In the wake of the pandemic, many sectors faced unprecedented challenges, yet one industry is thriving: pizza.
In Austin, the pizza scene is experiencing an impressive boom, showcasing a variety of offerings that cater to a diverse array of tastes and preferences.
Unlike traditional full-service restaurants, the pizza business generally has a lower barrier to entry, allowing for an explosion of new establishments as consumers evaluate their dining choices more carefully.
Despite this influx of new pizzerias, several longstanding favorites remain firmly established among the top contenders in the city.
Here’s a roundup of the 10 best pizza places in Austin, highlighting both new and classic options.
**10. Pedroso’s Pizza**
Located at LaLa’s Little Nugget in North Austin, Pedroso’s Pizza has transformed the iconic dive into a haven for pizza lovers with the delicious aroma of oven-baked pies.
While the Sicilian squares and Grandma-style slices have their fans, the New York-style pizzas stand out, featuring ingredients like pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and basil, finished with a sprinkle of pecorino Romano.
For something unique, don’t miss the stromboli, a rare find in Austin.
**Details:** 2207 Justin Lane. 737-600-1107, pedrosospizza.com, Instagram.com/pedrosospizza.
**9. Loudmouth**
Emerging from the team behind the trailer-turned-restaurant Paperboy, Loudmouth aims to carve out its niche in Austin’s vibrant dining landscape, offering not only a stunning interior but also an impressive outdoor space.
Here, the pizza is inspired by Roman-style tonda, combining thin crust, and innovative toppings such as pepperoni, pepperoncini, and hot honey, alongside whipped ricotta and pickled red onions.
Additionally, their meatballs are considered among the city’s best.
**Details:** 1209 Rosewood Ave. 512-766-9072, loudmouth.pizza, Instagram.com/loudmouthpizza.
**8. Jester King Brewery**
Nestled at the edge of Dripping Springs, Jester King Brewery offers one of the most picturesque settings for pizza lovers.
Since 2018, Jester King has been serving its own wood-fired pizzas, featuring ingredients sourced from local suppliers, all unified in flavor and quality.
One standout is the Pekel, topped with pickles, bacon, dill, and crunchy garlic, aligning perfectly with the brewery’s commitment to artisanal ingredients.
For those wanting more, a smash burger from their food truck is also highly recommended.
**Details:** 13187 Fitzhugh Road. 512-900-1820, jesterkingbrewery.com, Instagram.com/jesterkingbrewery.
**7. Little Deli and Pizzeria**
Tony Villani brought a piece of New Jersey to Austin with Little Deli, which has been delighting customers since he acquired it in 2006.
The pizzeria serves generously topped, thin-crust pizzas that meld memories of the East Coast with local flavors, making them highly regarded among residents.
Their standout sandwich, Harry’s Perfect pastrami on griddled rye, is another excellent option worth trying.
**Details:** 7101-A Woodrow Ave. 512-467-7402; 1804 Briarcliff Blvd. 512-220-8346, littledeliandpizza.com, Instagram.com/littledeliandpizza.
**6. Side Eye Pie**
Chef Tony Curet brings his culinary expertise from the Culinary Institute of America to Side Eye Pie, which operates out of a food truck at Meanwhile Brewing Co.
The wood-fired pizzas feature a unique crackle and toasted edges, highlighting sauces made with high-quality tomatoes and gooey, melted cheese that pairs well with various local beers.
Don’t overlook their duck fat chicken wings, praised as some of the city’s finest.
**Details:** 3901 Promontory Point Drive, and 3116 S. Congress Ave. at The Wheel, sideyepie.com, Instagram.com/sideyepie_atx.
**5. Small’s**
Chef Kelsey Small, a veteran of the Austin dining scene, now operates Small’s, which offers unique 16-inch pies baked in brick-lined ovens.
While the coal-fired style from his home state of Connecticut isn’t replicated here, Small’s pizzas feature charred edges and firm crusts, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.
Their anchovy pizza is a favorite, artfully balancing salty and briny elements for a truly flavorful experience.
To top off a pizza night, the root beer float is a must-try dessert.
**Details:** 1023 Springdale Road, Building 1, Suite 1A, smalls.pizza, Instagram.com/smallspizza.
**4. Home Slice**
A staple of South Congress since 2005, Home Slice continues to impress with its authentic New York-style pies that feature a unique cheese blend, including provolone.
The crispy yet foldable pizza makes it a top choice for hungry diners.
Among local favorites are their turkey sub and pepperoni pizza, which have secured Home Slice’s status in the city.
**Details:** 1415 S. Congress Ave. 512-444-7437; 501 E. 53rd St. 512-707-7437, homeslicepizza.com, Instagram.com/homeslicepizza.
**3. Allday Pizza**
Daniel Sorg and Townsend Smith made waves in 2023 with their first location, a pizza window at Flo’s Wine Bar, later giving rise to a dedicated space in Hyde Park.
The minimalist design pays homage to its previous life as a Post Office, complementing the quality pizza produced within.
Their New York-style pizzas boast a sturdy crust with excellent texture and flavor, with the sampler pie allowing patrons to explore multiple options at once.
For dessert, the chocolate and cream gelato is an indulgent treat worth savoring.
**Details:** 3111 W. 35th St. and 4300 Speedway, Unit 103, allday.pizza, Instagram.com/alldaypizza.
**2. Bambino**
Bambino, brought to life by the owners of L’Oca d’Oro, blends nostalgia and modern design, creating a warm atmosphere that complements its varied pizza offerings.
Their pizzas feature a distinctive crust that strikes a balance between Neapolitan softness and a more robust texture, with inventive flavor combinations that excite the palate.
The Piña Colada frozen drink has become a summertime favorite, available with or without rum.
**Details:** 979 Springdale Road, Suite 153; 512-368-3366, bambinoaustin.com, Instagram.com/bambinoatx.com.
**1. Bufalina**
Opening its doors in 2013, Bufalina remains a beacon of Austin’s pizza scene, blending artisanal touches in a chic Brooklyn-inspired environment.
With a menu boasting some of the finest wood-fired pizzas, they highlight fresh ingredients and exceptional attention to detail in each dish.
Their pasta offerings are equally celebrated, providing a perfect pairing for any pizza lover’s feast.
**Details:** 2215 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-394-5337; 6555 Burnet Road. 512-215-8662, bufalinapizza.com, Instagram.com/bufalinapizza.
image source from：statesman
