Buffalo, New York, is a city renowned for its pizza. Forget the usual pepperoni and cheese – Buffalo pizza boasts a unique style, often featuring a thicker crust and distinctive sauce. This article dives deep into the heart of Buffalo's pizza scene, presenting 24 of the most beloved pizzerias, each with its own story and slice of deliciousness. Whether you prefer thin crust, thick crust, or something in between, this guide will lead you to your new favorite pizza haven. Finding the best pizza is subjective, but these are consistently ranked among the best pizza places in Buffalo.
Iconic Buffalo Pizza Styles: Setting the Stage
Before we dive into the list, let's understand what makes Buffalo pizza unique. Many pizzerias here follow a distinct style:
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Thick Crust: This is a hallmark of many Buffalo pizzerias. The crust is typically slightly doughy and substantial, providing a hearty base for the toppings.
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Hearty Sauce: The sauce tends to be rich and flavorful, often with a slightly sweet undertone. It's not a thin, watery sauce; it's a significant component of the overall pizza experience.
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Generous Toppings: Buffalo pizzerias don't skimp on toppings. You'll often find a plentiful amount of cheese and other ingredients.
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Variations: While the thick crust and hearty sauce are common, many pizzerias offer variations, including thin crust options, unique topping combinations, and specialty pizzas.
The Top 24 Pizza Joints in Buffalo: A Delicious Journey
This list isn't ranked in any particular order; each pizzeria offers a unique and wonderful pizza experience.
Classic Buffalo Style:
- Pizza Plant: Known for its consistently delicious, classic Buffalo-style pizza.
- Westside Bazaar: A vibrant food hall featuring multiple vendors, some of which offer excellent pizza.
- La Nova Pizzeria: A Buffalo institution with multiple locations, serving up a beloved thick-crust pizza.
- Sophia's: A family-owned restaurant serving up traditional Italian-American fare, including delicious pizza.
- Admiral's Pizza: Located in the heart of downtown, Admiral's is a popular choice for pizza and other Italian-American delights.
- Marco's Pizza: A popular franchise known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious pizzas.
Thin Crust & Unique Options:
- Taqueria Los Mayas: While not strictly a pizza place, their pizzas are worth mentioning. They offer unique and delicious combinations, such as their al pastor pizza.
- Coalfire: Famous for their coal-fired pizzas, offering a unique, crispy crust.
- Blaze Pizza: Another franchise that has made its mark with their fast-casual thin-crust options and build-your-own pizzas.
Neighborhood Gems & Hidden Favorites:
- Parkway Pizza: A local favorite known for its consistently good quality and friendly service.
- Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant: This popular restaurant boasts a great atmosphere and delicious pizza, especially their Sicilian.
- The Foundry: A stylish restaurant with a creative menu, including some interesting pizza creations.
Family-Friendly Options:
- Frank's Pizza: A classic family-friendly pizza place that has been a Buffalo staple for decades.
- Pizza Hut: A globally recognized chain, still a go-to for many families. (While not unique to Buffalo, it's popular here)
- Domino's Pizza: Similar to Pizza Hut, a recognizable chain offering convenience and a variety of pizzas.
Unique Styles and Flavors:
- Chuck's Pizza: Known for some unusual and creative pizza toppings and styles.
- Rocca: This upscale Italian restaurant provides elevated pizza options using top-quality ingredients.
- Zaffiro's Pizza: A local favorite known for its generous toppings and delicious sauce.
Beyond the Traditional:
- The Black Sheep: A trendy spot that offers unique and creative pizza options, often with unexpected toppings.
- Thin Man Brewery: Offers excellent craft beer paired with pizzas that complement their brews.
A Few More Notable Mentions:
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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute: The student-run restaurant offers creative and high-quality pizza options.
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Notorious P.I.G. Burgers and more, but their pizza is definitely worthy of a try!
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Picasso's Pizza: This popular local joint is known for its extensive menu and consistently delicious food.
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Casa di Pizza: Offering both classic and unique pizza options in a cozy atmosphere.
Conclusion: Your Buffalo Pizza Adventure Awaits
This list offers a starting point for your exploration of Buffalo's vibrant pizza scene. Each pizzeria offers a unique experience, so exploring various options is highly recommended. Remember to check hours and availability before visiting, as popularity can lead to lines. Happy pizza hunting!
