From Cleveland to Columbus: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Ohio

Cleveland’s Classic Pizzerias You Can’t Miss

Exploring pizza joints in Cleveland is a bit like unlocking a series of small, doughy mysteries. Some of these places have been baking pies since before you were born, while others fly a bit under the radar but have crowds lining up out the door. Cleveland’s pizza scene is layered with history, character, and plenty of cheese, making it a strong contender for the best pizza in Ohio.

Neighborhood Favorites With a Cult Following

You don’t have to look far in Cleveland to find a neighborhood pizza shop the locals swear by. These spots keep things simple—maybe just pepperoni and cheese—but the quality keeps regulars loyal for years.

Angelo’s Pizza in Lakewood offers thick, cheesy slices that stand up to any late-night craving. Their veggie loaded pie is a must-try for first-timers.
Geraci’s on Larchmere has walls stuffed with photos of happy families and staff—the vibe here is almost as famous as its sausage and mushroom combo.
Pizza 216, right downtown, has a massive list of specialty slices, mixing in local ingredients and classic crusts.

People who grow up in Cleveland always seem to have their favorite pizza parlor—there’s a sense of loyalty that sticks around, sometimes even stronger than the crust itself.

Historic Spots Serving Ohio’s Famous Crust

Some pizzerias have been in the same family for generations, turning out that old-school, square-cut pizza that Ohio is proud of. Here’s a look at a few that birthed trends, not just pies.

Pizzeria	Year Opened	Unique Feature
Mama Santa’s	1961	Classic Sicilian pies
Nunzio’s	1954	Hand-rolled dough
Vincenza’s	1957	Family meat sauce

These historic shops have endured as long as some family-run automotive business brokers or neighborhood business for sale brokers on the west side—they’re woven into the city’s fabric.

Family-Owned Eateries With Unique Toppings

If you’re searching for pizzas that break out of the typical, Cleveland has you covered. Family-run places experiment with toppings and crusts, refusing to settle for the usual pepperoni.

Marotta’s dishes out white pizzas with garlic and spinach that are just as tasty cold from the fridge the next day.
Citizen Pie mixes Neapolitan style with Cleveland attitude—think hot peppers and local meats.
If you spot any internet business for sale ads on the bulletin board at your regular pizza joint, there’s a chance it was posted by one of these family owners—they’re always looking for the next thing.

If you spend any real time in Cleveland, you’ll realize these classic pizza stops are more than just a place to eat—they’re a real part of the neighborhood.

Columbus-Style Pizzas That Redefine Thin Crust

Columbus might not be the first place you think of when it comes to pizza, but this city has put its own spin on tradition. Local joints are famous for their super thin, cracker-like crust, heavy toppings all the way to the edge, and those signature square slices. If you’re driving down High Street or exploring the Short North, you’ll spot people grabbing boxes of this city’s proudest pizza creations.

Signature Square Cuts and Local Ingredient Traditions

Columbus-style pizza is unique for a few reasons. Here’s why folks love it:

Edge-to-edge toppings: There’s no empty crust to toss away.
Square cuts: You get more pieces, perfect for groups or families.
Local ingredients: Many places source sausage, veggies, and even cheese from nearby farms.

Pizzeria	Must-Try Signature	Crust Style
Rubino’s	Classic Pepperoni	Ultra thin
Massey’s Pizza	Loaded Supreme	Crackery, crispy
Donatos	Edge-to-edge Trio	Crispy, thin

If you haven’t tried Columbus-style pizza, you might be surprised by just how different every bite feels compared to the standard pie from the bigger chains.

Trendy Downtown Parlors Drawing the Crowds

The city’s downtown is packed with fresh pizza spots that bring new twists to old favorites. It seems like every month there’s a creative parlor opening up in the Arena District or popping into a brewery. Here’s what you’ll notice:

Bold sauce choices (some places even go for a spicy base!)
Rooftop slices: Several new spots offer rooftop seating or patios.
Pairings: Trendy parlors often collaborate with local breweries.

You’ll see a mix of students, families, and folks from business brokers hanging out after meetings or networking over a pizza lunch. Sometimes you’ll even spot internet business for sale flyers at the entrance.

Old-School Institutions Making Pizza Memories

There are legendary pizza places here that have been serving thin crust pies for decades — well before the trend hit Instagram. These restaurants are almost like a right of passage if you grew up nearby. Expect:

Original ovens dating back to the 1950s
Waitresses who have worked there for 20+ years
Toppings piled so high, there’s barely any dough underneath

These spots might not look like much from the outside, but they’ve seen everything from reunions to late-night deals between automotive business brokers. Their loyal regulars aren’t going anywhere, and they’d argue nothing beats a freshly cut square from the neighborhood pizza joint.

