12 Ohio Pizza Places Keeping Family Recipes Alive

There’s something uniquely comforting about a pizza place that feels like home. It’s not just the crisp crust or the bubbling cheese, but the decades of dedication, the passed-down recipes, and the promise of a good meal, every single time.

In Ohio, where community and tradition run deep, many of our most beloved pizzerias are precisely that: family-run institutions.

When you crave a slice you know won’t let you down, these 12 Buckeye State gems are your go-to.

1. Mama Santa’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

Located in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood since 1961, Mama Santa’s serves up authentic Sicilian-style pizzas in a cozy, unpretentious setting. The thin crust pies emerge from their old-school ovens with perfectly crisp bottoms and bubbling cheese tops.

Four generations of the Scaffidi family have maintained the original recipes and welcoming atmosphere. Their pizza sauce, a closely guarded family secret, has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang that locals crave.

2. Rubino’s Pizza

Since 1954, this Columbus institution has been dishing out uniquely thin, almost cracker-like crust pizzas cut into squares instead of triangles. The modest storefront in Bexley hides a treasure trove of pizza perfection that hasn’t changed in decades.

Cash-only and no-frills, Rubino’s charm lies in its consistency. The Marrone family still uses the same deck ovens and recipes that made them famous. Their pepperoni pizza, with its curled-up cups of spicy meat, creates devoted fans with just one bite.

3. Marion’s Piazza

Don’t let the name fool you – this Dayton legend serves pizza, not piazza! Founded by Marion Glass in 1965, their thin-crust, square-cut “Dayton-style” pizza has earned national recognition as “America’s #2 Pizza” by USA Today.

The massive dining rooms accommodate hundreds, yet waits are common during peak hours. What makes Marion’s special? Their signature cutting technique, zesty sauce, and heaps of toppings that extend right to the edge of the crust. Five decades later, the Glass family maintains the same quality across nine locations.

4. Avalanche Pizza

In Athens, John Gutekanst’s Avalanche Pizza blends artistic flair with culinary expertise. This world pizza championship winner crafts creative pies using local ingredients from Athens County farms, including seasonal vegetables and artisanal cheeses.

The funky atmosphere matches the unconventional menu offerings. Try their award-winning Godzilla pizza topped with teriyaki-infused chicken, pineapple, and almonds. Since opening in 2000, Avalanche has become a favorite among Ohio University students and locals alike for their commitment to quality and innovation.

5. Wedgewood Pizza

Founded in 1967 by the Riccioni family, Wedgewood’s legacy began when Fernando Riccioni arrived from Italy with nothing but pizza-making expertise. Their thick, bready crust supports generous toppings, creating a substantial meal that’s become a Youngstown tradition.

The original Austintown location still draws crowds, with additional shops in Boardman and Salem. What’s their secret? A distinctive sweet sauce and the family’s commitment to quality. Each pizza maker trains for months before being allowed to prepare dough – a tradition that ensures consistent excellence across generations.

6. Harvest Pizzeria

Though newer to Ohio’s pizza scene, Harvest has quickly established itself as a family-run favorite since opening in 2011. The Dennison family sources ingredients from local Ohio farms, creating artisanal wood-fired pizzas with seasonal toppings that change throughout the year.

Their German Village flagship location features a charming patio perfect for summer dining. The signature Spicy Yuma pizza combines chorizo, jalapeños, corn, and chipotle sauce for a unique flavor explosion. With multiple Columbus locations, Harvest represents the new generation of Ohio pizza traditions.

7. Cassano’s Pizza King

When Vic Cassano Sr. and Mom Donisi opened their first pizza shop in 1953, most Dayton locals had never even tried pizza! Their thin-crust, square-cut style helped define what Dayton pizza would become, growing to over 30 locations throughout southwestern Ohio.

The third generation of Cassanos still uses the original recipes, including their distinctive pizza sauce and specially-formulated cheese blend. Their “pizza kings” (what they call their pepperoni) curl up into crispy cups when baked, creating perfect little pools of flavor.

8. Brier Hill Pizza

Born in Youngstown’s Italian American neighborhood, this regional specialty isn’t just a pizza – it’s a cultural icon. Named after the neighborhood where Italian immigrants settled, authentic Brier Hill pizza features a thick crust topped with sweet tomato sauce, bell peppers, and Romano cheese instead of mozzarella.

Several family-run establishments claim to make the most authentic version. St. Anthony’s Church still sells thousands during their Friday fundraisers. The distinctive lack of mozzarella comes from early immigrants who couldn’t afford it.

9. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza

Since 1982, the Hogan family has been feeding hungry Ohio State students and Columbus locals with massive New York-inspired pies. Their “Buckeye” pizza measures a whopping 18×24 inches, perfect for feeding a crowd during game days!

Located near campus, Adriatico’s thick crust can support an impressive weight of toppings without collapsing. Their sauce has a distinctive sweetness that balances perfectly with their generous cheese blend. Despite several location changes over four decades, the recipe and family commitment to quality have remained wonderfully consistent.

10. Geraci’s Restaurant

Since 1956, the Geraci family has been serving authentic Sicilian-style pizzas in Cleveland’s University Heights neighborhood. Their hand-tossed dough creates a distinctive crust – not too thick, not too thin – that perfectly supports their homemade sauce and Wisconsin brick cheese.

The cozy dining room feels like stepping into an Italian grandmother’s house. Now run by the third generation, Geraci’s still makes sauce and meatballs using Frances Geraci’s original recipes. Guy Fieri featured their pizza on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but locals have known about this gem for generations.

11. Catfish Biff’s Pizza

This quirky Cincinnati establishment has been family-owned since 1982, started by “Catfish Biff” Mahaffey as a labor of love. Their signature pizza features a buttery, pan-style crust that’s crispy on the bottom and fluffy inside, topped with a mountain of fresh ingredients.

The eclectic décor includes fishing memorabilia that hints at the founder’s nickname origin. Located in Delhi Township, they’re famous for their “Catfish Special” – a supreme pizza with seven toppings that locals order by name. After four decades, the Mahaffey family still oversees every aspect of operation.

12. Donatos Pizza

Though now a larger chain, Donatos began as a family operation when Jim Grote purchased a small Columbus pizzeria for $1,300 in 1963. Their “edge-to-edge” toppings philosophy means every bite contains maximum flavor, especially on their famous thin crust pepperoni pizza with over 100 pieces of pepperoni!

The Grote family briefly sold to McDonald’s in 1999 before buying it back in 2003 to preserve their quality standards. Despite expansion, they maintain their family values and commitment to community involvement. Their original Thurman Avenue location still operates!