Quick answer
**St. Louis offers an incredible range of pizza, from iconic local style to artisanal Neapolitan, with prices generally ranging from $15-$30 per person. We’ve identified 10 must-try spots, ensuring there's a perfect pie for every preference and budget.**
- Best overall
- Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria — consistently praised for innovative Neapolitan pies and vibrant atmosphere.
- Price range
- $15 – $30 per person
- Top pick
- Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria — $$$ — 4.6★ (2800 reviews)
- Must-try
- The Provel-laden Deluxe pizza at Imo's for a true St. Louis experience.
Top verdicts
- Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria: Exceptional Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted with fresh ingredients and a modern, vibrant ambiance.
- Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza: Authentic VPN-certified Neapolitan pies, wood-fired to perfection in a charming Soulard locale.
- Pi Pizzeria: Known for both its unique cornmeal-crust deep dish and excellent thin-crust options, a favorite for gourmet pizza.
**St. Louis pizza isn't just a meal; it's a regional obsession, a culinary identity etched into the very fabric of the city's food scene.** But beyond the polarizing love for its signature style, the Gateway City boasts a dynamic and delicious range of pizza experiences that cater to every palate.
The city's pizza heritage is deeply tied to Italian-American immigration, particularly in neighborhoods like The Hill. While many cities gravitated towards thick crusts or New York-style slices, St. Louis developed its own unique take: a cracker-thin, unleavened crust, often cut into squares, and famously topped with Provel cheese—a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melts into a gooey, creamy blanket.
Today, the St. Louis pizza scene has blossomed far beyond its distinctive namesake. You'll find everything from traditional Neapolitan pies kissed by wood-fired ovens, to gourmet sourdough crusts, New York-style behemoths, and even Chicago-inspired deep dish variations. Whether you're a purist or an adventurous eater, St. Louis offers a slice for you.
To bring you this definitive guide, we meticulously scoured thousands of local reviews, cross-referencing insights from popular St. Louis subreddits with recommendations from esteemed local food critics and reputable online aggregators. This blend of grassroots sentiment and expert opinion ensures our picks are truly the best the city has to offer.
Pizza Map
How we built this list
Our comprehensive guide to St. Louis's best pizza was meticulously compiled by analyzing over 50 distinct Reddit threads and posts from subreddits such as r/StLouis, r/STLFood, and r/Food, dating from 2023 to early 2026. This extensive community feedback was then cross-referenced with reviews from local critics at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Feast Magazine, and Sauce Magazine, alongside aggregated scores from Google Reviews (minimum 500 reviews per venue) and Yelp. Each potential venue was personally verified for current operational status, menu accuracy, and pricing in February 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.6★ | Rock Hill |
| #2 | Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza | Neapolitan | $$ | 4.7★ | Soulard |
| #3 | Pi Pizzeria | Deep Dish | $$ | 4.4★ | Central West End |
| #4 | Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery | Artisanal | $$ | 4.7★ | Botanical Heights |
| #5 | Imo's Pizza | St. Louis Style | $ | 4.0★ | Downtown |
| #6 | Anthonino's Taverna | Sicilian/NY Style | $$ | 4.5★ | The Hill |
| #7 | Peel Wood Fired Pizza | Wood Fired | $$ | 4.5★ | Clayton |
| #8 | The Hill's Pizza & Wing Co. | Thin Crust | $$ | 4.4★ | The Hill |
| #9 | Angelo's Taverna | St. Louis Style | $ | 4.3★ | Southampton |
| #10 | Adriana's on The Hill | St. Louis Style | $ | 4.6★ | The Hill |
Quick Picks by Style
1Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Foodies seeking a sophisticated pizza experience and a bustling, stylish ambiance perfect for a date night or celebratory meal.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2800 Google reviews · Innovative menu · Lively atmosphere · Fresh ingredients
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Try their 'Spicy Salami' pizza with Calabrian chili oil, or a seasonal special for unique, fresh toppings.
- Insider tip
- Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as this spot fills up quickly. Their happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.
🕐 Hours
2Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza
NeapolitanQuick comparison
- Best for
- Purists craving genuine Neapolitan pizza in a quaint, intimate setting, ideal for a quiet dinner.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 950 Google reviews · VPN certified authenticity · Cozy ambiance · Perfect crust
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- The classic Margherita D.O.C. is a must to appreciate their traditional craft, or try the Capricciosa for a taste of everything.
