12 Ohio Pizzerias That Regulars Choose Over The Big Chains For Authentic Midwest Flavor
Big chain restaurants serve the same pizza everywhere, but Ohio’s local pizzerias offer something entirely different.
Across the state, family-owned shops craft pies using recipes passed down through generations, with ingredients selected for quality and flavor rather than convenience.
These are the places where the dough is made from scratch, sauces simmer for hours, and toppings are fresh and thoughtfully combined.
Locals swear by these pizzerias, often traveling across town just to get a slice they know is worth it.
I want to share the best independent pizza spots where tradition, care, and passion come together on every plate, showing why real quality makes all the difference and why these shops have built loyal followings that chain restaurants simply can’t compete with.
1. Angelo’s Pizza
Family recipes passed down through decades create something truly special at this beloved spot.
You’ll find this pizza haven at 13715 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.
Since opening in 1981, the owners have perfected a crust that manages to be both crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy inside.
Their deep-dish pizza comes loaded with toppings made fresh in-house every day.
The sweet-tangy sauce remains a mystery because the recipe is kept secret within the family.
Regulars say they can taste the difference between this homemade sauce and anything you’d get from a chain.
People drive from neighboring towns just to grab a pie here on weekends.
2. Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Starting from a humble pizza truck, this place grew into a Columbus legend that feeds hungry crowds until the early morning hours.
You can visit them at 1030 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201.
The slices here are absolutely massive and fold perfectly like authentic New York pizza should.
They stay open until 3 AM, making them a favorite stop for college students and night owls craving quality food.
Their Spicy Ass Pepperoni has become famous throughout the city, and customers rave about the addictive Unicorn Sauce.
The psychedelic décor with punk rock vibes makes eating here an experience you won’t forget.
I recommend trying their creative specialty slices instead of sticking to plain cheese.
3. Dewey’s Pizza
Creative ingredient combinations set this artisan pizzeria apart from typical pizza joints across Ohio.
Locations include 265 Hosea Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220, and multiple spots throughout Dayton.
The medium-thick crust provides the perfect foundation for unexpected toppings like pesto, goat cheese, and roasted red peppers.
Their Edgar Allan Poe pizza showcases the kitchen’s creative genius with unique flavor pairings.
Local craft beers are carefully selected to complement the gourmet pies on the menu.
Regulars appreciate that the ingredients taste fresh and the combinations actually work together instead of just being weird for the sake of being different.
This is where you go when you want pizza that feels elevated without being pretentious.
4. Old Scratch Pizza & Beer
Wood-fired ovens roaring at high temperatures create pizzas with a distinctive smoky character that chains can’t replicate.
The address is 1001 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402.
Each pizza cooks in just 90 seconds, emerging with a perfectly blistered crust that’s crispy yet tender.
The intense heat from the wood fire imparts a smoky flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Community tables encourage strangers to sit together and share conversations over pizza and local brews.
This social atmosphere makes dining here feel like you’re part of something bigger than just ordering takeout.
I love how the quick cooking time means your pizza arrives at your table piping hot and fresh.
5. Citizen Pie
Authentic Neapolitan tradition meets Cleveland dedication at this pizzeria where simplicity creates perfection.
Find them at 15710 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110.
Owner Vytauras Sasnauskas imported an Italian wood-burning oven to create pizzas with blistered, tender, and airy crusts.
The minimalist menu focuses on doing a few things perfectly rather than offering dozens of mediocre options.
Each pie receives careful attention from someone who genuinely cares about the craft of pizza making.
The crust puffs up beautifully with those signature leopard spots that signal authentic Neapolitan technique.
This isn’t fast food – it’s slow food done right, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way.
6. Taglio
Thick caramelized cheese edges that crisp against blue steel pans make this Cincinnati’s answer to Detroit-style pizza.
You’ll find this gem at 1401 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
The dough ferments for 72 hours before baking, developing complex flavors that you simply can’t rush.
Wisconsin brick cheese is spread all the way to the edges where it caramelizes into crispy, golden perfection.
That distinctive rectangular shape and thick, airy crust set Detroit-style pizza apart from thin-crust varieties.
Regulars know to order the corner pieces because those have the most of that coveted crispy cheese border.
The patience required for the fermentation process shows in every delicious bite you take.
7. Marion’s Piazza
Since 1965, this Dayton institution has been serving distinctive thin-crust pies cut into squares the way locals prefer.
The main location is at 1320 W Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45409.
The party cut or tavern style cutting method creates small squares perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Their sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy that complements the toppings beautifully.
Generations of Dayton families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and ordinary Tuesdays with Marion’s pizza.
The thin crust gets crispy without becoming hard, and it holds toppings without getting soggy.
I think the square cut makes it easier to try different toppings when you’re sharing with friends or family.
8. Two Cities Pizza Company
Why choose between Chicago and New York styles when you can enjoy both done authentically under one roof?
The restaurant is located at 6593 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040.
Their deep-dish pizzas require a full 40 minutes to bake properly, just like in Chicago.
The New York pies feature properly foldable crusts with exactly the right amount of chew that makes them satisfying.
Each style receives the attention and technique it deserves instead of being a watered-down version.
Regulars appreciate having options depending on their mood – sometimes you want thin and foldable, other times you crave thick and hearty.
This place proves you don’t have to compromise on authenticity when you want variety.
9. Iacono’s Pizza
Old-world Italian techniques bring authentic flavors that transport you straight to Naples with every slice.
Visit them at 2266 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully over hand-tossed dough that’s been perfected through years of practice.
The family running this place learned their craft from relatives who brought recipes from Italy decades ago.
Simple ingredients shine when they’re high quality and prepared with genuine care.
Regulars know to order the Margherita pizza to truly appreciate how good basic ingredients can taste.
The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, like you’re eating in someone’s home rather than a restaurant.
I always feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer here.
10. Yellow Brick Pizza
Neighborhood charm combines with creative pizza-making to create a local favorite that feels like your own personal discovery.
The address is 3361 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202.
Creative specialty pizzas feature combinations you won’t find at chain restaurants or even most independent shops.
The crust achieves that perfect char that adds flavor without tasting burnt.
Locals treat this place like their secret spot even though it’s been popular for years.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal with friends.
Every pizza comes out of the oven looking beautiful and tasting even better than it looks.
I love how the staff clearly takes pride in what they’re serving.
11. Adriatico’s Pizza
Campus tradition meets quality ingredients at this Ohio State University area staple that’s fed students since 1971.
You’ll find them at 45 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215.
The thick crust holds up to generous toppings without falling apart when you pick up a slice.
Late hours make this a go-to spot for students studying late or celebrating after games.
Despite being a college hangout, the pizza quality rivals much fancier establishments across the city.
Alumni often return years later to relive their college memories over a familiar pie.
The prices remain reasonable without sacrificing the quality that keeps people coming back.
I think the longevity of this place speaks to how well they’ve maintained their standards over decades.
12. Bexley Pizza Plus
Sometimes you just want classic pizza done exceptionally well without any gimmicks or trendy twists.
The location is 2656 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209.
This neighborhood spot has perfected the fundamentals – quality dough, flavorful sauce, and toppings that taste fresh.
Families in Bexley have been ordering from here for years because consistency matters when you have picky eaters.
The pizza arrives hot with cheese melted just right and crust that’s neither too thick nor too thin.
Nothing about this place tries too hard, which is exactly why it works so well.
Regulars have their usual orders memorized by the staff, creating a sense of community.
I appreciate places where they remember your name and your favorite pizza.
