I Took Ohio’s Backroads To Try 10 Mom-And-Pop Pizza Parlors (And 5 Were Unforgettable)
Ohio’s winding backroads hide some of the most delicious secrets you’ll ever taste—family-run pizza parlors that have been perfecting their craft for decades.
I set out on a cheesy adventure across the Buckeye State, visiting mom-and-pop establishments that serve up slices with heart and soul.
While every stop offered something special, five of these humble pizzerias left me absolutely speechless with their unforgettable flavors and warm hospitality.
Join me as I share the crust-worthy tales from my journey through Ohio’s finest independent pizza joints.
1. Marion’s Piazza (Shroyer Road)
Square slices have never tasted so heavenly as they do at this Dayton institution that’s been serving up smiles since 1965.
Marion’s signature thin crust gets cut into those famous squares that locals call “party cuts,” and every bite delivers that perfect cracker-crisp texture.
The cheese stretches for miles, and the sauce strikes that sweet-tangy balance that keeps families coming back generation after generation.
Walking through those doors feels like stepping into your Italian grandmother’s kitchen, where everyone’s treated like family.
This spot earned its place among my unforgettable five without breaking a sweat.
Address: 241 N Main St, Centerville, Washington Township, OH 45459-4617
2. Cassano’s Pizza King
Royalty reigns at this Dayton legend where the pizza comes sliced into rectangles that make every piece feel like treasure.
Founded in 1953, Cassano’s has mastered the art of the ultra-thin crust that somehow manages to hold mountains of toppings without getting soggy.
Their secret seasoning blend dances on your taste buds like a flavor orchestra conducted by pizza maestros.
The family atmosphere wraps around you warmer than melted mozzarella, making first-timers feel like regulars.
One bite explained why this kingdom of crust claimed a throne in my top five.
Address: 430 Warren St, Dayton, OH 45402
3. Coccia House Pizza
Wooster’s best-kept secret sits right on Liberty Street, dishing out pies that live up to the freedom their address promises.
Coccia House treats every pizza like a work of edible art, with hand-tossed dough that gets stretched with the care of a master craftsman.
Their sauce recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, passed down through generations like precious heirloom jewelry.
Small-town hospitality shines through every interaction, from the greeting at the door to the farewell wave goodbye.
This charming parlor delivered flavors that earned its spot in my unforgettable five.
Address: 764 Pittsburgh Ave, Wooster, OH 44691
4. Avalon Downtown Pizzeria
Downtown Youngstown buzzes with energy, and Avalon stands as the delicious heartbeat of Federal Street’s culinary scene.
Their wood-fired oven works overtime creating those beautiful leopard-spotted crusts that Instagram dreams are made of.
Fresh ingredients get sourced locally whenever possible, bringing farm-to-table philosophy into the pizza universe with spectacular results.
The open kitchen lets you watch pizza artisans work their magic, turning simple ingredients into circular masterpieces.
Avalon’s commitment to quality catapulted this pizzeria straight into my top five without question.
Address: 17 W Federal St, Youngstown, OH 44503
5. Brier Hill Pizza & Wings
Youngstown’s legendary Brier Hill style gets honored perfectly at this Gypsy Lane establishment that keeps tradition alive and delicious.
The unique pizza style features green bell peppers and romano cheese instead of mozzarella, creating a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else.
Generations of Youngstown residents have grown up on these distinctive pies, and the recipe remains unchanged since the old neighborhood days.
Casual vibes make this the perfect spot for grabbing dinner after work or treating the kids to something special.
This authentic taste of Youngstown history absolutely deserved recognition among my memorable stops.
Address:161 Lowellville Rd, Struthers, OH 44471
6. Gionino’s Pizzeria (North Hill)
Akron’s North Hill neighborhood celebrates this local favorite where pizzas come loaded with enough toppings to satisfy the heartiest appetites.
Gionino’s commitment to consistency means every visit delivers the same outstanding quality that keeps customers loyal for decades.
Their dough gets made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every bite of that perfectly seasoned crust.
Friendly staff members remember regular customers by name, creating that neighborhood pizzeria atmosphere that chain restaurants can never replicate.
Solid execution and genuine warmth made Gionino’s a highlight worth remembering on my pizza pilgrimage.
Address:1250 E Tallmadge Ave, Akron, OH 44310
7. Angelo’s Pizza
Lakewood’s Madison Avenue treasure has been making mouths water for years with recipes that Angelo himself would approve of proudly.
Hand-tossed dough gets treated with respect here, stretched and shaped by experienced hands that understand the science of perfect pizza.
The aroma hits you before you even walk through the door, drawing hungry customers inside like a delicious magnet.
Vintage Italian decor creates an atmosphere that transports diners straight to a trattoria in the old country.
Angelo’s authentic approach and mouthwatering results secured its spot among the five pizzerias I’ll never forget.
Address:13715 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
8. Il Rione Pizzeria
Authenticity reaches new heights on Cleveland’s West 65th Street, where Il Rione brings genuine Neapolitan pizza traditions to Ohio.
Their imported Italian oven creates temperatures hot enough to produce those signature charred bubbles and soft, chewy centers.
San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella make regular appearances on a menu that respects Italian pizza heritage.
The intimate setting feels more like visiting a pizzeria in Naples than eating in the Midwest.
Il Rione’s dedication to authenticity and outstanding execution earned it a well-deserved place in my unforgettable five.
Address: 1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102
9. Ohio Pie Co.
Brunswick’s rising star combines innovation with tradition, creating pizzas that honor Ohio while pushing creative boundaries.
Ohio Pie Co. experiments with unexpected topping combinations that somehow work perfectly together, surprising and delighting adventurous eaters.
Their commitment to local ingredients shines through in every slice, supporting nearby farms while delivering superior freshness.
Modern decor meets rustic charm in a space that feels both contemporary and welcoming to all generations.
This innovative approach to pizza-making made Ohio Pie Co. stand out memorably during my delicious journey across the state.
Address:1315 Pearl Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212
10. Rubino’s Pizza
Columbus locals speak about Rubino’s in reverent tones, and one visit explains exactly why.
Their ultra-thin crust delivers an almost cracker-like snap, topped with finely shredded cheese that melts evenly into every corner. The sauce leans gently sweet, balancing the saltiness of the cheese in a way that feels timeless.
The shop itself hasn’t changed much over the decades, and neither has the recipe. Booths stay full, orders move fast, and the experience feels refreshingly no-frills.
Rubino’s proves that perfection doesn’t need reinvention, just consistency and heart.
Address: 764 Pittsburgh Ave, Wooster, OH 44691