12 Ohio Pizza Places Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Find

Ohio’s pizza scene is something special, with hidden spots serving up slices that locals have been enjoying for decades. These aren’t the big chain restaurants you see everywhere – they’re family-owned treasures with secret recipes and devoted followings.

I’m sharing twelve incredible pizzerias that Ohioans would rather keep to themselves.

1. Rubino’s Pizza

Since opening its doors in 1954, this Columbus gem has perfected the art of paper-thin rectangular pizza. You’ll find crispy edges, tangy sauce, and gooey provolone working together in perfect harmony.

The cash-only policy and simple decor transport you back in time. Locals have been guarding this secret for nearly 70 years, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.

2. Terita’s Pizza

Walking into this 1959 establishment feels like visiting a friend’s kitchen where magic happens. The cheese gets perfectly caramelized around the edges, creating those crispy bits everyone fights over.

Their house-made Italian sausage recipe hasn’t changed in over six decades. Each bite delivers that ideal balance between a crispy bottom and chewy texture that keeps customers coming back weekly.

3. Panzera’s Pizza

Operating since 1957, this Grandview Heights spot creates Instagram-worthy cheese pulls with every single slice. Their signature sauce features a slightly sweet blend with herbal notes that nobody else can replicate.

The hand-tossed dough gets prepared fresh daily using a recipe passed down through generations. Regulars know to arrive early on weekends because word has spread despite locals’ best efforts.

4. The Original Josie’s Pizza

Downtown Columbus has housed this treasure since the 1960s, serving square-cut pizzas with an almost pastry-like crust. The texture is unlike anything you’ve experienced—flaky yet sturdy enough to hold generous toppings.

Order ‘The Works’ and you’ll get every topping imaginable piled high. Business lunches and late-night cravings both find their answer here in this enduring establishment.

5. JT’s Pizza & Pub

Their legendary Buffalo chicken pizza topped with homemade ranch dressing has achieved cult status among Columbus residents. Every batch of dough gets cold-fermented for 48 hours, creating depth of flavor that quick-rise methods simply cannot match.

Creative twists on pub classics make this spot stand out from traditional pizzerias. Fresh ingredients arrive daily, and the kitchen staff takes genuine pride in every pie.

6. Gatto’s Pizza

This Clintonville family legacy produces pizzas with impossibly crisp bottoms and pillowy edges that defy physics. The contrast in textures makes each bite an adventure for your taste buds.

Their famous garlic rolls started as a happy accident from leftover dough decades ago. Now they’ve gained their own devoted following, with some customers ordering them by the dozen for parties and gatherings.

7. TAT Ristorante di Famiglia

Operating since 1929 makes this Columbus’s oldest Italian restaurant, and their pizza remains a hidden star on the menu. The crust sits somewhere between typical Columbus-style thin and deep dish, providing perfect foundation for toppings.

Their slow-cooked sauce develops rich, complex flavors over hours of simmering. Generations of families have celebrated milestones here, making memories alongside exceptional food.

8. Marion’s Piazza

Dayton residents have protected this 1965 institution fiercely, known for distinctive thin crust cut into tiny squares. Locals call it ‘party cut’ or ‘tavern style,’ and it’s perfect for sharing—or not sharing.

The sauce achieves that elusive sweet-tangy balance that keeps you reaching for another square. Multiple locations exist now, but regulars swear the original tastes best, though they’d never tell outsiders which one that is.

9. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza

Near Ohio State’s campus, this spot has fueled students and locals since 1979 with massive New York-style slices. Each piece is bigger than your face and folds perfectly in half for authentic eating.

Late-night crowds pack the place after games and concerts, creating an electric atmosphere. The recipe hasn’t changed because, honestly, perfection doesn’t need improvement or modernization.

10. Ange’s Pizza

Lakewood’s best-kept secret serves classic Ohio-style pizza in a neighborhood setting that feels like home. The owners know regular customers by name and remember their usual orders without asking.

Simple ingredients prepared with care create extraordinary results here. Kids grow up eating these pizzas, then bring their own children decades later, continuing the delicious tradition through multiple generations.

11. Harvest Pizzeria

Wood-fired ovens and locally-sourced ingredients elevate pizza to art form at this newer establishment. Seasonal menus change based on what farmers bring in, ensuring peak freshness and supporting the community.

The modern rustic atmosphere attracts food enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship. Each pizza gets carefully composed with attention to flavor balance, color, and texture, making every visit feel special.

12. Cottage Inn Pizza

Gourmet specialty combinations set this cozy spot apart from traditional pizzerias throughout Ohio. Creative topping pairings surprise and delight adventurous eaters willing to try something beyond pepperoni.

The cottage-style atmosphere creates intimate dining experiences perfect for date nights or family gatherings. Quality ingredients cost more, but regulars gladly pay for the elevated experience and exceptional taste they receive here.