Where To Find the Best Pizza in Cleveland

Cleveland might not be recognized for its pizza scene like New York or Chicago, but locals know the city has an impressive mix of neighborhood slice shops, wood-fired ovens, and creative pies. Based on my own experiences, this guide highlights some of the best pizza spots in Cleveland, all located within 30 minutes or less of Downtown. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or looking to branch out from your go-to order, you’ll find standout pizzas across neighborhoods, styles, and vibes.

Hey there! While I am sharing menu item favorites and know before you go information, you should always double-check with a restaurant before visiting to confirm this information is still accurate. I do my best to keep these posts up-to-date, but it is possible for information to change before I catch it. This post was last updated in January of 2026.

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Cleveland’s Must-Try Pizza Spots

La Pecora Pizzabar

📍Larchmere Neighborhood | La Pecora Pizzabar Website

Located just east of Downtown on Larchmere Boulevard, La Pecora easily became one of the best pizza spots in Cleveland since it opened in late 2024. I was immediately impressed with the thoughtful attention to detail, from the space to the menu down to the little edible accents on the food. The dough alone is reason enough to visit, it’s chewy with a light crisp and char but add the toppings and it’s perfection. We’ve loved everything we’ve tried here so far, which is why this newer addition to Cleveland’s pizza scene earned a spot high on our list.

Our Pizza Recs: I love a cheese pizza and the 4 Formaggi didn’t disappoint. We also enjoyed the La Pecora with the unexpected topping of french fries (trust, it’s good!). Co-founder Juan often whips up unique and delicious specialties that are always worth a visit. My favorite was a pasta bowl, made with the dough from the pizza. They are currently making New Haven-Style pizzas that is on our list to try.

Other Menu Faves: Every meal starts with a complimentary side of Wood-Fired Strips made from the day’s freshly prepared dough and finished with olive oil, oregano, and balsamic. We split an Insalata di Cesar, and we also really enjoyed the Polpette al Sugo (meatballs) which was rich with flavor. On a recent visit we indulged in the Blackberry Gelato for my birthday treat, a delight!

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Plenty of street parking is available, along with a small lot behind the pizza bar.
• The Space: You’ll enter through their sister restaurant, Barraco, and let the host know you’re dining at La Pecora. The dining room is cozy and dimly lit, with an upper mezzanine seating area that feels like a relaxed, lived-in neighborhood spot.
• Vibes: Relaxed, intimate, chill.
• Neighborhood: Larchmere is a small neighborhood in the Buckeye-Shaker district on Cleveland’s east side. It’s full of charming restaurants, vintage shops, and boutiques, plus one of the city’s coolest bookstores, Loganberry Books, housed in a former Studebaker car showroom. You could easily spend an afternoon exploring the area.

Cents Pizza + Goods

📍 Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood | Cent’s Website

As soon as you walk inside you can tell Cent’s Pizza stands out from the rest. The bright orange and wood furniture with a black and white checkerboard floor really pops, combined with their bold branding and you have one photogenic pizza shop. However, that’s not why you go to Cent’s Pizza, you go for the delicious pizza, memorable sides (like the most delicious Wonderbread), and Goods shop in front of the store that sells items you don’t see in other Cleveland shops.

Our Pizza Recs: We usually keep it simple with a classic Pepp. We have also enjoyed their White pies, and Cents regularly features more unexpected combinations if you are looking to branch out from the classics.

Other Menu Faves: The Wonderbread is a must-order and something we recommend every single visit. This may sound dramatic, but it is easily one of my top five favorite food items from a Cleveland restaurant. Get it with the cultured butter and a side of Fontina + Fontinella and have the best meal ever.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking is available along Lorain Avenue and nearby side streets.
• The Space: Unassuming from the outside, the interior opens up into a dimly lit space with bold design, an open kitchen, bar seating, tables, and a patio during warmer months. The front of the restaurant doubles as a small shop selling unique goods you likely won’t find elsewhere in Cleveland.
• Vibe: Sociable, chatty, laid back.
• Pro Tip: Dough is made in limited batches each day, so popular evenings, especially weekends, can come with longer wait times. Planning ahead helps.
• Neighborhood: Cent’s sits along the Lorain Avenue stretch of Detroit Shoreway, an area packed with vintage shops, unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also just minutes from Ohio City and Downtown Cleveland, making it easy to pair with other stops.