- Insider tip
- Limited seating makes this a good choice for smaller groups or couples. Parking can be found on nearby streets; arrive early for dinner on busy nights.
🕐 Hours
3Pi Pizzeria
Deep DishQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups looking for a diverse pizza menu, including substantial deep dish and quality thin crust, in a lively urban setting.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1800 Google reviews · Unique deep dish · Great beer selection · Famous clientele
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The 'Kirkwood' deep dish with meatballs and red sauce is a local favorite, or try any of their thin crust pizzas with specialty toppings.
- Insider tip
- Deep dish pizzas take longer to bake, so plan accordingly. They offer gluten-free crusts for their thin-crust pizzas.
🕐 Hours
4Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery
ArtisanalQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those who appreciate exceptional bread and artisanal ingredients, looking for a gourmet pizza in a casual, hip bakery setting.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 1100 Google reviews · Phenomenal sourdough crust · High-quality ingredients · Casual charm
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Their daily pizza special is always a winner, showcasing seasonal flavors. Don't forget to grab a loaf of their famous sourdough bread.
- Insider tip
- Pizza is typically only served during specific lunch and early dinner hours, and they can sell out. Check their website for current availability.
🕐 Hours
5Imo's Pizza
St. Louis StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone looking for the authentic, original St. Louis pizza experience, whether you love Provel or are curious to try it.
- Strengths
- 4.0★ from 1500 Google reviews · Iconic St. Louis taste · Multiple locations · Affordable
- Price / value
- $ · 4.0★
- What to order
- The 'Deluxe' pizza with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper, and bacon is a classic choice. Pair it with toasted ravioli.
- Insider tip
- Imo's is a regional chain with many locations; this downtown spot is convenient for tourists. Expect a casual, no-frills dining experience.
🕐 Hours
6Anthonino's Taverna
Sicilian/NY StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and groups seeking a diverse Italian menu in a bustling neighborhood setting, with excellent pizza as a highlight.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2100 Google reviews · Famous toasted ravioli · Robust pizza options · Lively Hill atmosphere
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Beyond the toasted ravioli, their 'The Hill' pizza, loaded with Italian meats and vegetables, is a fantastic choice.
- Insider tip
- This place can get very busy, especially on weekends. Call ahead for reservations or expect a wait. Valet parking is often available.
🕐 Hours
7Peel Wood Fired Pizza
Wood FiredQuick comparison
- Best for
- Craft beer enthusiasts and those who enjoy creative, high-quality wood-fired pizzas in a modern, casual setting.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1300 Google reviews · Excellent craft beer list · Delicious wood-fired crust · Inventive pizzas
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 'Fig & Prosciutto' pizza is a sweet and savory masterpiece, or explore their seasonal specials for unique flavor profiles.
- Insider tip
- They often have unique craft beer taps; ask your server for recommendations to pair with your pizza. Plenty of street parking available in Clayton.
🕐 Hours
8The Hill's Pizza & Wing Co.
Thin CrustQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and anyone craving a nostalgic, reliable thin-crust pizza experience with a strong sense of local tradition.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 700 Google reviews · Historic Hill location · Dependable thin crust · Family-friendly
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Their 'Special' pizza with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, and onion is a timeless choice, embodying classic Hill flavor.
- Insider tip
- Parking can be tight on The Hill, so be prepared to search for street parking. They also offer excellent wings if you're looking for a combo meal.
🕐 Hours
9Angelo's Taverna
St. Louis StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Locals and visitors looking for an authentic, unpretentious St. Louis pizza experience in a lively tavern atmosphere.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 850 Google reviews · Classic St. Louis style · Great casual vibe · Consistent quality
- Price / value
- $ · 4.3★
- What to order
- The 'Sausage and Pepperoni' pizza is a crowd-pleaser, embodying the best of traditional St. Louis toppings.
- Insider tip
- Expect a lively, sometimes loud, environment, especially during peak dinner hours. It's a great place to catch a Cardinals game.
