Pizza is one of the world’s most beloved foods, but in recent years, the humble pie has undergone a revolution. Enter artisan pizza—a style of pizza that elevates the dish with high-quality, often locally-sourced ingredients, innovative flavor combinations, and meticulous crafting. From wood-fired ovens to sourdough crusts and unique toppings, artisan pizza takes the familiar comfort food to an entirely new level.
If you’re a pizza lover who’s looking to explore beyond the standard pepperoni and cheese, this guide will take you through the best artisan pizzerias, where passion for the craft and quality ingredients shine through in every bite. Get ready to dive into the world of crispy, flavorful, and totally unforgettable pies.
1. Pizzana: A Neapolitan-Inspired Revolution
Best For: Perfectly charred Neapolitan-style pizza with a modern twist.
What Makes It Artisan: Pizzana brings the art of Neapolitan pizza to the forefront with an emphasis on impeccable technique and high-end ingredients. Using Caputo “00” flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella di bufala, their dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, resulting in a perfectly light, airy, and crisp crust.
Signature Dish: The Cacio e Pepe pizza is a standout—topped with a rich blend of pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a hint of truffle. Another must-try is the Margherita D.O.P., which features the classic, unadulterated beauty of a Neapolitan pie with the perfect balance of tangy sauce and creamy mozzarella.
Why Go: With a beautifully charred, airy crust and balanced, refined toppings, Pizzana represents the future of artisanal pizza, while still honoring the timeless tradition of Neapolitan pizza-making.
2. Roberta’s: Brooklyn’s Pizza Innovation Hub
Best For: A combination of classic and experimental pies, served in a cool, laid-back setting.
What Makes It Artisan: Located in Brooklyn, Roberta’s is a trailblazer in the artisan pizza scene, offering wood-fired pies made from seasonal, local ingredients. Their dough, made with a combination of organic flour and a naturally fermented starter, is known for its light texture and slightly tangy flavor. The toppings are as creative as the setting, with options like spicy honey, pickled jalapeños, and roasted squash.
Signature Dish: The Bee Sting pizza is an iconic choice—combining spicy soppressata, mozzarella, and a drizzle of honey. The sweetness from the honey perfectly complements the heat of the soppressata, creating a beautifully balanced bite. Another must-try is the Fennel Sausage pizza with whipped ricotta and broccoli rabe.
Why Go: Roberta’s not only serves exceptional pies but also offers an experience—whether you’re dining in their vibrant outdoor patio or grabbing a slice from the takeout window, you’ll find an exciting combination of flavors that push the boundaries of what pizza can be.
3. Superiority Burger: Offbeat and Delicious in the Heart of New York
Best For: Creative vegetarian and vegan pizzas with a quirky twist.
What Makes It Artisan: Known for their avant-garde approach to both pizza and vegetarian cuisine, Superiority Burger in NYC offers delicious plant-based pies that are just as satisfying as their meat counterparts. The dough is hand-stretched, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, producing a crispy, golden crust. Ingredients are locally sourced, and the creative toppings are often inspired by global flavors.
Signature Dish: The Superiority Burger Pizza is a fun take on their signature veggie burger, topped with a bean patty, pickled onions, and a garlicky sauce. For something lighter, the Roasted Beet pizza with goat cheese and arugula offers a balance of earthy sweetness and tangy creaminess.
Why Go: If you’re in search of inventive vegetarian and vegan pizzas that don’t compromise on flavor, Superiority Burger delivers an experience that’s as unique as it is delicious.
4. Pizzeria Bianco: The Arizona Pizza That Changed the Game
Best For: Wood-fired pizzas with top-tier, seasonal ingredients.
What Makes It Artisan: Known as one of the best pizzerias in America, Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix is an institution in the artisan pizza world. Chef Chris Bianco’s approach to pizza is all about using locally grown, seasonal ingredients and crafting pies with deep, rich flavors. The dough is fermented for days, creating a crust that is chewy, crispy, and full of character. The wood-fired oven adds a smoky depth that takes each bite to the next level.
Signature Dish: The Sonny Boy pizza is a crowd favorite—featuring fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, and a drizzle of honey for the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sweet. Another must-try is the Bianco pizza, with its toppings of mozzarella, Parmesan, and toasted garlic.
