9 Youngstown, Ohio Pizza Places Where The Dough Still Reigns Supreme
Flour dust hangs in the air, ovens hum, and the scent of red sauce drifts down neighborhood blocks. In Youngstown, pizza isn’t a trend – it’s a tradition handed down on well-worn peels and seasoned steel.
These shops honor time-tested methods – hand-stretched dough, careful bakes, toppings that don’t need gimmicks – so every slice lands with familiar comfort and real character. Pull up a chair, grab a hot box, and taste why this valley keeps coming back for one more cut.
1. Wedgewood Fernando’s Pizza – Austintown
Family-owned since 1972, this Austintown landmark serves up pizza that locals drive miles to enjoy. Their signature thin crust has just the right amount of crunch and chew.
The sweet-tangy sauce and generous toppings create the perfect balance in every bite. Weekend evenings often mean a packed house of regulars who’ve been loyal for generations.
2. Uptown Pizza – Boardman / Liberty
Hidden in a small strip mall, Uptown Pizza might not look fancy, but the first bite tells you everything. Their dough rises for 24 hours before being hand-stretched by seasoned pizza makers.
Locals rave about their perfectly caramelized cheese edges and the slightly sweet sauce that complements their hearty toppings. The pepperoni cups into perfect little flavor pockets when baked.
3. Bella Napoli – Youngstown / Canfield Area
Step through the doors of Bella Napoli and you’re transported to old-world Italian pizza tradition. Their wood-fired oven creates those coveted charred bubbles along the edge of every crust.
The marinara sauce follows a recipe brought over from Naples three generations ago. Ask any regular and they’ll tell you the Margherita pizza showcases exactly what makes this family-owned gem special.
4. Cocca’s Pizza – Youngstown / Boardman Region
Since 1982, Cocca’s has mastered the art of the sheet pizza – a rectangular beauty that feeds families and parties throughout the Valley. Their dough rises high at the edges while staying delightfully crisp on the bottom.
The cheese blend is their closely guarded secret, creating that perfect stretch when you pull a slice away. Their sweet peppers and sausage combination has become legendary among locals.
5. Inner Circle Pizza – Youngstown
College students and longtime residents alike flock to Inner Circle for their signature thick-but-not-too-thick crust that somehow stays light and airy. Their sauce has a distinctive spice blend you won’t find elsewhere.
Late night pizza runs here have become a Youngstown tradition. The friendly staff remembers regulars’ orders and often throws in garlic knots as a thank-you to loyal customers.
6. Emmanuel’s Pizza & Restaurant – Youngstown / Boardman
Emmanuel’s creates pizza with an unmistakable Greek influence. Their dough recipe incorporates olive oil that gives it a distinctive flavor and golden-brown finish when baked.
Famous for generous toppings that extend right to the edge, every bite delivers maximum flavor. Don’t miss their specialty white pizza with spinach and feta that pays homage to the owner’s Mediterranean roots.
7. Bruno Brothers Pizza – Youngstown / Surrounding Suburbs
Bruno brothers have maintained the same dough recipe since 1972. The slightly sweet, chewy crust develops its flavor through a slow cold fermentation process.
Regulars swear by their “everything” pizza loaded with house-made Italian sausage and fresh vegetables. The brothers still work behind the counter most days, ensuring every pie meets their exacting standards before it leaves the kitchen.
8. Cornersburg Pizza – Poland / Cornersburg Area
This neighborhood fixture serves pizza with a distinctively crispy bottom that somehow stays chewy in the middle. Their old-school deck ovens give each pie a character you can’t replicate in modern conveyor-belt setups.
The sauce recipe hasn’t changed since 1975, with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Friday nights see multi-generation families sharing tables and pizza traditions that span decades.
9. Risi Pizza – Youngstown / Mahoning Valley
Newcomers might overlook this unassuming shop, but locals know Risi creates some of the Valley’s most distinctive pizza. Their signature square-cut thin crust shatters perfectly with each bite while still holding substantial toppings.
The cheese blend caramelizes beautifully around the edges. Their pepperoni and hot pepper pizza has developed a cult following for the perfect balance of spice and savory flavors.
