16 Ohio Pizza Places That Deserve A 2026 Detour
Ohio has spent decades quietly building one of the most underrated pizza cultures in the country, and 2026 feels like the perfect year to stop pretending you haven’t noticed.
From Detroit-style pans with crispy cheese skirts to ultra-thin Columbus squares that practically demand you eat standing over the box, the state serves up styles and flavors that deserve far more road trip mileage than they currently get.
Whether you are chasing wood-fired Neapolitan crusts in Cleveland, thick Sicilian slabs near campus, or small-town gems tucked into historic firehouses, Ohio’s pizza landscape rewards curiosity with consistency, creativity, and plenty of reasons to take the long way home.
These 16 spots represent the kind of detours that turn into traditions, the places locals guard like secrets, and travelers remember long after the last slice disappears.
1. Terita’s Pizza – Columbus
There are days when I crave Terita’s before I even know what part of town I am driving through, and somehow my route magically drifts toward North Columbus. The low-key storefront on Cleveland Avenue hides a pizza operation that locals treat like a trusted neighbor.
Inside, the menu leans old school and proudly so, with ultra-thin crust pies dusted with cornmeal on the bottom, generous toppings, and that salty edge that defines Columbus-style party cut slices.
Terita’s has been around since the 1950s and recently snagged top honors in a citywide pizza bracket, which basically confirmed what its fans were already voting for with their car trunks.
I like to order a large sausage and green pepper, then pretend I am going to save some for later while folding tiny square slices straight from the box.
Terita’s Pizza is at 3905 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43224, and it has “worth the detour” written all over the parking lot traffic.
2. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza – Columbus
If college towns had official pizza ambassadors, Adriatico’s would be wearing the sash for Ohio State every single year. I still remember the first time I saw one of their huge square pies hit a dorm room desk and instantly turn into a social event.
The dough is thick and chewy around the edges, the cheese comes in generous layers, and the toppings are stacked in a way that makes each slice feel like a full meal pretending to be a snack.
Adriatico’s is famous around campus for its massive Sicilian-style pies and late-night energy, and it regularly shows up in “best college town pizza” praise from visiting alumni and food writers.
When I want the full experience, I grab a big pepperoni and extra cheese, then watch the cheese pull and stretch like a small magic trick with every piece.
Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza is located at 1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, just steps from the OSU buzz and absolutely ready for a 2026 road trip stop.
3. Rubino’s Pizza – Bexley
Walking into Rubino’s on East Main feels like stepping into a time capsule that figured out how to smell like baked cheese and tomato sauce instead of dust. I remember sliding into a booth and realizing half the dining room was on a first-name basis with the staff.
This is Columbus-style pizza in its pure form, with ultra-thin crust, toppings pushed all the way to the edge, and tidy square cuts that somehow convince you “just one more piece” is reasonable.
Rubino’s has been serving Bexley since the 1950s, and it keeps popping up in conversations and lists about the best pizza in Ohio, which always makes the regulars smile like they knew the secret first.
My usual move is a classic pepperoni and sausage, plus a salad that feels like a token nod to balance while I watch carryout boxes fly out the door. You will find Rubino’s Pizza at 2643 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209, an easy detour that rarely feels like a one-time visit.
4. Harvest Pizzeria – Bexley
Some evenings call for pizza that feels a little dressed up without being even slightly fussy, and that is when I aim my appetite at Harvest Pizzeria in Bexley. The dining room always has this comfortable glow that makes lingering over one more slice feel completely justified.
Harvest takes its toppings seriously, leaning on local and often organic ingredients, with combinations that make you rethink what belongs on a pizza without ever feeling experimental for the sake of it.
Their menu includes options for different diets, including vegan cheese and plant-based toppings, which keeps mixed groups happy around one table.
I usually end up with a pie loaded with seasonal vegetables and a drizzle of something bright, then realize the crust is quietly stealing the show with its chewy edges and nicely blistered bottom.
Harvest Pizzeria’s Bexley location sits at 2376 E Main St, Bexley, OH 43209, and it turns a simple pizza stop into the kind of detour you plan around dinner.
5. Pizza Nerds – Gahanna
The first time I walked into Pizza Nerds in Gahanna, I felt like my childhood game shelf and my adult pizza obsession had joined forces. Old school references line the space, but it is the aroma of thick pan pies that really grabs your full attention.
Here, the specialty is Detroit-style pizza, with tall caramelized edges, airy crumb, and toppings that lean playful in the best way, like the “Mario” with banana peppers, pepperoni, and a drizzle of hot honey.
The shop grew from a food truck into a small brick-and-mortar spot before landing in Gahanna in late 2024, and local press has been calling it one of the region’s must-try newcomers ever since.
