Originally a suburb that grew into Columbus proper, thanks to zoning quirks—plus that era when everything seemed to close by 9 p.m.—the city’s pizza scene has stubbornly kept its neighborhood soul. (The old-school pizzerias are still kicking, though.) Lately, Columbus has seen a flood of new spots, from renovated auto shops to, like, a lot of wood-fired joints.
So whether you’re new in town or just craving a slice for date night because you finally snagged a free evening, here are the best pizza spots in Columbus.
Luna Pizza Kitchen – Bethel Road Columbus
$ | (614) 525-0004 | WEBSITE
Luna Pizza Kitchen is another standout in the constellation of pizza joints across Columbus, joining the ranks of beloved local spots that have earned their place on best-of lists. This casual neighborhood eatery combines classic Italian-American comfort with halal-certified options—neither of which we can get enough of. Every pizza here feels familiar yet exciting, satisfying and somehow inventive at the same time.
Grab a booth for a quick lunch, settle in for a generous dinner, or just swing by for takeout when those pizza cravings hit.
Bella’s Pizza
$ | (614) 274-3358 | WEBSITE
Bella’s Pizza hits all the classic Columbus pizza joint notes: bright fluorescent lighting, checkered tablecloths, and families digging into steaming hot pies while kids color on paper placemats. But what makes it stand out is the unbeatable value and those creative pizza combinations you won’t find elsewhere, where you can savor pepperoni, pineapple, and onion all on one perfect slice. Grab a few buddies or your whole crew and split a party pack under the glow of the neon “OPEN” sign.
East Coast Pizzeria
$ | (614) 885-0101 | WEBSITE
East Coast Pizzeria is unlike anything else in Columbus. This NY-style spot serves incredible, consistent pizza that makes us ask, ‘Wait, how is this so flawless?’ You’ll need at least 15 minutes to appreciate each pie’s perfect crust and balanced toppings. It’s the kind of place to return to again with hungry friends and family, not just somewhere you can say you’ve tried their Bourbon Chicken Pizza. And while this style of pizza doesn’t always translate to accessibility, East Coast does.
Where some places might cut corners, East Coast delivers quality, and each slice hums.
Luna Pizza Kitchen – Morse Rd
$ | (614) 471-7474 | WEBSITE
Columbus pizza lovers have been flocking to this cozy Morse Road spot for years. Luna Pizza Kitchen is a neighborhood gem, with its warm lighting, friendly chatter, and the constant aroma of baking dough. The Super Moon Pizza is a must-order—that crispy, golden crust holds up beautifully under the rich tomato sauce and fresh toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms.
While Luna can accommodate families with kid-friendly seating, you can also grab a two-top by the window for a quick lunch or casual dinner. Service is attentive, especially when the owner is on the floor, and the pies come out fast—the large cheese pizza arrives piping hot with that perfectly melted, hand-shredded-tasting cheese. At around $18 for a large specialty pie, it’s a phenomenal value for pizza this good.
Rubinos Pizza
$ | (614) 235-0712 | WEBSITE
Rubinos Pizza is one of the only classic pizza spots in Columbus, and it happens to be pretty great. Rubinos’ savory, crispy thin-crust gets topped with an unfathomable number of different sauce and topping configurations. As well as smothered with first-class pepperoni and sausage and loaded with tasty meatballs. We like to head here with the whole family, split as many veggie pizzas and meat-lovers pies as possible, and finish with a few warm slices to share. You know, just a casual meal.
Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza
$ | (614) 421-2300 | WEBSITE
Take a classic college hangout, mix it with the energy of a New York slice joint, then sprinkle in some family-run charm, and you’ve got Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza. This student-favorite spot near Ohio State, open daily, has a dining area filled with just as much Buckeye spirit as varieties of pizza. Not only are you here to devour expertly crafted no-fuss Sicilian slices, but you’re also learning about different topping combinations or how to perfectly fold a New York-style slice.
