Tampa Bay may not be known for pizza, but that’s starting to change. Recently, the area was ranked among the top pizza cities in the country, even beating out juggernaut pizza stronghold New York City. And, while haters will say Tampa isn’t a za-town, we couldn’t disagree more. From Clearwater, to downtown St. Pete and beyond, here are a few of the area’s favorite pizza joints. 

Pizzeria Gregario 400 2nd St. N, Safety Harbor, 727-386-4107 Having ethical standards brings the quality up by a lot, and this restaurant is dedicated to making all things organic. Using stone-milled flour processed in-house, the eatery takes food freshness seriously. But heads up folks, you only have until April 30 to dip your crust in the garlic schmoo (garlic, olive oil, and lemon), because the joint doesn’t make pizzas from May to November. “The truth of the matter is that in order to make my living in the summer I have to burn copious amounts of [fossil] fuel and that just doesn’t sit well with me,” owner Greg Seymour said on social media. Photo via Pizzeria Gregario/Website Credit: Pizzeria Gregario/Website
Gourmet Pizza Co. 610 S Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-258-1999 Gourmet Pizza Company might have the best vegan pie in town, but there’s plenty for the herbivores, at this Hyde Park Staple where meats come from the local butcher and veggies get sliced daily. Don’t be surprised to see Marvel movie and Tampa dog daddy Dave Bautista picking up a pie here, too. Photo via Gourmet Pizza Co./Facebook
New World Brewery 810 E Skagway Ave., Tampa, 813-304-0460 Not just a great spot for a cold one and local show, New World Brewery stone sears its pizzas for a much more authentic crisp to your crust. If you’re looking for a change, try the black bean sauce on your unique ‘za (and let me know how it is, I’m seriously curious). Photo via Google Maps

