Quick answer
Denver’s pizza scene is a hidden gem, rapidly evolving beyond traditional chains to embrace authentic, artisanal, and utterly delicious pies. From crispy Neapolitan crusts kissed by wood-fired ovens to thick, cheesy Detroit-style squares, the Mile High City offers an impressive array of options to satisfy every pizza craving.
- Best overall
- Cart-Driver
- Top pick
- Cart-Driver — Consistently praised for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas and lively atmosphere.
Top verdicts
- Cart-Driver: Those seeking a true Neapolitan pizza experience with a lively, urban vibe and excellent cocktails.
- Blue Pan Pizza: Fans of deep-dish and pan pizzas, seeking a hearty, flavorful, and uniquely satisfying pizza experience.
- Hops & Pie: Craft beer aficionados and those who appreciate gourmet, creative pizza toppings in a relaxed, local pub setting.
The journey of pizza in Denver mirrors the city’s growth itself. Once a landscape dominated by generic pizzerias, Denver has, over the past decade, seen an explosion of independent establishments bringing authentic regional styles to the forefront. This evolution is fueled by a passionate community of chefs and a discerning local palate, eager for quality ingredients and innovative approaches.
Today, you can embark on a global pizza tour right here in Denver. Explore the chewy, slightly charred edges of a Neapolitan margherita, sink your teeth into the caramelized crust of a Detroit-style pie, or savor the generous, foldable slices of a classic New York-style. Beyond these, local chefs are putting their unique spin on toppings and flavor combinations, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cart-Driver | Neapolitan | splurge | RiNo |
| 2 | Blue Pan Pizza | Detroit | mid | Highland |
| 3 | Hops & Pie | Craft | mid | Berkeley |
| 4 | White Pie | Neapolitan | splurge | Uptown |
| 5 | Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery | New York | budget | Capitol Hill |
| 6 | Kaos Pizzeria | Neapolitan | mid | Platt Park |
| 7 | Fat Sully's Pizza | New York | budget | Baker |
| 8 | Pizzeria Locale | Neapolitan | splurge | Highlands |
| 9 | Sexy Pizza | New York | budget | Capitol Hill |
| 10 | Walter's303 Pizzeria & Bar | New York | mid | Uptown |
1Cart-Driver
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a true Neapolitan pizza experience with a lively, urban vibe and excellent cocktails.
- Strengths
- RiNo
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Cart-Driver consistently tops the list for authentic Neapolitan pizza, delivering perfectly blistered crusts and high-quality, fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is vibrant and intimate, making it perfect for a date night or a casual outing with friends.
- What to order
- The 'Denver' pizza with sausage, mozzarella, oregano, and chiles, or the classic Margherita, showcasing their incredible crust.
🕐 Opening hours
2Blue Pan Pizza
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Fans of deep-dish and pan pizzas, seeking a hearty, flavorful, and uniquely satisfying pizza experience.
- Strengths
- Highland
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Blue Pan Pizza is the undisputed champion of Detroit-style pizza in Denver. Their signature square pies feature a thick, airy crust with a caramelized cheese edge, loaded with premium toppings that bring immense satisfaction.
- What to order
- The 'Detroit-style Pepperoni' or the 'Italian Beef' for a truly authentic taste of their craft.
🕐 Opening hours
3Hops & Pie
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Craft beer aficionados and those who appreciate gourmet, creative pizza toppings in a relaxed, local pub setting.
- Strengths
- Berkeley
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- More than just a pizzeria, Hops & Pie is a craft beer haven with seriously delicious New York-style and creative specialty pizzas. Their ever-changing tap list and inventive topping combinations make every visit an adventure.
- What to order
- Check their daily specials board for unique pies, or try the 'Slayer' with pepperoni, jalapeños, and cream cheese for a classic favorite.
🕐 Opening hours
4White Pie
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Diners seeking a more elegant pizza experience with expertly crafted Neapolitan pies and a great wine list.
- Strengths
- Uptown
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- White Pie offers a refined take on Neapolitan pizza, focusing on high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients to create beautifully balanced flavors. The ambiance is chic yet welcoming, perfect for a sophisticated dinner.
- What to order
- Their namesake 'White Pie' with mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and basil, or the 'Blackout' with truffle and mushroom.
🕐 Opening hours
5Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone craving authentic, no-frills New York slices, especially after a night out or for a casual lunch.
- Strengths
- Capitol Hill
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Benny Blanco's is a Denver institution for classic New York-style pizza, famous for its massive, foldable slices and late-night hours. It's the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal.
- What to order
- A classic 'Pepperoni Slice' or the 'Meat Lover' for maximum satisfaction. Don't forget their garlic knots.
🕐 Opening hours
6Kaos Pizzeria
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those looking for a farm-to-table Neapolitan experience, especially enjoyable on their beautiful outdoor patio.
