Arizona Pizza Joints You Have To Try For Authentic Flavor
Arizona might be famous for its desert landscapes and scorching summers, but trust me when I say the real heat is coming from the pizza ovens scattered across the state.
From wood-fired Neapolitan pies to thick-crust creations loaded with toppings, these local spots are serving up slices that rival anything you’d find in New York or Chicago.
Whether you’re a Phoenix local or just passing through Tucson, these pizza joints will change the way you think about Arizona food forever.
1. Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix
This place has lines that wrap around the block for a reason, and no, it’s not because Arizonans have nothing better to do. Pizzeria Bianco is the brainchild of Chris Bianco, a pizza legend who treats dough like it’s sacred scripture.
Every pie gets the royal treatment with house-milled flour and toppings sourced from local farms.
The crust alone will make you weep. It’s chewy, charred in all the right spots, and somehow light as air. The Wiseguy with wood-roasted onions and house-smoked mozzarella is an absolute showstopper that’ll ruin all other pizzas for you.
2. La Grande Orange Pizzeria, Tucson
Where farm-to-table meets pizza perfection, you’ll find this Tucson treasure doing things right. La Grande Orange Pizzeria doesn’t mess around with mediocre ingredients or boring flavor combinations. Their menu reads like a love letter to fresh produce and creative thinking.
Try the Fennel Sausage pizza if you want your taste buds to throw a party. The balance between savory sausage, caramelized onions, and just enough cheese is chef’s kiss material. Plus, the atmosphere feels like dining at a friend’s impossibly cool loft, which only adds to the experience.
3. Oregano’s Pizza Bistros, Scottsdale
Though Arizona isn’t exactly known for Chicago-style deep dish, Oregano’s comes pretty darn close to nailing it. Oregano’s Pizza Bistros has been a Scottsdale staple for years, serving up hefty portions that could feed a small army.
Their signature thick crust is buttery, flaky, and ridiculously indulgent. Order the Pizza Cookie for dessert and thank me later.
It’s a warm chocolate chip cookie baked in a pizza pan and served with vanilla ice cream. The casual vibe and massive portions make this spot perfect for hungry families or anyone nursing a serious carb craving.
4. Pieology Pizzeria, Tempe
Are you the kind of person who needs complete control over every aspect of your meal? Pieology Pizzeria in Tempe lets you build your own pizza masterpiece from scratch, Chipotle-style. You pick the sauce, cheese, toppings, and finishing touches while watching your creation come to life.
The best part is that it’s all one price, no matter how many toppings you pile on. Load up that bad boy with roasted garlic, pepperoni, jalapeños, and pineapple if that’s your vibe. The thin crust cooks fast in their blazing ovens, so you’re in and out quicker than most drive-thrus.
5. Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, Phoenix
When you’re craving pizza that tastes like it was airlifted straight from Naples, Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana delivers with serious authenticity. Pomo follows strict Neapolitan traditions, from the imported Italian flour to the San Marzano tomatoes that blanket each pie.
Their wood-fired oven cranks out blistered, leopard-spotted crusts that are simultaneously crispy and pillowy. The Margherita here is a religious experience. Fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce combine in perfect harmony.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Diavola with spicy salami will light your mouth on fire in the best possible way.
6. The Parlor Pizzeria, Tucson
However you feel about Tucson’s pizza scene, The Parlor Pizzeria is about to change your entire perspective. The Parlor brings New York-style slices to the desert with attitude and flavor to spare. Their pies are huge, foldable, and exactly what you need after a long day exploring the city.
The White pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil is dangerously addictive. Each slice is generously sized and loaded with quality ingredients that actually taste fresh.
The casual counter-service setup means you can grab a slice and go, or hang out in their laid-back dining area while you devour your pie.
7. Spinato’s Pizzeria, Phoenix
This family-owned spot has been slinging pies in Phoenix since the 1970s, and they’ve perfected their craft over decades. Spinato’s Pizzeria uses a recipe passed down through generations, resulting in a crust that’s crispy on the bottom and wonderfully chewy throughout.
Their sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, complementing every topping choice beautifully.
Try their famous Spinato’s Special loaded with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and green peppers. The portions are generous, the service is warm, and the nostalgia factor is off the charts. It’s the kind of place that feels like coming home, even if it’s your first visit.
8. Culver’s Pizzeria, Glendale
Culver’s Pizzeria in Glendale has become a favorite among locals for its consistently delicious, hand-tossed pizzas. Known for using fresh ingredients and inventive toppings, the pizzeria delivers both classic favorites and unique specialty pies.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal, whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or enjoying a full dinner with friends. Despite its unassuming location, many Arizona residents consider it a hidden jewel, earning rave reviews and repeat visits from pizza lovers across the area.
9. Crust Pizzeria, Mesa
Hence the name, Crust Pizzeria takes its foundation seriously, crafting thin-crust pizzas that are crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive. Crust Pizzeria in Mesa focuses on quality over quantity, using fresh ingredients and inventive flavor combinations that keep locals coming back for more.
Their oven runs hot, creating perfectly charred edges that add smoky depth to every slice.
The Fig & Prosciutto pizza is a game-changer. Sweet figs, salty prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze create flavor fireworks in your mouth. The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this spot a no-brainer for pizza night.
