Missouri Pizza Spots Proving Simple Can Be Delicious
Sometimes the best pizza doesn’t need fancy toppings or complicated recipes.
Missouri’s pizza scene proves that keeping things simple can lead to some seriously delicious results.
From thin-crust classics to Neapolitan-style pies, these spots focus on quality ingredients and time-tested techniques that let the flavors shine.
1. Shakespeare’s Pizza – Downtown
Walking into this Columbia favorite feels like stepping back to 1973 when it first opened its doors.
You’ll find it at 225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201.
The slices here are massive and perfect for sharing with friends after a long day of classes or exploring downtown.
What makes this place special is the crust that manages to be both sturdy enough to hold generous toppings and tender enough to bite through easily.
Locals have been coming back for decades because the recipe hasn’t changed, and honestly, it doesn’t need to.
The lively atmosphere adds to the experience, making every visit feel like a celebration.
Simple ingredients and consistent quality keep people lined up outside the door.
2. Pizzeria da Gloria
Authentic Neapolitan pizza doesn’t require a trip to Italy when you know where to look.
This cozy spot sits at 2024 Marconi Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Fresh ingredients take center stage here, with each pizza showcasing the pure flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil without any unnecessary additions.
The wood-fired oven creates that perfect char on the crust that pizza enthusiasts dream about.
You’ll notice how the simple approach lets you taste every component individually while they work together harmoniously.
The intimate setting makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home kitchen in Naples.
This is what happens when simplicity meets skill and passion for authentic Italian cooking.
3. Imo’s Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza divides people, but those who love it really love it.
The original location stands at 1000 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139.
That cracker-thin crust provides a satisfying crunch with every bite, completely different from thick-crust varieties you might be used to.
Provel cheese is the star ingredient, melting into a gooey blend that’s uniquely Missouri.
Some folks think it’s strange at first, but give it a chance and you might understand why locals have been ordering it for generations.
The square-cut pieces make sharing easy at parties and family gatherings.
Sometimes regional specialties become beloved traditions because they’re unapologetically different and delicious in their own right.
4. Ozark Mountain Pizza
After hiking through the beautiful Branson area, you’ll work up a serious appetite.
This rustic pizzeria with the red roof sits at 5378 State Hwy 265, Branson, MO 65616.
Hearty pizzas loaded with generous toppings refuel tired adventurers who’ve spent the day exploring the Ozarks.
The building itself looks like it belongs in the mountains, adding to the whole outdoor experience.
You can taste the care in every slice, from the hand-tossed dough to the perfectly melted cheese.
Families love stopping here because the portions are huge and everyone leaves satisfied.
Simple mountain hospitality combined with quality pizza makes this a must-visit destination when you’re in the area.
5. Leo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Strip mall restaurants don’t always get the recognition they deserve, but this one definitely should.
You’ll spot it at 408 NW Englewood Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118.
The dough here is something people talk about constantly, with that perfect texture that only comes from proper technique and quality ingredients.
Sauce balanced just right means you’re not drowning in tomato flavor or missing it entirely.
Nothing about the exterior screams “best pizza in town,” which makes discovering it even more exciting.
Kansas City residents have been keeping this secret for years, though word is definitely spreading now.
Sometimes the most unassuming places serve the most memorable meals you’ll ever have.
6. Felix’s Pizza Pub
Pizza and beer belong together like peanut butter and jelly.
This cozy pub is located at 6401 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139.
The combination creates the perfect environment for unwinding after work or catching up with old friends over a shared pie.
Local residents swear by the variety of pizzas available, each one crafted with attention to detail and quality ingredients.
The pub atmosphere makes it feel casual and welcoming, never stuffy or pretentious.
You’ll find yourself lingering longer than planned because the whole experience is just that enjoyable.
When a place focuses on doing a few things really well, you can taste the difference in every single bite.
7. Pi-239 Pizza
Deep-dish pizza doesn’t have to come from Chicago to be outstanding.
Pi Pizzeria in St. Louis offers thick, cornmeal-crusted pies that take pizza to a whole new level.
The crust develops this amazing golden color and slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese and chunky tomato sauce inside.
