Pizza, in all its cheesy, saucy glory, holds a special place in American cuisine. From New York’s foldable slices to Chicago’s deep-dish pies, pizza has become a staple across the country. But where should true pizza lovers go to get their fix? A recent study analyzing pizza ratings, quality, variety, and consumer interest across U.S. cities has produced some eye-opening results, challenging what we thought we knew about America’s pizza landscape. Let’s explore the top pizza destinations, uncovering some hidden gems and revisiting old favorites along the way.
Methodology
We looked at the following factors to help reveal the top cities in the country for the Pizza obsessive: –
Rating
The average rating for all the pizza places across online review sites.
Excellence
From those reviews what percentage of them were rated as excellent
Choice
The number of pizza places the city has to offer
Interest
The number of Google searches for Pizza per 100,000 or population
We then ranked each of the cities and weighted it in the following way: –
Rating was weighted as 25 points.
We felt that this represented the best metric to convey the overall quality of the pizza scene in a city
Excellence was weighted as 15 points.
This helped show us which cities had a real pizza culture with the best quality pizzas
Choice was weighted as 5 points.
Whilst its important to have plenty of places to choose from, their quality was deemed more important overall.
Interest was weighted as 10 points.
This helped us confirm those cities that had a genuine interest and desire for more pizza.
The best pizza cities in America
Seattle: An Unexpected Slice of Heaven
Topping our list is a city more commonly associated with coffee and seafood: Seattle, Washington. This Pacific Northwest hub has quietly developed into a paradise for pizza enthusiasts, performing well across all metrics in our study. Seattle’s rise in the pizza world stems from its thriving food culture and focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The city’s culinary scene has influenced its pizzerias, where you’ll find unique topping combinations and well-crafted crusts. From wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies to fusion pizzas, Seattle offers a diverse and high-quality pizza experience that stands up to any traditional pizza capital. The city’s strong showing in both ratings and quality indicates that its pizzerias aren’t just numerous, but they’re also delivering on taste.
Back in 2023 Moto Pizza in Seattle’s unusual Detroit style pizza got so viral that they literally had a multi-month waiting list
The full study
Here is the full table of our findings: –
New York City: The Classic Pizza Capital Stands Tall
It’s no shock that New York City features prominently in our rankings. The Big Apple lives up to its reputation as America’s pizza mecca, claiming the top spot in both overall ratings and number of choices. New York’s pizza scene is as diverse as its population, offering everything from dollar slices on street corners to upscale artisanal pies in trendy neighborhoods. The city’s signature style – large, thin-crust slices that can be folded in half – has become recognizable worldwide. Interestingly, while New York ranks lower in pizza-related internet searches, this likely reflects locals’ ingrained knowledge of their favorite pizzerias rather than a lack of interest. In a city where heated debates about the best slice are commonplace, pizza isn’t just food – it’s a way of life.
Theres no doubt that NYC has the most Pizza history (although Chicago might argue with that), with some of the most famous historical pizza places, including: –
Boston: A Surprising Contender
Boston emerges as an unexpected star in our pizza rankings, claiming the top spot in quality and the second-best overall rating. While the city is more famous for its clam chowder and baked beans, Boston’s strong showing suggests a thriving pizza culture that deserves more recognition. This high ranking in quality indicates that Boston’s pizzerias are consistently delivering top-notch pies, even if they might be fewer in number compared to other cities. The city’s large student population, combined with its strong Italian-American heritage, has likely contributed to a dynamic and competitive pizza scene. From the traditional Italian pizzerias of the North End to creative gourmet options in Cambridge, Boston proves that great pizza can be found far beyond the borders of New York and Chicago.
Chicago: More Than Just Deep Dish
Chicago’s strong performance in our rankings reaffirms its status as a pizza powerhouse. The Windy City ranks third in pizza choices, showcasing the depth and breadth of its pizza offerings. While Chicago is world-famous for its deep-dish pizza – a knife-and-fork affair with a buttery crust, layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce – the city’s pizza scene is far more diverse than this single style. From tavern-style thin crust cut into squares to Roman-style al taglio, Chicago caters to all pizza preferences. The city’s solid performance across all metrics in our study proves that its reputation for great pizza is well-deserved, whether you’re a deep-dish devotee or a thin-crust enthusiast.
Orlando: Where Tourism Meets Pizza
Orlando’s appearance in our top rankings might raise some eyebrows, but a closer look reveals the impact of tourism on the city’s pizza scene. Ranking second in pizza-related internet searches, Orlando demonstrates a high level of interest in pizza options. This can largely be attributed to the millions of tourists who visit the city each year, many of whom opt for familiar, family-friendly dining options like pizza. However, Orlando’s lower ranking in overall ratings (27th) suggests a quantity-over-quality scenario, where the sheer volume of pizza options might be outpacing the overall quality. This presents an interesting opportunity for the city to elevate its pizza game, catering not just to tourists seeking convenient meals, but also to discerning pizza lovers looking for exceptional pies.
