11 Hole In The Wall Arizona Pizza Joints Locals Say Are Worth The Drive
If you ever ask me why I’m always the first one to suggest a spontaneous road trip, the answer is simple: pizza.
Not the kind you get from a chain with a glossy logo, but the kind that’s cooked in a cramped kitchen, served with a smile that says “welcome to our family,” and tastes like a slice of Arizona itself, sun‑kissed, bold, and unapologetically delicious.
In the past few months I’ve criss‑crossed the state, stopping at eleven unassuming pizza joints that locals call “the best kept secret” and locals love to point out on their crumpled maps.
From a tiny brick‑oven shop perched on a hilltop overlooking the Grand Canyon to a retro‑diner‑style pizzeria in a sleepy suburb where the owner still tosses dough by hand, each place offered a story as rich as its sauce.
I’ll take you along on the winding roads, the quirky roadside signs, and the inevitable “wait‑what? That’s only a 30‑minute drive?” moments, proving that sometimes the most unforgettable meals are just a few miles off the beaten path.
Grab your sunglasses, roll down the windows, and let’s hit the road-because these eleven humble spots are proof that the best pizza in Arizona is worth every mile of the drive.
1. Pizzeria Bianco
Few pizza places in the entire country have earned the kind of legendary status that Pizzeria Bianco holds in Phoenix.
Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco, this spot at 623 E Adams St has been turning out wood-fired masterpieces since 1988. The dough is made fresh daily, and the toppings are sourced with obsessive care.
Regulars rave about the Wiseguy pizza, topped with wood-roasted onion, smoked mozzarella, and fennel sausage.
The crust hits that perfect sweet spot between chewy and crispy, with just the right amount of char.
Seating is limited, and the restaurant fills up fast, so arriving early is a smart move. Chris Bianco practically put Arizona on the national pizza map, and one bite explains exactly why.
The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. This is not just pizza. It is a full-on culinary experience worth every minute of the drive.
2. Via Della Slice Shop
Sometimes you just want a no-fuss, grab-and-go slice that absolutely knocks your socks off, and Via Della Slice Shop delivers exactly that.
Located at 222 N 5th Ave in Phoenix, this casual spot has built a fierce local following by keeping things simple and delicious. The menu focuses on New York-style slices with crispy, foldable crusts and generous toppings.
Locals particularly love the classic pepperoni slice, which is loaded with flavor and finished with a perfectly balanced sauce.
The shop has a relaxed, unpretentious vibe that makes it easy to hang out and enjoy your food without feeling rushed. Prices are reasonable, making it a go-to spot for students, families, and pizza lovers on a budget.
The rotating specialty slices keep things exciting, giving regulars a reason to come back and try something new every week.
Via Della proves that great pizza does not need a fancy setting. Just good ingredients and genuine love for the craft.
3. Cibo Urban Pizzeria
Tucked inside a 1913 craftsman bungalow at 603 N 5th Ave in Phoenix, Arizona Cibo Urban Pizzeria is one of the most charming restaurant settings in the entire state.
The historic building gives the place a warm, lived-in character that immediately makes you feel at home.
Cibo focuses on Neapolitan-style pizzas made with high-quality imported ingredients, and the results are absolutely stunning. The fig and prosciutto pizza is a fan favorite, combining sweet and savory flavors in a way that feels genuinely inspired.
I stumbled upon Cibo during a weekend trip to Phoenix, and honestly, I almost did not leave.
The outdoor patio is strung with lights and surrounded by greenery, making it a magical spot for an evening meal. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to walk you through the menu and suggest pairings.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, because word has spread fast about how special this little bungalow pizzeria really is.
4. Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana
Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana at 705 N 1st St Unit 120 in Phoenix is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which is basically the official seal of approval from Naples itself.
That certification means the pizza here follows strict traditional methods, from the hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes to the double-zero flour dough.
The result is a soft, pillowy crust with a beautifully blistered edge that pizza purists absolutely dream about.
The Margherita pizza here is a revelation in its simplicity, letting the quality of each ingredient shine through without distraction. Pomo also offers a fantastic lunch special that makes this world-class pizza surprisingly accessible on a weekday budget.
The modern interior is clean and inviting, with an open kitchen where you can watch the skilled pizzaiolos work their magic. Regulars say the burrata appetizer is a must-order before the main event arrives.
Authentic, certified, and absolutely delicious. Pomo is a Phoenix pizza gem hiding in plain sight.
5. Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop
With a name like Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop, you already know this place is going to be anything but ordinary.
Located at 401 W Van Buren St Suite B in Phoenix, Ziggy’s leans hard into its fun, offbeat personality while delivering seriously impressive pizza.
The menu is packed with creative specialty pies that push the boundaries of what pizza can be, featuring unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly together. Locals particularly love the rotating seasonal pizzas, which keep the menu feeling fresh and exciting throughout the year.
The shop has a lively, energetic atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a small celebration.
Counter service keeps things moving quickly, which is great when hunger strikes hard and patience runs thin. The dough is made in-house daily, and the sauce has a bright, vibrant flavor that clearly comes from quality tomatoes.
Ziggy’s is proof that a little magic in the kitchen goes a very long way when you are making pizza.
