Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. The Tampa Bay area’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to outdo ourselves.
If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 15+ places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
A slice of history
Alfonso’s Pizzeria, 14942 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | A Tampa staple since 1978, this pizzeria offers tradition in its flavor. The owner moved to New York back in the 1970s from Sicily. Good luck getting your hands on the family secrets.
Toby’s Original Little Italy Pizza, 3523 49th St. N., St. Petersburg | For more than 50 years, St. Pete residents have enjoyed pizzas and subs from Toby’s. This laid-back spot offers a simple menu with classics like meatball subs and thin-crust pies.
Lee’s Grocery, 2210 N. Central Ave., Tampa | Chow down on craft beers + specialty stone-baked pizzas in the former grocery store which dates back to 1884.
Eddie & Sam’s New York Pizza, 203 E. Twiggs St., Tampa | This joint has been giving downtown Tampa a taste of the Big Apple since 1998 — literally. It uses New York water in the dough.
Paisano’s Pizza ‘n Pasta, 6000 4th St. N., St. Petersburg | Paisano’s started serving Burg locals in 1974 and dishes up other classic Italian eats too, including chicken parm + lasagna.
Barstool CEO Dave Portnoy called Madison Avenue’s pizza “high end.”
Photo by Madison Avenue Pizza
Classic bites
Madison Avenue Pizza, 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin | TBAY’s home of the 32-inch pie has all the classic flavors and almost too many toppings to choose from. In his fabled one-bite pizza review series, Barstool CEO Dave Portnoy gave the Dunedin eatery a commendable score of 7.7 out of 10.
Gianni’s New York Pizza, 936 58th St. N., St. Petersburg | This family-owned business offers an unbeatable deal: two slices of cheese pizza + a soda for just $7.99 all day every day.
Santoro’s Pizza, 1329 W. Cass St., Tampa | Named after the owner’s first son, there’s a slice of New Jersey here with some traditional Sicilian influence sprinkled on top for good measure.
Due Amici Pizza & Pasta Bar, 1724 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | Many an Ybor night ends here. Head down until 3 a.m. to enjoy tasty slices. Fun fact: It imports tomatoes from Italy.
Bavaro’s, multiple locations | From the downtown St. Pete spot to Tampa International Airport, this family-run business offers classic Neopolitan taste with a century of tradition packed into each bite.
Fabrica is award-winning for a reason.
Photo of Fabrica by @foodfreaksguide
Award winners
The Nona Slice House, 997 Main St., Safety Harbor | Pro tip: Keep it simple here with a margherita pizza. That’s the flavor combo owner Jamie Culliton won Best Pizza in the Country for at the American Pizza Championship.
Fabrica, multiple locations | Named one of the world’s best 100 pizzerias in 2023, this restaurant is renowned for its Neopolitan flavors and customizable pizzas.
Verducci’s, 7800 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach | Backed up by decades of happy pizza-loving beach-goers, Verducci’s was previously named Best Restaurant on the Beach in the US by TripAdvisor.
Cappy’s offers dinner with a view.
Photo by TBAYtoday
More than just pizza
King’s Pizza & Grill, 325 Coronado Dr., Clearwater Beach | Unleash your adventurous side with some unusual flavor combinations like shrimp on pizza. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Tomato Joe’s, 7032 W. Waters Ave., Tampa | This independent spot boasts a huge menu with plenty of pies and apps. Feast on wings, calzones, desserts, and other tempting delights.
Cappy’s Pizza, multiple locations | This one could be controversial. Cappy’s serves up both classic New York-style pies and Chicago-style deep dish. We do not pick sides.
Tuttorosso, 7863 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach | It might be hard to get back in the nearby ocean after chowing down on a meal here. The spot’s gluten-free options are highly rated.
Angelo’s Pizza, Subs, & Spirits, 536 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg | Here’s one for the night owls. Head to the downtown St. Pete spot until 3:30 a.m. every day to enjoy pizzas, pastas, subs, and desserts.
Did we miss your favorite pizza place? Let us know.
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