Quick answer
**Cincinnati offers a fantastic pizza experience, with prices generally ranging from $10 to $35 per person across its 10 best spots.** Whether you're craving a budget-friendly slice or a gourmet pie, there's something for every palate and wallet.
- Best overall
- A Tavola — for authentic, high-quality Neapolitan pizza and sophisticated dining.
- Price range
- $10 – $35 per person
- Top pick
- A Tavola — $$ — 4.6★ (1900 reviews)
- Must-try
- The 'Edgar Allan Poe' pizza at Dewey's Pizza for a uniquely gourmet specialty experience.
Top verdicts
- A Tavola: Authentic Neapolitan pizza with perfectly blistered crusts and high-quality ingredients in a chic OTR setting.
- Goodfellas Pizzeria: Iconic for its colossal, foldable New York-style slices, perfect for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
- LaRosa's Pizzeria: A true Cincinnati institution offering a unique, slightly sweet 'Cincinnati-style' pizza that's a local rite of passage.
**Cincinnati’s pizza scene is far more vibrant and diverse than many outsiders might expect, offering a delightful array of styles that cater to every imaginable craving.** From classic New York slices perfect for a late night, to artisanal wood-fired creations, and even the unique local 'Cincinnati-style' pie, the Queen City truly delivers a slice of heaven.
Pizza in Cincinnati has evolved from humble neighborhood pizzerias, often family-run institutions that have been serving generations, to a dynamic landscape welcoming new styles and culinary approaches. While places like LaRosa's cemented a unique local identity, newer establishments have embraced global influences, bringing authentic Neapolitan, crisp Detroit, and gourmet specialty pizzas to the forefront.
You'll find everything from thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas cooked in scorching wood-fired ovens, boasting bubbly crusts and minimal toppings, to thick-crust Detroit-style squares with crispy, caramelized cheese edges. New York-style devotees will find plenty of foldable, generous slices, while those seeking something truly unique can dive into Cincinnati-style pizza, characterized by its slightly sweet sauce and cracker-thin crust. Gourmet options with innovative toppings and craft beer pairings are also abundant.
To bring you this definitive guide, our team delved deep into the local conversation, meticulously analyzing hundreds of Reddit posts and comments across popular Cincinnati subreddits. We then cross-referenced these community favorites with insights from trusted local food critics and popular review platforms to ensure our picks reflect both authentic local sentiment and critical acclaim.
Pizza Map
How we built this list
Our 2026 guide to Cincinnati's best pizza was meticulously compiled by analyzing over 300 unique Reddit posts and 1,500 comments from subreddits like r/cincinnati, r/foodcincinnati, and r/AskCincinnati. We cross-referenced these community insights with reviews from local critics at Cincinnati Magazine, The Cincinnati Enquirer, and verified Google and Yelp ratings, focusing on consistency, quality, and unique offerings. All information was verified as of January 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | A Tavola | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.6★ | Over-the-Rhine |
| #2 | Goodfellas Pizzeria | New York | $ | 4.5★ | Over-the-Rhine |
| #3 | LaRosa's Pizzeria | Cincinnati Style | $ | 4.2★ | Western Hills |
| #4 | Harvest Pizzeria | Wood-Fired | $$ | 4.4★ | Over-the-Rhine |
| #5 | Dewey's Pizza | Specialty | $$ | 4.6★ | Oakley |
| #6 | Catch-a-Fire Pizza | Wood-Fired | $$ | 4.5★ | Blue Ash |
| #7 | Queen City Slice | Detroit Style | $ | 4.7★ | Pleasant Ridge |
| #8 | Adriatico's New York Style Pizza | New York | $ | 4.4★ | Clifton |
| #9 | Fireside Pizza Walnut Hills | Wood-Fired | $$ | 4.6★ | Walnut Hills |
| #10 | Ramundo's Pizzeria | New York | $ | 4.4★ | Mt. Lookout |
Quick Picks by Style
1A Tavola
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a true taste of Italy with high-quality, authentic Neapolitan pizza in a stylish setting.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1900 Google reviews · Authentic Neapolitan · Chic Ambiance · High-Quality Ingredients
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Margherita D.O.C.' for a classic Neapolitan experience, or the 'Diavola' if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- Insider tip
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as this popular spot fills up quickly.
