14 Ohio Pizza Places That Outshine Chain Restaurants, According To Locals
Ohio might be famous for its football, but pizza lovers know the state has a secret identity: a haven for truly exceptional pies.
From crispy, cheese-stretched slices to perfectly balanced toppings, these 14 Ohio pizza spots deliver flavors that make chain restaurants feel ordinary.
Locals swear by them, returning again and again for that perfect bite, whether it’s a classic margherita or a daring specialty.
In Ohio, pizza isn’t just food; it’s a craft.
Each of these places shows why the state’s residents are passionate about their favorite pies, proving that the best pizza experiences are often found off the beaten path.
1. Il Rione Pizzeria — Cleveland, Ohio
Authentic Neapolitan pizza in Cleveland might sound unusual, but this spot proves Italian tradition thrives in the Midwest.
Located at 1303 W 65th St in Cleveland, Il Rione brings wood-fired magic to every pie they craft.
The Margherita pizza here uses San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella imported straight from Italy, creating flavors that transport you across the Atlantic with every bite.
Owners trained in Naples before opening their doors, and it shows in the perfectly charred, pillowy crust.
The interior features exposed brick walls and a massive wood-burning oven that serves as the restaurant’s beating heart.
Fun fact: the dough ferments for 48 hours before hitting the oven, giving it that signature tangy flavor and airy texture.
Lines form quickly during dinner hours, so arriving early or making reservations helps avoid the wait.
2. Mama Santa’s Restaurant & Pizzeria — Cleveland, Ohio
Family recipes passed down through three generations make this Cleveland institution impossible to replicate.
Situated at 12301 Mayfield Road, Mama Santa’s has been feeding locals since 1957, making it one of the oldest pizzerias in the city.
Their signature deep-dish pizza comes loaded with homemade sausage that’s been crafted using the same spice blend for over 60 years.
The building features vintage red-checkered tablecloths and walls covered in old family photographs that tell stories of Cleveland’s Italian community.
Regulars swear by the combination pizza, which piles on pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and that famous sausage.
Interestingly, the restaurant still uses the original dough mixer from 1957, which the family refuses to replace despite multiple offers from restaurant equipment collectors.
Cash is preferred here, so hit the ATM before arriving.
3. Vero Pizza Napoletana — Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Known for Neapolitan-style pizza, this Cleveland Heights gem aims for classic Italian technique that most American pizzerias struggle to match.
You’ll find them at 12421 Cedar Road, where they’ve been serving authentic pies since 2012.
The Diavola pizza, topped with spicy salami and hot honey, has become a local obsession that keeps people driving from neighboring cities.
Their 900-degree oven cooks each pizza in just 90 seconds, creating those signature leopard spots on the crust that signal true Neapolitan technique.
The space feels modern yet cozy, with an open kitchen that lets diners watch the pizza-making process unfold.
Here’s something cool: they import their flour directly from a specific mill in Naples, ensuring consistency that matches what you’d find in Italy.
The mozzarella arrives fresh daily, never frozen, maintaining that creamy texture chain restaurants can’t achieve.
4. Luigi’s Restaurant — Akron, Ohio
Since 1949, this Akron landmark has been turning out thin-crust pizzas that make locals fiercely protective of their neighborhood secret.
Located at 105 North Main Street in downtown Akron, Luigi’s occupies a historic building with tin ceilings and original hardwood floors that creak with character.
Their Luigi Special pizza comes topped with a unique combination of pepperoni, mushrooms, green olives, and anchovies that somehow works perfectly together.
The restaurant’s neon sign has been glowing for over 70 years, becoming a recognizable beacon for pizza lovers throughout Summit County.
Portions are generous, with a single large pizza easily feeding four hungry adults.
Random trivia: the restaurant’s founder, Luigi Amicone, initially sold only sandwiches before adding pizza to the menu after customer requests.
Today, pizza makes up 80% of their orders, proving Luigi made the right call back in the 1950s.
5. Rubino’s Pizza — Columbus, Ohio
Columbus pizza culture gets elevated at this long-running favorite that’s been perfecting their craft since 1954.
