10 Pizza Places In Ohio So Good, Locals Won’t Tell Tourists About Them
Ohio might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of incredible pizza, but locals know better. Beyond the chain restaurants and tourist traps lies a world of mouthwatering pies made with secret recipes and genuine passion.
These hidden gems are the places where Ohioans go when they want the real deal; spots so good they’re reluctant to share them with out-of-towners.
1. Avalanche Pizza – Athens
A pizza revolution tucked away in college town Athens. The mad scientists behind these pies dream up combinations like Thai peanut chicken that shouldn’t work but somehow create flavor magic.
Students whisper about their late-night pizza runs here, returning home with boxes of smoked tofu and locally-sourced veggie creations.
2. Rubino’s Pizza – Columbus (Bexley)
Step back in time at this cash-only Columbus institution. Forget your modern conveniences – no credit cards, no delivery, just pizza perfection since 1954. The paper-thin crust snaps with each bite, topped with a sweet sauce that generations of locals have grown up savoring. Family recipes haven’t changed in decades, and regulars wouldn’t have it any other way.
3. Pizzeria DiLauro – Chagrin Falls
Family traditions meet East Coast pizza philosophy in charming Chagrin Falls. The DiLauro clan crafts each pie with dough that ferments for three days, developing complex flavors before it even hits the oven. Locals brave weekend waits for a taste of their signature char-spotted crust. Premium toppings like hand-torn basil and house-made sausage elevate every bite beyond ordinary pizza into culinary artistry.
4. Terita’s Pizza – Columbus
Columbus pizza aficionados have kept this 1959 establishment their secret weapon for decades. No frills, no fancy dining room; just a takeout counter serving pizza perfection. The signature caramelized cheese edges create a lacy crust that crackles with each bite. Their house-made sausage recipe remains unchanged for generations, delivering that unmistakable flavor that keeps locals coming back week after week.
5. Panzera’s Pizza – Grandview Heights
Nostalgia served by the slice since 1964. The Panzera family guards their sweet-savory sauce recipe like treasure, creating that distinctive flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else. Regulars know to request the coveted corner pieces with extra-crispy edges.
6. Luigi’s Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Akron, Luigi’s Restaurant has been an institution since 1949. Known for its charmingly retro atmosphere, walking into Luigi’s feels like stepping back in time. Locals rave about their classic pepperoni pizza, topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and spicy pepperoni slices. The crust, perfectly crisp yet chewy, has become the subject of many a whispered conversation among Ohioans who swear by its excellence.
7. Mama Mimi’s Take ‘N Bake Pizza – Columbus
Revolutionary concept meets old-world quality at this Columbus gem. Fresh dough stretches before your eyes, then gets loaded with house-made sauces and premium toppings; all for you to bake at home. The genius lies in enjoying pizza at peak perfection, right from your own oven.
Neighborhood families have built Friday night traditions around these pies, with the added bonus of making your house smell like an authentic pizzeria.
8. Benny’s Pizza – Marysville
Rural Ohio’s unexpected pizza paradise combines mammoth 28-inch pies with live music and cold beer. Farm families and motorcycle clubs alike gather in the sprawling beer garden on summer evenings. The kitchen doesn’t mess around with gimmicks; just honest ingredients piled generously on house-made dough.
9. Six Hundred Downtown – Bellefontaine
Hidden in historic downtown Bellefontaine stands Ohio’s Neapolitan pizza secret. Hand-spun dough flies through the air before meeting its destiny in flames. With authentic techniques and bold flavors, this small-town pizzeria has built a cult following that drives from hours away just for a taste. Every pie emerges with a perfect balance of smoky char and tender, chewy crust that keeps fans coming back for more.
10. Doughtroit Pizza – Findlay
Motor City meets Buckeye State in this Findlay phenomenon. The rectangular pans create those signature crispy cheese edges that Detroit-style aficionados crave, caramelized to perfection.
Bold topping combinations like house-pickled peppers and smoked meats challenge pizza conventions. Despite minimal advertising, locals keep their phone lines constantly ringing for pickup and delivery.
