Pizza was invented in Italy, specifically Naples. Those who emigrated to the United States, brought their beloved Italian cuisine with them, and it spread like wildfire.
Pizza continues to widen its fan base across U.S. cities, and there are many variations. Thin crust with gourmet toppings. Deep dish. Sicilian. There are even vegan options that taste almost as good as regular pizza. Yes, there’s plenty of delicious food out there. But nothing quite hits the spot like dough, tomato sauce and cheese.
As for the question “where can you find the best pizza?” The answer would have to be Italy. But what about within the United States? Here are our five choices.
New York City, NY
There are four foods New Yorkers take seriously: pizza, bagels, chopped cheese, and bacon egg and cheese sandwiches.
When it comes to pizza, you won’t have to venture far to get it, especially in Manhattan. Whether you go to a mom and pop restaurant that has been owned by the same Italian family for generations, or you grab a slice for a dollar, your stomach will thank you.
New York is known for making pizza with a thin crust and light sauce. The crust is soft enough for you to fold and eat on the go.
According to Bodrum, “pizza has a long history in New York City, longer than its history in any other place in America. Pizza was first brought to this country by Italian immigrants in New York, and they founded the first pizzeria in the United States in 1905.”
Chicago, IL
Make no mistake – Chicago-style pizza is tasty and very filling. Some say it’s more like a cheesy, tomato pie than pizza. But it’s so delicious, no matter what you call it.
The Sky Deck reports, “enjoying real deep-dish Chicago pizza can be more of a sit-down meal with a fork, knife, and napkins.” Unless you have a very hearty appetite, you probably won’t need an appetizer.
Where can you go in the Chi? Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s and Pizzeria Uno are three of the best.
New Haven, CT
There’s substantial Italian presence in Connecticut. So naturally, the pizza is on point.
Wethersfield Historial Science explains, “as the nineteenth century ended, thousands of Italians entered Connecticut from small Italian villages, especially south of Rome.”
The immigrants settled in New Haven, Waterbury, Hartford, and other parts of the state.
The Nutmeg State of Connecticut has several top pizzerias. In New Haven, Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s get top marks, and they’ve been around since 1925 and 1938, respectively.
Detroit, MI
Food & Wine calls Detroit’s pizza scene, “one of the most exciting in the country.”
Detroit has its own style of pizza. It’s deep dish (not as deep as Chicago, however), and it has a square shape. The crust is crunchy and the cheese covers the full slice.
Food & Wine writes, “legend has it that Detroit’s pizza-makers achieved the crust by baking their pie not in traditional pizza trays, but in thinner metal pans originally designed to hold factory parts,” fitting enough for the Motor City.
Pie Sci restaurant offers the circular and square pizza pies. Choose from vegan, vegetarian, meat-lover and gluten-free pies.
For sourdough pizza, head to Sicily’s Pizzeria and Subs. Customers praise the quality of the dough, cheese and the toppings.
San Diego, CA
California may be known for its Mexican food, but don’t sleep on what San Diego has to offer on the pizza front. There’s a Little Italy here, filled with shops, Italian restaurants, breweries and more.
The Shop restaurant has two locations in the city. On the deep dish side of the menu, try the 858, which is loaded with spinach, mushrooms, bacon, onions, garlic and ricotta. From the traditional menu, the Hawaii 5-0 is tasty, and you can’t go wrong with the margherita.
You have the option of building your own pizza, including the crust. Aside from the traditional dough, there’s cauliflower and gluten-free crust.
For a casual lunch with friends, head to Pizza E Birra, praised for its artisan pizzas, pastas and variety of drinks.