Find them at 2363 E Main Street, where they’ve built a loyal following around their square-cut, cracker-thin crust that snaps with every bite.
The Rubino Special loads up with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, all covered in a tangy sauce that’s been tweaked to perfection over five decades.
The building sports a retro red-and-white exterior that looks straight out of the 1970s, which locals find charming rather than dated.
Inside, the walls display decades of memorabilia, reflecting the neighborhood’s longtime ties to the Columbus area.
Here’s a fun detail: they still hand-roll every pizza dough ball each morning, refusing to switch to pre-made crusts despite the extra labor.
Late-night crowds flock here after concerts and games, making weekends particularly busy.
6. Tommy’s Pizza — Columbus, Ohio
Unconventional toppings and creative combinations have made this Columbus chain a local favorite that outshines any national competitor.
With multiple locations including their original at 1350 West Lane Avenue, Tommy’s has been surprising pizza lovers since 1972.
Their Taco Pizza tops a standard crust with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips, creating something wildly different yet completely addictive.
Each location maintains a casual, neighborhood bar atmosphere with sports on multiple TVs and a menu that extends beyond pizza to include wings and subs.
The crust strikes a perfect balance between thin and thick, providing enough structure to hold generous toppings without becoming bready.
Interesting fact: Tommy’s was one of the first pizzerias in Ohio to offer delivery in the 1970s, revolutionizing how Columbus residents enjoyed pizza at home.
Their loyalty program rewards frequent visitors with free pizzas, making regulars feel appreciated.
7. East Coast Pizzeria — Columbus, Ohio
New York-style pizza in Columbus might seem like a contradiction, but this spot nails the authentic big-city experience.
Located at 5060 N High Street, East Coast Pizzeria serves massive slices that fold perfectly down the middle, just like the real deal in Manhattan.
Their plain cheese slice showcases what great pizza should be: perfectly balanced sauce, quality mozzarella, and a crust with just the right chew.
The no-frills interior features a counter-service setup with minimal seating, encouraging the grab-and-go culture that defines New York pizza joints.
Slices are available all day, reheated to perfection in their deck ovens.
Cool backstory: the owner grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Columbus craving authentic New York pizza, so he opened his own place using recipes from his childhood pizzeria.
Hours can change, so checking before you go helps avoid surprises.
8. Terita’s Pizza — Columbus, Ohio
Hidden in a residential neighborhood, this unassuming spot serves Columbus-style pizza that locals guard like a precious secret.
You’ll find them at 3905 Cleveland Avenue, operating out of a small building that could easily be mistaken for someone’s house.
Their signature pizza features edge-to-edge toppings on a medium-thick crust that’s crispy on the bottom and soft in the middle.
The interior is bare-bones, with just a few tables and a focus on carryout orders that keeps prices remarkably low.
Their pepperoni cups up when cooked, creating little grease pools that pizza enthusiasts consider a feature, not a bug.
Strange but true: Terita’s doesn’t have a website or social media presence, relying entirely on word-of-mouth and repeat customers who’ve been ordering for decades.
The family-run operation keeps things simple, offering just pizza and breadsticks without the extensive menus that bog down larger restaurants.
9. Panzera’s Pizza — Columbus, Ohio
Since 1964, this Grandview-area institution has been proving that simplicity done right beats fancy gimmicks every time.
Located at 1354 Grandview Avenue, Panzera’s keeps things traditional with their thin, crispy crust that snaps when you bite into it.
The sauce tastes bright and fresh, made from a recipe that hasn’t changed in six decades.
The building maintains its vintage charm with original signage and a dining room that feels frozen in time, complete with wood paneling and vinyl booths.
Regulars order the same pizzas they’ve been eating since childhood, creating a multigenerational customer base that’s rare in today’s restaurant world.
Fun detail: they still use the same ovens installed in the early days, which the family has maintained and repaired rather than replaced.
The cheese blend is custom-mixed by a local supplier to Panzera’s exact specifications, ensuring consistency that chain restaurants can’t match with their pre-shredded products.
