Is there something extra comforting after a nasty day than a pair slices of pizza? We expect not. A part of that consolation comes from the truth that many people have eaten it via all phases of life—from the Mr. Gatti’s pizza events of our childhood to the marginally duller (however extra sanitary) grownup gatherings held in workplace buildings.
But, whereas pizza is king, we haven’t at all times had nice locations to eat it in Houston, which has by no means actually been often called a pizza metropolis. Luckily, with the opening of spots like Nonno’s and Gold Tooth Tony’s, that’s all beginning to change. Listed below are a few of our favourite pizza eating places on the town, all worthy of constructing you rethink Houston’s pizza picture.
Antonio’s Flying Pizza
Mid-West
There’s an old-timeyness to Antonio’s décor and ambiance that feels comforting—not to mention the large pizzaiolo flinging a pie on the billboard exterior, beckoning us in. Opened in 1971 by Antonio and Rosalba Rosa, the restaurant remains to be a go-to for neighborhood locals. In the event you’re within the space, cease by for one of many specialty pizzas just like the biancorosso, topped with burrata, pepperoni, and caramelized onions, or construct your individual from a wealth of topping choices.
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Sixth Ward, Montrose
Though it’s a bar firstly, cosmic-themed Betelgeuse Betelgeuse (now with two places in Houston) has some fairly out-of-this-world pizza. Named after the crimson supergiant in Orion’s constellation, each places sport quirky, intergalactic décor. It’s an ideal backdrop for one in all our favourite actions: sipping on cocktails whereas consuming our fill of pizza. Proprietor Chris Cusack consulted with Anthony Calleo, proprietor of Detroit-style pizza spot Gold Tooth Tony’s, on the bar’s pizza menu, which gives each meat pizzas and veggie choices. Begin with the Sausage-Feta with Italian sausage, confit onions, and feta cheese, then transfer on to the Supernova, with pepperoni, Mandola Meals Co. Italian sausage, mushrooms, onion, and pepper.
Coltivare
Heights
Agricole Hospitality’s crown jewel celebrated 10 years of serving Houstonians in 2024. A neighborhood restaurant that can also be destination-worthy, Coltivare has thrived by providing persistently nice Italian pasta, pizza, and small plates with many substances sourced domestically or from its yard backyard. The pizza choice rotates often. Go for a easy tomato, basil, and mozzarella pie, or one thing extra adventurous just like the Gulf shrimp pizza with spinach, spicy tomato sauce, olives, chiles, and lemon.
Frank’s Pizza
Downtown
This Houston establishment has seen higher days, however there’s at all times a time and a spot for Frank’s. Head right here in the event you occur to already be wandering round downtown on foot, or in the event you’re in want of a second dinner after knocking just a few again on Principal Avenue, as Frank’s is open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Order no matter slice appears freshest from the case, and maintain it easy—suppose traditional pepperoni or cheese pizza.
Gold Tooth Tony’s
Heights, bellaire
This Detroit-style pizza restaurant (the primary one in Houston) from longtime Houston pizza wizard Anthony Calleo is shortly changing into one in all our favourite spots on the town. For the uninitiated, Detroit-style pizza encompasses a thick and chewy square-cut crust with some fairly irresistible nook slices. Standout choices at Gold Tooth Tony’s embrace a mac and cheese pie with bacon, in addition to the Detroit Supreme, made with pepperoni, house-made Italian sausage, roasted maitake mushrooms, confit onions, crimson and inexperienced peppers, and olive salad. There are actually two places, and it’s also possible to discover Gold Tooth Tony’s pizza at Rudyard’s in Montrose.
Gypsy Poet
Midtown, heights
The inconspicuous Midtown location, which has no signage, has relied on phrase of mouth to pack its seats since opening in 2019—and that tactic remains to be very a lot paying off. The restaurant, owned by Venezuelan husband-and-wife workforce Vanessa Fernandez and Cesar Izaguirre, has grow to be identified for its excellent pies, which sport gentle and crispy crusts that straddle the road between Neapolitan- and New York–fashion pies. Staples right here embrace the Pepperoni Insanity with a mildly spicy scorching honey and, in the event you’re a cheese fiend, the Cinque Formaggi, which has an overload of fior di latte cheese, mozzarella, gorgonzola, goat cheese, and parmesan. Gypsy Poet opened a second location within the Heights in 2022.
Dwelling Slice
Midtown
Austin-based Dwelling Slice is an icon in its hometown, so it was solely a matter of time earlier than it began increasing to different cities in Texas. The pizza slinger opened its first Houston location in 2022 in Midtown, creating various buzz. The whimsically designed restaurant boasts particulars equivalent to Rococo-esque iron fencing, kitschy backyard sculptures, and loads of murals—all in keeping with the eclectic vibe of the Mid Principal strip it calls residence. Since Dwelling Slice has a to-go window, it’s grow to be a fast favourite of patrons of neighboring bars equivalent to Double Hassle and the Continental Membership (one other Austin transplant). You may’t go mistaken with Dwelling Slice’s well-known white pizza—olive oil, garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Romano—and its pepperoni and mushroom pizza.
