Few things satisfy like a hot, cheesy pizza fresh out of the oven. Houston has always had plenty of options when it comes to dine-in and delivery, and since an influx of new pizza restaurants opened in the last few years, the choices are even more enticing. There are the locally-owned newcomers like Nonno’s, from the team behind Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut; Elro, from celebrated chef Terrence Gallivan; and Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, which is equal parts pizzeria and bar. To add to the list, Los Angeles-based Pizzana and New Orleans-based Fat Boy’s Pizza have also joined the ranks.
So what’s worth slicing into? From large, foldable slices to thick, hearty squares, here is a list of the best pizzerias for every palate.
Detroit-style pizza at Gold Tooth Tony’s
Chef Anthony Calleo began slinging Detroit-style pizza out of the kitchen at Rudyard’s in Montrose, before officially launching his pizzeria, Gold Tooth Tony’s in the Heights last year. The hefty, 8×10 rectangular-shaped pizzas are steel pan-cooked with crispy, brick cheese edges, and have a thick layer of sauce and toppings.
Beyond traditional varieties like plain cheese, pepperoni, and margherita, Gold Tooth Tony’s touts eccentric options such as the Mac Attack topped with macaroni and cheese and thick cut bacon and Sebastian’s Big Idea, which combines SPAM with togarashi-roasted pineapple. Gold Tooth Tony’s continues to serve out of the Rudyard’s kitchen as well as in the Heights, and recently took over a former Pink’s Pizza location in Bellaire, expanding its Houston footprint even further. 1901 N. Shepherd Dr. Ste. 4, Houston, goldtoothtonys.com
Neapolitan pizza at Pizaro’s
This family-owned Montrose pizzeria’s call to fame is its authentic Naples-style pizza. Made simply with high caliber ingredients like whole wheat Italian flour, fresh mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes, Pizaro’s Neapolitan pizzas are cooked in a 900-degree wood-fired brick oven, resulting in a thin, crispy crust and chewy center. The 12-inch pizzas are offered in a number of red- and white-sauce varieties including the Calabrese and the patata y funghi, which layers thinly sliced potatoes with cremini mushrooms. Since opening nearly a decade ago, Pizaro’s has expanded its menu to include New York- and Detroit-style pies, but the Neapolitan pies remain its signature. 1000 W Gray St. Ste. 400, Houston, pizarospizza.com
High-class pizza with a low-key vibe at Tiny Champions
Tiny Champions is the sister restaurant of Nancy’s Hustle, and it’s located just around the corner in the same EaDo neighborhood. While it also has a low-lit dining space and moody atmosphere, Tiny Champions’ menu leans more heavily on pizza and pasta. Interesting pizza combinations like summer corn, pickled green tomato, and chili cream sauce pair well with a dry Italian lambrusco or a mezcal-fueled frozen. Desserts are given just as much thought, with items like the labneh ice-cream sundae and scoops with boozy pour-overs. 2617 McKinney St., Houston, tinychampionshouston.com
Specialty pizza and crudo at Elro
The playful combination of chef Terrence Gallivan’s children’s names, Eleanor and Ronan, is the inspiration for Elro’s moniker, and the intimate Montrose restaurant, housed in a 1920s-era bungalow, feels just as personal. The dining space is cozy and inviting, like being in someone’s home, with colorful wallpapered walls connecting the dining room and bar, and art deco pendants and globe lights illuminating the space.
Gallivan, who garnered plenty of fanfare when he served as the chef and wine buyer at (now shuttered) Pass and Provisions, has created a unique menu at Elro, showcasing specialty pizzas alongside seasonal crudos. Incorporating the latter is a way of balancing pizza with something light and refreshing–a clever tactic, considering Houston’s hot and humid climate. Try the hibiscus cured salmon and a chorizo pizza with grilled pineapple and serrano chilis, before cooling down with Elro’s seasonal soft serve presented in a chocolate-covered cannoli shell. 2405 Genesee St., Houston, elrohtx.com
New York-style pizza at Romano’s
Located in a River Oaks-area retail strip mall, Romano’s is reminiscent of a bustling New York City-style pizza counter. While the restaurant has a large menu of Italian comfort eats, including a baked ziti that has its own cult following, it’s widely known for slinging true New York-style pizza. Order at the counter, and watch as slices are flung into the oven and then emerge toasted to perfection. 1528 W. Gray St., Houston, romanoshouston.com
Artisan pizza at The Gypsy Poet
Led by husband-and-wife team Vanessa Fernandez-Favreau and Cesar Izaguirre, Gypsy Poet is a counter-service pizza restaurant, inspired by the couple’s world travels. Here, the spotlight is on wood-fired Neapolitan pies. The restaurant has a small, but mighty, menu with 13-inch pizzas like the Pepperoni Madness, spiced with hot honey, and the Fancy Backpacker, which combines prosciutto, truffle oil, and arugula, neatly presented with crushed red pepper, freshly grated parmesan, and sprigs of fresh basil. 2404 Austin St., Houston, thegypsypoet.us
