19 Nov 9th–Nov 15th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | Pizza Powerhouses The top 10 best pizzerias in metro Phoenix. BY NEW TIMES STAFF I t’s always a good time to make the argument that Phoenix is the best pizza town in America. There’s the diversity of techniques — every major pizza-making philos- ophy, from Chicago deep-dish to wood- fired Neapolitan style, is well-represented in the Valley. There is the concentration of talented pizzaioli in the Arizona desert, an unlikely yet fortunate development that has helped Phoenix become a culinary destination for die-hard pizza aficionados. And there is the simple fact that it’s become harder and harder to keep track of the ever-expanding roster of great pizze- rias around town. Well, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Here are the 10 best places for pizza in the metro Phoenix. Pizzeria Bianco Multiple Locations Pizzeria Bianco has become the measuring stick by which every other wood-fired pizza joint in the Valley is to be compared from now until the very concept of Phoenix becomes obsolete. “I think so-and-so’s pizza is even better than Bianco’s” is a controversial yet common- place piece of rhetoric you will sometimes hear people throw around in a somewhat desperate effort to drive home a point about how good the pizza they had last night really was. Even if it’s not your favorite pizzeria in town, it’s hard to argue against the sheer influence that the restaurant has had on the local and national pizza scene. Bianco is a two-time James Beard Award winner, has opened a restaurant in Los Angeles and starred on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table: Pizza.” The Wiseguy, with its classic sausage-and- onion combo, has a smoky, savory allure. And the Rosa, with its ingenious combo of red onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano, rosemary, and Arizona-grown pistachios, might be the most famous pie in the state. Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante 19420 N. 59th Ave., Glendale This northwest Valley restaurant is hidden in a shopping center strip mall filled with sports bars and offices. But Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante is a gem. Grab a table next to the floor-to-ceiling photograph of an Italian street and start your meal with the complimentary bread basket. Multiple different varieties of bread are warm, soft, and oh-so-satisfying. Next, pick your pie from a list of red and white options. To intensify your taste of Italy, try the Capricciosa pizza, topped with prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms, basil and strong, purple Kalamata olives. You won’t find any of the boring, flavor-stripped black olives often seen on pizza here. Cibo Urban Pizzeria 603 N. Fifth Ave. Cibo Urban Pizzeria is a modern classic — a popular Italian cafe that has been supplying downtown Phoenix with an irresistible menu of red and white wood- fired pizzas for more than a decade now. Chef Guido Saccone has left his mark on the local pizza scene, helping popularize the gently charred, ultra-fresh crust that has come to characterize the modern age of wood-fired pizza in Phoenix and else- where. His pies feature an inch or so of pillowy crust before the toppings begin. Try the Funghi, a lovely melding of mozza- rella, tomatoes, and mushrooms, or the Diavola for a spicy kick. Sit on the twinkle- light-strung patio of this historic bungalow and enjoy a few slices, a glass of wine, and maybe a dessert special to share. Grand Avenue Pizza Co. 6729 N. 57th Drive, Glendale With its move to Glendale, the once-tiny downtown Phoenix pizzeria Grand Avenue Pizza Co. has room to stretch its legs. The sprawling space, just a few blocks from Glendale’s sweet downtown, has plenty of room inside and out for groups large and small. Likewise, the larger kitchen has allowed for the addition of perfect pizza pairings like hot wings, salads and baskets of fries. Through all the changes, Grand Avenue’s pizza continues to be stellar. The dough offers a soft, carby canvas for a variety of specialty pies using classic and creative toppings. But, with so much to choose from, you can never go wrong with Grand Avenue’s monthly specials which have previously taken inspiration from elote, Oktoberfest eats and cheeseburgers. Il Capo 7366 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale This casual Italian restaurant and bar has a full menu of salads, pizzas and pastas, as well as an enticing case of gelato. While Il Capo’s wood-fired oven is striking, from its blue mosaic tile and the lightly charred pies that emerge from it, the star is the restaurant’s deck oven and the large New York-style pizzas that it bakes. The massive slices of the 18-inch pizzas can stand up to the toppings – like the Diavolo’s hot soppressata, sausage, Calabrian chiles, ricotta, basil, mozzarella, tomato sauce and honey drizzle – while still having nice chew and a crispy, crunchy crust. La Piazza al Forno 5803 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale La Piazza al Forno in Old Towne Glendale is a longtime staple of the Valley’s Neapolitan pizza scene. The restaurant was something of a trailblazer in bringing wood-fired, artisanal pizza to the greater Phoenix area, and is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which means it adheres to the time-tested methods of traditional Neapolitan pizza- making. The quickly-cooked, crispy-chewy crust pairs perfectly with the full-bodied flavor of San Marzano tomatoes. A menu highlight is the Lasagna Pizza, a creation that answers the age-old question of whether to order pizza or pasta. This perfectly blends the flavors of the two favorite Italian staples. For those looking to go beyond Naples, try La Piazza’s thick, bready and square Roman slices. Mimi Forno Italiano 3624 W. Baseline Road #174, Laveen Village This south Valley restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, and for good reason. Located in Laveen Village, this small spot fills up fast. Grab a seat at the bar or be prepared to wait for a table for dinner. But at Mimi Forno Italiano, the wait is so worth it. Thin stemmed wine glasses add a hint of elegance to the neigh- borhood spot, and excellent pizza brings it home. The menu is split into red and white, and we highly recommend the Polpetta. The restaurant serves a starter of meatballs drenched in red sauce, but you can also try them thinly sliced and added to this meat lovers-style pizza, accompanying ham, sausage, mozzarella, and basil. Mimi Forno Italiano also serves pasta dishes, steak specials, and an array of desserts, making it an ideal date night destination. Myke’s Pizza 31 S. Robson #103, Mesa Myke’s Pizza, the former pop-up in Mesa, moved off the sidewalk and into Cider Corps. And there, Myke Olsen is baking some serious pies. One of the more Top: Chris Bianco presents a pizza fresh from the oven. (Photo by Jacob Tyler Dunn) Bottom left: Grand Avenue Pizza Co. reopened just off Grand Avenue in Glendale. (Photo by Grand Avenue Pizza Co.) Bottom right: Potatoes add an unusual texture to this signature pie at Myke’s Pizza. (Photo by Tirion Boan) ▼ Chow >> p 21
