A post on the restaurant’s Facebook page notes that it will serve its last pies in July, staying open until its lease ends.
“We hope to see all of Our amazing customers one more time before our doors close,” the post says. “Thank you for all the great memories and continued support. We really had the very best customers. We will miss you terribly.”
Justin Piazza and his former partner Rachel Ybarra-Piazza opened La Piazza with Justin's dad Dennis in Glendale in 2007. The restaurant was a trailblazer of wood-fired, artisanal pizza in the Phoenix metro area.
The restaurant boasts an oven imported from Italy at the center of its open kitchen and it received certification from Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the Italian group that confirms pizzerias around the world are meeting strict standards for this traditional style of pizza-making.
The restaurant expanded into a small chain over the years, with the 2013 addition of La Piazza PHX in downtown Phoenix and Avondale's La Piazza Romana in 2018. Those two locations closed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
La Piazza Al Forno, which has served Neapolitan pizzas on Glendale Avenue since 2007, will close in July.
Lauren Cusimano
La Piazza al Forno has made appearances on Phoenix New Times’ 10 Best Pizzerias list, was named Best Pizza in 2022 and was among our favorite spots to grab a bite before hitting State Farm Stadium. It has also been featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” four times, beginning in 2009.
Popular pies include the meat-laden Italian Stallion, a ricotta and sausage Lasagna Pizza and a classic Margherita crafted with San Marzano tomatoes, house-made mozzarella and basil. La Piazza also serves square-sliced, thick, bouncy Roman-style pizzas along with sandwiches, salads and desserts.
In November 2023, Justin shared on social media that he was no longer affiliated with La Piazza al Forno. At the time, he confirmed his exit from the restaurant with Phoenix New Times, noting the restaurant would continue to be operated by Rachel. Since then, Justin has opened What Up, Dough? in Burbank, California.
Here in the Valley, fans of La Piazza al Forno will be able to visit the Glendale restaurant over the next six months.
In response to the restaurant's closing announcement, online followers shared their favorite times at the restaurant and dishes they'll miss most.
“Have so many great memories there and was me and my wife's first date,” William Swartz wrote. “You guys will surely be missed! Best pizza and pasta in the Valley!!!”
Fans also commiserated over the loss of the restaurant.
“Best pizza ever,” Traci DeGraw Lemmer wrote. “Better than anything I had in Italy.”
Others shared gratitude to the owners and team.
“Your family and staff treated us so good for years,” John Shelton wrote. “We love you guys and will deeply miss you.”
