Somerville’s pizza scene is a deliciously practical adventure. You’ll find these 12 standout spots tucked near T stops, perfect for a quick slice between errands or a full pie to fuel your next Target run. Each offers its own gamble—will you be seduced by a classic Margherita or dare to try the wildest, cheesiest creation on the menu?
Mama Gina’s Pizzeria
$ | (617) 625-0116 | WEBSITE
Mama Gina’s Pizzeria is a New York-style pizza spot where you can get things like pepperoni slices, chicken bacon slices, and calzones full of cheese and spinach. But you should prioritize the $3 basic pepperoni slice, which is one of our favorite snacks in Union Square. Nicely charred crust, warm cheese, savory pepperoni, and sprinkled with some oregano—it’s a great pick-me-up, and a perfect walking-around snack for figuring out what you’re going to bring back to the office for lunch.
Union Square Pizza & Sub
$ | (617) 776-7617 | WEBSITE
To be clear, this is not a full-on fine dining establishment. It’s Union Square Pizza & Sub—in other words, a modest spot serving a diverse menu of pizza, American, and Indian cuisine. Maybe it’s the unassuming appearance, or maybe it’s the fact that it’s primarily known for takeout and delivery, but the food here doesn’t seem quite as impressive at first glance. And yet, we’d devour a plate of their paneer tikka masala in a heartbeat. This is not a fancy meal, but it is an exceptional one.
Hot Box Pizza & Roast Beef
$ | (617) 284-9600 | WEBSITE
There’s a surprising lack of roast beef sandwiches at this pizza joint, but you can get an interesting one at this Somerville spot. Order their South Shore Bar Pizza, which comes with crispy edges, savory toppings, and a crust that’s somehow lighter than it appears. They also serve buffalo chicken pizza and squash pizza, but these ones aren’t as flavorful as the ones at their original courtyard location. Stick to the pepperoni.
Ciao Somerville
$$ | (617) 764-1108 | WEBSITE
The Neapolitan-style pizza joint, which focuses on woodfired classics, has been serving their signature pies in Somerville since the early 2000s. At their cozy storefront, you can enjoy a focused menu of pizzas and desserts. We’d recommend trying the Funghi pizza, which features a truffle cream base and earthy mushrooms—your hands will only get a little messy if you’re planning on eating your margherita pizza during your lunch break. You can also get a perfectly balanced tiramisu for $9.
ZaZa Pizzeria
$ | (617) 764-3409 | WEBSITE
Pizza joints are everywhere, so let me simplify things for you. Head to ZaZa Pizzeria, a Somerville spot specializing in crispy, delicious pizza. (You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see huge slices flying out the window, and a line of late-night regulars on Fridays and Saturdays.) Just like at the best spots in Magoun Square, I prefer the classic cheese pizza best, which has that perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio and a satisfyingly crispy crust.
But my favorite part of the meal is really the plump wings on the side—you can grab a large pizza for $10 on Mondays, in case you need a budget-friendly feast after a long day.
City Slicker Cafe
$ | (617) 625-0700 | WEBSITE
This spot keeps their pizza experience simple. You just choose your gourmet pizza or the excellent Cubano sandwich, and it’s served with that delicious, crispy crust that takes the cheese all the way to the edge. We prefer the pizza, because it comes with that nice crispy bottom and caramelized crust that’s a big hit every time. The $16 pot roast entrée is also worth trying.
There’s rarely a wait during dinner, so sneak over to this sleeper hit while everyone else is getting their parties elsewhere.
Caesar’s Pizza & Subs
$ | (617) 776-9942 | WEBSITE
When you just need a classic slice, this pizza joint is useful for its consistency. It’s a straightforward menu for a neighborhood spot, complete with pizzas, subs, wraps, and the usual sides. We find the wraps, well, standard, but their pizzas, especially the Sicilian and the classic cheese, have gotten us through some lazy evenings. No matter what you get, you can count on that good cheese-to-sauce ratio and no flop.
Caesar’s is a popular place, so plan on waiting up to 10 minutes during peak hours.
White Sport Pizza
$ | (617) 776-0790 | WEBSITE
You’ll find steak bombs at a lot of pizza places, even the upscale ones, but these hearty, sub-style sandwiches aren’t exactly gourmet fare. A hot steak bomb is a solid grab-and-go option. Their counter sells steak bombs as singles or combos with fries, alongside other picks like tuna subs, cheeseburgers, and chicken wings. Expect to wait about 15 minutes for a fresh order—and then another few until it’s cool enough to bite without scorching the roof of your mouth.
American Flatbread
$ | (617) 776-0552 | WEBSITE
In a city where most pizza joints do not spin their own dough, American Flatbread earns itself instant extra credit. The housemade flatbreads here take the pizzas, salads, and lemonade to a higher plane of existence, where all is warm and chewy. We particularly love the thin-crust pizzas, with crispy edges that come straight from the wood-fired oven by the counter, but you can grab a fresh salad, a refreshing lemonade, or a slice topped with your favorite ingredients.
Josephine
$$ | (617) 764-3035 | WEBSITE
If you wander into Somerville looking for brunch with no clear destination, let the chic, clean design of Josephine draw you in. The popular spot offers eggs Benedict, hash browns, and pancakes, but you should focus your attention on the burger. It’s exactly what you’d hope for—juicy and flavorful, served with options like crisp chicken Caesar salad or hearty rigatoni.
Go for the burger or the often-praised rice pudding, and don’t miss the beautifully presented cocktails, especially on the patio in nice weather. The staff is gracious and attentive, making you feel well cared for in the lively, stylish environment, though it can get quite loud on weekends.
Posto
$$ | (617) 625-0600 | WEBSITE
Meanwhile, over at Posto in Somerville, the pizza has a richer character. This Italian restaurant serves pies with house-made dough, plus appetizers like olives, meatballs, and calamari. Those are reliable, but when we crave something more indulgent, the meat lovers spicy pizza is our pick. It’s a knife-and-fork affair that layers generous toppings on fresh dough and feels more like a hearty casserole, with a kick of spice and a rustic, cozy vibe.
Also, if you want pasta with more comfort, try their arancini or bruschetta.
Leone’s Subs & Pizza
$ | (617) 776-2511 | WEBSITE
Of the pizza joints that are local favorites in Somerville, Leone’s is closest to the classic Boston-style original. It’s also pretty straightforward for a takeout spot—Sicilian pizza and spinach and garlic varieties are available by the slice, and the eggplant parm sub is a rather satisfying sandwich to eat on the go. The prices match. A quick lunch of two slices and a drink will run you anywhere from $8-$12. That might be why there’s never a wait despite how good it is.