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

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

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

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

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