Pennsylvania’s Best Pizza Spots With Recipes That Stand The Test Of Time
Pizza lovers, get ready for a mouthwatering journey through Pennsylvania! I’m taking you on a tour of the state’s most legendary pizza spots where recipes have been perfected over decades. These aren’t just restaurants, they’re pieces of history baked into every crispy, cheesy bite.
Get your appetite ready because we’re about to explore places where tradition meets incredible flavor!
Tacconelli’s Pizzeria
Since 1946, this Port Richmond legend has been making pizza magic happen. Their 73-year-old brick oven isn’t just for show, it creates that perfect char on every thin crust. You’ll need to call ahead and reserve your dough because they only make limited batches daily.
How cool is that commitment to quality? Each pie comes out with a crispy base that crackles when you bite it. The family recipe has stayed unchanged for generations, proving some things really do get better with time.
Locals swear by their simple yet flavorful toppings that let the crust shine through beautifully.
Pizzeria Beddia
Once upon a time, you needed an appointment just to taste these incredible pies! Now this Philadelphia hotspot welcomes everyone to experience their naturally leavened magic. Their ‘Old Gold’ cheese pizza has become so famous that people travel from other states just for one slice.
What makes it special? The dough ferments slowly, developing complex flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Premium ingredients top every creation, from imported cheeses to locally sourced vegetables.
Chef Joe Beddia turned his tiny operation into a full restaurant without losing that handcrafted touch everyone loves.
Angelo’s Pizzeria
Patience pays off deliciously at this South Philly treasure. Their dough undergoes a three-day fermentation process that creates texture you can’t rush. It’s crispy on the outside yet wonderfully chewy inside, a balance many pizzerias spend years trying to achieve.
The tomato pie here isn’t your average slice. Locals line up around the block for this regional specialty that flips traditional pizza on its head. Sauce goes on top of the cheese, creating a unique eating experience that’s pure Philadelphia.
Family recipes passed down through generations keep this place authentic and absolutely delicious.
Mineo’s Pizza House
Operating since 1958, this Squirrel Hill icon knows exactly what Pittsburgh wants. Extra-thick layers of cheese blanket every pie like a delicious, melty comforter. Their distinctive sweet dough sets them apart from every other pizza joint in town.
Why do people keep coming back for over 60 years? It’s that perfect combo of nostalgia and quality that never wavers. Kids who grew up eating here now bring their own children for the same amazing experience.
The cheese-to-sauce ratio is practically legendary, creating gooey perfection in every single bite you take.
Aiello’s Pizza
Established in 1978, this Pittsburgh favorite invented its own pizza language. Square cuts mean more pieces to share and more corners to fight over at every party. Their tangy sauce wakes up your taste buds with a zing that’s become their signature move.
It’s not your typical round pie, and that’s exactly the point. Pittsburgh-style pizza breaks all the rules in the best possible way. Each square piece offers a different cheese-to-crust ratio depending on where you grab it.
Families order these by the tray for gatherings because everyone gets their perfect piece every single time.
Arcaro & Genell
Old Forge calls itself the ‘Pizza Capital of the World,’ and this place proves why! Rectangular ‘trays’ replace round pies here, offering a completely different pizza experience. Their cheese blend remains a closely guarded secret that generations have protected like treasure.
The crust achieves something magical, crusty, and chewy at the same time. How do they do it? Years of perfecting techniques that can’t be rushed or replicated easily. Each bite delivers that satisfying texture contrast everyone craves.
Tourists come specifically to taste what makes Old Forge pizza so incredibly special and different from everywhere else.
Revello’s Pizza
Another Old Forge champion, Revello’s takes a lighter approach to the famous regional style. Their crust floats between crispy and airy like pizza clouds. American cheese joins the blend here, creating exceptional meltability that coats your mouth perfectly.
Did you know American cheese in pizza isn’t common everywhere? It’s an Old Forge tradition that creates ultra-smooth texture. The lighter crust means you can eat more slices without feeling stuffed. Kids especially love how easy it is to fold and munch these delicious rectangles.
Regulars have their favorite spots to sit and their go-to tray orders memorized by heart.
Sabatini’s Pizza
Established in 1958, this Exeter gem honors tradition with every pie. Thin crusts emerge from the oven with those perfectly charred edges that add smoky flavor. Their sauce recipe dates back to when the founder insisted on hand-crushing imported Italian tomatoes himself.
That dedication to doing things the hard way pays off in taste. No shortcuts, no compromises, just pure pizza perfection on every plate. The slightly charred edges aren’t accidents; they’re intentional flavor bombs that make each bite interesting.
When you taste sauce made from hand-crushed tomatoes, you’ll understand why some recipes never need updating or changing.
Pizza Brain
This Fishtown spot isn’t your grandma’s pizzeria, it’s also home to the world’s largest pizza memorabilia collection! Creativity explodes in every pie they craft. While respecting traditional techniques, they’re not afraid to experiment with wild topping combinations that somehow just work.
The museum aspect makes dining here an experience, not just a meal. You’ll spot vintage pizza boxes, rare advertisements, and quirky collectibles everywhere you look. Their naturally leavened dough provides the perfect canvas for both classic and adventurous flavor profiles.
Foodies love snapping photos here because every corner offers something unexpected and totally Instagram-worthy to capture.
Corropolese Bakery
When a bakery makes pizza, you know the crust will be outstanding. This Norristown institution has perfected tomato pie, a regional treasure that’s more sauce than cheese. Their version features a bread-like crust that’s sturdy enough to hold generous sauce without getting soggy.
Are you ready for something different? Tomato pie flips expectations by putting emphasis on herbed tomato sauce instead of cheese. The bakery setting means everything comes out fresh throughout the day. Locals grab squares by the dozen for parties, picnics, and family gatherings.
Once you try authentic tomato pie, regular pizza might seem like it’s missing something important.
Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza
Just across the border but beloved by Pennsylvanians, this Elizabeth jewel uses a coal-fired oven from 1918! That antique equipment creates flavors modern ovens simply cannot replicate. Thin crusts get kissed by coal smoke, adding depth that’s become their trademark.
The Santillo family has kept the same recipe alive for over a century now. Each generation learns the art of managing coal temperatures and timing pies perfectly. Pennsylvania pizza lovers make the short trip regularly because some flavors are worth traveling for.
When history and taste combine this perfectly, you’ve got something truly special worth celebrating and sharing with everyone.
Mercurio’s Pizza
Pittsburgh natives grow up on Mercurio’s, and that loyalty lasts forever. Their square-cut style means every gathering features these recognizable slices. Crispy cheese edges happen when they let pies go just a bit longer, creating caramelized perfection people crave.
It’s comfort food that brings families together around tables every single week. The recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to. Simple ingredients prepared consistently well beat trendy variations every time.
Kids request Mercurio’s for birthday parties, and adults order it for game nights because some traditions simply make life better and more delicious.
