We Ranked The 12 Best Pizza Places In Ohio And Here Is Who Made The Cut

Ranking pizza sounded easy until I started arguing with myself over crust.

Ohio does not exactly make the decision simple. One stop wins you over with a thin, crisp slice, another goes square and cheesy, and somewhere else a decades-old neighborhood favorite refuses to change what already works.

I worked my way through enough pies to narrow the field to twelve, though a few decisions were much closer than I expected.

Some earned their spot with one unforgettable pizza, while others had the kind of consistency that keeps locals ordering the same thing for years.

The only part I am completely sure about is that nobody should read this hungry.

1. Il Rione, Cleveland

Crisp edges can start a debate, and this place wins it. Il Rione made my top spot for good reason.

The pies here lean toward thin, blistered New York style, with a crust that snaps and then gives way to a soft, chewy center. The sauce tastes bright, and the toppings feel carefully chosen instead of piled on.

I loved the creative pies on the menu. Some pair familiar toppings with surprising touches, so you can order a classic or take a small adventure.

Either way, each slice arrives hot and balanced.

The room hums with neighborhood energy. Friends share pies, couples split the last slice, and the staff moves with the calm of people who know they are making something good.

Gordon Square has plenty to explore, so you can walk off dinner afterward. The local reputation is strong, and Cleveland Scene named it Best Pizza in 2025 and 2026.

My plate was empty before I could say second helping.

Address: 1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102

2. Saint Francis Apizza, Cincinnati

Few things beat the smell of a warm pizza box on the drive home. At Saint Francis Apizza in Hyde Park, that smell is part of the fun.

The Hyde Park shop is takeout only, so plan to eat in your car, at a park, or on your couch. The pizza is inspired by New Haven, which means a charred crust, rich tomato sauce, and a little chew in every bite.

The dough gets real care here, and you can taste it. It has a deep flavor that stands up to the toppings instead of hiding under them.

The topping combinations are inventive without feeling silly. I liked how each pie looked rustic and a bit imperfect, like it came from a kitchen that cares more about taste than looks.

If you want a seat, the newer Oakley location offers indoor dining. I chose the takeout route and had zero regrets, just greasy fingertips.

Address: 3392 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208

3. Angelo’s Pizza, Lakewood

Since 1981, Lakewood has been showing up for Angelo’s, and the love is easy to understand. A pizza here arrives loaded.

The toppings go from edge to edge, and the sauce has a savory flavor that stands out. The crust holds everything together without turning dry.

You get to pick your style. Traditional pies satisfy the classic craving, while deep-dish pies are built for people who like a heavier slice and a fork on standby.

I spoke with a man at the next table who said he had been ordering here since he was a kid. He grinned and told me his order has not changed in years, which tells you plenty.

That kind of loyalty is hard to fake. Angelo’s feels like a neighborhood anchor, the sort of place where a Friday night plan almost makes itself.

Bring an appetite and expect leftovers, which is a bonus.

Address: 13715 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107

4. Rubino’s Pizza, Columbus

Bring cash, because Rubino’s has no interest in your cards. That old-school rule is part of the charm.

The pizzeria has served Bexley since 1954, and the dining room still looks like a snapshot from another era. Nothing feels staged, which makes it even better.

The star is the crust, which is thin enough to crackle when you bite it. It is crunchy from edge to edge, topped with simple, honest ingredients that do not try too hard.

Columbus-style pizza is often cut into squares, so you can grab a few small pieces and keep the conversation going. It is a great way to share a pie without anyone feeling shortchanged.

The spot even earned national attention in a 2026 pizzeria ranking. I think the crunch earned that on its own, and I heard it from across the table.

Address: 2643 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209

5. Wedgewood Fernando’s Pizza, Austintown

Youngstown-area pizza has its own personality, and Wedgewood proudly shows it off. The restaurant has been around since 1967.

That kind of history shows up in the recipes. Traditional methods guide the kitchen, and the homemade sausage adds a savory punch you notice right away.

The Original Everything pizza is a fun place to start, since it stacks plenty of toppings onto one pie. If you like a pizza that tastes full, this one delivers.

You can also try Brier Hill style, a regional specialty from the Youngstown area. It gives visitors a real taste of local tradition, and it is something you will not find on every corner.

I like places that teach you something with dinner. Here, I left knowing more about the Mahoning Valley and a little fuller than planned.

Address: 1622 S Raccoon Rd, Austintown, OH 44515

6. Park Street Pizza, Sugarcreek

Amish Country is known for slow, simple living, and Park Street Pizza fits right in. The focus here is fresh food made with care.

The kitchen leans on locally sourced ingredients, and you can taste the difference in the toppings. Vegetables look lively, and the flavors feel clean instead of heavy.

Specialty pizzas are where the team gets playful. Creative combinations and seasonal offerings keep the menu from feeling stuck, so a return visit might bring a brand new favorite.

