Clevelanders have known it for decades: our pizza scene is unbelievable. Ask any local, they’ll tell you their favorite mom and pop pizza shop that’s been serving their neighborhood for generations. But just like there’s always room for one more slice, there’s certainly room for more pizza shops doing creative and delicious things in this medium. Here are just a few of the pizza shops serving fresh slices of ‘za in CLE.
Pairing the traditions of Neapolitan pizzaiolos with his wood-fired brick ovens, Vytauras Sasnaukas has been perfecting his Citizen Pie creations for 25 years. The East 4th Street shop’s self-proclaimed “pizza revolution” begins by the slice—with a full menu of customer favorites such as the Cacio E Pepe.
Inspired by his time working at New York City pizza stalwart Roberta’s, Vincent Morelli’s Cent’s Pizza and Goods in Ohio City gives the textbook toppings of wood-fired, American-style pies a makeover. Try the meatball and pecorino-heavy Sunday Gravy or a classic Gorfunkel with hot sopressata to get in on the action.
Nestled in the Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation in Bay Village, Chatty’s Pizzeria is an artisan, made-to-order restaurant specializing in hand-tossed, small-batch pies. Try one of their originals—like the Clam or BLT pizza—and chase it with a local IPA on tap or California merlot straight from the bottle.
Originally a food truck spotted across Northeast Ohio, Pizzeria DiLauro first opened its brick-and-mortar shop in Chagrin Falls in February. Known for its Arrabbiata and Trenton pies, the restaurant earns its cred as a classic, laid-back New York-style slice shop by serving its orders on white paper plates.
Though the menu at this Beachwood pop-up shop known for its thick, Sicilian-style square-cut pies is ever-revolving, some things never change at Mar Mar’s Pizza Kitchen—like its penchant for classic toppings and vegan creations. Eat outside the box with their Meatsweats or Eggplant Parm Pie.
After growing tired of hearing his Ohio friends debate over which city has the best pizza, Nick Robson founded Ohio Pie Co. and created The Original Ohio Style Pizza, a square-cut pie featuring a signature sauce swirl. Take a bite out of Nick’s Pick or a Piggy Bird at their new Rocky River location.
Local food entrepreneur Ben Bebenroth named this brand-new Detroit Shoreway spot for his grandfather. And Grandpa would definitely approve—Boom’s Pizza employs the deep science of a unicorn with pizza that tastes great both out of the oven and out of the box. The shop is no stranger to oddball pies, with menu favorites such as Kale + Dates.