Neighbors Pizza Bar
East Finish
In 2023, How one can Survive on Land and Sea, a cool wine bar housed within the Plant, was taken over by a former Café Louie companion and rebranded as Neighbors Pizza Bar. The connection between the bar and Café Louie didn’t finish there. The bar’s new proprietor introduced in former Café Louie co-owner Angelo Emiliani as a guide to design a pizza program for the newly rebranded spot. The menu began small with solely three forms of pies—cheese, pepperoni, and sausage—obtainable both complete or by the slice, however since then, the restaurant has added a barbecue brisket pizza, and another new particular slices of the day.
Nonno’s Household Pizza Tavern
Montrose
Delivered to fruition from Nobie’s and Toasted Coconut house owners Martin and Sara Stayer, this restaurant is newer to Houston’s rising pizza scene. Nonno’s focuses on genuine Chicago tavern-style pizza (that’s skinny crust—we’ve been informed deep-dish is for vacationers). We love the Maui Wowee pizza, topped with Spam, pineapple, and smoked jalapeño. In the event you’re a pineapple-on-pizza hater, go for the Meat Head as a substitute, with capicola, pepperoni, and sausage.
Pinks Pizza
A number of places
You’d be hard-pressed to discover a extra memorable pizza field in Houston than those at Pinks. The pink containers, which sport retro-style photos like clown faces or girls with bouffant hair, might look a bit unsettling, however there’s nothing unsettling concerning the pizza they comprise. The chain, which has 5 places in Houston, makes thin-crust pizzas that occupy that good space between not too thick and never too skinny—simply how we like ’em. Whereas choices right here abound, we often get our repair via the Large Boss Pizza, a pie piled excessive with pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, Canadian bacon, and “actual” bacon, the menu jokes.
Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
Montrose, Memorial
Pizaro’s is severe about its pizza from the detailed explanations of Neapolitan, Detroit, and New York kinds on the wall by the road to order—and the 2 large wood-fired ovens within the kitchen which can be imported from Naples. It’s at all times enjoyable to order a white pie once they’re obtainable, which isn’t typically in Houston; Pizaro’s easy Fino is a good wager, topped with finochietta salami, garlic, goat cheese, mozzarella made in-house, Italian sausage, and basil. In addition to Neapolitan crimson and white pies, Pizaro’s gives equally worthy New York– and Detroit-style choices.
Rosie Cannonball
Montrose
The wooden oven performs a starring function on this stylish Mediterranean-focused Montrose restaurant, making for a few of the greatest pizza in Houston. The menu rotates often, with easy pies just like the white-sauce cacio e pepe with formaggi al pepe and pecorino, and ole pepperoni pizza with wood-roasted crimson sauce and mozzarella. All of the pizzas make a wonderful pairing for Rosie’s expansive wine record.
Saint Arnold Brewing
Northside
On the godfather of Houston (and Texas) craft breweries, we like ordering one in all our favourite pizzas within the metropolis: a easy Margherita, made with garlic-infused oil, roasted tomatoes, contemporary mozzarella, and basil oil. It’s greatest loved in Saint Arnold’s excellent beer backyard with a few pints, such because the easy-drinking Lawnmower or the heftier and hoppier Artwork Automobile. Pizza and hops. Is there a greater mixture? We expect not.
Star Pizza
A number of places
We love the funkiness of Star Pizza #1 on Shepherd, with its graffitied cubicles and partitions, however the native chain additionally has joints off Washington Avenue (Star Pizza #2) and in Katy (Star Pizza #3). Any pie could be made New York–fashion, deep-dish, and even gluten-free, with a private pizza possibility too. We love the very Texan Extra Cowbell, made with brisket that’s smoked in-house and the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce, plus cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone.
Tiny Champions
East Finish
Though this East Finish little sister of Nancy’s Hustle might not get the award recognition of its extra often lauded older sibling, we predict Tiny Champions is simply as worthy. Whereas the appetizers and entrees listed here are stellar (you completely must attempt the rigatoni in addition to the shaved cremini mushroom salad), we often come right here for the pizza. The pies right here have bubbly crusts crisped to perfection and handle to take care of their lightness regardless of being loaded up with a wide range of selection toppings. Our go-to is the ricotta cream pie, which comes topped with crispy seasonal greens, mozzarella, and pickled garlic. Of equal be aware: the anchovy pizza topped with tomato sauce, sliced garlic, and salsa verde. If you find yourself ordering each, be sure you pack some to go so you may depart some room for dessert, as a result of the ice cream and sorbet sundaes listed here are price a go to on their very own.
Timothy Malcolm and Alexia Partouche contributed to this information.
