Pizza may be Italian by origin, but it’s been thoroughly adopted—and reinvented—by cities across the United States. From deep-dish to thin crust, coal-fired to creative toppings, these are the American cities where pizza isn’t just a meal, it’s a full-blown obsession.
Whether you’re into classic New York slices, experimental West Coast pies, or the cheesy heft of a Midwestern deep-dish, here are the 10 best pizza cities in America you’ll want on your foodie bucket list.
New York, NY
Let’s start with the obvious. The Big Apple is the place for thin, foldable slices with a perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio. From $1 street slices to legendary institutions like Di Fara, Lucali, and Joe’s Pizza, NYC has a pizza culture that’s as iconic as its skyline.
Chicago, IL
Home of the deep-dish. Love it or debate it, Chicago’s layered pies are pizza in their own right—oozing with cheese and tomato sauce atop a thick, buttery crust. Don’t sleep on tavern-style thin crust, either, which locals often prefer.
New Haven, CT
“Apizza” might sound unfamiliar, but in New Haven, it’s practically a religion. Head to Wooster Street to try coal-fired legends like Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern Apizza. The white clam pie? Life-changing.
Detroit, MI
Detroit-style pizza has officially gone national, but there’s nothing like trying the original in Motor City. Think thick, rectangular pies with crispy, cheesy edges and a sauce-on-top finish that hits all the right notes.
Philadelphia, PA
Philly knows more than just cheesesteaks. It’s got a thriving artisan pizza scene with wood-fired favorites like Pizzeria Beddia, Angelo’s, and Pizza Brain (also home to a pizza museum!). Expect innovation and quality across the board.
Los Angeles, CA
L.A. is where pizza meets creativity. From Nancy Silverton’s Mozza empire to vegan-friendly joints and Neapolitan-style newcomers, the City of Angels serves up flavor-packed pies with a Cali twist.
San Francisco, CA
Artisan, farm-fresh, and obsessively detailed—San Francisco’s pizza scene mirrors its foodie reputation. Flour + Water, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, and Pizzetta 211 showcase everything from classic Neapolitan to New York-style perfection.
Portland, OR
Leave it to Portland to serve up wildly inventive, wood-fired pies with local flair. Sourdough crusts, organic toppings, and sustainable sourcing are the norm here. Try Apizza Scholls or Lovely’s Fifty Fifty for standout slices.
St. Louis, MO
Say hello to Provel cheese and cracker-thin crusts—St. Louis-style pizza is uniquely addictive. It might not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s earned cult status. Try Imo’s to understand the local love.
Buffalo, NY
You came for the wings, but you’ll stay for the pizza. Buffalo-style pies are thick, cheesy, and cooked to bubbly perfection. Bocce Club and Imperial Pizza have been feeding Western New Yorkers for generations.
Each city brings its own signature twist to the pizza experience, proving that America isn’t just a melting pot—it’s a bubbling pizza oven of regional flair and delicious creativity.
Now Eat the Best Sandwich
America’s sandwich game is strong, with every region offering its own unique take on this classic comfort food. Although the grilled cheese (and tomato soup) might be the most well-known of all American sandwiches, these 15 sandwiches are our regional favorites and must-tries for any food lover.