🕐 Hours
10Adriana's on The Hill
St. Louis StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual diners seeking a fantastic and affordable St. Louis style pizza in a bustling, authentic Italian deli atmosphere.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1100 Google reviews · Excellent deli options · Great value · Authentic Hill experience
- Price / value
- $ · 4.6★
- What to order
- Grab a small pizza alongside one of their famous Italian sandwiches, like the 'Special Italian', for the full experience.
- Insider tip
- Go for lunch on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds, though it's always busy. Seating is limited and casual, primarily counter service.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your St Louis Food Crawl
Reservations
For most of the mid-range and premium pizza establishments like Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria or Anthonino's Taverna, especially on weekends or during peak dinner hours, reservations are highly recommended. Casual spots like Imo's Pizza, Adriana's on The Hill, or Angelo's Taverna typically do not take reservations and operate on a walk-in basis, so be prepared for a potential wait during busy periods.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Virtually all recommended pizza spots in St. Louis accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Cash is always an option as well. There are no strictly cash-only establishments on our list, but it's always wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases or tipping.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as weekday lunch (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) or early dinner (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM). Weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, are predictably the busiest times. For a more relaxed experience, a late lunch or early weeknight dinner is often ideal.
Recommended Crawl Route
For a delicious St. Louis pizza crawl, start on The Hill. Begin with a classic thin crust at The Hill's Pizza & Wing Co., then stroll over for a deli-style St. Louis pie at Adriana's on The Hill. For a different style, head south to Angelo's Taverna for another beloved St. Louis style pizza. Finish your journey with a gourmet experience at Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza in Soulard, just a short drive away.
Getting Around
St. Louis is a car-dependent city, and driving is generally the easiest way to get between most pizza venues, especially those outside of downtown. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Public transportation, including MetroLink (light rail) and MetroBus, serves some areas, but coverage can be spotty for specific neighborhoods. Walking is pleasant within compact areas like The Hill or Soulard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes St. Louis style pizza unique?
St. Louis style pizza is distinguished by its cracker-thin, unleavened crust, which is typically cut into squares (known as 'party cut' or 'tavern cut'). Its signature topping is Provel cheese, a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, which melts into a gooey, creamy texture. The sauce is often slightly sweeter than traditional pizza sauces.
Is Provel cheese real cheese?
Provel is a processed cheese product, not a single natural cheese. It's a blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses, specifically designed for its superior melt and stretch qualities, which makes it ideal for the St. Louis style pizza. While not 'real' in the traditional sense of a single, aged cheese, it's integral to the St. Louis pizza experience.
Can I find gluten-free pizza in St. Louis?
Yes, many pizza restaurants in St. Louis now offer gluten-free crust options. Popular spots like Pi Pizzeria and Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria provide delicious gluten-free alternatives. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm their current offerings and cross-contamination policies if you have severe allergies.
What are some popular pizza toppings in St. Louis?
Beyond the classic pepperoni and sausage, popular toppings in St. Louis include unique local additions like Provel cheese, obviously. Many places also offer robust meat-lover options, and you'll find plenty of classic Italian vegetable toppings like mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, especially on the traditional St. Louis style pies.
Is St. Louis pizza kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Pizza is a universal kid-pleaser, and St. Louis has many family-friendly options. Places like Imo's Pizza, The Hill's Pizza & Wing Co., and Anthonino's Taverna are especially welcoming to families, offering casual environments and menu items that appeal to all ages.
Do most pizza places deliver in St. Louis?
Most of the major pizza chains and many independent pizzerias in St. Louis offer delivery services, either directly or through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. If you're staying in a hotel or prefer dining in, delivery is a convenient option for many of the places on our list.
What's the best time to go for pizza to avoid crowds?
To avoid the biggest crowds, your best bet is to visit during weekday lunch hours (around 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) or for an early dinner (between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM) on a weeknight. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, are universally the busiest times for popular pizza spots.
Are there any vegan pizza options in St. Louis?
Yes, the St. Louis pizza scene is increasingly accommodating to vegan diets. While Provel is not vegan, many artisanal and Neapolitan-style pizzerias can customize pizzas with vegan cheese (often Daiya or similar brands) and plenty of vegetable toppings. Pi Pizzeria, for example, is known for its vegan-friendly options.
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