Artisan Pizza Joints Across the Buckeye State

Artisan pizza places are popping up everywhere in Ohio, from small towns to busy city blocks. These spots focus on quality dough, unique toppings, and often use creative cooking methods. You don’t need to be a food critic to appreciate what they’re doing. Whether you’re a fan of creative crusts or just want a memorable meal, these places are worth checking out—especially if you want more than your usual chain slice.

Wood-Fired Masterpieces Worth the Drive

There’s just something about a wood-fired pizza. The smoky crust, slight char, and gooey cheese bring people back again and again. If you’re road-tripping across Ohio or just want a good excuse to get out of your usual neighborhood, keep an eye out for these:

Personal-sized pizzas with a burnt bubble here, a little fresh basil there
Rotating specials, so the menu isn’t always the same
Most spots offer both traditional and creative combos (think pear and gorgonzola or fig with prosciutto)

Location	Notable Feature	Price Range
Yellow Springs	Brick oven patio	$$
Granville	Imported wood oven	$$$
Cincinnati (OTR)	Fresh mozzarella	$$

There’s honestly nothing like standing outside, just feet away from a breathing-hot wood oven, knowing your pizza will be done in minutes and taste totally different from anything you could make at home.

Farm-to-Table Pizzerias and Seasonal Selections

Some Ohio pizzerias take things even further, making sure their ingredients come from local farms or are only used when perfectly ripe. Sometimes, the menus change with the seasons.

Menus that feature produce from nearby farms
Weekly or monthly specials built around what’s fresh
Chefs meeting farmers at markets and bringing in ingredients the same day

A few places work with business brokers to help expand or move locations, showing just how popular local, fresh pizza is with Ohioans. This even brings up opportunities like internet business for sale listings where you might find a small town pizzeria with a loyal following.

Award-Winning Chefs and Their Must-Try Pies

It’s not an exaggeration: some Ohio pizza chefs are racking up national awards, landing in magazines, and even snagging TV appearances. Yet their pizzas, while they may cost a little more, are still about big flavors and fun combinations, not pretentious toppings.

Must-try pies typically feature a signature ingredient (maybe a local cheese, hot honey drizzle, or a spicy house-made sausage)
Chefs are known for interacting with customers and talking about their creations
Wine and beer lists often highlight Ohio-made drinks

Here’s a quick look at a few features these award-winning joints offer:

Chef/Location	Notable Pie	Accolade
Cleveland Heights	Truffle Mushroom	Regional Best Pizza
German Village	Spicy Honey Soppressata	National Finalist
Toledo	Smoked Mozzarella & Veggie	Top 10 in Midwest

And, honestly, even those running these impressive spots sometimes work with business for sale brokers. The good ones draw all sorts—pizza fans, entrepreneurs, even automotive business brokers looking for their next lunch spot.

If you’re into truly unique slices, artisan shops across Ohio have something for you. Don’t be surprised if your new favorite spot is just off a quiet highway, not in a downtown crowd.

The Best Late-Night Pizza Destinations

If you’re roaming Ohio after hours, you’ve probably thought about grabbing a late slice. There’s always something special about biting into a hot, cheesy pizza when the clock hits midnight and you just want to relax. Whether you’re hanging with friends, studying for exams, or just finishing a long shift, these spots have your cravings covered.

Top-Rated Takeout for Midnight Cravings

All over Ohio, certain pizza shops are known for staying open well past the usual bedtime. You can even find some that team up with business brokers or business for sale brokers to change hands but never lose their neighborhood charm. Here’s a quick peek at where hungry night owls go:

Pizzeria	City	Closes At	Known For
Late Slice Express	Columbus	2:30 AM	Epic pepperoni pie
West Side Dough	Cleveland	3:00 AM	Stuffed crust
Buckeye Pizza Co.	Cincinnati	1:00 AM	Monster toppings

Always call ahead—hours can change fast, especially if there’s an owner transfer through an automotive business broker or a new spot from an internet business for sale.
Check for delivery apps; sometimes, only third-party services offer the latest night options.
Some places even run special discounts for late-night pick-ups or students.

Student Favorites Near Campuses

If you’ve hung around college towns, you know pizza is the official fuel of study sessions and post-party meetups. These campus hotspots in Ohio keep students happy:

Cheese Board—Athens: Loads of thin-slice options, always open late on Fridays.
Pizza Palace—Columbus: Snag a slice and a soda for cheap, walking distance from most dorms.
Rocket Pie—Toledo: Famed for their insane garlic knots and quick service.

Pro-tip: Many college-friendly spots change hands quickly. Don’t be surprised if a new sign goes up overnight after a business broker closes a deal.

Hidden Gems in Ohio’s Smaller Cities

Not all the best late-night pizza is in the big cities. Smaller towns and out-of-the-way neighborhoods have their own legendary stops.

Donato’s, Newark: Classic square-cut pies, always friendly service, and they don’t mind a crowd close to closing time.
Mama Sue’s, Marion: Simple menu but loaded with flavor, especially the sausage pizza.
Night Owl Pizza, Sandusky: Open until the last ferry gets back, which means out-of-towners get their fix, too.