My ideal visit involves grabbing a pan of their specialty pie, adding a side of house dipping sauce, and giving myself permission to eat the corner slices first.
Pizza Nerds lives at 1376 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, and it feels tailor-made for a 2026 pizza pilgrimage.
6. Angelo’s Pizza – Lakewood
There is a particular kind of anticipation that comes from pulling onto Madison Avenue in Lakewood and seeing Angelo’s parking lot already buzzing. I remember waiting for a table on a weekday and realizing that “off hours” barely exist here.
Angelo’s has been a Cleveland area favorite for decades, earning a loyal following and stacks of local awards for its hearty pies and deep dish options.
The crust is sturdy enough to hold serious toppings, the cheese blend has that satisfying stretch, and the menu ranges from classic pepperoni to creative combinations that still feel comforting.
When I visit, I usually split a traditional round pizza and a thick pan version so nobody has to choose a side in the crust debate. Angelo’s Pizza sits at 13715 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, and it turns a simple Lakewood detour into an essential Northeast Ohio pizza stop.
7. Citizen Pie – Cleveland (Collinwood)
The first time I walked into Citizen Pie on Waterloo Road, I watched a line of pizzas go into the blazing oven and realized nobody was going to be waiting long. The place hums with that focused energy you only see when a team knows its craft.
Citizen Pie focuses on Neapolitan-inspired pies with charred, leopard-spotted crusts, chewy centers, and just enough toppings to keep everything balanced instead of overloaded.
Their Collinwood shop is known for fast, high-heat baking, friendly service, and a menu that covers both classics and a few offbeat combinations that quickly become repeat orders.
I usually lean toward a Margherita or a pie with spicy sausage, then sit near the front and watch people wander in from the Waterloo arts district.
Citizen Pie’s Collinwood location is at 15710 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110, an easy swing off I-90 that rewards anyone chasing truly great crust.
8. Il Rione Pizzeria – Cleveland (Gordon Square)
Some neighborhoods have a pizza spot that feels like their unofficial living room, and in Gordon Square, that role belongs to Il Rione. I still remember my first visit, when the music, the glow from the open kitchen, and the smell of baking dough synced up perfectly.
Il Rione turns out New York and New Jersey-influenced pies with crisp yet foldable slices, thoughtfully layered toppings, and a sauce that tastes like someone actually babysat it on the stove.
The brick oven adds a bit of char in all the right places, and locals talk about it in the same tone people reserve for long-running neighborhood institutions, even though it feels fresh and current.
My go-to order is a simple pie with pepperoni and fresh basil, served hot enough that waiting a minute becomes an exercise in self-control.
Il Rione Pizzeria is located at 1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, OH 44102, and it makes the Detroit Shoreway area feel like a built-in excuse for a pizza-focused detour.
9. Taglio – Columbia Tusculum, Cincinnati
Rolling into Columbia Tusculum and spotting Taglio’s sign along Columbia Parkway always feels like reaching the bonus level of a road trip. I remember walking in on a game day and finding half the room locked into conversations about crust preferences.
Taglio built its reputation on Detroit and New York-style pies, giving you the choice between crispy rectangular slabs with caramelized cheese edges or big foldable slices with that classic city slice attitude.
The Columbia Tusculum location is the original, and locals regularly rank its pizzas among Cincinnati’s best, especially the hot honey-topped specialties that walk the line between sweet and spicy.
I love ordering a Detroit-style pan, going half and half on toppings, and watching the cheese bubble right to the edge before it hits the table.
Taglio’s Columbia Tusculum shop is at 3531 Columbia Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45226, and it makes the riverfront hills feel like perfect pizza territory.
10. Fireside Pizza – Walnut Hills, Cincinnati
Pulling up to Fireside Pizza, you immediately notice that the building does not look like a typical pizzeria, and that is because it is a restored 19th-century firehouse. I still remember standing under the old brick facade, wondering how many sirens this place once heard.
Inside, the big wood-fired oven becomes the new heart of the space, turning out thin-crust pies with bubbly edges and a gentle smokiness that makes every bite feel layered.
Fireside leans into a short, focused menu, with thoughtful combinations and a neighborhood feel that has made it a local favorite and a frequently recommended stop for visitors.
I usually pick a white pie or something with roasted vegetables, then grab a seat where I can see the oven door swing open again and again.
Fireside Pizza is located at 773 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206, turning Walnut Hills into a very tasty little detour off the main Cincinnati routes.
11. Six Hundred Downtown – Bellefontaine
Driving into downtown Bellefontaine and spotting Six Hundred’s sign along Main Street always feels like uncovering a small town secret that somehow ended up on national radar. I remember the first time I watched a pizza being hand spun there and realizing how seriously they take the craft.
Six Hundred Downtown treats pizza as an old-world art, with dough made in-house, high-quality toppings, and pies baked in a traditional brick oven.
