Let’s be honest, the only question more important than “What are we doing tonight?” is “Where are we getting pizza?” And in Columbus, Ohio, that question is loaded with delicious possibilities! Columbus boasts a pizza scene as diverse as its neighborhoods, offering everything from classic New York-style slices to innovative artisan creations. Finding the perfect pie can feel like a quest, a delicious pilgrimage if you will. That’s why we’ve embarked on a journey to discover the very best pizza Columbus has to offer this year. This isn’t just a list; it’s a curated guide to the pizzas that are truly worth your time and your appetite. We’ve judged each contender based on taste, crust perfection, sauce symphony, and overall deliciousness, ensuring you’re equipped to make the best pizza decision possible.
Why Columbus Pizza is Special
Columbus’ pizza scene isn’t just about throwing toppings on a crust; it’s about a deep-seated love for the art of pizza making. For generations, independent pizzerias have shaped the city’s culinary landscape, each adding their unique flair to the classic dish. While national chains certainly have a presence, it’s the locally owned establishments that truly define Columbus pizza culture. There’s a palpable sense of pride in these family-run businesses, and that passion translates directly into the quality of their pies. You’ll find a strong sense of tradition blended with a willingness to experiment, creating a pizza scene that’s both comforting and exciting.
A Melting Pot of Styles
One of the things that makes Columbus pizza so special is its incredible variety. Craving a thin and crispy Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven? You got it. Yearning for a foldable New York slice with a generous topping of pepperoni? No problem. Dreaming of a thick, chewy Detroit-style pizza with caramelized edges and a tangy red sauce? Columbus has you covered. The city embraces a wide range of styles, ensuring there’s a perfect pizza for every palate. And beyond the classics, you’ll also find plenty of innovative pizzas pushing the boundaries of flavor, featuring unique ingredients and creative combinations.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
In recent years, there’s been a growing emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in Columbus pizza. Many pizzerias partner with local farmers and producers to obtain the highest quality cheese, produce, and meats. This commitment to freshness elevates the flavor of the pizza and supports the local community. Whether it’s vine-ripened tomatoes for the sauce or artisanal cheeses from a nearby creamery, the use of fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference. And for those with dietary restrictions, many Columbus pizzerias now offer vegan and vegetarian options, using plant-based cheeses and creative vegetable toppings.
Judging the Pies The Criteria We Used
Determining the “best pizza” is no easy task, especially in a city with so many outstanding options. To ensure a fair and objective assessment, we established a clear set of criteria to evaluate each pizza. These criteria focused on four key aspects: taste, crust, sauce, and toppings. We also considered the overall value and dining experience, ensuring that each pizza was not only delicious but also worth the price.
The Symphony of Taste
Ultimately, the most important factor in determining the best pizza is taste. Does the pizza deliver a harmonious balance of flavors? Are the ingredients of high quality? Does each bite leave you wanting more? We looked for pizzas that were not only delicious but also memorable, leaving a lasting impression on our taste buds.
The Foundation of Perfection Crust
The crust is the foundation of any great pizza, and its quality can make or break the entire experience. We assessed the crust based on its texture, chewiness, crispness, and overall flavor. Whether it was a thin and crispy Neapolitan crust, a chewy New York crust, or a thick and airy Detroit crust, we looked for crusts that were perfectly executed and complemented the other ingredients.
The Soul of the Pizza Sauce
The sauce is the soul of the pizza, adding depth, complexity, and moisture. We evaluated the sauce based on its flavor profile, consistency, and how well it complemented the other ingredients. Was it tangy, sweet, spicy, or savory? Did it have a smooth and velvety texture? Did it enhance the overall flavor of the pizza? These were the questions we considered when assessing the sauce.
Topping Treasures Quality and Creativity
The toppings are the jewels of the pizza, adding flavor, texture, and visual appeal. We looked for toppings that were fresh, high quality, and thoughtfully chosen. Were the toppings balanced and harmonious? Did they complement the other ingredients? Were there any creative or unexpected combinations that elevated the pizza to a new level? We rewarded pizzerias that used unique and innovative toppings, as well as those that simply executed classic toppings perfectly.
