Best Pizza Place In Major U.S. Cities According To Yelp
Who doesn’t love a perfect slice of pizza? There’s something universally satisfying about that golden crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce coming together in every bite.
I’ve been on a personal quest to uncover the most mouthwatering pies across America, and luckily, Yelp has made the search a whole lot easier for us pizza fanatics.
From the caramelized, cheesy edges of a true Chicago deep dish to the thin, foldable slices of New York’s finest, these top-rated pizzerias have elevated pizza-making to an art form. Join me as we explore the highest-rated pizza spots in major U.S. cities, one slice at a time!
1. Pequod’s Pizza: Chicago’s Caramelized Crust Champion
The first time I bit into Pequod’s signature pan pizza, I nearly fell off my chair! Their famous caramelized cheese crust creates a blackened edge that’s crispy, slightly sweet, and absolutely addictive.
Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, this joint tops Yelp’s 2024 list for good reason. The deep-dish style here isn’t your typical Chicago pizza, it’s lighter and less sauce-heavy than most competitors.
Locals pack this place nightly, so expect a wait. Trust me though, once you taste that burnt cheese crust with their perfectly balanced toppings, you’ll understand why Chicagoans consider this place pizza royalty.
2. Bestia: Los Angeles’ Wood-Fired Wonder
Stumbling upon Bestia in LA’s Arts District years ago changed my pizza standards forever! This Michelin-recognized restaurant crafts wood-fired pizzas with such attention to detail, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed ordinary pizza before.
Housed in a converted warehouse with industrial-chic vibes, Bestia’s pizza features perfectly charred crusts with that smoky flavor only authentic wood-firing can achieve. Their seasonal toppings showcase California’s freshest ingredients, think house-made charcuterie and locally-sourced vegetables.
While you might come for the pizza, their entire Italian menu deserves exploration. Just remember to book weeks ahead, this place fills up faster than parking spots in downtown LA!
3. Lombardi’s Pizza: New York’s Historic Slice
Walking through Lombardi’s doors feels like stepping into pizza history! As America’s first pizzeria (established 1905), this Little Italy landmark has been perfecting their coal-fired pies for over a century.
My grandmother grew up eating Lombardi’s pizza, and when I finally visited, I understood her lifelong devotion. Their thin, crispy crust supports just the right amount of their signature tangy tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.
The original clam pie remains their standout creation, topped with fresh littleneck clams, garlic, oregano, and parsley. No fancy frills here, just authentic New York pizza that proves why classics become classics. The line outside speaks volumes about its enduring quality!
4. Mama D’s Italian Kitchen: Newport Beach’s Neapolitan Gem
Sunshine, ocean breezes, and perfect Neapolitan pizza? I found heaven at Mama D’s in Newport Beach! This family-owned treasure creates pizza so authentic you’ll swear you’ve been teleported to Naples.
Their dough ferments for 72 hours, creating that magical combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior that pizza aficionados dream about. The marinara sauce tastes like it’s been simmered by an Italian grandmother all day, because it practically has!
What surprised me most was their garlic rolls, pillowy clouds of dough swimming in garlic butter that arrive before your pizza. Fair warning: these addictive starters might fill you up before your main course even arrives!
5. Base Camp Pizza Co.: Lake Tahoe’s Mountain Masterpiece
Picture this: snow-capped mountains outside, a roaring fireplace inside, and a gourmet pizza that makes you forget about hitting the slopes altogether. That’s Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe!
My ski trip last winter took an unexpected turn when I discovered their Thai Chicken Curry pizza, an unusual combo that somehow works brilliantly. The crust achieves that perfect balance between thin and thick, providing a sturdy foundation for their creative toppings.
Live music often fills the cozy space, creating the ultimate après-ski vibe. Even during summer months, outdoor seating lets you enjoy mountain views with your slice. No wonder Yelpers rank this spot among America’s best!
6. Secret Pizza: Las Vegas’ Hidden Treasure
Forget the slot machines, finding Secret Pizza inside The Cosmopolitan hotel is Vegas’ real jackpot! True to its name, this unmarked pizzeria hides down a hallway decorated with album covers, with no sign announcing its presence.
My Vegas vacation took a delicious detour when a local tipped me off about this spot. Their New York-style slices are massive, perfectly foldable, and available until the wee hours, exactly what you need after a night exploring the Strip.
The simplicity is refreshing in a city known for excess: just a counter, a few standing tables, and pizza that rivals anything from the East Coast. Pro tip: grab a slice around 2 AM when casino-goers create a line that actually helps you find this hidden gem!
7. Prince Street Pizza: NYC’s Square Slice Sensation
Those little pepperoni cups that curl up and get crispy on the edges? Prince Street Pizza perfected them on their famous Spicy Spring square slice, and my taste buds have never been the same!
Tucked in NYC’s NoLiTa neighborhood, this tiny spot often has lines stretching down the block. The square Sicilian-style slices feature a thick, airy crust that somehow remains light despite being substantial enough to hold mountains of toppings.
My first visit involved a 45-minute wait in February snow, and I’d do it again without hesitation! Their sauce has this slightly sweet, deeply tomatoey flavor that balances perfectly with the spicy oil drizzled on top. When in New York, this place deserves priority status on your pizza bucket list.
8. Olio e Più: Greenwich Village’s Neapolitan Paradise
Stepping into Olio e Più feels like discovering a slice of Italy hidden in Greenwich Village! The charming outdoor seating area, draped with twinkling lights, creates the perfect backdrop for their exceptional Neapolitan pizzas.
During my last NYC trip, their Tartufo pizza with black truffle cream left me speechless. The crust achieves that perfect Neapolitan paradox, somehow both pillowy and crisp, with those beautiful leopard spots from their blazing hot oven.
Beyond pizza, their entire menu celebrates traditional Italian flavors with modern flair. The people-watching along 6th Avenue adds to the experience, making this spot ideal for lingering over a pie and glass of Italian soda while pretending you’re actually in Naples!
9. Monkeypod Kitchen: Hawaii’s Tropical Pizza Paradise
Who knew some of America’s best pizza would be found in paradise? My Hawaiian vacation took an unexpected culinary turn when I discovered Monkeypod Kitchen in Kapolei, Oahu!
Their wood-fired pizzas feature local ingredients that celebrate Hawaii’s unique flavors. The Hamakua Wild Mushroom & Truffle Oil pizza changed my life, locally foraged mushrooms paired with truffle oil atop a perfectly thin crust that maintains just the right chewiness.
The open-air setting with ocean breezes makes pizza enjoyment even more magical. While waiting for your pie, their handcrafted mocktails featuring tropical fruits offer the perfect prelude. This place proves pizza excellence knows no geographical boundaries, even in the middle of the Pacific!
10. CUCINA urbana: San Diego’s Italian-California Fusion
Confession time: I once drove two hours just to try CUCINA urbana’s famous pizza after seeing it all over my social feeds. This San Diego hotspot blends Italian tradition with California innovation in the most delicious ways possible!
Their sourdough crust undergoes a 48-hour fermentation, creating complex flavors you simply won’t find elsewhere. My personal favorite combines wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and fontina cheese, an umami explosion that haunts my dreams.
The restaurant’s rustic-modern design features reclaimed wood and industrial elements, creating a space as visually appealing as their food. Pro tip: their happy hour offers pizza at reduced prices, though you’ll need to arrive early to snag a spot at the bustling bar!