The crew hand spins each pizza, and the menu includes both classic combinations and specialty pies that have helped the restaurant earn awards and features from statewide tourism groups and pizza competitions.
I like to order one of their Old World-style pies, then sit back and enjoy the light char on the crust while downtown traffic rolls slowly past the windows.
Six Hundred Downtown is at 108 S Main St, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, and it makes this small city a destination instead of just a highway sign.
12. Avalanche Pizza – Athens
The first time I rolled into Athens on a road trip, I kept hearing the same advice from locals: “You have to try Avalanche.” When I finally walked through the door on East State Street, the counter full of creatively topped pies made it clear why.
Avalanche Pizza is known for bold flavors, quirky specialty combinations, and a huge menu that somehow still feels focused.
They use local ingredients where they can, offer calzones, sandwiches, and more, and have been voted Best Pizza in Athens in local readers’ polls for well over two decades, which is quite a streak in a college town packed with hungry students.
My favorite approach is to let the staff steer me toward a house specialty loaded with interesting toppings, then add a side of their breadsticks to complete the carb-themed celebration.
Avalanche Pizza is located at 329 E State St, Athens, OH 45701, and it rewards anyone who lets curiosity pull them off the highway.
13. Park Street Pizza – Sugarcreek
Rolling into Sugarcreek, you might expect the highlight to be barns and rolling hills, but the smell from Park Street Pizza has a way of hijacking your plans. I remember stepping inside and immediately noticing how many tables looked like weekly traditions.
Park Street Pizza leans heavily on a farm-to-fork philosophy, sourcing ingredients from local producers and building pies that feel hearty without being heavy.
The menu includes plenty of vegetable-focused options, thoughtfully sourced meats, and crusts that strike a nice middle ground between thin and bready, which suits both classic and more inventive toppings.
When I visit, I like to order a pizza loaded with local produce, then watch families filter in straight from nearby country roads.
Park Street Pizza’s Sugarcreek location is at 215 Dover Rd NW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681, and it turns Amish Country into one of the most satisfying pizza detours you can make.
14. Marion’s Piazza – Dayton (Shroyer Road)
There is something oddly soothing about walking into Marion’s on Shroyer Road and hearing that low conversational hum that only long-running institutions develop. I remember my first visit feeling like I had slipped into a local tradition mid-sentence.
Marion’s Piazza has been a Dayton favorite since 1965, serving ultra-thin, square-cut pies topped with finely ground sausage and layers of toppings that stretch all the way to the edge.
The chain has several locations, but the Shroyer Road restaurant keeps the classic atmosphere, and the brand has been voted Dayton’s best pizza in numerous local surveys, while even earning national recognition from industry magazines.
My routine is simple: order a deluxe style pizza, grab a big table even if there are only a few of us, and let the steady flow of bite-sized squares turn into a slow, relaxed meal.
Marion’s Piazza (Shroyer) is at 711 Shroyer Rd, Dayton, OH 45419, and it gives classic Dayton-style pizza a very convenient landing spot for travelers.
15. The Pizza Oven – Canton (Lesh Street)
Canton has no shortage of pizza options, but there is a particular satisfaction in pulling up to The Pizza Oven on Lesh Street and realizing you are about to join a long line of loyal regulars. I still remember opening the box in my car once and tasting a slice before I even left the lot.
The Pizza Oven has grown into a small regional chain, and the Route 62 and Lesh Street locations are especially well known for their rich sauce, generous cheese, and classic toppings.
The pies lean traditional, with a focus on flavor and consistency, and the brand has become a Canton staple for families who want carryout pizza that tastes like a weekly ritual instead of a backup plan.
I usually go for a pepperoni and mushroom pizza, then add a salad to feel slightly responsible while knowing the real star is the crust and sauce combo.
The Pizza Oven’s Lesh Street shop is at 3314 Lesh St NE, Canton, OH 44705, and it turns an ordinary errand run into a very solid pizza detour.
16. J & G Pizza Palace – Sylvania
Some restaurants just sound like they have stories baked into the walls, and J & G Pizza Palace absolutely fits that description. I remember walking in off Main Street in Sylvania and instantly noticing how many multi-generational family photos were happening around the tables.
J & G has been serving pizza for more than fifty years, pairing its pies with a full menu, yet the heart of the operation is still those well-loved pizzas.
The crust sits in that sweet spot between thin and substantial, the toppings lean classic with a few Greek touches, and the whole place feels like the kind of neighborhood spot people return to after moving away.
My order usually includes a large pepperoni and a Greek-inspired combination to share, followed by the realization that leftovers might not survive the drive home.
J & G Pizza Palace is located at 5692 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560, and it gives northwest Ohio travelers a very tasty reason to leave the highway for a while.