The 14 Best Pizzerias Across Florida’s Beach Towns And Bustling Cities
Florida’s love for pizza runs deep, baked into neighborhoods big and small where ovens burn hot and dough rises daily.
Across beach towns and city streets, chefs craft pies that capture the state’s mix of heart and heat, crispy edges, bubbling cheese, and sauces that smell like home.
Each slice carries a story, shaped by local ingredients and loyal customers who know where the crust hits just right. These pizzerias keep the tradition alive, one perfectly charred pie at a time.
1. Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza, Clearwater
Clearwater’s coastal charm meets old-school New York pizza techniques at this beloved spot. Coal ovens reach temperatures that regular ovens can only dream about, creating those signature charred bubbles on the crust that pizza lovers crave.
Every slice comes out with a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers. The toppings stay fresh and flavorful, never overwhelming the carefully crafted dough underneath.
Located just minutes from the beach, this place makes the perfect stop after a day in the sun. Your stomach will thank you for choosing quality over those typical tourist traps.
2. Eddie & Sam’s N.Y. Pizza, Tampa
Tampa’s answer to authentic New York pizza doesn’t mess around with fancy gimmicks. Big slices, thin crust, and that distinctive fold-and-eat style transport you straight to the streets of Brooklyn.
The sauce hits different here because they keep it simple with quality tomatoes and just enough seasoning. Cheese stretches for days without being greasy, which is honestly harder to achieve than it sounds.
Multiple locations around Tampa mean you’re never too far from a proper slice. Late-night cravings? They’ve got you covered when other places have already closed up shop.
3. Fabrica Woodfired Pizza, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s artsy downtown scene found its perfect pizza match with this wood-fired gem. Watching the pizzaiolos work their magic in front of the blazing oven becomes dinner and a show rolled into one experience.
Creative topping combinations push boundaries without getting weird for the sake of being different. Classic margherita? Absolutely nailed. Adventurous seasonal specials? Equally impressive and worth trying every single time.
The atmosphere feels relaxed yet refined, making it work for both casual dinners and special occasions. Fair warning though, the aroma will hit you before you even walk through the door.
4. Tucci’s Fire N’ Coal Pizza, Boca Raton
Boca Raton brings the heat with this upscale pizzeria that proves fancy doesn’t mean stuffy. Coal-fired ovens work overtime producing pies that look almost too beautiful to eat (but you definitely will anyway).
Fresh mozzarella arrives daily, and you can actually taste the difference compared to the pre-shredded stuff. Their dough recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but the results speak louder than any ingredient list could.
I once convinced my picky cousin to try their prosciutto pizza, and she literally ordered a second one to take home. That’s the kind of conversion power we’re talking about here.
5. Scuola Vecchia Pizza e Vino, Coral Springs
Coral Springs discovered a slice of Italy when this family-owned spot opened its doors. Recipes passed down through generations create flavors that transport you across the Atlantic with every bite.
The name translates to old school, and they mean it in the best possible way. Traditional methods meet careful attention to detail, resulting in pizzas that honor Italian heritage without feeling stuck in the past.
Don’t rush your meal here because the experience deserves to be savored slowly. Warm hospitality makes everyone feel like a regular, even on their very first visit to this suburban treasure.
6. Mauro’s Pizza, Hollywood
Hollywood’s local favorite has been slinging pies since way back when flip phones were still cool. Consistency keeps customers coming back decade after decade, which says more than any fancy marketing campaign ever could.
Their secret? Never cutting corners on ingredients, even when costs go up. The same family recipes that started this journey continue guiding every pizza that leaves the kitchen today.
Neighborhood vibes make this spot feel like your friend’s Italian grandma opened a restaurant. Prices stay reasonable, portions stay generous, and nobody leaves hungry or disappointed with their choice.
7. Lucali, Miami Beach
Miami Beach’s hottest pizza ticket requires patience because this place doesn’t take reservations. Lines form early, but one bite explains why people willingly wait for a table at this Brooklyn transplant.
Minimalist menu focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering everything under the sun. The crust alone could win awards, achieving that elusive combination of crispy, chewy, and absolutely addictive.
