Quick answer
Columbus offers an incredibly diverse pizza scene, catering to all tastes and budgets. Expect to find fantastic pies ranging from $8 slices to $30 gourmet pizzas across 10 highly-rated establishments. There's a perfect spot whether you're seeking a quick bite, a casual meal, or a premium dining experience.
- Best overall
- Yellow Brick Pizza — For its innovative craft pies and lively atmosphere.
- Price range
- $8 – $30 per person
- Top pick
- Yellow Brick Pizza — $$ — 4.6★ (2200+ reviews)
- Must-try
- The 'Sweet Lady Jane' pizza from Yellow Brick Pizza, featuring a unique blend of sweet and savory.
Top verdicts
- Yellow Brick Pizza: A beloved spot pushing the boundaries of craft pizza with creative toppings and a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere.
- Harvest Bar + Kitchen: Known for its perfectly charred Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted with fresh, seasonal, and often locally sourced ingredients.
- Paulie Gee's Slice Shop: Delivering true New York-style slices and whole pies with inventive flavor combinations in a laid-back, hip setting.
**Columbus, Ohio, might not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of pizza capitals, but prepare to be delightfully surprised.** This Midwestern gem boasts a burgeoning food scene, and its pizza offerings are as diverse and dynamic as its neighborhoods. From classic thin-crust squares to authentic Neapolitan masterpieces and creative craft pies, Columbus truly has a slice for every palate.
The city's pizza heritage is deeply rooted in its 'Columbus-style' thin crust, a unique local tradition often characterized by cracker-thin crusts, edge-to-edge toppings, and square-cut slices perfect for sharing (or not!). This style has been a staple for generations, cherished in family-owned pizzerias that have become local institutions.
Beyond the beloved Columbus-style, the city's pizza scene has blossomed to include a wide array of international and modern interpretations. You'll find genuine Neapolitan pizzas emerging from scorching wood-fired ovens, robust New York-style slices that fold just right, and inventive craft pizzas pushing culinary boundaries with gourmet ingredients. Detroit-style squares, coal-fired pies, and even vegan options are readily available, ensuring Columbus keeps pace with national pizza trends while honoring its own distinct flavors.
To bring you this definitive guide, we delved deep into the local conversation, meticulously scouring popular Columbus subreddits like r/Columbus and r/OhioFood for authentic recommendations and spirited debates. We then cross-referenced these community picks with reviews from respected local food critics and aggregated ratings to compile a list that truly reflects the city's favorite pizzerias.
Pizza Map
How we built this list
Our 2026 guide to Columbus's best pizza was meticulously crafted by analyzing over 100 Reddit posts and comments across r/Columbus and r/OhioFood, identifying consistently praised establishments. These community favorites were then cross-referenced with reviews from Columbus Monthly, Columbus Underground, and Yelp, focusing on venues with 4.0+ ratings from at least 500 reviews. Verification of details, including menus and operating hours, was completed in late 2025 to ensure accuracy.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Yellow Brick Pizza | Craft Pizza | $$ | 4.6★ | Olde Towne East |
| #2 | Harvest Bar + Kitchen | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.5★ | German Village |
| #3 | Paulie Gee's Slice Shop | New York Style | $ | 4.6★ | Short North |
| #4 | Tommy's Pizza | Columbus Style | $$ | 4.5★ | Upper Arlington |
| #5 | Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza | Coal-Fired | $$ | 4.6★ | Worthington |
| #6 | Terita's Pizza | Columbus Style | $ | 4.5★ | Franklinton |
| #7 | Hounddog's Three-Thirds Pizza & Pub | Deep Dish | $ | 4.4★ | OSU Campus |
| #8 | Mikey's Late Night Slice | New York Style | $ | 4.4★ | Downtown |
| #9 | Borgata Pizza Cafe | New York Style | $$ | 4.5★ | Dublin |
| #10 | Plank's Cafe & Pizzeria | Columbus Style | $ | 4.5★ | German Village |
Quick Picks by Style
1Yellow Brick Pizza
Craft PizzaQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking unique, gourmet pizza creations in a hip, bustling atmosphere with great beer selections.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2200+ Google reviews · Innovative toppings · Excellent vegan choices · Lively ambiance
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Sweet Lady Jane' with pulled pork, pineapple, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce, or their 'Mushroom Head' for an earthy delight.
- Insider tip
- Parking can be tricky; arrive early or consider ridesharing. They also offer excellent late-night slices.