Portland: Crafting Its Own Pizza Identity
Portland’s high rankings in both overall rating (5th) and quality (8th) cement its status as a serious contender in the pizza world. Known for its unique and often quirky food scene, Portland brings this same creative spirit to its pizzerias. The city’s pizza landscape is characterized by an emphasis on locally-sourced, often organic ingredients, reflecting the broader farm-to-table movement that Portland has long championed. Here, you might find pizzas topped with ingredients like locally foraged mushrooms, artisanal cheeses from nearby farms, or even vegan alternatives that cater to the city’s health-conscious population. Portland’s pizza scene embodies the city’s larger culinary ethos: a commitment to quality, sustainability, and thinking outside the box.
San Diego: Surf, Sun, and Seriously Good Pizza
San Diego’s high ranks in both Rating (3rd) and Quality (4th) position it as an unexpected pizza hotspot. While the city is better known for its fish tacos and California burritos, San Diego’s pizza scene is clearly thriving. The city’s pizza offerings likely reflect broader California cuisine trends, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. San Diego’s year-round pleasant weather might also influence its pizza culture, with many pizzerias offering outdoor seating and lighter, Mediterranean-inspired pies that pair well with the city’s laid-back, beachy vibe. From Neapolitan-style pizzas in Little Italy to California-style pies in hipster neighborhoods, San Diego proves that great pizza can be found even in a city famous for its Mexican cuisine.
Cleveland: The Underdog of the Pizza World
Cleveland’s appearance near the top of our list might be the biggest surprise for many readers. Ranking 4th in overall rating and 3rd in consumer interest, Cleveland boasts a pizza scene that punches well above its weight. This high level of interest combined with strong ratings suggests a passionate local pizza culture that has largely flown under the national radar. Cleveland’s pizza identity is likely shaped by its rich history of European immigration, particularly from Italy and Eastern Europe. This heritage, combined with a Midwestern sensibility, has resulted in a unique pizza landscape. From Ohio Valley-style pizza with cold toppings added after baking to classic Italian-American pizzerias that have been local institutions for generations, Cleveland offers a diverse and high-quality pizza experience that deserves wider recognition.
Denver: Mile-High Pizza Perfection
Denver’s consistent performance across all metrics in our study reflects the city’s growing reputation as a food destination. Ranking 15th in rating, 12th in quality, 26th in choice, and 17th in interest, Denver showcases a well-rounded pizza scene. The city’s pizza offerings likely benefit from its diverse, rapidly growing population and emerging status as a culinary hotspot. Denver’s pizza scene might also be influenced by the city’s health-conscious culture, with many pizzerias offering whole grain crusts, vegetable-forward toppings, and even gluten-free options. The Mile-High City’s pizza landscape is as varied as its population, from traditional East Coast-style pizzerias opened by transplants to local spots experimenting with Colorado-inspired ingredients like green chili or local game meats.
Pittsburgh: Small but Mighty Pizza Scene
Rounding out our top ten is Pittsburgh, a city that offers an intriguing contradiction in our data. Ranking 2nd in quality but 81st in choice, Pittsburgh suggests a pizza scene characterized by quality over quantity. This indicates that while pizza options might not be as plentiful as in other cities, the pizzerias that do exist are serving up some exceptionally high-quality pies. Pittsburgh’s pizza culture is likely influenced by its strong Italian-American heritage and working-class roots. The city is known for its own regional pizza style – a thick, chewy crust often baked in square pans and topped edge-to-edge – but you’ll find a variety of styles represented. From old-school pizza joints that have been neighborhood fixtures for decades to newer artisanal spots catering to the city’s revitalized food scene, Pittsburgh proves that sometimes less is more when it comes to great pizza.
Our journey through America’s top pizza cities reveals a landscape as diverse and dynamic as the country itself. While traditional pizza capitals like New York and Chicago continue to impress, cities like Seattle, Boston, and Cleveland prove that exceptional pizza can be found in unexpected places. From the artisanal pies of the Pacific Northwest to the deep-dish delights of the Midwest, each city brings its own unique flair to this beloved dish.
This study challenges us to broaden our pizza horizons and appreciate the local pizzerias that contribute to each city’s culinary identity. Whether you prefer a classic New York slice, a hefty Chicago deep-dish, or a creative artisanal pie topped with locally-sourced ingredients, there’s a pizza city out there to satisfy your cravings.