12 Rhode Island Pizza Restaurants That Locals Swear Are Miles Ahead Of The Chains
We’ve all been there: staring at a menu from a giant pizza chain, scrolling through an endless list of “specialty” pies that all taste vaguely the same. In Rhode Island, we know better.
Our pizza loyalty runs as deep as our love for Del’s and coffee milk. It’s found in the neighborhood joint where they still know your usual order, where the cheese has the perfect pull, and the crust has a character you just can’t franchise.
Here are the twelve spots that make us never, ever need to dial that 800 number again.
1. Al Forno
Providence’s Al Forno literally invented grilled pizza, and that alone earns it legendary status among pizza lovers. The thin, charred pies emerge from the grill with crispy edges and smoky flavor that no chain could ever replicate.
Every bite delivers that perfect balance of crunch and chew, with toppings that complement rather than overwhelm. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every slice.
Regulars know to arrive early because these iconic pies disappear fast. Al Forno proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully on one plate.
2. Pizza Marvin
Pizza Marvin takes regional pride to delicious new heights with inventive pies that celebrate Rhode Island’s culinary identity. Chowder pizza might sound wild, but one taste proves it’s genius in action.
This spot consistently dominates local best-of lists because it dares to be different while respecting pizza fundamentals. The kitchen sources ingredients thoughtfully, creating flavor combinations that surprise and delight with every order.
Locals appreciate the creativity without gimmicks approach. Pizza Marvin shows that honoring your roots can lead to the most exciting culinary adventures.
3. Caserta Pizzeria
Walking into Caserta Pizzeria feels like stepping into pizza history, with decades of tradition baked into every pie. This Federal Hill institution has been serving classic New York and Sicilian slices since 1953, earning fierce loyalty from generations of customers.
The no-frills approach lets the pizza speak for itself, and boy, does it have plenty to say. Thick Sicilian squares arrive with perfectly balanced sauce and cheese, while thin New York slices fold just right.
I remember my first visit here, watching regulars order by pointing rather than speaking, a sign of true neighborhood belonging. The crimped edges on their pies have become iconic.
4. Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana
Pasquale’s in Wakefield earned official certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, putting this South County spot on the international pizza map. The wood-fired oven produces pies with those coveted leopard spots and puffy, airy crusts that define authentic Neapolitan style.
National pizza publications regularly feature this restaurant alongside famous urban pizzerias. Every element follows strict Neapolitan guidelines, from the San Marzano tomatoes to the precise dough fermentation times.
The result is pizza that transports you straight to Naples without leaving Rhode Island. Locals feel proud that world-class pizza exists right in their backyard.
5. Nana’s Bakery & Pizza
Nana’s Bakery in Westerly approaches pizza like an art form, using sourdough fermentation techniques and locally sourced grains to create something truly special. The naturally leavened dough develops complex flavors during its long rise, resulting in crusts with incredible depth and character.
This Neapolitan-inspired spot has become a regional favorite for good reason. Fermentation might sound fancy, but it simply means better taste and easier digestion for pizza lovers.
The kitchen’s dedication to local ingredients supports Rhode Island farmers while delivering peak freshness. Each pie reflects careful craftsmanship that chain restaurants could never match.
6. Mother Pizzeria
Mother Pizzeria gets its name from the house starter that gives every pizza its distinctive flavor and texture. Naturally fermented dough creates those beautiful air pockets and tender crumb that pizza enthusiasts obsess over.
Locations in both Newport and Providence mean more people can access these exceptional pies. The fermentation process takes time and skill, producing dough that’s simultaneously light and flavorful.
My cousin dragged me here last summer, insisting I’d never tasted pizza quite like this, and she was absolutely right. The crust alone could win awards, but the thoughtful toppings complete the picture.
7. Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza
Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza brings authentic New York style to Providence’s Federal Hill and beyond, with slices big enough to fold properly. The thin, pliable crust holds up perfectly whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or fueling a late-night adventure.
Multiple locations mean you’re never far from a proper Brooklyn slice. That classic fold-and-eat technique works because the dough has just the right balance of crisp and chew.
Late-night crowds know this spot delivers when hunger strikes after everything else closes. The straightforward approach focuses on nailing the fundamentals rather than chasing trends.
8. Nice Slice
Nice Slice has earned institution status in Providence by serving creative slices that satisfy both adventurous eaters and traditionalists. The by-the-slice model means you can sample different varieties without committing to a whole pie.
Late-night crowds depend on this spot when pizza cravings strike. Creative toppings rotate regularly, keeping the menu fresh and giving regulars reasons to return often.
The dependable quality means you know exactly what you’re getting, whether it’s midnight or midday. College students and professionals alike line up for slices that deliver on both flavor and value.
9. Double Zero at Plant City
Double Zero at Plant City accomplishes something remarkable by making vegan pizza that wins over dedicated meat-eaters. The wood-fired pies feature inventive plant-based toppings that prove dairy and meat aren’t necessary for incredible flavor.
Even omnivores leave here impressed and sometimes converted. I’ll admit I was skeptical about vegan pizza until a friend insisted we try this place for her birthday. The cashew-based cheese melted beautifully, and the vegetable toppings were so flavorful I didn’t miss traditional ingredients at all.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the menu to every aspect of operation.
10. Providence Coal-Fired Pizza
Providence Coal-Fired Pizza uses traditional coal ovens that reach extreme temperatures, creating aggressive char and unique flavor profiles. The intense heat produces crusts with dramatic black spots that some might call burnt but fans recognize as perfection.
Locations in Providence and North Kingstown serve fiercely loyal followings. Coal-fired cooking is an old-school technique that few pizzerias still practice, making this spot special in Rhode Island’s pizza landscape.
The high heat seals in flavors while creating textural contrasts that keep every bite interesting. Regulars wouldn’t dream of getting pizza anywhere else.
11. Brick Pizza Co.
Brick Pizza Co. in Bristol has built a devoted following by combining brick-oven cooking with locally sourced ingredients. The stone-oven pies emerge with perfectly cooked crusts that balance crispy bottoms and tender centers.
The crowd-pleasing menu offers something for everyone without sacrificing quality. Local sourcing means ingredients arrive fresh and support Rhode Island’s farming community simultaneously.
The Bristol location provides a welcoming atmosphere where families and friends gather over exceptional pizza. Regulars return not just for the food but for the warm, community-focused environment.
12. D. Palmieri’s Bakery
D. Palmieri’s Bakery in Johnston serves pizza strips, a uniquely Rhode Island creation that locals defend with passionate intensity. These rectangular bakery pizzas feature thick, focaccia-like dough topped with seasoned tomato sauce and absolutely no cheese.
Newcomers might find them strange, but Rhode Islanders grew up on these treats. Pizza strips represent pure Rhode Island food culture, served at room temperature and perfect for parties or snacking.
The bakery has perfected the balance of dough thickness, sauce application, and seasoning over decades. Chains could never replicate this regional specialty that connects Rhode Islanders to their roots.