Explore Detroit Shoreway’s artsy vibe, from theaters and galleries to vintage shops and restaurants, in our Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood Guide.

Il Rione

📍 Gordon Square Arts District | Il Rione Website

Housed in a renovated 1917 pub, Il Rione offers some of the best pizza in Cleveland. The intimate space lets you watch your pies being made while you wait, and the uncovered patio is great on summer evenings. The rustic-chic atmosphere combines historic charm with a modern approach to NYC-style wood-fired pizza.

Our Pizza Recs: The Margherita with Pepperoni is a standout to us. I love the perfectly blistered crust and foldable slices. We also love the White with Sausage.

Other Menu Faves: The Meat & Cheese Plate is simple but good, visually appealing and full of variety. Seasonal salads and the House Salad make great starters.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking is available along W. 65th Street.
• The Space: Housed in a renovated early 1900s pub, the space has a warm, rustic charm. The entrance sits just off a tree-lined stretch of the street, and there is an outdoor patio during warmer months.
• Vibe: Sociable, dimly lit, casual chic.
• Pro Tip: Dough is made in limited batches daily, so popular evenings, especially weekends, can come with longer wait times.
• Neighborhood: Il Rione is a short walk off the main strip of the Gordon Square Arts District, part of the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. This laid-back, arts-focused area is known for its theaters, restaurants, dessert spots, and local boutiques, and tends to get busier on weekends.

Vero Napoletana

📍Cleveland Heights, OH | Vero Website

Vero Napoletana is a contemporary Neapolitan-style pizza shop on the east side, known for its bright atmosphere, curated playlist, and some of the best wood-fired pies in Cleveland. The space feels elevated yet laid-back, making it perfect for a casual date night or relaxed dinner with friends.

Our Pizza Recs: You really can’t go wrong with any of their pies, but I’m partial to the Bianca and Quattro Formaggio, while my husband enjoys a classic Salumi.

Other Menu Faves: The Caesar Salad is the perfect starter. The shredded lettuce, thinly grated cheese, and crushed croutons give it a unique taste and make it stand out.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Limited metered street parking is available on Cedar Road, with a small lot behind the shop.
• The Space: A bright, intimate space with an open kitchen, bar seating, and an upper mezzanine level.
• Vibe: Slightly elevated but casual and laid-back.
• Reservations: Available for 1 to 8 people via Tock. A credit card is required.
• Pro Tip: Vero makes about 100 dough balls on weekdays and 150 on weekends, so pizzas can sell out near closing time. If you plan to arrive later in the evening, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm dough availability.
• Neighborhood: This part of Cleveland Heights is home to several bars, restaurants, and small boutiques, and is a short drive from other popular east side spots.

Citizen Pie

📍Ohio City & Collinwood Neighborhoods | Citizen Pie Website

Citizen Pie stands out for both its eclectic interiors and the care that goes into every pizza. Pies are baked right in front of you in about 90 seconds in a 900 degree oven, its fast without sacrificing quality. The menu is creative but approachable, and the attention to detail shows in everything from the crust to the toppings. If they have their house-made soft serve on the menu, it is absolutely worth indulging in.

Our Pizza Recs: The Cacio e Pepe Pizza is a standout and one I’d order again and again. The Smoked Pepperoni Pizza is another solid choice if you want something familiar with a little extra depth of flavor.

Other Menu Faves: If available, the Vanilla Soft Serve is a must. It is rich, creamy, and surprisingly memorable.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking is available, with nearby lots depending on the location.
• The Space: A small space with eclectic design and an open kitchen, allowing you to watch your pizza being made.
• Vibe: Dimly lit, chill, eclectic.
• Neighborhood: Located on the edge of Ohio City, close to boutiques, restaurants, bars, the West Side Market, dessert spots, and entertainment venues.

Saucy Brew Works

📍Hingetown & Pinecrest Shopping Center | Saucy’s Website

Saucy Brew Works is a large, lively space that functions as both a brewpub and a full-service restaurant. Known for its apizza, a New Haven–style pizza with a thin, oblong crust and signature charred, chewy texture, it is a great option for groups and casual nights out. The interior can get loud, but during warmer months the patio is an ideal spot for a relaxed summer meal. Trivia nights, sports on big screens, and rotating events add to the energetic atmosphere.

