salads, and seasonal veggies. People on Reddit say to try the Ode To Sweet Onion Crepe, a decadent blend of roasted sweet onion, white truffle, and parmesan. While the pizza is exceptional, the downside is the setting—eating in the basement of the Comcast Technology Center with linoleum floors isn't exactly cozy, but the food more than makes up for it.
Down North Pizza in Strawberry Mansion has made a name for itself not only for its incredible Detroit-style pizza but also for its mission to employ formerly incarcerated individuals at a fair wage. Executive chef Michael Carter makes crispy, thick-crust pies and wings that have become a local hit. The pizza here features a light yet sturdy base that holds many toppings like beef sausage, pepperoni, and more. People online say that a standout is the "Flip Side," topped with beef bacon, caramelized pineapple, jalapeños, and gooey mozzarella. Besides pizza, Down North also serves wings, loaded fries, and milkshakes. For the best experience, order online or show up early.
Pizza Jawn in Manayunk offers a variety of pizza styles. Whether you prefer a round Neapolitan-New York hybrid, a sauce-on-top Grandma pie, or a thick Detroit-style pizza with crispy cheese at the edges, Pizza Jawn has you covered. Their sesame-coated crust sets them apart from other spots in Philly. They have 38 different toppings. If you're unsure, many google reviews say that the square-shaped Grandma pizza with a sesame seed bottom and perfectly golden edges is a solid choice.
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons in Fishtown has the Spicy Jawn, a Best of Philly winner, which is a standout here with its bold, smart flavor combinations. However, the Double Margherita—essentially a traditional margherita topped with creamy burrata—is equally noteworthy and, some would argue, even better.
Rosario’s Pizzeria in South Philly brings a unique fusion of Philly-Italian and Mexican flavors to the pizza scene. Their pies include the Pizza al Pastor, made with guajillo chili sauce, and the Choriqueso Pizza, topped with salsa, chorizo, portobello mushrooms, and a blend of mozzarella and Chihuahua cheese. This creative mix of flavors may sound unconventional, but it works.
Barbuzzo, a nice Mediterranean spot in Center City, is known for its crowd-pleasing pizzas that have been a favorite for years. The Uovo pizza, topped with Brussels-sprout leaves, guanciale, and a truffled egg, is a standout. But don’t overlook the Maiale when it's available—this pie features prosciutto, pancetta, San Marzano tomato sauce, and a generous handful of arugula. Redditors say that the intimate seating might have you rubbing elbows with your neighbors, but the flavors make it more than worth it.
Pizza Brain in Fishtown is known for its playful approach to pizza. Each pie comes with a quirky name, like the "Buffy Earnst" or "Forbes Waggensense," and has toppings such as barbecue sauce, brisket, horseradish, and dates.
Wood Street Pizza is the quintessential neighborhood pizza joint, offering a commitment to making everything from scratch. The pies are simple, yet packed with flavor, making it a favorite among locals. In addition to their excellent pizzas, Wood Street also serves up some great cheesesteaks.