The atmosphere is welcoming, with a relaxed pace that suits travelers who have spent the day browsing shops and country roads. Nobody rushes you, and nobody judges a second slice.

I think a pizza stop like this makes a road trip better. You get a break, a hot meal, and a good story to share later.

Address: 215 R Dover Rd NW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681

7. Marion’s Piazza, Dayton

Small squares, big smiles. That is the Marion’s Piazza way, and Dayton has loved it since 1965.

The thin crust is cut into bite-size pieces, which makes the pizza perfect for sharing and snacking. Toppings go on generously, so every little square carries real flavor.

Families have been coming here for generations. I could picture grandparents bringing grandkids and passing down their favorite order like a family recipe.

The restaurant on North Dixie Drive is one of several locations carrying on the tradition across southwestern Ohio. The menu keeps the focus where it belongs, on pizza made the same trusted way.

There is something comforting about that kind of consistency. You know what you are getting, and it tastes just as good as you hoped.

Grab a big group, order a few pies, and see how fast the squares disappear.

Address: 3443 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH 45414

8. Taglio OTR, Cincinnati

Cheese that crisps against the pan is a joy. Taglio knows it, and the Detroit-style square pizzas prove it.

The crust is thick and airy, with golden, lacy edges that give each bite a satisfying crunch. The inside stays soft, so every slice has two textures in one.

If square pizza is not your thing, the menu also offers New York-style pies. That gives you two distinct choices under one roof, which makes group orders much easier.

The Over-the-Rhine location is a big part of the appeal. It sits in a lively downtown neighborhood, so you can pair dinner with a stroll past historic buildings and busy storefronts.

I liked how the place feels modern but relaxed. You can show up in jeans, share a pie, and feel perfectly at home.

Address: 56 E 12th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

9. Luigi’s Restaurant, Akron

Since 1949, downtown Akron has had a dependable dinner spot. Luigi’s has fed generations of hungry locals.

The pizza arrives with plenty of melted cheese and a flavorful sauce that tastes like it has been perfected over decades. The preparation is traditional, and the results feel comforting.

Luigi’s is a full Italian restaurant, so the menu goes beyond pizza. That makes it a smart choice for groups where one person wants pasta and another wants a slice.

The dining room stays busy and welcoming. You hear laughter, silverware clinking, and servers calling out orders, which gives the place a lively buzz.

I always trust a restaurant that people return to for decades. It means the food has been doing its job for a long time.

Come early on a weekend if you want a smoother wait.

Address: 105 N Main St, Akron, OH 44308

10. Terita’s Pizza, Columbus

Some family businesses keep getting better with age, and Terita’s is one of them. The Columbus pizzeria opened in 1959.

That is more than six decades of recipes passed along and polished. The crust is thin, the toppings are balanced, and nothing on the pie feels out of place.

Homemade sausage is a highlight. It brings a savory, seasoned flavor that makes a simple pizza feel special.

Columbus-style pizza is all about restraint, and Terita’s understands that. You will not find towering piles of toppings, just thoughtful bites that taste the way a neighborhood pizza should.

I enjoyed how the place feels rooted in the community. It is the kind of spot where regulars know what they want and newcomers quickly pick a favorite.

Order a pie, tear off a square, and enjoy a piece of local history.

Address: 3905 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43224

11. The Village Idiot, Maumee

The name makes people laugh, but the pizza is seriously good. The Village Idiot has built a following in Maumee.

The restaurant sits in historic uptown Maumee, a charming area with an easygoing small-town feel. Inside, the mood is casual and lively, with a crowd that came to relax.

The thin-crust pizzas are the main event. Creative toppings give the menu variety, so you can try something unusual or keep it classic.

Live music shows up often, which adds extra fun to dinner. A good song, a hot pie, and friendly faces make for an easy evening.

It is easy to see why many Toledo-area locals call this one a favorite. The place has personality, and so does the pizza.

Plan a night out here, and bring someone who enjoys a good groove.

Address: 309 Conant St, Maumee, OH 43537

12. Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza, Columbus

Bold flavor is the whole point at Hounddog’s. The Columbus favorite does not tiptoe around taste.

The Smokin’ Joe’s crust gets plenty of attention, and the generous toppings pile on even more. Specialty pizzas bring strong, punchy combinations that keep fans coming back.

The vibe is casual and neighborly, with a laid-back setting where you can relax in comfortable clothes. Nobody expects fancy plates here, only great pizza.

The crowd has noticed. Hounddog’s topped the traditional pizza category in the 2026 ColumBEST readers’ awards, a nice reward for a place with such a dedicated following.

I left with a full stomach and a new appreciation for pizzas that speak up. If you like big flavor, put this one on your route.

Not every list needs a finish line, but this is a strong one. Order a pie and see where your taste buds land.

Address: 2657 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202