Philadelphia, a city rich in history and culture, boasts a vibrant pizza scene that rivals any in the country. From classic New York-style slices to innovative, modern creations, Philly's pizza landscape offers something for everyone. This guide dives deep into the best pizza places in Philadelphia, ensuring you find your next favorite slice of heaven. We'll explore various styles, price points, and atmospheres, helping you navigate this delicious city's culinary gem.
Classic Philly Pizza Joints: A Taste of Tradition
Philadelphia's pizza history is deeply rooted in tradition, and these places perfectly exemplify that classic Philly style:
1. Lorenzo's Pizza: A South Philly Staple
Lorenzo's, a South Philly institution, is known for its thin crust, well-charred, and slightly crispy pizzas. Their simple, yet effective approach to pizza-making results in a pie that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. The sauce is a standout, slightly sweet and balanced perfectly with the cheese and crust. They’ve been a neighborhood favorite for generations.
- Style: Classic Philly thin crust
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly
2. John's Roast Pork: More Than Just Roast Pork
While famous for their roast pork sandwiches, John's Roast Pork also serves up some incredibly delicious pizza. Their pies are simple, focusing on high-quality ingredients and a perfectly balanced flavor profile. It's a great place to grab a quick and tasty slice while exploring South Philly.
- Style: Classic Philly thin crust
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, quick-service
3. Ishkabibble's: A Unique Philly Experience
Ishkabibble's is a true Philly institution, offering a unique pizza experience that blends classic elements with a touch of unexpected flair. Their pizza is characterized by its thin, slightly crispy crust, a generous layer of cheese, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Don’t miss their famous cheesesteaks, either!
- Style: Classic Philly thin crust with a unique twist
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, lively
Modern & Unique Pizza in Philadelphia: Beyond the Classics
Philadelphia's pizza scene isn't just about tradition; it's also about innovation. These places push boundaries, offering exciting and unexpected flavors:
4. Pizzeria Stella: Neapolitan Perfection
Pizzeria Stella delivers authentic Neapolitan pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven. The result is a light, airy crust with a slightly charred exterior. Their pizzas showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
- Style: Neapolitan
- Price: $$
- Atmosphere: Upscale casual
5. Double Knot: Asian-Inspired Pizza
Double Knot offers a unique twist on pizza, blending Asian flavors with classic pizza-making techniques. Expect unexpected toppings and creative combinations that will challenge your preconceived notions of what pizza can be. Their crusts are often unique, incorporating Asian-inspired elements.
- Style: Asian-inspired
- Price: $$
- Atmosphere: Upscale casual, trendy
6. Talula's Garden: Farm-to-Table Pizza
Talula's Garden showcases the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients in their pizza. Their crusts are often unique, and their emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce makes each pizza a unique culinary experience.
- Style: Farm-to-table
- Price: $$
- Atmosphere: Upscale, romantic
Exploring Different Styles of Pizza in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s pizza diversity extends beyond the classic and modern categories:
7. Good Dog Bar: Gourmet Pizza with a Twist
Good Dog Bar offers delicious gourmet pizzas with a focus on unique and creative topping combinations. They incorporate interesting flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients.
- Style: Gourmet
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, lively
8. Slice Pizza: By the Slice Heaven
Slice Pizza offers a wide variety of pizza by the slice, offering a convenient and affordable option for a quick bite. Their selection varies daily, giving you a chance to sample many different styles.
- Style: Various styles by the slice
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, quick-service
9. Joe's Pizza: New York Style in Philly
For a taste of New York-style pizza, Joe's Pizza is a solid choice. They offer large, foldable slices with a classic New York flavor profile.
- Style: New York Style
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, quick-service
Beyond the City Center: Discovering Hidden Gems
Some of the best pizza experiences lie outside of the city center:
10. Pizza Brain: A Pizza Museum and Pizzeria
Pizza Brain is a unique experience combining a quirky pizza museum with a delicious pizzeria. Their pizza is good, but the atmosphere is truly one-of-a-kind.
- Style: Various styles
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Quirky, fun
11. Pizziriello's: A Northern Liberties Favorite
Pizziriello's is a neighborhood favorite in Northern Liberties, offering classic Philly-style pizza with a focus on fresh ingredients and consistent quality.
- Style: Classic Philly
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, neighborhood
12. Paradiso Pizza: A Unique Take on Pizza
Paradiso Pizza is known for its creative and innovative pizza creations. They frequently offer seasonal specials, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
- Style: Creative and innovative
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, trendy
Specialty Pizzas and Unique Experiences
These spots offer unique pizza experiences that stand out from the crowd:
13. Amada: Spanish Tapas with a Pizza Twist
While not solely a pizza place, Amada offers a truly excellent wood-fired pizza as part of their larger Spanish tapas menu. The combination of Spanish flavors and wood-fired pizza is a unique treat.
- Style: Spanish-inspired wood-fired
- Price: $$
- Atmosphere: Upscale, sophisticated
14. South Street Pizza: Late-Night Slice Destination
South Street Pizza is a classic late-night spot known for their simple, satisfying slices. It's a great option for a post-bar snack or late-night craving.
- Style: Classic Philly
- Price: $
- Atmosphere: Casual, late-night
15. Your Favorite Local Spot: The Undiscovered Gem
Finally, consider exploring your own neighborhood. Often, some of the best pizza places are hidden neighborhood gems waiting to be discovered.
Choosing Your Perfect Philadelphia Pizza Experience
This list provides a starting point for your Philadelphia pizza adventure. Remember to consider your budget, preferred style, and desired atmosphere when making your choice. Each place offers a unique experience, and there’s a perfect slice waiting for you in Philadelphia. Happy eating!