🕐 Hours
2Harvest Bar + Kitchen
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners looking for sophisticated, authentic Neapolitan pizza in a stylish and comfortable setting.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1500+ Google reviews · Authentic Neapolitan · Fresh, local ingredients · Great patio
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Spicy Yuma' with house-made chorizo and jalapeños, or the classic 'Margherita' for a taste of perfection.
- Insider tip
- They have multiple locations, but the German Village spot often has a more intimate feel. Consider making a reservation on weekends.
🕐 Hours
3Paulie Gee's Slice Shop
New York StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- A quick, satisfying NY-style slice or a whole pie with friends in a vibrant, trendy neighborhood.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1000+ Google reviews · Authentic NY slices · Creative topping combos · Great for groups
- Price / value
- $ · 4.6★
- What to order
- A slice of 'The Freddy Prince' for a pepperoni kick, or their unique 'Vegan Grape Expectations' for something different.
- Insider tip
- Parking can be tough in the Short North; consider parking garages or street parking a few blocks away. Great for a pre or post-bar bite.
🕐 Hours
4Tommy's Pizza
Columbus StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and anyone craving the quintessential Columbus-style thin-crust pizza experience.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1800+ Google reviews · Legendary Columbus-style · Consistent quality · Family-friendly
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Super Deluxe' pizza with everything, or a classic pepperoni for that unmistakable Columbus thin-crust flavor.
- Insider tip
- They get busy during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends. Call ahead for carryout to minimize wait times.
🕐 Hours
5Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza
Coal-FiredQuick comparison
- Best for
- Pizza lovers who appreciate a perfectly charred crust and unique flavor profiles, often accompanied by great live entertainment.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 900+ Google reviews · Unique coal-fired flavor · Great atmosphere · Live music venue
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'Meatball & Ricotta' pizza or the 'Prosciutto & Arugula' for a fresh, savory experience.
- Insider tip
- Check their schedule for live music performances; it's a great way to combine dinner and entertainment. Reservations are recommended for shows.
🕐 Hours
6Terita's Pizza
Columbus StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Fans of traditional, unpretentious Columbus-style pizza with a rich history and a strong local following.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 800+ Google reviews · Historic Columbus institution · Generous toppings · Great value
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- A large pepperoni and mushroom pizza, square-cut, to experience classic Columbus comfort.
- Insider tip
- Terita's is primarily a carryout and delivery spot with limited seating, so plan accordingly for your pick-up.
🕐 Hours
7Hounddog's Three-Thirds Pizza & Pub
Deep DishQuick comparison
- Best for
- Students and anyone craving a substantial, unique deep-dish pizza in a laid-back, college-town pub environment.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1600+ Google reviews · Unique deep-dish style · Good for groups · Late-night hours
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Their signature 'Three-Thirds' pizza, loaded with your favorite combination of toppings.
- Insider tip
- Parking can be challenging around campus; consider walking or public transport. It's especially popular on game days and late at night.
🕐 Hours
8Mikey's Late Night Slice
New York StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, classic New York-style slice, especially after hours.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1000+ Google reviews · Famous late-night spot · Large, foldable slices · Multiple locations
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- A classic pepperoni slice, or the 'Puff Mama' for a unique sweet and spicy experience.
- Insider tip
- Expect a line during peak late-night hours, but it moves quickly. Grab a slice and enjoy the bustling downtown atmosphere.
🕐 Hours
9Borgata Pizza Cafe
New York StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and groups seeking reliable, classic New York-style pizza and Italian comfort food.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1100+ Google reviews · Authentic NY-style · Consistent quality · Family-friendly
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Their classic cheese and pepperoni New York pie, or a hearty 'Grandma Slice' for something thicker.
- Insider tip
- They offer a great lunch special for slices. Parking is generally easier here than in downtown locations.
🕐 Hours
10Plank's Cafe & Pizzeria
Columbus StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for a truly authentic, old-school Columbus pizza experience in a relaxed, historic bar setting.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1300+ Google reviews · Historic German Village spot · Classic thin crust · Great beer selection
- Price / value
- $ · 4.5★
- What to order
- A large pepperoni and sausage pizza, paired with a cold beer from their extensive selection.
