10 Arizona Pizzerias That Prove A Really Good Slice Is Definitely Worth The Drive
Arizona might be famous for its deserts, but the state has quietly become a serious pizza destination. I’m the kind of person who will gladly detour for a perfect pizza-because let’s face it, a good slice can turn any ordinary drive into a mini‑adventure.
Last summer I found myself cruising through the Sonoran desert, windshield down, playlist blasting, and suddenly spotted a tiny neon sign that read “Pizza Paradise.” One bite later, I was convinced that Arizona’s pizza scene is a hidden treasure map-each pizzeria a “X” marking where the real gold lies.
From downtown Phoenix’s brick‑oven marvels to a family‑run joint tucked in a Tucson suburb, the 10 spots below proved that a little extra mileage is totally worth the reward. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and let’s chase the best slices the Grand Canyon State has to offer.
Pizzeria Bianco — Phoenix
Chris Bianco didn’t just open a pizzeria. He created a legend that put Arizona on the national pizza map and made people willing to wait hours for a table at 623 E Adams St in downtown Phoenix.
The wood-fired pies here are crafted with obsessive attention to detail, from the hand-stretched dough to the carefully sourced ingredients. Each pizza comes out of the oven with a perfectly charred, blistered crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Award after award has landed on Bianco’s doorstep, including recognition from James Beard Foundation, but the real testament is the steady stream of customers who drive across town or even across the state.
The Margherita is a masterpiece of simplicity, while the Wiseguy with wood-roasted onion and house-made fennel sausage shows off more complex flavors.
Plan ahead because this place fills up fast. The wait is worth every minute when that first bite hits your taste buds.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality and consistency turns every meal into a memorable experience that keeps patrons coming back. Even longtime fans discover new favorites with seasonal specials and rotating ingredients that showcase the best of Italian flavors.
Pizzicletta — Flagstaff
Tucked into a tiny space at 203 W Phoenix Ave in downtown Flagstaff sits a pizzeria with a reputation far bigger than its square footage. Pizzicletta serves up Neapolitan-style pies that have earned cult status among northern Arizona residents and travelers passing through.
The wood-fired oven works overtime producing pizzas with creative toppings that change with the seasons. You might find roasted squash in fall or fresh arugula in spring, all atop that signature thin, slightly charred crust.
I remember stopping here after a long hike in the San Francisco Peaks, exhausted and starving. The smell of wood smoke and baking dough hit me the moment I walked in, and that first slice of their fennel sausage pizza practically brought tears to my eyes.
The intimate setting means you might need to wait for a table, especially on weekends when Flagstaff fills with tourists. But watching the pizza makers work their magic in the open kitchen makes the time fly by surprisingly fast.
Fat Olives Wood Fired Pizzeria — Flagstaff
Certification matters when you’re talking about true Neapolitan pizza, and Fat Olives at 2308 E Route 66 in Flagstaff takes that designation seriously. The Italian oven imported specifically for authentic pizza making produces pies that meet strict traditional standards.
Longtime locals swear by this spot, which has built its reputation one perfectly crafted pizza at a time over many years. The dough gets proper attention with a slow fermentation process that develops complex flavors and creates that characteristic chewy texture.
Classic combinations like Margherita showcase the quality of simple ingredients, while specialty pizzas push boundaries without losing sight of tradition. The crust puffs up beautifully in the high heat, creating those signature leopard spots that pizza enthusiasts look for.
Located right on historic Route 66, the pizzeria draws both travelers and devoted regulars who consider it a Flagstaff institution. The atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, perfect for families or groups of friends gathering around a table loaded with different pizzas to share and compare.
Every bite reflects the care and passion poured into each pizza, making it clear why Fat Olives has earned a loyal following. Seasonal specials and creative toppings keep even repeat visitors excited to try something new while staying true to authentic Neapolitan roots.
Pisa Lisa — Sedona
Combining incredible pizza with stunning red rock views makes Pisa Lisa at 2245 AZ-89A in Sedona a double threat. The wood-fired, artisan pies here have become wildly popular with visitors who want great food to match the spectacular scenery.
Fresh ingredients shine in every bite, whether you order a classic combination or venture into more adventurous territory with seasonal specials. The pizza makers understand that balance between crispy and chewy that separates memorable pizza from forgettable slices.
Sedona itself makes this pizza pilgrimage doubly worthwhile since you can plan a whole day around hiking Cathedral Rock or visiting art galleries before settling in for dinner. The restaurant’s location puts you right in the heart of the action, with easy access to trailheads and shopping.
Tourists fill the tables most nights, drawn by word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews that rave about both food quality and portion sizes. Get there early during peak season or prepare to wait, because this place doesn’t take reservations and the popularity never seems to fade.
POMO Pizzeria Napoletana — Scottsdale
Authenticity runs deep at POMO Pizzeria Napoletana, located at 8977 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 504 in Scottsdale. The certified Neapolitan techniques and ingredients used here create pizzas that transport you straight to Naples without leaving the Valley.
Strict adherence to traditional methods means dough made from specific flour types, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella di bufala. The pizza cooks in under 90 seconds in a blazing hot oven, emerging with that perfect combination of charred bubbles and tender center.
My cousin dragged me here last summer insisting it was the best pizza in Arizona, and I spent the entire meal trying not to admit she was right. The Margherita DOC was so good I ordered a second one, much to her amusement and my wallet’s dismay.
