Missouri Pizza Done Right: 11 Joints That Don’t Overcomplicate
Pizza lovers across Missouri know that sometimes the best pies are the ones that keep it simple.
You don’t need fancy toppings or confusing flavor combinations to make a memorable meal.
From crispy thin crusts to thick slices loaded with cheese, these spots prove that great pizza is all about quality ingredients and time-tested recipes.
Get ready to discover where Missourians go when they want pizza done right.
1. Pirrone’s Pizzeria
There’s something magical about a place that’s been feeding families for generations.
Pirrone’s Pizzeria sits at 1775 Washington Street in Florissant and has become the kind of spot where everyone knows your name.
The thin crust crackles under your fork with every bite.
Sweet Sicilian sauce spreads across the base like a flavor blanket.
Provel cheese melts into stringy perfection that stretches from plate to mouth.
Order the Jerry Special if you want pepperoni and crispy bacon bits dancing together.
Every pizza here tells a story of tradition meeting taste.
The dining room feels warm and welcoming, like stepping into a friend’s kitchen.
Prices stay reasonable, hovering between ten and twenty dollars per pie.
Local families swear by this place for good reason.
It’s honest food made with heart.
No gimmicks, no fancy names, just pizza that delivers every single time.
That’s what keeps people coming back year after year.
2. Shakespeare’s Pizza – Downtown
College towns breed legendary pizza spots, and this one stands tall among them.
Shakespeare’s Pizza – Downtown calls 225 South 9th Street in Columbia home.
Thick slices arrive at your table looking like edible masterpieces.
Mozzarella melts deep into the sauce, creating pockets of creamy goodness.
The crust holds up under the weight of toppings without ever getting soggy.
You can taste the love in every bite, right down to the last crumb.
Students and locals alike pack this place during lunch and dinner rushes.
The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter.
Prices remain friendly to wallets of all sizes.
Each pizza showcases what happens when simple ingredients meet skilled hands.
No need for truffle oil or exotic meats here.
Just solid, dependable pizza that fills your belly and makes you smile.
It’s become a rite of passage for anyone spending time in Columbia.
3. Felix’s Pizza Pub
Sometimes you want pizza in a place that feels like your favorite hangout.
Felix’s Pizza Pub delivers exactly that at 6401 Clayton Avenue in Saint Louis.
The cozy setting makes you want to settle in for hours.
Pizza arrives hot and perfectly balanced between crust, sauce, and cheese.
Nothing here tries too hard or pretends to be something it’s not.
Each bite tastes like comfort food at its finest.
The pub atmosphere adds a relaxed vibe to your meal.
Wooden tables and friendly staff make everyone feel welcome.
Prices stay in that sweet spot where quality meets affordability.
Locals treat this place like a second living room.
The menu keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor.
You won’t find confusing combinations or trendy toppings here.
Just honest pizza made by people who care about what they serve.
That’s the kind of philosophy that builds lasting restaurants.
4. DeRienzo’s Pizza & Pub
Football fans and pizza lovers unite at this spot that honors local heroes.
DeRienzo’s Pizza & Pub sits at 1267 Jungermann Road in Saint Peters.
The Chief pizza pays tribute to Kansas City’s star quarterback with pepperoni and Mike’s Hot Honey.
Sweet heat combines with savory toppings in ways that surprise your taste buds.
Each pizza comes out looking picture-perfect and smelling even better.
The crust achieves that ideal balance between crispy edges and soft center.
Sauce spreads evenly, ensuring every bite delivers full flavor.
The pub setting creates a casual atmosphere perfect for families and friends.
Prices range from ten to twenty dollars, keeping meals budget-friendly.
Staff members greet you like regulars even on your first visit.
The menu offers variety without overwhelming you with choices.
Everything here focuses on doing pizza right rather than doing pizza weird.
That approach has earned them a loyal following throughout Saint Peters.
5. Brooklyn Pizza
Small towns deserve great pizza, too, and this place proves it daily.
Brooklyn Pizza operates at 501 Court Street in Fulton, bringing big city flavor to central Missouri.
The name hints at New York roots, and the pizza backs it up.
Slices are large enough to fold in half the proper way.
Cheese stretches into long strings when you pull a piece away.
The sauce hits that perfect tangy note without being too sweet or acidic.
Crust achieves the right chew and char on the bottom.
Locals rave about this spot, giving it a solid rating across the board.
Prices stay reasonable with the double dollar sign category.
Hours accommodate most schedules, opening at eleven on most days.
The dining room feels authentic without trying too hard.
You can taste the difference between pizza made with care and pizza made in a hurry.
This falls firmly in the former category every time.
6. Imo’s Pizza
No conversation about Missouri pizza feels complete without mentioning this iconic chain.
Imo’s Pizza is located at 1000 Hampton Ave, St. Louis.
