Pizza holds a special place in the heart of American cuisine, transcending regional and cultural boundaries to become a beloved staple across the nation. Its popularity is vast and undeniably widespread.
So just how much do we love our pizza? A study conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Amazon Fresh found that Americans could eat about five slices of pizza in one sitting by themselves. A quarter love pizza so much, they would even consider serving it at their weddings. This love for "za" racks up an impressive amount of money—the pizza market is expected to reach $66 billion by 2028, according to a 2024 report from Technavio.
What truly sets pizza apart is its remarkable versatility, evidenced by the unique array of styles found in cities throughout the country. In California, for example, pizza takes on a distinctive flair, boasting a thin crust topped with fresh local ingredients like arugula and Fresno chilies reflecting the state's farm-to-table gastronomy. On the opposite coast, New York-style pies reign supreme with large, foldable slices and a classic combination of tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Meanwhile, Detroit-style pizza stands out with its square shape and thick, airy crust, crisped to perfection along the edges. And let's not forget the iconic deep dish of Chicago, featuring a buttery thick crust filled to the brim with layers of cheese, a healthy variety of toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
Amidst this diverse landscape, pizzerias have earned legendary status, drawing hungry visitors from far and wide. Places like Bestia in Los Angeles, famed for its wood-fired pizzas and standout dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck; Lombardi's in New York's Little Italy, supposedly responsible for the city's distinctive style of pizza; and Pequod's in Chicago, known for its carmelized crust, all serve as a testament to the influence pizza has had and continues to have in America.
So, where does one go for the best slice? To help you out, Stacker compiled a list of the best pizza restaurants in 25 major cities using data from Yelp. Businesses were selected using Yelp's top 100 pizza spots list, which ranked restaurants using a number of factors, including the total volume and number of five-star reviews each business had by members of Yelp's "Elite Squad." The #1 restaurant in each city is included here, listed in alphabetical order.
Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.
Note: The photos in this article are stock images and do not depict the specific restaurants listed or the dishes they serve.