Fans drive from all corners of the Phoenix metropolitan area to get their pizza fix here, creating a buzzing atmosphere most evenings. The restaurant space feels modern and clean, with an open kitchen where you can watch skilled pizzaiolos stretching dough and building pies with practiced precision.
Every pizza at POMO Pizzeria Napoletana reflects a commitment to craft that keeps diners coming back again and again. Seasonal toppings and creative specials add variety while staying true to the authentic Neapolitan style, delighting both first-timers and longtime fans.
CiBO Urban Pizzeria — Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix pulses with energy, and CiBO Urban Pizzeria at 603 N 5th Ave captures that vibe perfectly. The rustic, wood-fired pizzas served here have made this spot a local favorite that draws people from surrounding neighborhoods who could easily find pizza closer to home.
What sets CiBO apart is the combination of quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and a lively atmosphere that makes every visit feel special. The menu balances traditional Italian flavors with creative twists that appeal to adventurous eaters.
Wood smoke perfumes the air as pizzas emerge from the oven with beautifully blistered crusts and bubbling cheese. Toppings range from classic pepperoni to more inventive combinations featuring seasonal vegetables and house-made sausage.
The restaurant’s location in the heart of downtown makes it perfect for pre-game dinners before sporting events or post-work gatherings with friends and coworkers. Weekend evenings get especially busy as the neighborhood comes alive, so calling ahead for larger groups makes sense even though the turnover stays pretty quick thanks to efficient service.
Forno 301 — Phoenix
Modern Italian cuisine meets consistently excellent pizza at Forno 301, situated at 1616 N Central Ave #104 in downtown Phoenix. The wood-fired pizzas here have earned praise from critics and regular customers alike, making this a go-to destination for serious pizza lovers.
The kitchen operates with impressive consistency, turning out pies that maintain high standards night after night. Dough gets proper fermentation time, sauces balance acidity and sweetness perfectly, and toppings arrive fresh daily from trusted suppliers.
Beyond just pizza, the full Italian menu offers plenty of options for those dining with less pizza-obsessed companions. But honestly, skipping the pizza here would be missing the main event, especially when the crust achieves that ideal texture that’s simultaneously crispy and chewy.
Downtown workers pack the place during lunch hours, while dinner service attracts a mix of neighborhood residents and folks driving in specifically for the food.
The contemporary space feels sophisticated without being stuffy, striking a nice balance between casual and upscale that works for both business dinners and family outings.
ANELLO — Tucson
Small, beloved, and absolutely worth planning a stop for, ANELLO at 222 E 6th St in Tucson serves sourdough and wood-fired pizzas that showcase seasonal, local ingredients. The commitment to sourcing from nearby farms shows up in every bite.
Sourdough crust brings a subtle tanginess and complex flavor that sets these pizzas apart from standard offerings. The fermentation process creates a lighter, more digestible dough that still delivers satisfying chew and structure to hold generous toppings.
Seasonal menus mean you might find completely different pizzas depending on when you visit, with ingredients rotating based on what’s fresh and available. Spring might bring asparagus and peas, while fall features roasted squash and hearty greens.
The intimate space fills quickly with locals who have made ANELLO part of their regular dining rotation, plus visitors who have done their homework and know this is a Tucson pizza gem. Reservations help during busy periods, though the friendly staff does their best to accommodate walk-ins when possible.
The relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering over pizza and conversation without feeling rushed.
The combination of seasonal ingredients, expertly fermented sourdough, and wood-fired technique ensures both locals and visitors leave eager to return.
REILLY Craft Pizza & Drink — Tucson
Downtown Tucson buzzes with activity, and REILLY Craft Pizza & Drink at 101 E Pennington St sits right in the middle of it all. Hand-made pizzas and a lively atmosphere have turned this spot into a regional favorite that draws crowds most nights of the week.
The pizza makers here take pride in their craft, hand-stretching dough and building each pie with care and attention to detail. Creative combinations push beyond basic pepperoni and cheese without venturing into weird-for-the-sake-of-weird territory.
Last time I visited Tucson for a conference, colleagues insisted we skip the hotel restaurant and head to REILLY instead. Best decision of the trip, hands down, especially since we got to sample four different pizzas family-style and argue passionately about which one deserved top honors.
The energetic vibe makes this perfect for groups celebrating special occasions or just looking for a fun night out with friends. Service stays friendly and efficient even when the place gets packed, and the open layout creates a social atmosphere where conversation flows easily.
Weekend evenings require patience or advance planning since popularity means competition for tables.
Bill’s Pizza — Prescott
Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza has seen a lot of history, and Bill’s Pizza at 107 S Cortez St has become part of that story. This popular pizza joint serves dependable pies that have earned a devoted hometown following willing to drive in from surrounding areas.
Nothing fancy or pretentious here, just solid pizza made well and served in generous portions. The menu covers all the classics people expect from a good neighborhood pizzeria, executed with consistency that keeps customers coming back week after week.
Location right on the plaza makes Bill’s Pizza perfect for grabbing a quick lunch while exploring downtown Prescott or settling in for dinner after browsing the shops and galleries. The casual, welcoming atmosphere suits families with kids just as well as couples looking for an easy meal.
Locals treat this place like an institution, the kind of spot where everyone seems to know each other and newcomers get welcomed into the fold. Prices stay reasonable, portions stay generous, and the pizza stays reliably good, which explains why people keep making the drive to Prescott specifically to eat here.