Our Pizza Recs: We usually just get a Pepperoni Apizza. The menu also includes several suggested styles, along with a build-your-own option if you want to customize your pie. The white sauce with sausage is a good option, too.

Other Menu Faves: We like to get their Saucy Bread, and have enjoyed the Saucy Balls, Caesar Salad, and their House Mac. Yum!

Know Before You Go:

Hingetown Location (I have not been to the Pinecrest location)

• Parking: Street parking is available, with a nearby paid parking garage.
• The Space: A huge, industrial-style space with communal seating and TVs showing sports throughout the dining room. There is also a side window for ordering during busy times or for quicker pickup.
• Vibe: Loud, social, energetic.
• Neighborhood: Located in Hingetown, a popular pocket of Ohio City surrounded by art museums, coffee shops, bars, galleries, and specialty food shops. It’s also just minutes from Downtown Cleveland.

Dewey’s Pizza

📍Lakewood, OH & Cleveland Heights, OH | Dewey’s Website

While Dewey’s is a regional chain, it remains one of our favorite spots for pizza in Cleveland. The experience feels familiar and comforting, from the old-school pizza shop vibe to the viewing window near the waiting area where you can watch the pizzas being made. It is a casual, welcoming space that works for everything from weeknight dinners to family outings.

Our Pizza Recs: We usually order a half-and-half pie with Pepperoni and Red Sauce on one side and Sausage with White Sauce on the other. Best of both worlds.

Other Menu Faves: The Caesar Salad is a solid go-to, while my husband usually opts for the Harvest Salad, which adds a slightly sweeter, heartier option to the meal.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking is available, with a free lot behind the shop.
• The Space: A simple space reminiscent of classic neighborhood pizza shops. The kitchen sits behind a glass wall, so you can watch the pizza makers stretch dough and build pies while you wait.
• Vibe: Basic, no-frills, family-friendly.
• Reservations: Join the waitlist online through their website.
• Neighborhood: Located in Lakewood, this spot is a short drive from bars, restaurants, small boutiques, and one of the Cleveland Metroparks, making it easy to pair dinner with a walk or another stop.

Discover Lakewood, a vibrant lakeside neighborhood with parks, local eateries, and unique shops, in our Lakewood Neighborhood Guide.

Chatty’s Pizzeria

📍Bay Village, OH | Chatty’s Website

This charming indoor and outdoor pizza spot near Lake Erie is very family-friendly and serves up tasty, unique pies in a relaxed setting that works well as a casual gathering place.

Our Pizza Recs: The Loaded Mashed Potato pizza is a standout. The Cacio e Pepe and Cheesesteak pizzas are also high on our list to try.

Other Menu Faves: We enjoyed the Caesar Salad and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: A large parking lot is located across from the restaurant.
• The Space: A rustic space with seaside-inspired painted walls, an open kitchen, and a casual outdoor patio just a short walk from Lake Erie.
• Vibes: Relaxed, casual, family-friendly.
• Neighborhood: Bay Village is a mostly residential, lakeside community surrounded by one of the Cleveland Metroparks. The area is close to Lake Erie and home to local shops, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, making it a nice stop before or after a walk by the water.

Wolf & Co

📍Bay Village, OH | Wolf & Co’s Website

Wolf & Co. is a neighborhood pizza spot with a menu focused on wood-fired pizzas made with quality ingredients. The overall experience feels elevated, thoughtful, and approachable. It feels perfect for a casual dinner or a relaxed night out.

Our Pizza Recs: We had the Bourbon Street Pizza (no shrimp) and it was a fun, unique pizza. The Chicken Bianca is on our list for our next visit.