At some point, it’s hard to tell whether you’re just eating through a pizza order, being welcomed like a regular, or about to take a quiz on gelato flavors. Suddenly, an hour and three slices pass by, and, like finishing a campus tour for the first time, you wonder if anyone will notice you’ve circled back for another round of that hot honey pepperoni.
Slammers
$ | (614) 221-8880 | WEBSITE
Slammers is a tale of two experiences: one lively pizza joint perfect for groups, and one cozy spot for family dinners. It’s fun enough for a night out with friends, but it’s not going to be quiet or refined here. Pickle pizza sizzles in the oven, families share baskets of pretzel sticks, and friends debate over the last slices of amazing pie.
Slammers nails the balance between casual comfort and creative cooking, with enough quirky touches that make you appreciate the details, like the self-serve ice-cold water station and the warm, welcoming staff led by Alden, who might just be the best bartender in the country.
Cardo’s Pizza
$ | (614) 409-9229 | WEBSITE
For decades, the South Side staple and pizza-focused restaurant Cardo’s Pizza has served up a whole mess of different pies and subs. The place is built around a no-frills counter service setup and has a family-friendly vibe that would make any parent breathe easy, especially once the pepperoni pizza or meat lovers pizza with banana peppers arrives at your table. We prefer grabbing our order for takeout with the fast service and great coupons.
You could be dining in a classic New York slice joint or maybe some cozy Midwest pizzeria, but you’re just in Columbus, Ohio, with plenty of parking and that ping ball machine keeping the kids entertained.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice
$ | (614) 923-3863 | WEBSITE
Mikey’s Late Night Slice is a pizza powerhouse. The bustling downtown joint serves up slice after slice of cheese and pepperoni all night long, but only after the sun goes down (or until the dough runs out). Grab your pie with a thinner crust and plenty of toppings, with straightforward options: just cheese or pepperoni, but both are tremendous. Don’t skip the breakfast pizza, if only to give your taste buds a break from all that late-night pepperoni.
You can brave the takeout line and get everything to go. But we prefer digging into the slices at the bar, the way Columbus intended, with a craft beer (sports on TV included).
Emelio’s Restaurant
$ | (614) 279-7900 | WEBSITE
Lunch at Emelio’s is all hits and no misses. One bite of the thin, cheesy pizza with pepperoni could turn anyone into a cartoon cat. We thought about devouring the whole pie in one sitting (and we kind of did). The food at this neighborhood bar feels familiar and satisfying all at the same time. Because the flavors are Columbus comfort melded together, but with a fresh take, and in a space that someone with an actual personality put together.
Grab a seat for game day or a casual hangout (no reservation needed) for a knockout meal.
GoreMade Pizza
$$ | (614) 725-2115 | WEBSITE
If you want Neapolitan-style pizza with a friendly neighborhood feel, GoreMade Pizza can set you up. Even though the crust can get a little charred from the wood-fired oven, the smoky flavor doesn’t make the pizza taste any different. What’s great is you can choose your own adventure at GoreMade—whether you’re here solo, or with family, or just trying to hustle through a quick lunch. Get fancy with the chef’s choice pizza (don’t do that) or the Clintonvillian (do that).
Or just relax, double-fist a couple slices of garlic bread, and admire the farm-to-table ingredients or the fact that the staff switches from pizza recommendations to local beer suggestions and back again. Like most places in Columbus, the burnt edges will settle in eventually.
Casa Di Pizza
$ | (614) 586-1342 | WEBSITE
Casa Di Pizza is probably the most satisfying place to grab a slice in Columbus. Not only is the crust perfectly thin and crisp, but the menu has a vibrant mix of classics and creative options like Paneer Tikka and Paneer Masala pizzas. The family-run warmth, plus a generous plate of loaded tater tots and onion petals with a side of ranch, will deliver a solid dose of comfort to your meal.
Casa Di Pizza is open for lunch and dinner, so swing by for a quick bite or settle in for build-your-own pies with toppings like pepperoni, feta, and jalapeños.