You’ll need a fork and knife for this one because it’s more like a pizza casserole than a handheld slice.
Each bite is filling and satisfying, with layers of flavor that keep things interesting from first taste to last.
The restaurant proves that simple concept executed well creates something truly special.
Sometimes breaking the rules and trying something different leads to the best discoveries.
8. Riverside Public House
Brick oven pizza brings out flavors you just can’t get from a regular oven.
Dewey’s locations throughout Missouri showcase how high heat and quality ingredients create magic together.
The slightly charred edges of the crust add a smoky flavor that complements the fresh toppings perfectly.
You’ll notice how the cheese bubbles and browns in spots, creating textural variety in every slice.
The menu keeps things straightforward with classic combinations that have stood the test of time.
Families appreciate the welcoming environment and the fact that everyone can find something they’ll enjoy.
When you focus on perfecting the basics rather than overcomplicating things, the results speak for themselves through taste and customer loyalty.
9. Crushed Red
Fast-casual dining has changed the pizza game in recent years.
Crushed Red in Missouri lets you build your own pizza and watch it cook in minutes right before your eyes.
Fresh ingredients are displayed cafeteria-style, so you can see exactly what’s going on your pie.
The thin crust cooks quickly at high temperature, creating a crispy base that holds your chosen toppings without getting soggy.
You control every aspect of your meal, from sauce to cheese to vegetables and proteins.
The concept appeals to people who want quality pizza without the wait time of traditional pizzerias.
Simple customization combined with speed and freshness makes this a popular lunch spot for busy professionals and families alike.
10. Stefanina’s Pizzeria
New York-style pizza has a devoted following, and this spot delivers the real deal.
Stefanina’s brings that big-city pizza experience to Missouri with wide, foldable slices that drip just the right amount of grease.
The dough is hand-tossed daily, creating that perfect chewy texture that New York pizza lovers crave.
You can grab a slice on the go or sit down for a whole pie with friends.
The simplicity of cheese, sauce, and dough done exactly right is what keeps people coming back week after week.
No gimmicks or unusual toppings needed when the foundation is this solid.
Sometimes honoring tradition and executing it flawlessly is the smartest approach to making memorable food.
11. Farotto’s Pizzeria
Family recipes passed down through generations carry something special you can’t replicate.
Farotto’s in Missouri uses old-world techniques and recipes that have been perfected over decades.
The sauce tastes like it simmered all day with herbs and spices mixed in perfect proportions.
You’ll notice the difference immediately when you take that first bite and recognize flavors that remind you of home cooking.
The cheese stretches beautifully when you pull a slice away, indicating quality ingredients and proper preparation.
This is the kind of pizza that makes you nostalgic even if you’ve never been there before.
When tradition meets passion, the result is food that touches your heart as much as it satisfies your hunger.
12. Blackthorn Pizza & Pub
Neighborhood pizza joints become community gathering spots where everybody knows your name.
Blackthorn in St. Louis serves as that comfortable place where locals meet up regularly for good food and conversation.
The pizzas are consistent and reliable, exactly what you want when you’re craving something familiar and satisfying.
Thin crust with just enough chew and toppings distributed evenly means every bite tastes like the last one.
The pub atmosphere encourages lingering over another round of drinks and maybe one more slice.
You’ll see the same faces week after week because people genuinely enjoy the whole experience.
Simple pleasures like reliable pizza in a welcoming environment create the foundation for lasting neighborhood traditions and friendships.
13. Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery
Artisan bread bakers know dough better than almost anyone else.
Union Loafers in St. Louis applies that bread-making expertise to create outstanding pizza with incredible crust.
The texture and flavor of the dough showcase years of practice and understanding fermentation and gluten development.
Simple toppings let the crust shine as the true star of each pizza.
You’ll taste the difference that comes from using natural ingredients and allowing proper rise time for maximum flavor development.
The cafe setting feels intimate and special, like you’re part of an exclusive club that appreciates real craftsmanship.
When bakers turn their attention to pizza, the results prove that mastering fundamentals creates something extraordinary from the simplest ingredients.