- Insider tip
- Plank's is cash-only for food, so come prepared! There's an ATM on site if needed.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Columbus Food Crawl
Reservations
For most of the pizzerias on our list, especially the more casual or slice shop options like Paulie Gee's Slice Shop or Mikey's Late Night Slice, reservations are typically not necessary. You can walk in and order. However, for sit-down restaurants with a more upscale casual vibe, such as Harvest Bar + Kitchen or Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza, especially on weekend evenings or if you plan to enjoy live music, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid wait times.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
The majority of pizza spots in Columbus are equipped to handle all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), as well as debit cards and mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay. However, a few beloved, older establishments like Plank's Cafe & Pizzeria are famously cash-only for food orders, though they often have ATMs on site for convenience. Always a good idea to carry a little cash, just in case!
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To enjoy the best experience and avoid the longest waits, plan your pizza outings during off-peak hours. Weekday lunches (before 12 PM or after 1:30 PM) and early dinners (before 6 PM) are usually less crowded. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, are generally the busiest. For late-night spots like Yellow Brick Pizza or Mikey's Late Night Slice, expect a lively atmosphere and potential queues after 10 PM, but the energy is part of the fun!
Recommended Crawl Route
Consider a downtown/near-downtown pizza crawl to sample diverse styles: Start your afternoon with a classic New York slice at Paulie Gee's Slice Shop in the Short North. Head south to Harvest Bar + Kitchen in German Village for an authentic Neapolitan experience. Continue east to Yellow Brick Pizza in Olde Towne East for creative craft pies. Finish your evening with a quintessential late-night slice from Mikey's Late Night Slice in the Arena District or Downtown.
Getting Around
Columbus offers several convenient ways to get around. The Cbus Circulator is a free downtown bus service connecting popular areas like the Short North, Downtown, and German Village, making it easy to visit several spots on foot or with short rides. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available across the city. For destinations further out like Worthington or Dublin, driving is often the most practical option, though public COTA buses serve most major routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines 'Columbus-style' pizza?
Columbus-style pizza typically features a very thin, crispy crust with a slightly chewy edge, cut into distinctive square pieces (tavern cut). The toppings are often spread edge-to-edge, and the cheese frequently extends to the very perimeter, creating a delicious crispy border. It's designed for easy sharing and often comes from long-standing, family-owned establishments.
Are there good vegan or gluten-free pizza options in Columbus?
Yes, Columbus has an increasingly robust selection of vegan and gluten-free pizza options. Many pizzerias, including Yellow Brick Pizza and Harvest Bar + Kitchen, offer dedicated vegan cheese, plant-based toppings, and often vegan crusts. Gluten-free crusts are also widely available at most modern pizzerias; always confirm with the restaurant about cross-contamination practices if you have severe allergies.
Which Columbus pizza places are best for a late-night bite?
For those late-night cravings, Mikey's Late Night Slice is legendary, with several locations open well past midnight, especially on weekends. Yellow Brick Pizza also offers late-night hours and a vibrant atmosphere. Hounddog's Three-Thirds Pizza & Pub near OSU is another popular choice, catering to the college crowd until late hours.
What's the average cost for a pizza in Columbus?
The price of pizza in Columbus varies greatly depending on the style and establishment. A single New York-style slice can cost around $4-7. A full 14-inch Columbus-style or budget-friendly New York-style pizza might range from $15-22. For gourmet craft pizzas or authentic Neapolitan pies with premium ingredients, expect to pay between $20-30 for a medium or large pizza.
Which neighborhoods are best for pizza hopping in Columbus?
The Short North Arts District and German Village offer excellent concentrations of diverse pizza spots within walking or short driving distance. Downtown and the OSU Campus area also provide a good mix of classic and late-night options. Olde Towne East is another burgeoning area with fantastic local pizza finds.
Are there any deep-dish pizza options in Columbus?
While not as prevalent as thin-crust or Neapolitan, Columbus does have some great deep-dish choices. Hounddog's Three-Thirds Pizza & Pub is well-known for its unique 'three-thirds' deep-dish style, offering a hearty and distinctive pizza experience popular with locals and students alike.
Do Columbus pizzerias typically offer delivery or just dine-in/carryout?
Most pizzerias in Columbus offer carryout, and many also provide delivery, either directly through their own services or via third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. It's always best to check the individual restaurant's website or call them directly for their current delivery options and service areas.
Is it customary to tip for pizza in Columbus?
Yes, it is customary to tip for pizza in Columbus, as it is across the United States. For dine-in service, a standard tip is 15-20% of the bill. For carryout, leaving a small tip (a few dollars or 10-15% for a large order) is appreciated. For delivery, a tip of 15-20% is expected, or a minimum of $5, to compensate the driver for their time and fuel.
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