25 essential Tampa Bay pizza spots everybody should try at least once

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.

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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

Lee’s Grocery

2210 N Central Ave., Tampa, 813-374-0179
A true neighborhood pizza joint in every sense of the word, Lee's Grocery specializes in stone baked pizzas with names like “Deadman’s Party” and “Minor Threat”, the monikers just as funky as its purple paint job. Don't skip the wings either.
Photo via Google Maps

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

Madison Avenue Pizza

2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-754-6144
The reigning champ, Madison Avenue Pizza, bagged this year's CL Best of The Bay "Reader's Choice" award for best pizza, so you know they take their pie seriously. Keep it tame with your usual order, or test your stomach’s limits with its 32” pizza challenge (I’d pay good money for the crass t-shirt you get as a prize).
Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater