Top 8 Pizza Places in Cleveland

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In a city like Cleveland with so many restaurant options, pizza is easy to find. But you don’t want just any slice from a typical chain, you want the best New York-style, the most creative toppings, or the coolest local joint. We’ve compiled this list of Cleveland pizza spots that offer something unique, whether that’s family recipes straight from Italy or a big list of vegan pizza options. We gave you the top eight pizza places in Akron, and now it’s Cleveland’s turn.

Dante’s Pizza

4176 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 251-0744

Dante’s was one of the top 3 pizza places on the CLE Hot List 2020. Get pizza by the slice or by the pie in some truly unique flavor combinations. Try the pickle pizza (which also includes fried chicken tenders, onions and ranch dressing) or the pierogi pizza (yes, pierogis are actually on top). You can also get a philly cheese steak pizza, a potato skin pizza, and a buffalo chicken pizza.

This restaurant has been part of West Park since 1963, and the current owners use the original dough and sauce recipes that made Dante’s so popular decades ago. Customers from years past love to return for a slice that’s been a favorite since they were kids.

Citizen Pie

2144 W 25th St, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 860-1388

For those of you who like special attention paid to pizza crust, then head to Citizen Pie. The staff here use small-batch non-GMO flour and a 96-hour fermentation process while making the dough, to create a light and airy crust that’s crispy underneath. Pizza is available by the slice or by the half or full sheet. You can also mix and match 3 or 6 slices instead of committing yourself to one type of pie.

Toppings include seasonal veggies, meats like ham and salami, and a variety of Italian cheeses. Add on a side salad or go for a coffee or espresso beverage.

Mama Santa’s

2305 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 231-9567

This Little Italy staple has been around since Guido and Nancy Scaffidi opened it in 1961, and uses authentic Sicilian recipes passed down from Nancy’s mother (whose name was Santa). Today, the Scaffidi children run Mama Santa’s, preserving the original recipes and the tradition.

Come to Mama Santa’s for a House Favorite Pizza (pepperoni and pepperoncini) or a Customer Favorite (sausage, pepperoni, and mushroom). Try some of the other menu items as well, like the wide array of pasta dishes, the minestrone, or all your favorite Italian sandwiches. Mama Santa’s also sells sauces by the pint and quart, perfect for when you’re doing Italian cooking at home.

Masthead Brewing Co.

1261 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 206-6176

Pizza dominates Masthead Brewing Company’s food menu. Neopolitan-style pizza and red pizza are both available on the dinner menu, with exciting topping combinations like basil pesto, chicken bacon ranch, Spanish chorizo, and margherita. White pizza and sandwiches are available on the lunch menu.

Masthead ages its beer in whiskey barrels from distilleries, and has an extensive beer list featuring stouts, ales, lagers, and IPAs. Try a beer flight with your pizza.

Primoz

3790 W 117th St, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 688-0511

Primoz offers over 40 specialty pizzas, plus 24 wing flavors and a large vegan menu. Dough and sauce is made daily onsite, and the topping combinations on the pizzas are unique and exciting. Signature pies have fantastic names like Clevelander, Holy Cow, and Parmageddon, and they’re packed with tons of topping choices. This is the place you come if you want teriyaki, steak, or bleu cheese on pizza.

The vegan options are just as unique. Vegan meats, tofu, Thai sauce, and barbecue sauce are just a few of the options that make these pizzas stand out.

Capri Pizza

18340 Bagley Rd, Cleveland, Ohio | (440) 243-2999

When you’re looking for New York-style pizza, Capri Pizza is the place to go. This restaurant makes the perfect foldable slice with thin crust, mozzarella cheese, and light sauce. The pie options run the gamut from white pizza to deluxe. Traditional options like veggie, Hawaiian, and meat are available. You can also get unique choices like bruschetta or chicken parmesan as toppings. Other food options are available too, like stromboli, pasta, salad, and sandwiches.

Capri Pizza is currently open for takeout, online orders, and catering.

Il Rione

1303 W 65th St, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 282-1451

Crispy, light crust and creative topping combinations are what make Il Rione a favorite in Cleveland. Create your own small or large pie, or order off the “suggested pies” portion of the menu. Some of the most intriguing options include the clam pie (middleneck clams, pecorino, garlic, and oregano) and the speck pie (speck, lemon ricotta, pistacho, and hot honey on a white pizza). A meat and cheese starter is available, as well as a couple of salads, but pizza is the main event at Il Rione.

Congin’s Pizza

18812 Nottingham Rd, Cleveland, Ohio | (216) 481-4585

Congin’s is a family-owned operation that has been in business for almost three decades. This restaurant offers a large delivery radius and no notice needed if you want to order a sheet pizza. You can request deep dish or thin crust, and sizes range from personal, small, large, half sheet, and full sheet pizzas.

Toppings include Cleveland favorites, like chicken, bacon, meatball, and pepperoncini. Build your own pie or choose from options like Buffalo chicken, Sicilian, and white pizza. Salads, cold subs, wings, and a long list of appetizers are also available.

Visit Kia of Streetsboro

Kia of Streetsboro has just listed eight of the best pizza places in Cleveland, and we hope we made you hungry. We’d love to know if you’ve visited these restaurants or if we’ve inspired you to try somewhere new for dinner tonight. Did we include your favorite pizza joint? If we missed a Cleveland pizza place you love, please let us know! Send us a message so we can update this list; we want it full of local favorites.