The square-cut slices define St. Louis-style pizza for many people.
Provel cheese creates that signature gooey texture locals crave.
The cracker-thin crust snaps with each bite, never bending or flopping.
Sweet sauce adds a distinct flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere.
Toppings get distributed edge-to-edge, ensuring fairness in every piece.
Families have been gathering here for decades to celebrate and connect.
The red and white branding has become synonymous with Missouri pizza culture.
Prices remain family-friendly, allowing groups to order multiple pies without worry.
Service stays quick and efficient even during busy dinner rushes.
You either love this style or you don’t, but everyone respects its place in pizza history.
It’s become part of the state’s culinary identity.
7. Racanelli’s New York Pizzeria
East coast transplants and pizza purists find their happy place here.
Racanelli’s New York Pizzeria brings authentic Big Apple style to 111 N Kirkwood Rd #4301, in Kirkwood.
Hand-tossed dough creates that perfect chewy texture New Yorkers demand.
The pies come out of the oven with beautifully charred edges.
Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pools across the surface.
Sauce tastes bright and fresh, never canned or artificial.
Slices arrive large enough to require two hands and a good fold.
The counter service keeps things moving during lunch rushes.
Prices reflect the quality ingredients without breaking the bank.
You can watch pizza makers toss dough through the open kitchen.
That transparency builds trust and adds entertainment to your meal.
The menu stays focused on doing a few things exceptionally well.
No weird toppings or fusion experiments distract from the main event.
Just solid New York pizza made the right way every time.
8. Pedal’n Pi
Deep dish devotees find their sanctuary at this beloved spot.
Pedal’n Pi operates in Crystal City, at 514 Bailey Rd, serving up Chicago-style pies with Missouri hospitality.
The thick crust rises high around the edges like edible walls.
Cheese and toppings are layered in reverse order, creating a completely different experience.
Sauce goes on top, protecting everything underneath from burning.
Each slice requires a fork and knife, feeling more like a meal than a snack.
The cornmeal crust adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
Baking takes longer than thin crust, but patience pays off deliciously.
The dining room features modern decor with comfortable seating.
Prices run slightly higher due to the generous portions and quality ingredients.
One pie easily feeds several people, making it great for sharing.
The menu also offers thin-crust options for those wanting lighter fare.
Everything here celebrates pizza in all its diverse glory without picking sides.
9. Blackthorn Pizza & Pub
Neighborhood pubs create the best kind of community gathering spaces.
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub serves the Joplin area, at 510 S Joplin Ave, with personality and great food.
The pizza strikes a balance between traditional and creative without going overboard.
Crust gets baked to golden perfection with just the right amount of char.
Toppings stay fresh and flavorful, never skimping on quality.
The sauce provides a solid foundation without overwhelming other flavors.
Cheese melts evenly, creating that satisfying stretch everyone loves.
The pub atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dinners with friends.
Prices stay reasonable, encouraging repeat visits and experimentation.
Staff members know their regulars and treat newcomers like future friends.
The menu offers enough variety to keep things interesting without confusion.
You can tell this place cares about more than just making money.
They’re building relationships one pizza at a time.
That’s what transforms a restaurant into a beloved local institution.
10. Farotto’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Family recipes passed down through generations create something special.
Farotto’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, at 9525 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, brings authentic Italian flavors to Missouri tables.
The pizza tastes like something you’d find in a small Italian village.
Dough gets made fresh daily using traditional methods and quality flour.
Sauce simmers slowly, allowing flavors to develop and deepen.
Cheese comes from trusted suppliers who understand Italian standards.
Each pizza bakes at high temperatures for that perfect crispy bottom.
The dining room feels warm and inviting, like visiting distant relatives.
Prices reflect the care and time invested in every dish.
Portions come generous, ensuring nobody leaves hungry or disappointed.
The menu extends beyond pizza, but the pies remain the star attraction.
You can taste the difference between corporate pizza and family pizza.
This falls firmly in the latter category with pride.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to bring your whole family.
11. Grinders Pizza
Art and food collide at this lively spot that celebrates creativity.
Grinders Pizza, at 417 E 18th St, Kansas City, brings color and flavor to the Missouri pizza scene with style.
Pizza arrives looking almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll manage.
Fresh ingredients pop with color and flavor across the surface.
The crust achieves that ideal texture between crispy and chewy.
Sauce balances acidity and sweetness like a well-composed painting.
Cheese melts into golden perfection with bubbles and brown spots.
The dining space features street art that makes you want to linger.
Prices stay accessible despite the artisanal approach to pizza making.
Staff members share enthusiasm for what they’re serving.
The menu keeps things interesting without sacrificing quality or clarity.
You can taste the passion in every carefully crafted pie.
It’s proof that pizza can be both fun and delicious simultaneously.