The Value Proposition Is it Worth the Dough?
Finally, we considered the overall value of each pizza. Was it worth the price? Did the portion size justify the cost? Was the dining experience enjoyable? We factored in these considerations to ensure that our recommendations were not only delicious but also affordable and accessible.
The Top Pizza Places in Columbus
After weeks of rigorous testing and careful deliberation, we’ve compiled our list of the best pizza places in Columbus. These are the pizzerias that consistently deliver exceptional pizza, using high-quality ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and a passion for the art of pizza making. Each entry includes a brief description of the pizzeria, its signature style of pizza, and why it’s considered one of the best in the city.
Tommy’s Pizza A Columbus Institution
Located in multiple locations throughout Columbus, Tommy’s Pizza is a true Columbus classic, serving up thin-crust, square-cut pizzas with a generous topping of cheese and sauce. Their pepperoni pizza is legendary, and their unique blend of spices gives their sauce a distinctive flavor. Tommy’s is a no-frills pizzeria that focuses on delivering consistently great pizza at an affordable price.
Adriatico’s New York Style Done Right
Adriatico’s New York is famous for its massive, foldable slices and authentic New York-style crust. Their sauce is tangy and flavorful, and their toppings are fresh and abundant. Adriatico’s is a great place to grab a quick slice or order a whole pie for a party.
Yellow Brick Pizza A Community Favorite
Yellow Brick Pizza in Olde Towne East is a neighborhood gem known for its creative and delicious pizzas, made with fresh, local ingredients. They offer a variety of crusts, sauces, and toppings, allowing you to customize your pizza to your liking. Their vegan options are also excellent.
Harvest Pizzeria Elevated Ingredients
Harvest Pizzeria focuses on using local and seasonal ingredients to create unique and flavorful pizzas. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving them a slightly charred crust and a smoky flavor. Their menu changes seasonally to reflect the availability of fresh ingredients.
Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza Late Night Legend
Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza is a Columbus institution, famous for its late-night hours and its generous portions of pizza. Their pizzas are loaded with toppings and cheese, making them a perfect choice for a hungry crowd. They also have a great selection of beers on tap.
Goremade Pizza A Delicious Find
Goremade Pizza is a popular spot in the Short North with a huge following. The restaurant crafts amazing pies. With locally sourced ingredients and hand-made dough, this small shop serves up some of the best flavor combinations in the city.
Honorable Mentions Other Great Options
While the pizzerias listed above are our top picks, there are many other excellent pizza places in Columbus that deserve recognition. These honorable mentions are worth checking out if you’re looking for a great slice of pizza.
Paulie Gee’s A Sourdough Sensation
This pizza spot offers some of the best flavor combinations with locally sourced ingredients. Known for their sourdough crust, this place is definitely worth trying.
Antolino’s Italian A Delicious Experience
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian deli experience, be sure to add this restaurant to your list. In addition to all of the other italian treats, they also offer an amazing pizza!
Beyond the Pizza Making a Night of It
A great pizza experience is even better when paired with complementary drinks, desserts, or activities. Here are a few suggestions for making a night of it in Columbus.
Pair Your Pizza With A Local Brew
Columbus is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with many excellent breweries located near the top pizza places. Consider pairing your pizza with a local IPA, lager, or stout. Many pizzerias also offer a curated selection of wines that pair well with pizza.
Don’t Forget Dessert
After you’ve finished your pizza, treat yourself to a delicious dessert. Columbus has many excellent ice cream shops, bakeries, and cafes that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Make a Night of the Town
Extend your pizza outing with a visit to a nearby park, museum, or theater. Columbus has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with something for everyone to enjoy.
In Conclusion The Best Pizza Columbus Ohio Has to Offer
Columbus is a pizza lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of styles, flavors, and experiences to choose from. Whether you’re craving a classic New York slice, a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, or a creative artisan pie, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings in this vibrant city. We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best pizza Columbus has to offer. Now, it’s time to get out there and explore! What’s your favorite pizza place in Columbus? Let us know in the comments! Share this article with your pizza-loving friends! From classic pepperoni to gourmet creations, the perfect slice is waiting for you in Columbus. Happy pizza hunting!
