Austin may be known for its margaritas and barbecue, but an amazing variety of pizzerias also call the city home. Whether you prefer Neapolitan, Detroit-style or something in between, grab a slice at one of the best pizza parlors in town.
LessPizza and beer are a match made in heaven, and Pinthouse Pizza is the Austin mecca for both. Pinthouse’s hop-forward beer is made by a team of brewers focused on having balanced and flavorful options on tap. Their pizza is so good you’ll want to come back for the rotating monthly specials, as well as perennial favorites like the Honey Pear and Cannonball. Everything is hand-crafted and served in a casual environment that’s perfect for gatherings with friends.
An Austin institution, Home Slice Pizza’s New York-style pies are inspired by Italian grandmothers and served in both North and South Austin. Pizzas are available by the slice at their dine-in spots, as well as at More Home Slice, a take-out and delivery-only operation next door to the South Congress restaurant. Stone-baked crust, authentic toppings and local produce make Home Slice a family-style meal everyone will enjoy.
Known for their incredible happy hour, Bufalina Due is for Neapolitan pizza fans. Cooked in a 900° Stefano Ferrara wood-burning oven for approximately 90 seconds, Bufalina’s pies are slightly charred, but still chewy in the middle. Their flavors range from the classic, like the Margherita and Sausage & Peppers, to the more unique, like the Vodka Arrabiata and Pickle Pie. Don’t skip the wine, as Bufalina carries an amazing selection — and even has a wine club!
Although The Backspace has plenty more to offer than just pizza, their pies are amazing, made in a wood-burning brick Italian oven that lends authenticity and flavor to each pizza creation. The restaurant’s intimate setting will transport you to Italy for the evening, and they have a great happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For gourmet pizza served straight out of a trailer, make a visit to Sammataro. After opening in Westlake in late 2020, the pizza truck developed a large following and eventually made the move to Arbor Food Park. Fresh basil in every bite, a crispy, crunchy crust and natural ingredients all contribute to this being a New York slice worth trying.
Salvation Pizza is serving up delightful thin-crust pizza at their locations on Rainey Street and Domain NORTHSIDE. Known for their New Haven-style pizza, made with a hand-pounded crust and fresh ingredients, Salvation Pizza is dedicated to being a hang-out spot for the community. The Chicken Bacon Ranch is a popular option, along with the Truffle Spinach Mushroom and Spicy Hawaiian.
Vegans can get their pizza and ice cream fix at Big Nonna’s, a plant-based pizzeria that also offers gluten-free options. Their New York-inspired pies are a fun spin on the classics: the Beetaroni features beet “pepperoni,” while the Supreme is topped with a variety of vegetables, plus the Flying Tempeh Bros.’ smoky tempeh. Make it a dairy-free feast with soft serve made from organic soy and coconut milk.
What’s in a name? At Favorite Pizza, it’s the bold claim that they’re serving up some of the best slices in town, but it might just be true. Open “noon to late,” Favorite Pizza offers whole pies and slices. We recommend the Knuckleball, which is loaded with pesto, shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese and sister restaurant Sammie’s meatballs. To drink, there’s the frozen Favorite Slush made with aperitivo and sparkling wine, along with bottles of wine, house cocktails and more.
With more than 30 toppings to choose from, the possibilities are endless at Southside Flying Pizza. Their pies are hand-tossed to perfection, creating a crust that’s not too thick and not too thin. Everything can be customized, making this an ideal option for more picky eaters. Pro tip: head to Southside for two large pizzas for $20 every Tuesday.
An Austin original that expanded to more cities after opening in 2011, Via 313 makes Detroit-style pizza with rich, bubbly dough and scrumptious toppings. The pizza is authentic, as founders and brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt were born and raised in the Motor City. If you’re looking for something sweet and savory, try the Cadillac, a satisfying combination of prosciutto, fig preserves, gorgonzola and balsamic glaze, all on top of that perfect crust.