Houston, Texas boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and pizza holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of its residents. From classic New York-style slices to innovative gourmet pies, Houston offers a pizza experience for every palate. This comprehensive guide explores 23 of the best pizza places in Houston, categorized for easy navigation and selection. Finding the best pizza is subjective, of course, but this list aims to represent the breadth and quality of Houston's pizza landscape.
Discovering Houston's Pizza Paradise: A Guide to 23 Exceptional Eateries
This list isn't ranked in order of preference—taste is personal!—but instead organized by pizza style and features to help you find your perfect slice.
Neapolitan-Style Pizza Perfection
Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its thin, slightly charred crust and simple, high-quality toppings, is a favorite in Houston.
- Pizzaro: Known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, Pizzaro uses San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Their Margherita is a classic example of Neapolitan simplicity.
- Star Pizza: This popular spot offers a wide variety of Neapolitan pizzas with creative topping combinations. Their attention to detail in both dough and toppings make it a standout.
- Via Vai: Via Vai prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients in their Neapolitan pies. Try their seasonal specials for a taste of Houston’s fresh produce.
Table 1: Comparison of Neapolitan Pizza Places
| Pizzeria | Crust Style | Signature Pizza | Price Range | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizzaro | Thin, Charred | Margherita | $$ | Authentic Neapolitan Technique |
| Star Pizza | Thin, Charred | Spicy Sopressata | $$ | Creative Topping Combinations |
| Via Vai | Thin, Charred | Seasonal Specials | $$ | Locally Sourced Ingredients |
New York-Style Pizza Powerhouses
For those craving a classic New York slice, Houston has several excellent options.
- Frank's Pizza: A Houston institution, Frank's serves up large, foldable slices with a satisfyingly crispy crust.
- Luigi's: Luigi's offers a nostalgic New York pizza experience with generous toppings and a friendly atmosphere.
- New York Pizza: This straightforward place delivers exactly what it promises: generous, tasty New York-style pizza.
What makes a truly great New York-style pizza? It's a combination of factors: a thin but sturdy crust with a slightly charred bottom, a generous amount of quality cheese, and simple, flavorful sauce.
Gourmet and Creative Pizza Creations
Houston's pizza scene extends beyond the classics, with many restaurants offering inventive and gourmet pizza options.
- 8th Wonder Brewery: This brewery also serves up delicious pizzas, often featuring seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
- Cane Rosso: Known for its creative pizzas and extensive wine list, Cane Rosso provides an upscale pizza experience.
- The Original Ninfa's on Navigation: While known primarily for Tex-Mex, their pizza is a hidden gem.
Deep Dish and Chicago-Style Delights
While not as prevalent as other styles, Houston has some places dedicated to deep-dish pizza.
- Louetta Pizza: Offers a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza experience for those craving a thick, cheesy pie.
Beyond the Slice: Other Pizza Experiences
- Little Woodrow's: Known for its bar atmosphere and selection of pizzas.
- Midtown Pizza: Great option for a casual pizza and beer experience.
- Pasqually's Pizza & Wings: Family-friendly, with a variety of pizzas and wings.
- Postino WineCafe: While specializing in wine, their pizzas are a popular choice.
- Pizza My Heart: Offers a customizable build-your-own pizza experience.
- Romeo's Pizza: A classic Houston pizza place.
- Secret Pizza: Offers a speakeasy-style pizza experience.
- Tony's Pizza Napoletana: Upscale Neapolitan pizza with a focus on ingredients.
- Vallone's: A fine-dining establishment that includes incredible pizza options on their menu.
- Zio's Italian Kitchen: Upscale Italian spot with excellent pizza.
- La Piazza: Another popular Italian restaurant with a diverse pizza menu.
- Good Dog Houston: While known for its hot dogs, their pizzas are also a worthy mention.
- Brio Tuscan Grille: An Italian-American restaurant featuring quality pizzas.
This list provides a starting point for your Houston pizza journey. Remember to explore, experiment, and discover your personal favorite slice of heaven in this diverse and delicious city! Let us know in the comments your favorite Houston pizza spots!