If you’re out exploring after dark, these spots deliver both taste and Ohio’s famous hospitality—even if someone new takes over thanks to a business for sale broker. Next time you’re feeling those late-night hunger pangs, you know where to go.

How Long Is Pizza Good for in the Fridge and Other Tips

Guidelines for Storing Leftover Pizza Safely

Keeping that leftover pizza safe in your fridge isn’t tricky, but a few rules make all the difference. Generally, pizza stays good for up to 4 days when kept in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). For best results:

Always put leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap
Place the pizza in the fridge within two hours after it’s cooked
Keep your fridge temperature reliably below 40°F to slow down bacteria

Pizza Storage Location	Safe Duration
Refrigerator (≤ 40°F/4°C)	3–4 days
Freezer (≤ 0°F/–18°C)	1–2 months

If you forget to store your pizza overnight and it sits out on the counter, just toss it rather than risk getting sick—you don’t want that kind of surprise.

Signs Your Pizza Might Be Past Its Prime

It’s always tempting to grab that leftover slice, but sometimes it just isn’t safe—or palatable:

Odd smells or sour scent
Mushy, slimy texture on cheese or toppings
Visible mold or discoloration

Any of these means it’s time to say goodbye. There’s no pizza recovery service (yet), even if business brokers find clever solutions for almost everything else.

Best Methods for Reheating Slices Without Sacrificing Flavor

Pizza is just better when reheated right. Here’s how you can get the best out of leftover slices:

Skillet Method: Place a slice in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover for a few minutes to re-crisp the bottom and melt the cheese. Quick, easy, and keeps the crust from turning rubbery.
Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Place slices directly on the rack or use a baking sheet. Five to ten minutes usually does the trick.
Microwave (in a pinch): For softer crust, add a cup of water next to your plate to help keep the pizza from getting soggy. Just heat for 30–45 seconds, checking often.

If you’re snack-hunting during a late-night internet business for sale marathon, these steps can save you from disappointing pizza. Not all pizza places or automotive business brokers are open past midnight, but if you store and revive your slices right, you’re good to go.

Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Alternative Pizza Finds

Finding great pizza when you have special dietary needs used to be next to impossible. Not any more. Today in Ohio, you don’t have to settle for a plain salad while everyone else grabs a slice. Across Cleveland, Columbus, and smaller cities, pizza spots are rewriting menus so everyone—vegans, those needing gluten-free, or folks with allergies—can enjoy something tasty. It’s even sparked some interesting conversations with business brokers and people exploring an internet business for sale focused on healthy pizza.

Creative Toppings for Every Dietary Need

Roasted veggies like squash, corn, and sun-dried tomato
Protein-rich extras: marinated tofu, vegan sausage, and tempeh bacon
Dairy-free sauces and spreads (think pesto, cashew cheese, or olive tapenade)

Who knew cauliflower and beet crusts could be so popular? These bold options are making traditional cheese-and-pepperoni look a bit boring.

Gluten-Free Crusts That Rival the Classics

If you’re tired of cardboard-like gluten-free crusts, you’ll be happy to know Ohio pizzerias are stepping up their game. Here’s a quick look at how a few popular options compare:

Style	Common Base	Texture	Rating (1-5)
Cauliflower Crust	Cauliflower	Crisp, light	4
Gluten-Free Sourdough	Rice Blend	Chewy	5
Almond Flour	Almond/Legume	Crunchy	3

It’s funny when even traditional pizzerias now compete to have the best gluten-free dough—almost as seriously as automotive business brokers pitch a restoration garage.

Vegan Cheese Options That Don’t Compromise on Taste

The thing about vegan cheese—everyone expects a letdown, but lately, these are surprisingly solid. I’ve tried everything from cashew mozzarella to store-bought brands, and honestly, some slices would fool even die-hard cheese fans.

House-made nut cheeses that melt just right
Plant-based mozzarella and cheddar options
Creamy, tangy spreads featuring nutritional yeast or coconut oil

Let’s be real—finding delicious vegan pizza in Ohio used to be tough, but things have changed. Now, it’s so easy to grab a great vegan slice you might end up shopping for an internet business for sale that deals in pizza yourself. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been surprised by just how good these alternatives have become.

From Cleveland’s trendy neighborhoods to college haunts in Columbus, specialty pizzerias are making it possible for everyone to join in the pizza fun—no matter your dietary needs.

Wrapping Up the Pizza Hunt Across Ohio

So, after all this talk about pizza from Cleveland down to Columbus, I’m honestly a little hungry. Ohio has a lot going on when it comes to pizza. Some places keep it old-school, others get a little wild with toppings, but there’s something for everyone. If you’re ever driving through, maybe skip the chain spots and try a local shop instead. You might find a new favorite. And hey, if you think I missed a spot, let me know—there’s always room for another slice. Safe travels and happy eating!