Hounddog’s Pizza
$ | (614) 261-4686 | WEBSITE
From the outside, what looks like a simple pizza joint with a spacious parking lot is actually Hounddog’s Pizza, a restaurant that specializes in fantastic pies. The inside of Hounddog’s is entirely made up of a cozy interior with servers who are patient, knowledgeable, and helpful. You should definitely get the must-try Backyard Dog pizza or the delicious breakfast pizza (or get a double hit of both).
You can also order a wide variety of beer on tap, in case you want to unlock your inner pizza lover while eating thickly cut slices with fantastic toppings. At Hounddog’s, there is a welcoming atmosphere for sharing memories, so swing by for a hot and delicious meal by yourself or with a pal.
Paulie Gee’s Short North
$$ | (614) 808-0112 | WEBSITE
Dear everyone who saw the line at Paulie Gee’s Short North and wondered, ‘Is that pizza really that good?’ Yeah, the pizza really is that good. Paulie Gee’s left the New York pizza scene and became a cozy brick-walled spot in Columbus. Not only can you order hype-worthy Neapolitan-style pies, like the Cacio e Pepe Square Pizza that’s crispy, soft, and packed with flavor, but also tempting salads and vegan options made with care, including vegan ricotta and sausage and arugula pizza.
Make sure to get to Paulie Gee’s during happy hour, especially on weeknights because, yes, that $20 square pizza and half-off wine deal is still a steal.
Westside Slice
$ | (614) 754-1660 | WEBSITE
Westside Slice has the same welcoming spirit as its fellow Columbus pizza joints, and just as much cheesy goodness. The neighborhood pizza spot not only has perfect thin crust pies with amazing airy pockets, but there’s also a menu full of simple options like sausage, ham, and onion, and the classic beef pepperoni. Or just fill up on crispy wings. Visit for the handmade crust, during lunch hours, or to try the sweet cookie dessert after your meal.
Pies & Pints – Columbus, OH
$ | (614) 478-7437 | WEBSITE
When you need a few slices of crispy-crust pizza alongside a perfectly charred serving of wings, hit up Pies & Pints. At this combination pizza joint and relaxed hangout, ordering a large pie split into two different halves might be an option, but don’t expect anything to be devoid of flavor. The incredible food here starts tasty, like the chipotle chicken pie, and veers into sweet with a Thai pie that makes us wonder why we aren’t eating here every day.
And because it’s a half-pizzeria, half-beer spot, a lot of folks grab a quick dinner, popping in and out with boxes of to-go slices, and friends squeeze in for a quick, midweek hangout over a good beer list.
Terita’s Pizza
$ | (614) 475-2100 | WEBSITE
True Columbus pizza lovers will recall when Terita’s was just a local secret tucked away in a modest storefront, serving square-cut pies to neighborhood regulars. But now it’s a celebrated destination that draws crowds from across Ohio, housed in a classic brick building with warm lighting and checkered tablecloths.
Terita’s Pizza offers several signature creations, from their award-winning Columbus-style thin-crust with handmade sausage, to their legendary meatball sub, to vegetarian-friendly options with mushroom and sausage. The place gets quite lively, particularly during weekend dinner rushes, but with their efficient team working the ovens, you’ll still get your super-fresh pizza with that special cheese blend without a lengthy wait.
Natalie’s Grandview
$$ | (614) 436-2625 | WEBSITE
Natalie’s Grandview pulls off pizza creations that sound like concepts on paper. The Funky Fungi pizza turns the classic pie into a canvas that balances earthy mushrooms with savory notes, while the option to add pepperoni introduces smoky richness that plays against the tangy tomato base. Polished wood and warm lighting, and excellent acoustics, make the space feel like a living room, if your living room had a full bar and local artists spilling out from the stage.
This Grandview place hits a sweet spot between casual neighborhood spot and a must-visit destination worth planning a night around.