6. Il Bosco Pizza
Scottsdale locals have been quietly protecting their secret spot at Il Bosco Pizza, located at 7120 E Becker Ln, but the word is finally getting out.
This neighborhood gem focuses on artisan wood-fired pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, giving each pie a distinctly fresh and seasonal character.
The crust is thin and crispy with beautiful leopard spotting from the high-heat oven, which is the hallmark of a truly skilled pizza maker.
The menu changes regularly to reflect what is fresh and available, so every visit offers something new and exciting to try. Il Bosco has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like eating at a neighbor’s house than a restaurant.
The staff genuinely loves talking about the food, and their enthusiasm is completely contagious.
Portions are generous, and the quality is consistently outstanding, which explains why tables fill up fast on weekend nights. Scottsdale has plenty of flashy restaurants, but Il Bosco proves that the best meals often come from the most unassuming places.
7. Pisa Lisa
Eating pizza with a backdrop of Sedona’s famous red rock formations is an experience that is genuinely hard to beat, and Pisa Lisa makes the food match the view.
Found at 2245 AZ-89A in Sedona, this playfully named spot serves up creative, gourmet-style pizzas that go well beyond the usual offerings.
The menu features unexpected topping combinations that feel inspired by the artistic, free-spirited culture of Sedona itself. One standout is the pear and gorgonzola pizza, which balances sweet and bold flavors in a surprisingly harmonious way.
A friend dragged me to Pisa Lisa on a road trip through Sedona, and I remember thinking the name was gimmicky. One bite later, I was completely converted.
The casual, relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the area.
Prices are fair for a tourist town, and the portions are satisfyingly generous. Pisa Lisa leans on fresh, quality ingredients to let the food speak for itself, and it speaks very loudly.
8. Pizzicletta
Pizzicletta at 203 W Phoenix Ave in Flagstaff is the kind of tiny, passionate pizza shop that makes you want to move to a new city just to become a regular.
Owner Caleb Schiff trained in Naples and brings that authentic knowledge back to every single pizza that comes out of the oven.
The shop is small, seating only a handful of guests at a time, which gives it an intimate and special atmosphere. Dough ferments for 48 hours before baking, which develops a complex, nuanced flavor that you simply cannot rush.
The menu is refreshingly focused, featuring just a handful of carefully crafted pizzas rather than an overwhelming list of options.
Flagstaff’s cool mountain air makes sitting down to a hot wood-fired pizza here feel particularly satisfying.
Lines form regularly outside the door, and locals say the wait is absolutely worth it every single time. A masterclass in doing a few things exceptionally well rather than many things just okay.
9. Falora
Falora at 3000 E Broadway Blvd in Tucson has earned a fiercely loyal following by treating every pizza like a small work of art.
The focus here is on Neapolitan-style pies made with organic and locally sourced ingredients, which gives the food a freshness that is immediately noticeable.
The dough is soft and airy with a beautifully charred crust, striking that classic Neapolitan balance between tender and structured.
The roasted garlic and mushroom pizza is a particular crowd-pleaser, layering earthy flavors that feel deeply satisfying. Falora also offers a thoughtful selection of salads and small plates that make building a full meal here incredibly easy.
The bright, welcoming interior makes it a comfortable spot for families, couples, and solo diners alike.
Service is consistently warm and attentive, which adds to the overall feeling of being genuinely cared for as a guest. Tucson’s food scene is seriously underrated, and Falora is one of the strongest reasons to pay this city a delicious visit.
10. Fiamme Pizza
Fiamme Pizza at 4706 E Sunrise Dr in Tucson brings a sophisticated touch to the wood-fired pizza scene without losing any of the soulful, rustic charm that makes great pizza so satisfying.
The name means flames in Italian, and the wood-burning oven is absolutely central to everything this restaurant does well.
The crust here has a gorgeous, airy texture with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior that pizza lovers will find deeply rewarding.
Seasonal ingredients play a big role in the menu, meaning the offerings shift and evolve throughout the year in exciting ways. The burrata and prosciutto pizza is widely considered a signature dish, and it lives up to every bit of the hype surrounding it.
The dining room is warm and inviting, with a lively open kitchen that adds energy to the whole experience. Fiamme strikes a lovely balance between upscale and approachable, making it equally suitable for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
11. Rocco’s Little Chicago
Rocco’s Little Chicago at 2555 E Broadway Blvd in Tucson is a love letter to Chicago-style pizza, delivered straight to the Arizona desert with tremendous enthusiasm.
This spot has been feeding Tucson since 1993, and the decades of experience show in every single bite of the thick, hearty deep-dish pies.
The deep-dish pizza here is a serious commitment, arriving with a buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce layered on top, and an almost absurd amount of melted cheese underneath.
Thin-crust options are also available for those who prefer a lighter take, and they are equally well-executed and satisfying. The retro, no-frills atmosphere feels like stepping into a classic neighborhood joint from another era, which is a big part of Rocco’s charm.
Staff are famously friendly and have a way of making first-timers feel like they have been coming in for years. Comfort food elevated by decades of practice and genuine pride in what lands on your table.