I don't proclaim to have the final word on pizza. I do know that if you are looking for a pizzeria there are many more choices in Phoenix than there used to be. I have nothing against the standard delivery chains like Pizza Hut or Domino's or Papa John's. They have their purpose. Sometimes, though, you just have to go out and get a fresh pizza in a restaurant setting. Are these all the best ones? Not really. Some of these pizza places are popular but didn't necessarily get my highest rating during a review.
Want to vote for which of these pizza places you'd recommend? Here's a poll about Phoenix pizza.
Yes, I know that California Pizza Kitchen is a chain. Locally, you can find them in Phoenix, Chandler and Mesa. I've eaten there a few times, although I haven't written a review. The menu is large with nice variety of non-pizza, non-Italian items in case not everyone in your group likes pizza. Also, if you like unusual pizzas, like Mango Tandoori Chicken Pizza, Shrimp Scampi Pizza or Hawaiian Pizza, you'll be happy here. They have several non-meat selections, too.
Grimaldi's used to be called Patsy Grimaldi's and has changed ownership since coming to the Valley of the Sun. They started in Scottsdale and have since expanded to Chandler and Peoria. The history of Grimaldi's has roots dating back to the first pizzeria in America in Brooklyn, New York. Home-made pizzas, fresh toppings in an upscale pizza restaurant environment.
La Piazza al Forno is a family owned, one-of-a-kind pizza place in Historic Downtown Glendale. They serve brick oven pizza and entrées in a casual, family environment. When I'm in Glendale, my car seems to pull in the direction of that pizza.
In this case, NYPD doesn't mean New York Police Department. It stands for New York Pizza Department. Dough made from from scratch, homemade pizza sauce, whole milk mozzarella - a whole pound of it on an 18” cheese pie -- baked in an old fashioned stone oven. Again, you'll find families as well as couples on casual dates here. Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Surprise, Glendale, Avondale.
This pizza place doubles as a sports bar. Old Chicago Pasta is part of the Rock Bottom chain. One of the attractions here is the more than 110 varieties of beer offered. Close your eyes and it could be one of a dozen chain restaurants. Might be a good place to catch the game on TV and snack away on pizza and appetizers and such. Mesa, Glendale, Chandler.
Did I think it was great pizza? Not really. Still, I've never seen a location that wasn't busy, so I'm sure it's me and not them. They offer whole grain wheat pizza crust. Locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa and Gilbert. This might just be the strangest comment I've seen on a web site: "...maybe we'll just put a bistro wherever the unwashed masses need food reform."
Most people don't go to Organ Stop Pizza for the pizza. Honestly, I've had better and I've had worse. Organ Stop Pizza is a unique experience in Mesa, Arizona. It's more of an attraction than a restaurant! What makes it special is that while you eat your pizza, you'll be entertained by someone playing the largest Wurlitzer organ in the world. In the family-style dining area, 43 foot ceilings enhance the acoustics for the organ. The console rests on an 8000 pound rotating hydraulic elevator. The organist plays popular favorites and takes requests. The most appreciative audiences are generally over 60 or under 10 years old, but all ages visit.
Let me get this out of the way. I've never been to Pizzeria Bianco. Chris Bianco and his downtown Phoenix pizza restaurant have won several awards, including being named the best pizza in America in 2001. There's nothing wring with having great marketing for a business, and Pizzeria Bianco has capitalized on the hype. The pizza may be great, but I'm just not willing to wait between 1 and 3 hours for a pizza, even if backgammon and a wine bar can help pass the time. If you go,
let us know what you thought.
Redendo's Pizzeria isn't what most people think of when you mention Fountain Hills, but I do. Well, maybe I think of the
Fountain first, but Redendo's Pizzeria really comes in 2nd. Another family owned pizza joint, where the New York style pizza is meant to be folded and eaten with your hands and the cannolis are made on the premises. Also in Scottsdale.
Streets of New York has many locations in Arizona, but it is not a national chain, it is a family-owned Arizona business. The menu is large and varied, including New York style pizza as well as some gourmet pizzas. Thin or traditional crust. A nice environment to eat, good for families or even a casual date night. No matter where you live, you probably aren't more than a few miles away from one of their more than 25 locations.