Cash only policy might seem old-fashioned, but it adds to the authentic no-frills approach. Celebrities and regular folks alike queue up for their turn at pizza perfection.
8. Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza (South Beach), Miami Beach
South Beach gets its pizza game elevated to extraordinary status at this modern hotspot. Creative flavor combinations sound wild on paper but somehow work perfectly when they hit your plate.
Truffle oil, burrata, and fig jam aren’t typical pizza toppings, yet here they become absolute game changers. Traditional purists might raise eyebrows, but adventurous eaters will find their new obsession within these innovative creations.
The South Beach location means prime people-watching opportunities while you munch. Instagram-worthy presentations don’t hurt either, though the taste matters way more than the photos ever could.
9. Downtown House of Pizza, Fort Myers
Fort Myers locals know this downtown staple delivers consistent quality without any pretentious attitude. Straightforward approach to pizza-making means focusing on fundamentals rather than chasing trends that’ll fade next month.
Generous toppings pile high on every order, giving you actual value for your money. The crust strikes that Goldilocks zone of not too thick, not too thin, but just right for holding all those delicious ingredients.
My nephew refused to eat vegetables until he tried their veggie pizza here last summer. Now he actually requests it by name, which still amazes his parents to this day.
10. Panheads Pizzeria, New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach’s laid-back surf culture found its perfect pizza partner in this beachside joint. Casual atmosphere welcomes sandy feet and salty hair without judgment, making it ideal after hours riding waves.
Pan pizza lives up to the name with thick, fluffy crusts that soak up sauce while staying sturdy enough to support heavy toppings. Crispy bottoms provide textural contrast that keeps things interesting bite after bite.
Local surfers practically live here during competition season. Fresh ingredients and hearty portions fuel those long days in the water better than any energy drink could dream of doing.
11. Pizza Time, St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s oldest city status extends to this longtime pizza favorite that’s fed generations of families. Classic recipes never go out of style when they’re executed with care and quality ingredients every single time.
No-nonsense menu sticks to what works rather than reinventing the wheel with unnecessary complications. Sometimes you just want a solid cheese pizza, and this place delivers exactly that without any fuss or frills.
Tourist crowds mix with locals who’ve been coming here for years, creating a fun melting pot atmosphere. Reasonable prices make it easy to feed the whole family without breaking your vacation budget.
12. V Pizza, Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach scores big with this Neapolitan-style spot that takes its craft seriously. Authentic techniques imported straight from Naples create pizzas that would make Italian grandmothers nod with approval.
San Marzano tomatoes and imported Italian flour aren’t just marketing buzzwords here but actual ingredients that make noticeable differences. The 90-second cook time in their scorching hot oven produces leopard-spotted crusts that pizza nerds absolutely geek out over.
Beachfront location provides stunning sunset views that pair perfectly with your meal. Grab a table on the patio and prepare for a dining experience that hits all the right notes.
13. Duetto Pizza & Gelato, Key West
Key West’s southernmost pizza paradise combines two Italian favorites under one roof. Pizza followed by gelato creates the ultimate one-two punch that satisfies both savory and sweet cravings without changing locations.
Wood-fired ovens produce beautifully blistered crusts that complement fresh, locally sourced toppings whenever possible. Island-inspired specialty pizzas incorporate tropical flavors that work surprisingly well without being gimmicky or forced.
The gelato selection rotates seasonally, giving you excellent reasons to return and try new flavors. Outdoor seating lets you soak up that famous Key West atmosphere while enjoying legitimately great Italian food.
14. Solorzano’s Pizzeria, Gulf Gate (Sarasota)
Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood treasure keeps things real with honest, delicious pizza that doesn’t need hype. Family-run operations bring that personal touch you just can’t replicate at corporate chain restaurants.
Homemade sauce recipes developed over years of trial and error hit that sweet spot of tangy and savory. Fresh dough made daily ensures every crust comes out perfect, whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and chewy styles.
Friendly service makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door. Regulars know the staff by name, creating a genuine community gathering spot that happens to serve fantastic pizza.
