Ah, pizza—the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. With the gooey cheese, savory sauce, and whatever decadent toppings you crave, it’s the one dish that unites us all.
Pizza transcends borders, cultures, and even dietary preferences, lactose intolerance be damned. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a classic Margherita or the bold flavors of a meat-lover’s magnificence, there’s a slice out there for everyone. Recently, amidst the never-ending debate about where to find the best pie, a list emerged that ranks the 250 highest-rated pizza cities across America. The pizza oven manufacturer, Pizzello, published this list in its continued pursuit of pizza perfection.
The Top Five Best Pizza Cities in America
Leading the pack, unsurprisingly, as the top place for pizza is New York City, NY (4.68 average Google rating). Their pizza legacy cannot be ignored as it is home to America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, which has been in business since those ovens first started burning in 1905.
The second place surprise is Tulsa, Oklahoma (4.65). Nestled within the heart of America, Tulsa’s pizza expertly blends traditional techniques with a distinctively Oklahoman flair, thereby gaining fame and esteem from pizza lovers.
Third place is the country’s second-largest city: Los Angeles, California (4.63). Famous for its glamour, L.A. is an ideal combination of artisanal style, upscale creations, and family-owned, rustic pizza shops.
Number Four: Peoria, Arizona (4.61). This desert city has been known to be a sleeper hit due to its Southwestern flavors combined with the classic pizza formula.
Last but not least, number five with an average rating of 4.60 is Jonesboro, Arkansas. They bring the best-known Southern comfort foods while maintaining an innovative style.
An under-ranked Yonkers
In a shock to many locals, Yonkers itself ranked only #181 on this list with an overall Google review rating of 4.4. Now, a 4.4 rating is nothing to scoff at because some of our most notable pizzerias certainly have their loyal patrons. And in October 2023, Yonkers named a winner of its “Pizzeria Face Off” competition. The top four spots to make it to the final four included:
- Carlo’s
- Louie & Johnnie’s Ristorante
- Gino’s Pizzeria on South Broadway
- Dom & Vinnie’s Pizzeria
At the end of the several weeks-long competition of 32 pizzerias, Gino’s on South Broadway ultimately reigned supreme.
Moreover, the MICHELIN guide for New York consistently shakes up the culinary scene and this past September was no different with a nod to Yonkers pizza. While MICHELIN usually includes restaurants in NYC, Frank Pepe Pizzeria stood out as the sole representative of Westchester County for its wood-fired fare.
S0, despite Yonkers’ placement at number 181 on the expansive list of 250 pizza cities across America, we have a passion for a quality slice of pizza that remains evident among the plethora of pizzerias in every neighborhood. From mom-and-pop shops to Haute cuisine, there’s a culinary flavor to suit every pallet in our great city.