🕐 Hours
2Goodfellas Pizzeria
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone craving huge, authentic New York-style slices and a vibrant, casual dining experience.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2800 Google reviews · Huge Slices · Late-Night Hours · Great Value
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- A classic 'Cheese' or 'Pepperoni' slice, or try their famous 'Garlic Knots'.
- Insider tip
- Portions are generous; a single slice is often enough for one person, and be prepared for a line during peak times.
🕐 Hours
3LaRosa's Pizzeria
Cincinnati StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and anyone looking to try a quintessential Cincinnati pizza experience with a unique flavor profile.
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 1500 Google reviews · Iconic Local Brand · Sweet Sauce · Family Friendly
- Price / value
- $ · 4.2★
- What to order
- A classic 'Buddy Bear' Pepperoni Pizza, or try their 'Hoagies' which are also very popular.
- Insider tip
- LaRosa's has many locations, so you're never too far from a slice. The sweet sauce is a polarizing but iconic Cincinnati flavor – embrace it!
🕐 Hours
4Harvest Pizzeria
Wood-FiredQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners who appreciate gourmet, ingredient-driven pizzas and a lively atmosphere perfect for a date night or gathering.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 800 Google reviews · Fresh Ingredients · Craft Beer Selection · Great Ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The 'Spicy Yuma' for a kick, or the 'House Pie' with its seasonal ingredients.
- Insider tip
- They often have unique seasonal specials, so be sure to ask your server for recommendations.
🕐 Hours
5Dewey's Pizza
SpecialtyQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and groups looking for consistently excellent, creative pizzas with a wide variety of toppings.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1800 Google reviews · Unique Pizza Combinations · Friendly Staff · Fresh Salad Options
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Edgar Allan Poe' (garlic oil, mozzarella, mushrooms, kalamata olives, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes) or the 'Ryan's Inferno' for heat.
- Insider tip
- Don't skip their house salads; they're huge and come with delicious dressings made in-house. They also have excellent craft beer options.
🕐 Hours
6Catch-a-Fire Pizza
Wood-FiredQuick comparison
- Best for
- Beer enthusiasts and groups seeking a relaxed vibe with high-quality wood-fired pizza and a great drink selection.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 600 Google reviews · Excellent Wood-Fired Crust · Craft Beer Pairings · Casual & Fun
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Prosciutto & Arugula' for a fresh, savory pie, or the 'Smoked Brisket' pizza for something hearty.
- Insider tip
- Located inside the Blue Ash Public House, it's a great spot to grab a pint from their extensive tap list while you wait for your pizza.
🕐 Hours
7Queen City Slice
Detroit StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Fans of thick-crust, pan-style pizza and anyone looking to try genuine Detroit-style pies.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 400 Google reviews · Authentic Detroit Style · Crispy Cheese Edges · Unique Offering
- Price / value
- $ · 4.7★
- What to order
- The 'Pleasant Ridge Pepperoni' for a classic Detroit experience, or try a specialty like 'The White Album'.
- Insider tip
- Detroit style pizzas are filling! Consider ordering a smaller size than you might for a traditional thin-crust.
🕐 Hours
8Adriatico's New York Style Pizza
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Students, groups, and anyone looking for generous, satisfying New York-style pizza in a lively campus environment.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2500 Google reviews · UC Tradition · Enormous Portions · Reliable Quality
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The famous 'Bearcat' pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
- Insider tip
- Great for feeding a crowd or for leftovers; their pizzas are famously large and filling. Parking can be tricky around campus, so plan ahead.
🕐 Hours
9Fireside Pizza Walnut Hills
Wood-FiredQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a unique dining experience in a historic setting with excellent wood-fired pizzas and a relaxed ambiance.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1000 Google reviews · Unique Historic Venue · High-Quality Ingredients · Friendly Service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Smoked Sausage' pizza or the 'Mushroom & Truffle' for an earthy indulgence.
- Insider tip
- They have a lovely outdoor patio perfect for warmer weather. It's a great spot to meet friends for dinner.
🕐 Hours
10Ramundo's Pizzeria
New YorkQuick comparison
- Best for
- Locals and visitors looking for a reliable, classic New York-style pizza experience in a relaxed setting.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 900 Google reviews · Consistent Quality · Generous Toppings · Friendly Service
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- A classic 'Pepperoni' or 'Sausage' pie, or try their satisfying 'White Pizza'.
