10 Best Cleveland Pizza Parlors | Best Pizza in Cleveland OH

Looking for the best Cleveland pizza parlors? You’ve come to the right place!

Cleveland is not only a city full of skyscrapers, but it is also a city with a great deal of outdoor recreation due to its location on the shores of Lake Erie.

In addition, Cleveland has a Little Italy community that dates back to the early 19th century, when Italian immigrants began settling there.

If you’re looking for delicious pizza, it’s best to avoid chain restaurants. Instead, try a local pizza place. No matter where you are in Cleveland, plenty of local shops do their best to get you a fresh slice. If you like to experiment with toppings, the following five places can help you discover new favorites.

In Cleveland, you can find many pizzerias, restaurants, and cafes that have been operating for years and have retained their old-fashioned Mediterranean charm.

There’s nothing like Cleveland’s pavement cafes when the sun shines. A significant food festival showcasing every type of Italian food, including pizza, takes over the streets in Taste Little Italy just before winter sets in.

Cleveland makes excellent pizza, which is something that you should know. Unfortunately, finding the right pizza place can be almost as tricky as choosing the right toppings. So I will help by recommending ten places to get an excellent pizza in Northeast Ohio.

These are Cleveland’s best pizza joints to keep you feeling full and warm, whether you’re craving an evening out at one of Cleveland’s top restaurants or a night in with a delivery.

The 10 Best Cleveland Pizza Places

Marotta’s

2289 Lee Rd., Cleveland // +12169329264

Italian wine and chewy pizzas are served in this cozy bistro. The dimly lit, European-style bistro atmosphere makes Marotta’s an inviting neighborhood spot where you’d happily stay night after night for a glass of wine and some classic Italian comfort food.

You should head straight for the pies despite the tempting selection of homemade portions of pasta and entrees.

Fresh mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and roasted garlic are just a few of the delicious toppings you can enjoy with a generous (though not too thick) crust.

Citizen Pie

2144 W. 25th St., Cleveland // +12168601388

Pizzas are made in an open kitchen à la Neapolitan style. You know exactly what you’re in for when you enter Citizen Pie — a small cafe featuring a giant pizza oven. The doughy, charred crust is topped with high-quality ingredients, making this one of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas you’ll find anywhere.

Enjoy the classic smoked pepperoni with mozzarella and oregano for a taste of pure perfection.

Crust

2258 Professor Ave., Cleveland // +12165830257

A place with a variety of pies and truly gigantic slices. After receiving acclaim in a more modest spot, Crust has expanded to a larger space with a full bar and added a lunch option in the midtown corridor.

It’s the kind of pizza that gives umami-minded diners a bunch of off-the-wall options to choose from.

You must try the Mushroom Mix topped with goat cheese, fresh thyme, garlic, caramelized onion, balsamic reduction, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, and, of course, an indulgent drizzle of white truffle oil.

Edison’s Pizza Kitchen

2365 Professor Ave., Cleveland // +12162984484

This late-night spot offers specialty pies and slices to go. An indulgent night of drinking is no excuse for not enjoying Edison’s gooey, thick pies. While Edison’s specialty pies (and it’s open late) are well worth the wait, it offers generous slices for those in a hurry.

You’ve got to try the BBQ chicken with homemade sauce, onions, a blend of cheeses, and honey for that oh-so-necessary dipping.

Vincenza’s Pizza & Pasta

603 Prospect Ave. E, Cleveland // +12162418382

Authentic New York pizza from Big Apple transplants. Vincenza’s in Cleveland is about as close to a classic NY slice as you can get without traveling to the Big Apple.

There is no question that this is Cleveland’s most hyped pizza spot, but the hype isn’t unfounded. Vincenza’s has New York-style brick walls and small tables, quick service, low prices, prompt seating, and good quality pies.

It’s best to get the standard NY pies here – the Sicilian pies need improving. They have a slightly sweet sauce that isn’t too thin and not too thick. I recommend one slice to start as a meal or three slices for $5 if you are ravenous.

This restaurant only opens during the week for lunch and closes at 6:30 p.m. However, I promise you’ll be rewarded for your patience if you get in line and don’t mind waiting.

Vero Pizza Napoletana

12421 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights // +12162298383

Handmade Neapolitan pies made with fresh dough. Each batch of dough, every pizza at Vero is made by its owner – this dedicated man does not mess around.

Their Neapolitan pies are hand-rolled from simple ingredients and then baked for just 90 seconds with a wood-fired oven.

This recipe is meant to be eaten straight out of the oven and uncut, as it is crispy on the outside and chewy and soft on the inside. You will surely enjoy it!

Il Rione

1303 W. 65th St., Cleveland // +12162821451

The great atmosphere and delicious pies topped off with superb drinks make for a spectacular evening. Besides being one of the best pizza joints in Cleveland, this restaurant is also one of the best in the city.

The cozy restaurant features an alleyway patio, a cozy interior, and an enticing menu of fresh salads and pies.

You have to try the Speck pie with lemon ricotta, pistachio, and hot honey. And, for those who prefer spicy over sweet, try the Diavolo with mozzarella, Calabrian chilies, spicy salami, and red onions.

For dipping your crust, ask for a small dish of olive oil. It’s so good you may want to drink it. If you prefer, pair your meal with one of the Italian drinks on the small but powerful menu.

Sainato’s at Rivergate

1852 Columbus Rd., Cleveland // +12167724400

There is a hidden gem on the West Bank, down in the Flats. Salinato’s at Rivergate specializes in Cleveland-style pizza with round pies, sweet sauce, and buttery crust.

Sainato’s at Rivergate’s homemade sauce is the first thing that comes to mind when you walk in and smell it.

While the crust is buttery and soft, the sauce is tangy and sweet, making a perfect Cleveland-style pizza with copious amounts of cheese. If you want meatballs, sausage, pepperoni, or ham on your pizza, Sainato’s makes those, too.

Bar Cento

1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland // +12162741010

Located on West 25th Street, the main thoroughfare of this Ohio city, Bar Cento is attached to Bier Market and opened in 2007.

It has always been one of the best late-night eateries in town since it opened. A dish you must order if you have never been to Cleveland is the thick-cut fries and, of course, the Sunnyside pizza, topped with provolone, housemade pancetta, blue loon farm eggs, and black pepper.

Pizza (216)

401 Euclid Ave., Cleveland // +12167417992

You may be tempted to order from your local chain or order from a delivery service when you’re craving pizza, but here’s some advice – try Pizza 216 instead.

If you’re looking for some wood-fired deliciousness, Pizza 216 is the place to get a slice in the city.

You can even get a fun twist on pizza: pierogi pizza. If you’re craving something new and delicious, give it a try next time! It’ll satisfy your pizza cravings regardless of what you choose!

Summary Of The 10 Best Cleveland Pizza Restaurants

We all love a good slice of pie. And lucky for us, there are a ton of options in Cleveland. Whether it’s traditional New York, deep dish, Neapolitan, Detroit, or even Cleveland-style pizza, there’s something delicious for everyone.

Cleveland is booming, but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed. The pizza scene here in the Cleveland area remains one of the best around, which means it’s only a matter of time before your next dinner date or family get-together revolves around pizza.

And when it does, you should find yourself craving a tasty slice of the pie. So, with this article and the best go-to pizza places in Cleveland, I’ve got you covered!

Visiting other destinations in Ohio? Check out our other delicious guides:

Which of these Cleveland pizza restaurants do you want to try first? Let us know in the comments section below!

Igor Jovanovsky

Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever

10 Best Cleveland Pizza Parlors | Where to Enjoy the Best Slice in The Forest City

Table of Contents