Why Go: Pizzeria Bianco has earned its place in pizza history, not only for its fantastic pies but also for pioneering the artisanal pizza movement in America, particularly with the combination of simple ingredients done perfectly.
5. Antico Pizza Napoletana: Bringing Authentic Naples to Atlanta
Best For: Traditional Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.
What Makes It Artisan: Antico Pizza Napoletana brings the essence of Naples straight to Atlanta with traditional Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant’s wood-fired oven reaches temperatures over 800°F, creating the perfect crispy yet chewy crust. The dough is made from a special blend of Italian flour, and the toppings include DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and locally-sourced produce.
Signature Dish: The Margherita DOC is the epitome of simplicity and quality, with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and a sprinkle of basil. The Soppressata Piccante pizza, with spicy salami, adds a bit of heat and is another top pick for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Why Go: If you’re looking for the most authentic Neapolitan pizza experience outside of Italy, Antico Pizza Napoletana is your destination. The combination of traditional techniques and fresh, high-quality ingredients creates a truly exceptional pizza.
6. Del Popolo: A San Francisco Pizza Truck with Artisan Touches
Best For: Gourmet pizzas served from a food truck.
What Makes It Artisan: Del Popolo started as a food truck, and it quickly became one of San Francisco’s most beloved pizza destinations. What sets this mobile pizzeria apart is its focus on quality, starting with the dough—made from a 48-hour cold ferment. The toppings are always seasonal, using the best local ingredients and often featuring unexpected pairings that are sure to surprise and delight.
Signature Dish: The Margherita pizza is a simple, yet perfect representation of artisan pizza, with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. For something more adventurous, try the Spicy Sausage pizza with honey and ricotta—there’s a great balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.
Why Go: Del Popolo is a testament to how food trucks can elevate the culinary experience, delivering top-notch artisan pizza with a creative spin. And while it’s mobile, the quality and consistency are always spot-on.
7. Scarr’s Pizza: Classic New York Slice Meets Artisan Technique
Best For: A fusion of New York pizza with artisanal techniques and unique toppings.
What Makes It Artisan: Scarr’s Pizza in Manhattan is a tribute to New York-style pizza but with an artisan twist. The dough is made with a 24-hour fermentation process, and the crust is airy, chewy, and just the right amount of crispy. They also mill their flour in-house, ensuring that the base is as fresh and flavorful as possible. Their toppings are creative but still rooted in the classic New York style.
Signature Dish: The Pepperoni Slice is a perfect example of how Scarr’s elevates the classic New York pizza. The pepperoni is crisped to perfection, and the cheese has just the right melt. If you’re in the mood for something different, the Clams Casino Pizza is a delicious seafood option with roasted clams, bacon, and garlic butter.
Why Go: If you love New York pizza but want a more elevated experience, Scarr’s is the perfect combination of traditional and modern. The fresh ingredients and artisanal techniques bring a new level of sophistication to the classic New York slice.
8. Una Pizza Napoletana: A Masterclass in Neapolitan Pizza
Best For: Pure, traditional Neapolitan pizza with an emphasis on quality ingredients.
What Makes It Artisan: Una Pizza Napoletana is a gem in San Francisco (and previously in New York), dedicated to perfecting the craft of Neapolitan pizza. The focus here is on simplicity—using only the finest ingredients and an obsession with technique. The dough is made with 00 flour and naturally fermented for 24-48 hours, and pizzas are cooked in an 800°F wood-fired oven to achieve that classic crispy and slightly chewy crust.
Signature Dish: The Margherita Pizza is a must-try—its perfect combination
of fresh mozzarella, basil, and San Marzano tomato sauce creates a pizza that’s as close to perfection as it gets. If you’re looking for something with a bit more punch, the Sausage and Broccoli Rabe pizza is a flavorful choice.
Why Go: Una Pizza Napoletana is a pilgrimage for pizza purists who appreciate a minimalist approach but with ingredients and execution that are nothing short of perfection.
A Slice of Artisan Perfection
Artisan pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience—an exploration of flavor, technique, and quality. From wood-fired ovens to sourdough crusts and gourmet toppings, the best artisan pizzerias bring a creative flair to the classic pizza, elevating it into something truly extraordinary. Whether you prefer traditional Neapolitan pies or adventurous, offbeat combinations, there’s an artisan pizza for every palate. So next time you’re craving a pizza, venture beyond the ordinary and treat yourself to something exceptional.