10. Marion’s Piazza — Dayton, Ohio
Dayton’s most famous pizza invention, the thin square-cut crust, was perfected at this local chain that’s been around since 1965.
With several locations across the Dayton area, Marion’s serves pizza cut into small squares that maximize the ratio of crispy edges to cheesy center.
Their pizza features toppings spread all the way to the edges and a distinctive sweet sauce that’s become synonymous with Dayton-style pizza.
Each location maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with spacious dining rooms and attentive table service that makes every visit feel special.
The crust is impossibly thin yet sturdy enough to hold substantial toppings without sagging.
Interesting note: the first Marion’s location opened on Patterson Road, and the brand grew from there as Dayton families made it a tradition.
Today, multiple generations of locals consider Marion’s a go-to for celebrations and Friday-night dinners.
11. Old Scratch Pizza — Dayton, Ohio
Wood-fired sourdough pizza might sound fancy, but this Dayton spot keeps things approachable while delivering incredible flavor.
Located at 812 S Patterson Blvd, Old Scratch ferments their sourdough for 72 hours before stretching and topping each pie.
The Scratch Pie comes loaded with house-made fennel sausage, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella that bubbles and browns beautifully in their wood-fired oven.
The industrial-chic space features high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and communal tables that encourage conversation between strangers.
Cool fact: the sourdough starter they use has been kept alive and fed for over five years, developing complex flavors that commercial yeast can’t replicate.
Weekend brunch includes pizza topped with eggs and bacon, proving pizza works at any time of day.
12. Avalon Downtown Pizzeria — Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown’s downtown revival includes this pizzeria that’s become a gathering spot for locals who appreciate quality ingredients and creative combinations.
Find them at 28 West Federal Street, where they’ve transformed a historic building into a modern pizza destination with exposed brick and an open kitchen.
Their Youngstown Special honors the city’s steel mill heritage with hearty toppings like Italian sausage, hot peppers, and extra cheese that would fuel any factory worker’s shift.
The menu balances traditional pizzas with inventive options that rotate seasonally, keeping regular customers interested.
Their crust achieves that perfect combination of crispy exterior and chewy interior that defines great pizza.
Random trivia: the building once housed a hardware store in the early 1900s, and during renovation, workers found old tools and receipts hidden in the walls.
The restaurant displays some of these artifacts, connecting today’s diners with Youngstown’s industrial past.
13. Wedgewood Pizza — Austintown, Ohio
Consistency and quality have made this Austintown favorite a reliable choice for over 40 years.
Located at 5600 Mahoning Avenue, Wedgewood has been serving the same great pizza since 1979, building a reputation that keeps families coming back generation after generation.
Their Supreme pizza piles on eight different toppings without becoming soggy or overwhelming, a balance that requires skill and fresh ingredients.
The restaurant maintains a classic pizzeria atmosphere with booth seating and a salad bar that’s become almost as famous as their pizza.
Their medium-thick crust provides substantial texture without crossing into deep-dish territory.
Fun fact: Wedgewood still offers dine-in lunch buffets on weekdays, a throwback to an era when pizza buffets were common but have since mostly disappeared.
The family ownership shows in small details like remembering regular customers’ favorite orders and maintaining consistent quality across decades of operation.
14. Avalanche Pizza — Athens, Ohio
College town energy meets serious pizza craftsmanship at this Athens institution that’s been feeding Ohio University students and locals for decades.
Situated at 329 E State St, Avalanche serves pizza by the slice or whole pie, with slices large enough to require two hands.
Their Avalanche Special combines pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions on a perfectly foldable crust that holds up despite generous toppings.
The casual, laid-back atmosphere includes mismatched furniture and walls covered in stickers and memorabilia from years of students, creating a living timeline of Ohio University history.
Late hours accommodate the college crowd, and busy weekends can bring a wait.
Interesting detail: they’ve been using the same dough recipe since opening day, refusing to modernize or change what already works perfectly.
Alumni returning to Athens years after graduation often make Avalanche their first stop, seeking that nostalgic taste of their college years.