There’s the diversity of techniques — every major pizza-making philosophy, from Chicago deep-dish to wood-fired Neapolitan style, is well-represented in the Valley.
There is the concentration of talented pizzaioli in the Arizona desert, an unlikely yet fortunate development that has helped Phoenix become a culinary destination for die-hard pizza aficionados.
And there is the simple fact that it’s become harder and harder to keep track of the ever-expanding roster of great spots to grab a slice around town. Well, we've done the heavy lifting for you. Here are the 10 best pizzerias in Phoenix.
Pizzeria Bianco
Multiple Locations Pizzeria Bianco has become the measuring stick by which every other wood-fired pizza joint in the Valley is to be compared from now until the very concept of Phoenix becomes obsolete. “I think so-and-so’s pizza is even better than Bianco’s” is a controversial yet commonplace piece of rhetoric you will sometimes hear people throw around in a somewhat desperate effort to drive home a point about how good the pizza they had last night really was. Even if it’s not your favorite pizzeria in town, it’s hard to argue against the sheer influence that the restaurant has had on the local and national pizza scene. Bianco is a two-time James Beard Award winner, has opened a restaurant in Los Angeles and starred on Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza." The Wiseguy, with its classic sausage-and-onion combo, has a smoky, savory allure. And the Rosa, with its ingenious combo of red onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano, rosemary and Arizona-grown pistachios, might be the most famous pie in the state.
Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante
19420 N. 59th Ave., GlendaleThis northwest Valley restaurant is hidden in a shopping center strip mall filled with sports bars and offices. But Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante is a gem. Grab a table next to the floor-to-ceiling photograph of an Italian street and start your meal with the complimentary bread basket. Multiple different varieties of bread are warm, soft, and oh-so-satisfying. Next, pick your pie from a list of red and white options. To intensify your taste of Italy, try the Capricciosa pizza, topped with prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms, basil and strong, purple Kalamata olives. You won't find any of the boring, flavor-stripped black olives often seen on pizza here.
Cibo Urban Pizzeria
603 N. Fifth Ave.Cibo Urban Pizzeria is a modern classic — a popular Italian cafe that has been supplying downtown Phoenix with an irresistible menu of red and white wood-fired pizzas for more than a decade now. Chef Guido Saccone has left his mark on the local pizza scene, helping popularize the gently charred, ultra-fresh crust that has come to characterize the modern age of wood-fired pizza in Phoenix and elsewhere. His pies feature an inch or so of pillowy crust before the toppings begin. Try the Funghi, a lovely melding of mozzarella, tomatoes, and mushrooms, or the Diavola for a spicy kick. Sit on the twinkle-light-strung patio of this historic bungalow and enjoy a few slices, a glass of wine and maybe a dessert special to share.
Il Capo
7366 E. Shea Blvd., ScottsdaleThis casual Italian restaurant and bar has a full menu of salads, pizzas and pastas, as well as an enticing case of gelato. While Il Capo’s wood-fired oven is striking, from its blue mosaic tile and the lightly charred pies that emerge from it, the star is the restaurant's deck oven and the large New York-style pizzas that it bakes. The massive slices of the 18-inch pizzas can stand up to the toppings – like the Diavolo’s hot soppressata, sausage, Calabrian chiles, ricotta, basil, mozzarella, tomato sauce and honey drizzle – while still having nice chew and a crispy, crunchy crust.
Mimi Forno Italiano
3624 W. Baseline Road #174, Laveen VillageThis south Valley restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, and for good reason. Located in Laveen Village, this small spot fills up fast. Grab a seat at the bar or be prepared to wait for a table for dinner. But at Mimi Forno Italiano, the wait is so worth it. Thin stemmed wine glasses add a hint of elegance to the neighborhood spot, and excellent pizza brings it home. The menu is split into red and white, and we highly recommend the Butcher. This meat-lovers pie comes loaded with salami, pepperoni, sausage and Italian bacon. Mimi Forno Italiano also serves tasty appetizers, pasta dishes, steak specials and an array of desserts, making it an ideal date night destination.
Myke's Pizza
31 S. Robson #103, MesaMyke's Pizza, the former pop-up in Mesa, moved off the sidewalk and into Cider Corps. And there, Myke Olsen is baking some serious pies. One of the more unusual pizzas on the menu features bacon, rosemary, potatoes and garlic cream. This is a white pie to convert the red-sauce fanatic. Another pizza definitely worth eating is the Tomato Pie which doesn't have any cheese on it. It features Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes, basil, pepper and sliced garlic soaked in olive oil so it won’t burn. The pizza hits you with the same spirit as a simple summer pasta made with sauce simmered from fresh tomatoes. Speaking of summer, the seasonal pies at Myke's are worth catching. Try one topped with peaches in the late summer, or enjoy a butternut squash and mushroom slice in the fall.
Pizzeria Virtù
6952 E. Main St., ScottsdaleAlthough it is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Pizzeria Virtù takes a decidedly different approach to the glitz and glam of the neighborhood. Eating at this restaurant feels as though you were invited into a friend’s simple yet cozy home, where you can enjoy a glass of wine on their patio. It’s a creation of chef Gio Osso who made his way back to the space where he initially worked in the Valley. The location was previously home to Grazie, a restaurant where Osso managed the wood oven on weeknights. The chef went on to open Virtu Honest Craft, to much acclaim, but returned to pizza when Grazie closed its doors. There, he’s crafted an expert menu of Neapolitan pizzas including the Affumicata, topped with charred tomato, smoked scamorza cheese, roasted garlic and basil and the Milano, a pizza that celebrates caramelized onions and chestnut honey.
