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 locally-owned joints like Nonno’s, from the team behind Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut; and Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, which is equal parts pizzeria and bar; plus new outposts of buzzy national chinese like Los Angeles-based Pizzana and New Orleans-based Fat Boy’s Pizza..
So what’s worth slicing into? From large, foldable slices to thick, deep dish squares, here is a list of the best pizzerias for every palate.
Rosie Cannonball
Dine at a table where the wood-burning oven in one corner of the restaurant is in full view, and watch as glorious pizzas emerge with a perfect char on the crust and neatly copped pepperonis. The cacio e pepe pie is a tasty white sauce option, while the Italian beef offers all of the tasty components of the classic handheld on a pizza. Asking for ranch dressing with your pizza at Rosie Cannonball is not a crime. Ask for a side, or go crazy and get the trio of dipping sauces. 1620 Westheimer Rd, Houston, rosiecannonball.com
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 and a second location in Bellaire just 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 with its monthly specials like the Frito Pie, topped with confit onions, Texas chili, ranch dressing, and chili cheese Fritos. Multiple locations, goldtoothtonys.com
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
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 15 years ago, Pizaro’s has expanded its menu to include New York- and Detroit-style pies, but the Neapolitan pies remain its signature. Multiple locations, pizarospizza.com
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
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. Multiple locations, thegypsypoet.us
Star Pizza
This popular local chain is known for its scratch-made pizzas, and especially tasty whole wheat crust. Building-your-own pie is always an option, but Star’s specialties are worth a try. The Starburst packs pepperoni, Italian sausage, and ground beef with loads of veggies and serves as a meaty supreme; while the salsa verde with spicy tomatillo sauce is a welcome alternative to traditional varieties. Multiple locations, starpizza.net
Luigi’s
This local pizza chain has multiple locations around town, including one on the same property as the sprawling patio bar, Axelrad in Midtown, making it a perfect place to seek sustenance after a few beers or cocktails. Thin-crust New York-style pizzas can be ordered and enjoyed at the bar, and if you’re still hungry, there are sandwiches, salads, entrees, and gelato, too. Multiple locations, Houston, luigispizzeria.pizza
Via 313
This national chain, born in Austin, has four Houston-area locations where pizza-lovers can indulge in its Detroit-style pies. While pizzas like the Detroiter, built with a double dose of pepperoni baked under and over melty cheese, are the main draw, Via 313 also features bar-style thin crust pizza. Visit during weekend brunch for unique morning pizzas like the breakfast taco pizza topped with potato, egg, and cheese. Multiple locations, via313.com
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Open nightly until 2 a.m., Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is a solid spot for late night pizza cravings. The neighborhood bar is known as much for its pizzas as it is its funky cocktail list, with libations like the spicy hellfire margarita and black lemon drop cocktail with activated charcoal in high demand for drinking and posting to social media. Ironclad-style pizzas are available in two sizes and feature a combination of traditional and out-of-the-box varieties like That Sweet Funk topped with shaved brussels sprouts and blue cheese. Multiple locations, betelgeusehou.com
Frank’s Pizza
A fixture in Downtown, Frank’s Pizza is just as popular with the power lunch crowd as it is with late night bar hoppers. The gritty New York-style eatery showcases slices of all types made daily with scratch made sauce and dough behind glass cases, and a small mezzanine level where guests can dine. Pizza is definitely the main attraction, but Frank’s has a lot of variety, from hot wings and bread sticks to beef lasagna. 417 Travis St, Houston, frankspizza.com
Nonno’s
With a section of old school arcade games, Nonno’s offers a nostalgic vibe to go along with its menu of tavern-style pizzas. The restaurant is helmed by Martin and Sara Stayer, the husband-and-wife team who operate Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut, and offers the same dedication to quality for its food, cocktails, and dessert. Try the Maui Wowee, which combines Spam with pineapple and smoked jalapeno, or a meatball smashburger, and save room for a piece of chocolate slab cake. 1613 Richmond Ave., Houston, houstonsbestpizza.com
Ostia
This full-service Montrose restaurant helmed by chef Travis McShane has lots of worthy dishes to venture in for, including wood-fired pizzas that rival some of the best pizzerias in town. Since opening in 2020 with limited pizzas on the menu, they garnered such high demand that they are now available for lunch and dinner daily. Stick with something simple like the margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil; or go for the earthy pizza bianca with garlic confit, quattro formaggi, arugula and prosciutto—either way is a win. 2032 Dunlavy St., Houston, ostiahou.com
Coltivare
For more than 10 years, this restaurant and garden on White Oak Drive in the Heights has been dedicated to serving locals rustic Italian fare, keeping fresh ingredients at front of mind. While the pastas are hard to pass up, pizzas prepared in the wood-fired oven are an absolute must. A pie with local squash, pesto, fresh mozzarella and pine nuts is a reflection of the local bounty. 3320 White Oak Dr., Houston, agricolehospitality.com/coltivare
Coastline Pizzeria
There are two routes you can take at this vibey, family-owned pizzeria in First Ward, and each will have you reaching pizza nirvana. Cooked in a 900-degree oven fueled by live oak, Coastline’s Neapolitan rounds boast a thin, crispy crust and chewy center, while the Texas-style grilled pizza is a smaller oval loaded from end to end with toppings. Get one of each, and add an order of burrata for good measure. Visit during Coastline’s popular weekday happy hour, and land half off cocktails and wines by the glass, but come early—the small space fills up fast. 1720 Houston Ave, Houston, coastlinepizzeriahtx.com
Pizzana
An outpost of California-based Pizzana, known for its Neo-Neapolitan pies, recently opened in the River Oaks Shopping Center. Dough is fermented for two days, and then decorated with toppings, resulting in pizza that offers bite after chewy bite. Try the Diavola, which combines spicy salami with charred shallot and walnut romesco for a big, bold flavor. 2029 W. Gray St., Houston, pizzana.com