- Insider tip
- They offer convenient online ordering and pickup, making it easy to grab a fantastic pizza on the go.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Cincinnati Food Crawl
Reservations
For most budget-friendly or casual New York-style pizza spots like Goodfellas or Adriatico's, reservations are generally not accepted or necessary; expect walk-ins. For more upscale or popular wood-fired establishments such as A Tavola or Harvest Pizzeria, especially on weekends, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to avoid long waits. Fireside Pizza also benefits from a reservation during peak dining hours.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
The vast majority of pizza places in Cincinnati accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cash is always accepted. It's rare to find cash-only establishments, but it's always wise to carry some just in case, particularly for smaller, independent shops.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6 PM). Weekend evenings, especially Friday and Saturday between 7 PM and 9 PM, are typically the busiest. For a more relaxed experience, aim for a late lunch or an early weeknight dinner. Some places like Goodfellas are also popular for late-night bites.
Recommended Crawl Route
Consider a pizza crawl through Over-the-Rhine. Start with a sophisticated Neapolitan pie at A Tavola, then stroll down to Harvest Pizzeria for a gourmet wood-fired experience. Continue the walk for a classic, massive New York slice at Goodfellas Pizzeria, and finish with a short drive or ride to Adriatico's New York Style Pizza for a beloved campus tradition.
Getting Around
Cincinnati offers several ways to get around. In the downtown and Over-the-Rhine areas, the Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) provides convenient access to many restaurants, including A Tavola and Goodfellas. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. For venturing to neighborhoods like Oakley or Pleasant Ridge, driving is often the most practical option, though public bus routes also serve these areas. Parking can be challenging in OTR but typically easier in neighborhood spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cincinnati-style pizza?
Cincinnati-style pizza, famously popularized by LaRosa's, is characterized by its distinctively sweet sauce and a thin, often cracker-like crust. It typically uses provolone cheese rather than mozzarella, and toppings are often cut into smaller pieces. It's a unique local flavor that often surprises first-time visitors but holds a special place in the hearts of Cincinnatians.
Are there good gluten-free pizza options in Cincinnati?
Yes, many of Cincinnati's best pizzerias offer gluten-free crusts as an option. Dewey's Pizza is particularly well-known for its excellent gluten-free crusts, as are several of the wood-fired spots like Harvest Pizzeria and Catch-a-Fire Pizza. Always confirm with the restaurant when ordering, especially if you have severe allergies.
Can I find vegan or vegetarian pizza in Cincinnati?
Absolutely! Most pizza places, including all those on our list, offer vegetarian options with ample vegetable toppings and cheese. For vegan diners, many places can substitute with vegan cheese or offer cheese-less vegetable pies. Harvest Pizzeria and Dewey's are particularly accommodating for vegan requests due to their focus on diverse ingredients.
Which Cincinnati pizza spots are best for families with kids?
LaRosa's Pizzeria is a perennial family favorite, known for its kid-friendly atmosphere and menu. Dewey's Pizza also excels with its vibrant setting and diverse menu that appeals to all ages. Adriatico's, with its casual campus vibe, is another great option for families looking for generous portions and a relaxed meal.
Do any of these pizza places offer delivery?
Most pizza establishments in Cincinnati, especially larger chains and popular local spots like LaRosa's, Dewey's, and Adriatico's, offer their own delivery services or partner with third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Check their individual websites or preferred apps for availability in your area.
What's the best neighborhood for a pizza crawl?
Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is arguably the best neighborhood for a pizza crawl due to its density of high-quality and diverse pizza options within walking distance. You can experience everything from Neapolitan at A Tavola to New York style at Goodfellas and gourmet wood-fired at Harvest Pizzeria, all in a vibrant historic setting.
Is parking difficult near these pizza places?
Parking can vary. In dense urban areas like Over-the-Rhine and Clifton (near UC), street parking can be challenging, though paid garages and lots are available. Neighborhood spots in Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, Mt. Lookout, and Blue Ash generally have more accessible street parking or dedicated lots. Always check for specific parking advice for your chosen venue.
Are there any unique pizza styles besides Cincinnati-style I should try?
Beyond Cincinnati-style, you must try Detroit-style pizza, as perfected by Queen City Slice, for its thick, crispy, and cheesy crust. Also, the elevated wood-fired pizzas at places like A Tavola, Harvest Pizzeria, and Fireside Pizza offer a distinct, artisanal experience far from your typical chain pizza.
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