Back
Downtown Phoenix Pizzerias

Pizzeria Bianco has long brought pizza fans looking for the perfect pie to downtown Phoenix. But in recent years, a wave of new pizzerias — joining local favorites like Cibo — have hit the scene, giving downtown Phoenix credence to join New York and Chicago as a must-visit destination for pizza connoisseurs.

Cibo

When Tony and Karen Martingiglio set their eyes on a charming 1900s-era bungalow in downtown Phoenix, little did they know they would be opening one of the most revered restaurants in the city.

Established in 2005, Cibo specializes in artisanal pizzas made with the freshest ingredients. For those who prefer “pizze rosse” (tomato-based), standouts include the Marina (tomato sauce, fresh garlic, oregano, capers and anchovies). For those who prefer “pizze bianchi” (tomato-free), you can’t go wrong with the Quattro Formaggi (mozzarella, fontina, parmigiano, pecorino and gorgonzola).

Forno 301

Hailing from Sanremo in northwestern Italy, Forno 301’s owners Roberto Dadone and Luca Gagliano serve East Coast-style, wood-fired pizza with a lot of bravado.

Take the namesake Forno 301, for example. Made with fresh mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce, it creates the perfect union between spicy sausage, tender onions and earthy mushrooms.

And if you prefer your pizza “wrapped,” try one of their calzones in your choice of salami or spinach.

Pizzeria Bianco

The New York Times food critic Ed Levine wrote that Chef Chris Bianco crafts what “might just be the best pizza in the world.” Located in downtown’s Historic Heritage Square, Pizzeria Bianco is intimate and bustling, with exposed-brick walls and a glowing, wood-fire oven.

While you wait for a table, enjoy a glass of wine at Bar Bianco next door or a pint of ale at the English pub across the street.

Pomo Pizzeria

Handcrafted in the tradition of Old Italy, Pomo is as authentic as you can get. It all begins with a slow-rising sourdough made of highly refined organic wheat flour from Naples, Mediterranean sea salt and water. Then, after 24 hours, it’s formed and stretched by hand into a thin crust, topped with fresh ingredients, and quickly baked in a wood-fired brick oven.

What emerges is pure pizza perfection, such as the Bufala Verace, made with imported buffalo-milk mozzarella, tomatoes from San Marzano, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.

Ziggy's Magic Pizza Shop

This small, New York-style slice shop is aptly located next to Stardust Pinball Lounge, so come with enough time to check out both. The magic, though, is in the slices, full pies, over-the-top fries, wings and sandwiches. Open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Via Della Slice Shop

Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix near the Van Buren venue, Via Della Slice Shop is an unforgettable family-owned-and-operated Phoenix pizza experience. Featured on Barstool Sports’ One Bite Pizza Review, everything is made from scratch and the dough is proofed for a minimum of 48 hours, accompanied by the best meats, cheeses, and fresh produce from around the globe. The philosophy is simple: do things the right way and don't compromise. The menu is available by the slice, whole pie, or deep dish (grandma style). Via Della is located within a historical warehouse, with the original bones of the building dating back to 1920. 

SnapBack Pizzeria

Nestled on Phoenix’s Grand Ave, SnapBack Pizzeria is the brainchild of Ryan Moreno, AKA the Hungry Homie. The pizzeria was named by Eater Phoenix as one of the "Best Late Night Phoenix Eats." The Detroit style delicacy, far from Motor City, is a refreshing and fun take on pizza in the desert. Customers can order at the window, take a seat inside to further escalate the ambiance, or enjoy a slice in the back patio.

Hot Daisy Pizza

Hot Daisy Pizza – (formerly known as Tammie Coe Cakes) – located in Phoenix’s bustling Roosevelt Row, is the product of mastermind Tammie Coe, a classically trained pastry chef known far and wide for her cupcakes and sweet treats. Utilizing the highest quality ingredients, fresh produce, artisan-quality meats and cheeses and more, Coe describes her pies as “New York meets California.” The pizzas are 14-inches and include toppings like spicy artichoke, giardiniera, egg, and more. Hot Daisy Pizza was featured on Barstool Sports’ One Bite Pizza Review in early 2023. 

Freak Brothers Pizza

Inside downtown Phoenix’s beloved Churchill community, Freak Brothers Pizza artists are taught that the dough is a blank canvas for them to create a uniquely delicious pie. With a goal to nourish the body, mind and soul, the dough is made fresh daily using 100% organic “type 00” pizza flour, sea salt, water, yeast, and a dash of organic olive oil. The shop uses a 100% electric oven built by 3rd generation Italian pizza oven makers and burns pecan wood in a mobile brick wood-fired oven built by a local artisan here in Phoenix. Freak Brothers can make any pizza on the menu vegan, dairy-free, or meat-free. 

The Desmond Spirits & Oven

The Desmond Spirits & Oven is a European-inspired Gastropub that serves imported and local brews, craft cocktails, and a well-balanced menu to the people of Phoenix. The wood-fired oven pushes out artisan pizzas, paninis, and oven-roasted entrees for all to enjoy. Located downtown on Phoenix’s First Street, the eatery is a short walk from a myriad of city-center activities.