Other Menu Faves: The Focaccia is so good, don’t skip it. The Caesar was a tasty one, too. The brunch menu looks awesome – I am intrigued by the Waffle Basket and the Banana Chocolate Chip Focaccia Casserole.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Huge parking lot as the restaurant is on the end of a small shopping plaza.
• The Space: A clean, modern space with an open kitchen and a minimalist design that feels warm. The outdoor patio is relaxed and cozy.
• Vibes: Laid-back, friendly, social.
• Pro Tip: They also have gluten friendly crusts and lactose/vegan cheese available.
• Neighborhood: Bay Village is a mostly residential, lakeside community surrounded by one of the Cleveland Metroparks. The area is close to Lake Erie and home to local shops, restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, making it a nice stop before or after a walk by the water.

Where to Find the Best Pizza by the Slice in Cleveland

Sometimes you just want a great slice without committing to a full sit-down meal. These Cleveland slice shops are perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, and no-frills pizza cravings, all while delivering big flavor.

Edison’s Pizza Kitchen

📍 Tremont Neighborhood | Edison’s Website

Edison’s is a beloved neighborhood spot that has made a welcome return to Tremont after being closed for a couple of years. The dimly lit, cozy space feels like a true local haunt, complete with a bar and seating that invite you to linger longer than planned.

Our Pizza Recs: We usually go for a classic Pepperoni Pizza, which is simple, satisfying, and consistently good.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
• The Space: Cozy and intimate with modern touches.
• Vibe: Chill, cozy, neighborhood hangout.
• Neighborhood: Tremont is one of Cleveland’s original cool neighborhoods, filled with local boutiques, restaurants, and historic charm.

Lil Ronnie’s Pizzeria

📍 Tremont Neighborhood | Lil Ronnie’s Website

Lil Ronnie’s serves New York/New Jersey–inspired pizzas, perfect for grabbing a quick slice or picking up a full pie. The focus is on fast, reliable service and classic flavors in a small, no-frills space.

Our Pizza Recs: I usually go for a Plain Cheese or Pepperoni Slice — simple, satisfying, and consistently tasty.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
• The Space: Small storefront with options for walk-up slices or full pie pickup.
• Vibe: Casual, no-frills, walk-up spot. Seating is available next door at Edison’s Pub.
• Neighborhood: Tremont is one of Cleveland’s original cool neighborhoods, filled with local boutiques, restaurants, and historic charm.

Check out Tremont, one of Cleveland’s coolest neighborhoods, full of historic charm, local boutiques, and great food — see our full Tremont Neighborhood Guide.

City Slice Pizzeria

📍St. Clair–Superior Neighborhood | City Slice’s Website

City Slice is the go-to spot for a massive slice that delivers classic New York–style vibes.

Our Pizza Recs: I usually alternate between a Pepperoni Slice and Cheese, depending on the mood. Full pies are also available if you’re feeding a group.

Other Menu Faves: We’ve only had slices at this shop, but the Pizza Fries sound awesome.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Street parking along St. Clair Avenue.
• The Space: Simple storefront with seating, nothing fancy, just a classic slice shop setup.
• Vibe: Casual, no-frills, laid-back.
• Neighborhood: St. Clair–Superior is a historic, culturally rich neighborhood on Cleveland’s near east side. It’s known for its diverse food options, local breweries, art venues, and community events, and is just minutes from Downtown Cleveland and the Lake Erie shoreline.

Geraci’s Slice Shop

📍Downtown Cleveland, OH | Geraci’s Website

Geraci’s Slice Shop feels like stepping into an old-school pizza place straight out of the 1980s. Located just off one of Downtown Cleveland’s most popular streets, it’s a throwback spot that delivers exactly what you want from a classic slice shop.

Our Pizza Recs: We almost always order slices of Cheese and Pepperoni, which never disappoint.

Other Menu Faves: The Garlic Pillows are worth adding to your order, and the Caesar Marie Salad is a solid side option.

Know Before You Go:

• Parking: Limited street parking is available, with several paid lots nearby.
• The Space: Retro pizza shop decor with colorful, bold accents.
• Vibe: Social, casual, fun.
• Neighborhood: Downtown Cleveland is packed with things to do, from shopping and restaurants to theatre (home to the second-largest theatre district in the U.S.), sports, live music, and historic spaces. Geraci’s is near one of the more popular streets and close to the sports arenas, making it easy to stop by before or after a game or event.

Explore the heart of Cleveland with our Downtown Neighborhood Guide — from historic streets and theaters to restaurants, shops, and sports arenas, there’s always something happening.

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