Best Pizza

Madison Avenue Pizza
Finalists: Nona Slice House, Cappy’s Pizzeria, Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza Credit: Photo via Madison Avenue Pizza
Bella’s Italian Cafe 1413 S Howard Ave. Suite 100, Tampa. 813-254-3355 This pizza oven on the end of S Howard Avenue is as legendary as the late nights at the South Tampa staple’s bar. The best part is that the pies—from the traditional margherita to the wild pazzo pazzo and hearty Paulie—are too small to share with another person (and half-price during Bella’s famous late night happy hour). Photo via BellasItalianCafe/Facebook
Old Northeast Pizza 718 2nd St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-209-2550 Northeast is as traditional as it gets, with reviews raving about its made-to-order quality and the convenience of its residential location. Make sure you have some cash handy when you enter, as the establishment doesn’t take cards. Photo via Google Maps
Frank’s Pizza 1600 Achieva Way, Dunedin, 727-216-6963 The family-owned spot offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a casual night out with friends or family. Its menu is packed with items made from scratch using secret recipes you’ll have to pry from nonna’s hands. Photo via Google Maps
Mario’s New York Pizza 3993 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, 727-347-2424 Make sure you stop by Mario’s on an empty stomach, because the menu is filled with hefty portions for a great deal. Dig into one of the “Godfather specials” to feed the fam or a one pound slice of philly cheesesteak pizza to satisfy all your cravings. Photo via Google Maps
4th Street Pizza 3187 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-895-8178 4th Street makes its dough and sauce fresh daily to ensure not a single slice lacks in quality. If pizza isn’t your thing, grab a cheesesteak or a chicken parm. Photo via Google Maps
Ava 718 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-512-3030 There are plenty of upscale takes on Italian classics at Ava, but the true stars are its hand-crafted slices with the fanciest combinations. Goat cheese and pesto pies and dough covered in quality mushrooms make this restaurant a fine-dining haven. If you make it for brunch try the breakfast pizza, which is basically a loaded omelet on some crust. The pies at the Armature Works food stall are just about as good as the flagship’s too. Photo via Ava/Facebook
Bavaro’s 514 N Franklin St. no. 101, Tampa, 813-868-4440 Neapolitan pizzas doused in toppings we can’t pronounce are what you can expect from a dining experience at Bavaro’s. If you want to try your hand at recreating its signature pizzas, you can purchase its tomato sauce on Amazon (but unless you have dough made from 100-year old yeast, it probably won’t compare). Photo via Google Maps
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza 1101 S Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater, 727-443-4900 After soaking up the sun at Clearwater beach, make the short drive to a place that creates its dishes the old-fashioned way. The coal oven adds a flavor that not every joint can replicate. The fresh ingredients (and signature basil garnish) takes pies to the next level without overcomplicating the process. Photo via Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza/Facebook
Cappy’s Pizza Multiple locations Besides tons of vintage doo-dads on the walls, deep-dish to die for and lengthy New York slices are what you can find at this Tampa Bay favorite. Plenty of traditional toppings and the less traditional vegan cheeses are available to make it a good time for everyone. Photo via Google Maps
Crafty Squirrel 259 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-898-4888 This Central Ave. bar has plenty of artisanal pizzas for those looking to experience the simple meal in a new way. Swipe right on the “Beefy Tinder-loin” pie covered in steak and Alabama BBQ—or keep it easy and build your own. Photo via Google Maps
Eddie and Sam’s Pizza 203 E Twiggs St., Tampa, 813-229-8500 This Dave Portnoy-approved pizzeria is just a brief walk from Curtis Hixon and has been a downtown Tampa staple for years. Big greasy slices and dough made from New York water, are the ticket here. Arguably the best cheese slice in town. Photo via Google Maps
New York New York Pizza Multiple locations New York is the city of dreams, and mine are surely filled with plenty of slices of meat lover’s from this pizza joint. There are plenty of locations throughout the Bay, including one in TPA—because what better way to calm those pre-flight jitters than a pepperoni pie? If you want to do some solid people watching, grab a slice out of the Ybor City location’s window, sit back and enjoy. Photo via New York New York Pizza/Facebook
Paul’s Chicago Pizza Multiple locations “Thin crust Chicago-style pizza” is a real thing, and it’s what Paul’s is known for. However, you can also get the real deal thick pie, as well as Chicago style glizzies. Photo via Google Maps
Pizza Box 923 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0444 Not shy to cultivating unique flavors, Pizza Box flames their pies over oak and cherrywood to give the crust a sweet smokey flavor. Pizza Box locally sources its ingredients to create fun combos like the “Angry Goat Pizza”—a spicy pie topped with goat cheese, buffalo sauce, and habanero honey. Photo via Pizza Box/Facebook
Toby’s Original Little Italy’s Pizza 3523 49th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-522-2717 After tossing dough for half a century, it’s no surprise that Toby’s has become a local favorite for the people of St. Pete. Get a traditional pie with the usual fixings for an authentic experience at the pizza shop. Photo via Google Maps
ABC Pizza House 1242 W Hillsborough Ave no. 1314, Tampa, 813-237-3324 This classic family pizzeria is cooking up familiar flavors, but has interesting options for those looking to go outside their comfort zone. Keep it simple with a meat lover’s special or venture into the unknown with a gyro pizza, which is basically a flat version of the hand-held. Photo via ABC Pizza House/Website
Magdalena’s Pizzeria 2313 W Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, 813-252-7158 It’s a family endeavor at this small pizzeria. Six buck lunch specials and the illusive cannoli poppers—deep fried dough with sweet ricotta filling—are what keep customers coming back for more. Photo via Magdalena’s Pizzeria/Facebook
Super Sardo’s Pizza 10839 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, 727-581-9200 Authenticity is of utmost importance to the family that runs this join. Owner Santo Sardo is known to jokingly chastise customers that stumble over the Italian words or eat pizza with a fork and knife. Do you think they’ll boot me if I mention I dip my slice in ranch? Photo via Super Sardo’s Pizza/Website
Santoro’s Pizza 1329 W Cass St., Tampa, 813-687-7100 This modern shop with a rotating specialty pizza list is a culmination of owner Travis Kaiser’s roots in cities where they take the Italian classic pretty seriously. A Jersey-style slice with influences from Naples and Sicily is what can best describe the flavors you will sample at the restaurant that’s quickly become a staple in the NoHo neighborhood. If you love yourself, treat yourself to a bag of piping hot zeppole for dessert. Photo via Santoro’s Pizza/Facebook
Paisano’s Pizza N’ Pasta 6000 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-521-2656 Classic pies and dippable “pizza bones” (breadsticks) is just a glimpse of what you can get from the diverse menu at this St. Pete joint. Paisano’s has been open since the ‘70s and prides themselves in still using the same recipes that made the business a local favorite. Photo via Google Maps
Paulo’s Pizza 6297 Central Ave unit A, St. Petersburg, 727-347-7802 Nearing its fourth decade in the St. Pete area, this family-founded spot uses a little bit of elbow grease and a whole lot of love to create its classic pizzas and hearty calzones. Photo via Paulo’s Pizza/Facebook

Magazine journalism student with an affinity for music writing. Brandalynn has previously written for Glitter Magazine and was the editor-in-chief/contributor of USF's Her Campus chapter.