10 Ohio Pizza Parlors I’d Pick Over Domino’s Any Day
Domino’s might be dependable, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the local legends scattered across Ohio.
From hidden gems in small towns to buzzing city favorites, these pizza parlors serve up slices that bring real personality to the plate.
We’re talking crispy crusts, gooey cheese, and flavors that make national chains feel like a last resort.
If you’re craving something that tastes like home and heart, these spots are worth every bite.
1. A Tavola’s Wood-Fired Magic
The moment you walk into A Tavola, that heavenly aroma of burning wood and bubbling cheese hits you like a warm hug.
Their Neapolitan-style pies cook in just 90 seconds in a blazing 1000-degree oven imported straight from Italy.
What makes them special is their dedication to local ingredients and that perfectly charred, chewy crust that’s somehow both crisp and soft.
The seasonal toppings change regularly, giving you a new reason to visit each month.
2. Two Cities Pizza’s Tale of Two Styles
Can’t decide between New York and Chicago style? Two Cities Pizza brilliantly solves this age-old dilemma by mastering both under one roof.
Their Chicago deep dish is a towering masterpiece that requires a knife and fork to tackle properly. Meanwhile, their New York slices have that perfect fold and satisfying chew.
The restaurant itself feels like a love letter to both cities, with decor that cleverly blends iconic elements from each metropolis throughout the dining space.
3. Pizza Nerds’ Geeky Gourmet Creations
Run by self-proclaimed pizza obsessives, Pizza Nerds lives up to its name with scientific precision in dough-making.
Their 72-hour cold fermentation process creates a crust with flavor complexity that chain pizzas can only dream about. Each pie comes with clever pop-culture names that’ll make you chuckle while ordering.
My personal favorite is their “Mushroom Kingdom” with three varieties of mushrooms, truffle oil, and garlic confit – a pizza that even Princess Peach would approve of.
4. Terita’s Old-School Charm
Family-owned since 1959, Terita’s hasn’t changed much – and that’s exactly why locals love it.
The original recipes, passed down through generations, produce pizzas with that nostalgic flavor that takes you straight back to childhood birthday parties.
Their pepperoni cups into perfect little grease-filled bowls, and the cheese stretches for miles.
The no-frills interior with wood paneling and red checkered tablecloths completes the experience. Bonus points for the jukebox that still works in the corner!
5. Il Rione’s Slice of Italy
Tucked away in Cleveland’s historic district, Il Rione feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret pizza haven that only locals know about.
The owners spent years perfecting their dough recipe before opening, and that dedication shows in every bite.
Their margherita pizza achieves that perfect balance of acidity from the tomatoes, creaminess from the fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
The minimalist approach extends to their small but mighty menu – they don’t need pages of options when every offering is this good.
6. Geraci’s Slice Shop’s Brooklyn-in-Ohio Experience
Founded by Brooklyn transplants who couldn’t find a proper New York slice in Ohio, Geraci’s brings authentic East Coast pizza technique to the Midwest.
Their water filtration system mimics Brooklyn tap water – a detail that pizza purists swear makes all the difference.
Massive 20-inch pies come with that signature thin, foldable crust that somehow supports mountains of toppings without collapsing.
The walk-up window for late-night slices has saved many a night out from ending on an empty stomach.
7. Black Dog Pizzeria’s Sourdough Revolution
Black Dog’s claim to fame is their sourdough crust, made from a starter that’s been alive longer than most of their customers.
The tangy base creates a perfect foundation for their creative topping combinations that change with Ohio’s growing seasons. The casual space welcomes everyone from families to first dates.
Named after the owner’s rescue pup who lounges by the wood-fired oven, this place donates a portion of profits to local animal shelters – so you can feel good about that second slice.
8. Tommy’s Pizza’s Hometown Hero Status
Ask any Columbus native about their childhood pizza memories, and Tommy’s inevitably comes up.
Since 1952, they’ve been serving rectangular-cut thin crust pizzas loaded with edge-to-edge toppings – no wasted space here!
The cheese goes on first, then sauce on top in their signature style. While pizza trends come and go, Tommy’s stays gloriously consistent.
College students celebrate finals here, families gather after Little League games, and everyone leaves with that distinctive Tommy’s pizza box under their arm.
9. Angie’s Pizza’s Secret Sauce Legacy
Three generations of the same family have guarded Angie’s secret sauce recipe like it’s the crown jewels.
Whatever magic ingredients they’re hiding in there, the result is a slightly sweet, deeply savory tomato base that locals crave.
Their thick-but-not-too-thick crust achieves the textural holy trinity: crispy bottom, fluffy middle, and chewy edge.
The vintage neon sign outside hasn’t changed since 1972, and neither has their commitment to making each pizza like it’s for family.
10. Depot Pizza and Tavern’s Railroad History Flavor
Housed in a converted 1890s train station, Depot Pizza serves up history alongside their incredible pies.
The original ticket windows now serve as beer taps for local Ohio brews that pair perfectly with their signature pizzas.
Their stone-bottomed ovens produce a crust with just the right amount of char, while train-themed pizza names keep the railway heritage alive.
Try the “Conductor’s Special” with spicy soppressata, honey drizzle, and hot peppers for a sweet-heat combination that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your first slice.