- Strengths
- Platt Park
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Kaos Pizzeria brings artisanal Neapolitan pizzas to Platt Park, emphasizing fresh, often organic ingredients and a charming, garden-like patio. Their wood-fired oven produces perfectly blistered crusts and smoky flavors.
- What to order
- The 'Capricciosa' with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, and olives, or a seasonal special highlighting local produce.
🕐 Opening hours
7Fat Sully's Pizza
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hungry groups, late-night munchies, or anyone who believes bigger is better when it comes to pizza slices.
- Strengths
- Baker
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Fat Sully's is legendary for its gargantuan New York-style slices and whole pies that practically require two hands to hold. It's a casual, bustling spot perfect for satisfying a serious pizza craving without breaking the bank.
- What to order
- Any of their specialty slices, like the 'BBQ Chicken' or a classic 'Cheese', folded in true NY fashion.
🕐 Opening hours
8Pizzeria Locale
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Purists who appreciate classic Neapolitan preparation and a refined dining atmosphere.
- Strengths
- Highlands
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Originating from Boulder, Pizzeria Locale brings an authentic Neapolitan experience to Denver, focusing on traditional techniques and high-quality, often imported, ingredients. It's a slightly more upscale option for those seeking true Italian flavors.
- What to order
- The 'Diavola' for a spicy kick, or the 'Funghi' with mushrooms and truffle oil for an earthy flavor.
🕐 Opening hours
9Sexy Pizza
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual meals, delivery nights, and supporting a business with a strong community focus.
- Strengths
- Capitol Hill
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Sexy Pizza is a beloved local chain known for its New York-style pies, commitment to community engagement, and delicious, consistent quality. It's a feel-good place with solid pizza perfect for takeout or a casual dine-in.
- What to order
- The 'Hot Mama' with pepperoni, jalapeño, and cream cheese, or a simple 'Cheese' to appreciate their crust.
🕐 Opening hours
10Walter's303 Pizzeria & Bar
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families, groups, or anyone seeking solid NY-style pizza in a relaxed sports bar environment.
- Strengths
- Uptown
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Walter's303 offers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on New York-style pizza and a good selection of local beers. It's a reliable spot for a casual meal or to catch a game.
- What to order
- The 'Colorado Supreme' for a taste of local flavor, or build your own with their fresh ingredients.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What kind of pizza is Denver known for?
Denver's pizza scene is incredibly diverse, but it's particularly celebrated for its growing number of authentic Neapolitan pizzerias and its excellent renditions of Detroit-style pizza. You'll also find a strong presence of classic New York-style slices and creative, locally inspired pies at craft breweries and gastropubs.
Are there good gluten-free pizza options in Denver?
Yes, many of the top pizzerias in Denver offer excellent gluten-free crust options. Places like Pizzeria Locale and Hops & Pie are known for their quality GF bases, ensuring that dietary restrictions don't mean missing out on a great pizza experience. Always confirm with the restaurant about cross-contamination procedures if you have severe allergies.
Can I find late-night pizza in Denver?
Absolutely! Denver has several fantastic late-night pizza spots, with Benny Blanco's Chicago Style Eatery and Fat Sully's Pizza being prime examples. These venues cater to the post-bar crowd, offering generous slices and whole pies until the early hours of the morning.
What's the typical price range for pizza in Denver?
The price for pizza in Denver varies significantly depending on the style and establishment. You can find budget-friendly New York-style slices for $3-$6 each, while a full Neapolitan or Detroit-style pie at a mid-range restaurant might cost $18-$28. Upscale pizzerias could see prices per person ranging from $25-$40+ for specialty pies and drinks.
Is Denver's pizza scene family-friendly?
Yes, many pizzerias in Denver are very family-friendly, offering casual atmospheres and menus that appeal to all ages. Places like Walter's303 Pizzeria & Bar and Sexy Pizza are great options for dining with kids, often featuring booster seats, kid-friendly menus, and a relaxed environment.
Do I need reservations for pizza restaurants in Denver?
For most casual or New York-style pizza places, reservations are not necessary; many operate as walk-in or counter-service establishments. However, for more upscale Neapolitan pizzerias like Cart-Driver or White Pie, especially on weekend evenings, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid potential waits.
What neighborhoods are best for pizza in Denver?
Excellent pizza can be found across Denver, but some neighborhoods are true hotspots. RiNo and Highland boast several high-quality Neapolitan and Detroit-style options. Capitol Hill and Baker are great for classic New York-style slices, while Berkeley offers a mix of craft pizzas and breweries.
Are there any unique local pizza styles in Denver?
While Denver excels in classic styles like Neapolitan, Detroit, and New York, many local pizzerias incorporate unique Colorado-inspired toppings and local ingredients into their pies. Some craft pizza places also experiment with doughs and cooking methods, creating their own signature 'Denver style' fusion pizzas, often paired with local craft beers.