The 13 Best Pizzerias Across Ohio’s Cities And Small Towns
Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind for pizza, but the Buckeye State hides some serious pizza treasures.
From Cleveland’s Italian influences to Cincinnati’s unique takes, Ohio’s pizza scene deserves your attention.
Whether you’re looking for traditional pies or innovative creations, these 13 pizzerias showcase the best of what Ohio has to offer.
1. Il Rione – Cleveland’s Gordon Square Gem
Located in Cleveland’s artsy Gordon Square district, Il Rione serves up pizza that would make any New Yorker do a double-take.
The crisp, perfectly charred crusts come from their carefully tended ovens, while the lively bar program keeps the atmosphere buzzing.
I stumbled upon this place during a work trip and couldn’t believe my luck. Their attention to detail shows in every bite. Remember, they’re dinner-only Tuesday through Saturday, and they don’t take reservations, so plan accordingly.
2. Angelo’s Pizza – Lakewood’s Late-Night Legend
When pizza cravings strike at midnight, Angelo’s in Lakewood answers the call. This regional favorite offers both their signature ‘original’ crust and a hearty deep-dish option that’ll satisfy even Chicago-style enthusiasts.
Their full-service dining room welcomes families earlier in the evening, while their late-night delivery service (until 1 am on weekends) has rescued countless hungry night owls.
The consistency of their quality has built a loyal following spanning generations.
3. Citizen Pie – Neapolitan Perfection in Cleveland
Speed meets tradition at Citizen Pie, where Neapolitan-inspired pizzas emerge from blazing wood-burning ovens in just minutes. The fast, blistered crusts create that authentic Italian experience without the transatlantic flight.
My first bite at their Ohio City location transported me straight to Naples. The dough, slightly chewy with perfect char marks, provides the ideal canvas for their quality toppings.
With locations in both Ohio City and Collinwood, this Cleveland favorite makes authentic pizza accessible across town.
4. Geraci’s Restaurant – Family Tradition Since the 1950s
Some restaurants claim to be institutions, but Geraci’s has actually earned the title. This family-run Italian spot has been slinging beloved pizzas since the 1950s, even catching Guy Fieri’s attention on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Their old-school approach means no corners cut – just quality ingredients and time-tested recipes. Beyond pizza, their full menu offers Italian classics that complement their signature pies.
Multiple locations throughout the Cleveland area make it easy to get your Geraci’s fix.
5. Luigi’s – Akron’s Downtown Pizza Institution
Since 1949, Luigi’s has been the pizza place where Akronites celebrate everything from first dates to retirement parties.
Their famously cheesy pies feature a unique blend that stretches for days, paired perfectly with their equally famous Italian salads.
Remember to bring cash – they don’t accept cards. This no-frills spot focuses on what matters: consistently delicious pizza that tastes the same today as it did decades ago.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, it remains a cornerstone of downtown Akron’s dining scene.
6. Wedgewood Pizza – Mahoning Valley’s Topping Champion
Youngstown natives get misty-eyed just thinking about Wedgewood Pizza. Since 1967, this Mahoning Valley mainstay has defined what great pizza means for generations with their generously topped, perfectly balanced pies.
I grew up watching my grandfather devour their signature cup-and-char pepperoni pizza with almost religious devotion. The crispy-edged pepperoni cups collect just enough grease to create flavor bombs with each bite.
Their Boardman location serves these legendary pies seven days a week for both lunch and dinner crowds.
7. Avalon Downtown Pizzeria – Youngstown’s Brier Hill Specialist
Avalon Downtown stands as the benchmark for authentic Brier Hill-style pizza, a Youngstown specialty with working-class Italian roots.
Their thick, pepper-studded tomato sauce and generous sprinkle of Romano cheese (instead of mozzarella) create a distinctly local flavor profile.
The downtown location buzzes with energy, especially during their late-night weekend hours when they serve hungry patrons until 2 am.
This regional specialty tells the story of Youngstown’s Italian immigrants through every slice, making it both a meal and a history lesson.
8. Rubino’s – Bexley’s Thin-Crust Time Machine
Walking into Rubino’s feels like stepping back to 1954, and that’s precisely its charm. This Bexley institution hasn’t changed much since opening, still serving their famous crunchy, thin-crust, square-cut pies in a delightfully no-frills setting.
The old-school approach extends to their ordering system – phone calls only, no online ordering here. Locals know to call ahead, as the tiny dining room fills quickly.
Their perfectly crisp crust somehow manages to support the toppings while maintaining its satisfying crunch from edge to edge.
9. Marion’s Piazza – The Definitive Dayton-Style Pizza
Marion’s defines what locals call “Dayton-style” pizza: thin crust loaded with edge-to-edge toppings, cut into squares rather than triangular slices. Their formula hasn’t changed much since opening, and loyal customers wouldn’t have it any other way.
My family’s celebration tradition always included Marion’s party-cut pizzas, the thin crust somehow supporting a mountain of toppings without getting soggy.
With nine locations across the region, they’ve maintained quality control while expanding their reach. Their family-friendly dining rooms welcome multi-generational pizza gatherings nightly.
10. Taglio – Cincinnati’s Two-Style Specialist
Why choose between pizza styles when Taglio offers both? This Cincinnati hotspot serves authentic Detroit-style pan pizzas alongside foldable New York slices, satisfying different pizza cravings under one roof.
Their Over-the-Rhine location buzzes with energy, especially during game days when the full bar keeps spirits high. The Detroit-style pies feature the signature crispy cheese edge that caramelizes against the pan, while their New York slices offer that perfect fold.
This dual approach has made them a Cincinnati pizza destination for those who refuse to pick sides.
11. Avalanche Pizza – Athens’ Creative Pie Paradise
College towns often inspire culinary creativity, and Avalanche Pizza perfectly captures that spirit. This Athens favorite serves both whole pies and slices that balance artisan techniques with inventive topping combinations that appeal to both Ohio University students and discerning locals.
Their menu reads like a pizza laboratory’s experiment log, featuring unexpected ingredient pairings that somehow work perfectly together. Open from late morning until midnight daily, they understand the rhythms of a college town.
Their approachable prices make gourmet pizza accessible to student budgets without compromising quality.
12. Six Hundred Downtown – Bellefontaine’s Award-Winner
Small-town Bellefontaine might seem an unlikely place for nationally recognized pizza, but Six Hundred Downtown has put this charming town on the culinary map. Their hand-spun pies emerge from 600-degree deck ovens with the perfect balance of chew and crisp.
The classic craft approach shines through in every detail, from dough fermentation to topping combinations. Their downtown location on Main Street anchors the town’s revitalized core, drawing visitors from throughout the region.
Closed Mondays, they maintain a consistent schedule the rest of the week for both lunch and dinner service.
13. Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar – Toledo’s New School Favorite
Toledo’s pizza scene got a major upgrade when Stubborn Brother arrived near the University of Toledo campus. Their massive New York-style slices require two hands and a serious appetite, making them an instant hit with students and locals alike.
The first time I visited, I laughed when they handed me a slice nearly the size of my face. The lively bar area makes it more than just a quick pizza stop – it’s a legitimate hangout spot seven days a week.
Their consistent hours make them reliable for both lunch crowds and evening pizza seekers.