Those who dine out know Phoenix is a pizza city. While there’s plenty of good pies out there, we narrowed it down to the top 10 you absolutely should start a pizza tour with. Whether looking for a spot to host family pizza night, a first date, or to grab a quick slice, check out these Valley of the Sun hot spots.
Cibo Pizzeria
Couple Guido and Michelle Saccone opened their upscale, wood-fired Neopolitan-style pizza spot in 2005, nestled inside a restored 1913 bungalow in downtown Phoenix. Slow-fermented dough is made into a variety of red and white pizzas, and Cibo’s extensive insalata and antipasti offerings bring southern Italy to Phoenix. Here diners can get lunch and dinner, as well book a spot in the backyard carriage house for private parties. Need even more pizza goodness? Cibo Pizzeria caters too. 603 N. 5th Ave., Phoenix, cibophoenix.com
Clockwork Pizza
Tucked into a strip mall in south Tempe (right next to Crepe Bar and Anayas), Clockwork Pizza cranks out flavorful and affordable New York-style pies. The menu features calzones, wings, gyros, salads, and desserts, and many are halal certified. Order online, or, stop in for counter service and enjoy a pie on one of the tables out front. 7520 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, clockwork-az.com
Il Bosco Pizza
Since opening in 2012, Il Bosco has been making wood-fired artisanal pizzas with evocative names like Morena (red sauce, prosciutto, burrata, and arugula) and Bella (olive oil, porcini and cremini mushrooms, scamorza, and mozzarella). While you can certainly order a meaty pie, this spot is also great for those seeking a hearty vegetarian pizza. The menu also showcases appetizers, salads, desserts, and an expansive drinks menu at each of the four Arizona locations. Multiple locations, ilboscopizza.com
Myke’s Pizza
With legions of fans who look forward to the cheekily-titled pizzas for themed events, Myke’s Pizza in Mesa has left the shadows and now beams in the spotlight. The curated menu showcases local ingredients across seven classic pizzas, salads, roasted brussels sprouts, and hummus. Keep an eye on the restaurant’s Instagram to find out about the latest desserts and special pizzas. 31 S. Robson #103, Mesa, mykespizza.com
Night Owl Pizza & Drinks
Another contender in the New York-style field, Night Owl recently opened a second location in Tempe where it serves up pizza, burgers, wings, loaded fries, salads, and dessert in a cozy setting. The Tempe location revamped a building that formally housed the Golden Pineapple, and added an arcade room and skateboard accents throughout. You can get the same great pizza at the Scottsdale location, but with a different vibe. 1645 Hayden Rd., Scottsdale; and 2700 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, nightowlaz.com
Pizzeria Bianco
Writing about pizza in Phoenix without mentioning chef Chris Bianco’s Pizzeria Bianco is like cooking without salt. What began in the back of a grocery store in 1988 has turned into a bustling restaurant group across Phoenix and Los Angeles, with many national accolades along the way.
Across the board you’ll find a menu with six wood-fired pizzas, small plates, and sandwiches. One of the best things about Pizzeria Bianco, in addition to the food, it started the movement that put Phoenix pizza firmly on the map both for the dish and as a culinary destination. Multiple locations, pizzeriabianco.com
Spinato’s Pizzeria
This family and employee-owned pizzeria opened in 1974, boasting Chicago-style pies and a whole lot of heart. It’s won awards and grown to six locations, plus concession spots at Footprint Center and State Farm Stadium.
With gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menus, Spinato’s is a place where everyone can find something they like. The restaurant also offers catering and runs events and promotions to further entice pizza lovers. Multiple locations, spinatospizzeria.com
Venezia’s Pizzeria
Frank and Clara Montanile opened the first Venezia’s in New Mexico in 1978. Then, 20 years later, their son and Jaime Montanile opened the first Arizona location in Tempe, selling a small menu of pizza, calzones and sandwiches and, at first, still making their sauce at home.
Now the family has seven convenient locations from North Phoenix to East Mesa, and continues to make a strong argument for ‘most crowd pleasing.’ Order the 24-inch party pizza if you want to impress with the centerpiece and have a natural talking point. The restaurants also offer dedicated vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free menus. Multiple locations, venezias.com
Via Della Slice Shop
The family-owned slice shop at the southwest corner of Van Buren and Fifth Avenue opened in 2021, slinging slow-proofed pizza topped with many local and organic ingredients. If dining in you can order a slice, or go big with one of the 20-inch pies or a hefty deep dish, which can be taken to go.
Make sure to save room for dessert. Via Della Slice Shop makes a traditional cannoli and a Fruity Pebbles version piped with their taro filling and topped with a sweetened condensed milk drizzle, Fruity Pebbles, and powdered sugar. 222 N. 5th Ave., Phoenix, viadellapizza.com
Vincent Van Dough
Vincent Van Dough brings Neapolitan-style pizza to a variety of locations through the Valley, and it’s the only mobile pizzeria on our list. Owned by Vincent Sausa, whose pizza resume includes Pizzicletta, Fratelli La Bufala, and Pomo Pizzeria, the brand launched in 2022.
Today Vincent Van Dough does catering, and you’ll find it popping up at places like Sleepy Whale in Chandler and Hair of the Dog in Gilbert. Tune into the pizza shop’s social media and website for an updated calendar.
