π Boston Pizza Guide: The Best Spots in the City and Beyond
Where to Find the Best Pizza in Boston β Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Discover the best pizza in Boston and New England, from legendary spots to hidden gems — all kid-friendly and parent-approved.
π Boston Pizza Guide: A Love Letter to New England's Best Pies
Growing up near New Haven — one of the pizza capitals of the world — means I have sky-high standards when it comes to a good pie.
Moving to the Boston area, I worried: could anything come close to the charred, chewy, tomato-kissed slices of my childhood? I’m thrilled to report that Boston and Greater New England have absolutely stepped up.
In this guide, you'll find a mouthwatering roundup of local favorites — from classic Neapolitan spots to old-school bar pizza joints. Whether you're a fellow pizza snob or just a parent looking for a great family night out, this list has you covered.
Picco: South End Boston
π How This Guide is Organized
- First, a few editor's picks and personal notes (because pizza love is personal).
- Next, a crowd-sourced list based on how many shoutouts each place got in our poll.
- Finally, you'll find a detailed listing with Address, Phone, Hours, and Website links.
π Top Picks: Editor’s Favorites
Picco (South End, Boston) ππ
- Highlights: Neapolitan-style pizzas, housemade ice cream, and crave-worthy mac & cheese.
- Vibe: Family-friendly, cozy, and vibrant.
- Pro Tip: Save room for dessert — the ice cream is legendary.
Ciao! Pizza & Pasta (Chelsea)
- Highlights: Artisan Neapolitan pies from a tiny, no-frills spot that packs flavor.
- Vibe: Unassuming gem, perfect for a casual night out.
Semolina Kitchen + Bar (Medford)
- Highlights: Creative seasonal pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired fare.
- Vibe: Casual, stylish, and welcoming, with a big seasonal patio.
All Star Pizza (Inman Square) ππ
- Highlights: Big slices with 4 daily options
- Vibe: Neighborhood Corner Spot — fast, filling, and tasty.
- They achive that rare and beautiful thing: when the sauce and cheese melt into each other just right — not layered, but fused.
Za (Arlington + Kendall Square)
- Highlights: Individual specialty pizzas and a simple, quality-driven menu.
- Vibe: Family-friendly and casual with great takeout options.
Ernesto’s Pizza (North End + Assembly Row, Somerville)
- Highlights: Gigantic slices with tons of specialty topping options.
- Vibe: Classic Boston vibe — fast, filling, and fun.
There’s something about New Haven–style pizza where the sauce and cheese don’t just coexist — they fuse. It’s not layers, it’s a single molten, tangy-savory top that delivers every bite in balance. You don’t get a mouthful of mozzarella or a blast of sauce alone — it’s all one perfectly blistered whole.
π Pizza Power Rankings (Based on Poll Mentions)
π₯ Fan Favorites
- Pizzeria Regina (North End, Boston)
- Santarpio’s (East Boston)
- Cape Cod Cafe (Brockton)
π₯ Highly Recommended
- Ernesto’s Pizza (North End + Somerville)
- Ciao! Pizza & Pasta (Chelsea)
- Upper Crust Pizza (Multiple Locations)
- Joanie’s Pizza (Chelmsford)
π Local Treasures
- Union Park Pizza (Boston)
- Semolina Kitchen + Bar (Medford)
- Za (Arlington/Kendall)
- All Star Pizza (Inman Square) ππ
- Frank Pepe’s (Burlington) ππ
- Town Spa Pizza (Stoughton)
- Square Mfg. (Natick)
- Volo Pizza (Swampscott)
- Dirty Water Dough (Boston)
- Riverview Pizza (Ipswich)
- Poopsie’s (Pembroke)
- Pleasant Cafe (Roslindale)
πΊοΈ Full Listings: Pizza Directory
Pizzeria Regina (North End, Boston) ππ
- Address: 11 1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, MA 02113
- Phone: (617) 227-0765
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: pizzeriaregina.com
- Notes: A Boston icon since 1926. Legendary brick oven pies — crispy, chewy, and packed with flavor.
Santarpio’s Pizza (East Boston & Terminal C at Logan)
- Address: 111 Chelsea Street, Boston, MA 02128
- Phone: (617) 567-9871
- Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: santarpiospizza.com
- Notes: No-frills East Boston institution. Order the pizza and the grilled lamb skewers.
Cape Cod Cafe (Brockton)
- Address: 979 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301
- Phone: (508) 583-9420
- Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Website: capecodcafepizza.com
- Notes: Classic South Shore bar pizza — thin, crispy, and perfect with a beer.
Ernesto’s Pizza (North End + Assembly Row, Somerville)
- Address: 69 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113
- Phone: (617) 523-1373
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Website: ernestospizzaboston.com
- Notes: Gigantic slices and a ton of specialty flavors — great for families and casual nights out.
Ciao! Pizza & Pasta (Chelsea)
- Address: 59 Williams Street, Chelsea, MA 02150
- Phone: (617) 286-9346
- Hours: Tue–Sat 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Website: ciaopizzapasta.com
- Notes: Tiny spot making big waves. Neapolitan pies with serious char and flavor.
Dirty Water Dough (Boston)
- Address: 222 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Phone: (857) 265-3895
- Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Website: dirtywaterdough.com
- Notes: Sourdough crust with unique, creative toppings — late-night pizza fix on Newbury Street.
All Star Pizza (Somerville / Inman Square)
- Address: 1238 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Phone: (617) 547-0836
- Hours: Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM – 9 PM
- Website: allstarpizzabar.com
- Notes: Known for its creative and eclectic pizza offerings, including a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The menu features unique combinations like the "Buffalo Duck Confit" and "Ms. Piggy's Fig" pizzas. They offer dine-in, takeout, a variety of daily slices and delivery services.
Square Mfg. Co. (Natick)
- Address: 935 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760
- Phone: (508) 545-1283
- Hours: Wed–Sun 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Website: squaremfgco.com
- Notes: Detroit-style square pies — crispy cheesy edges, thick fluffy centers.
Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana (Burlington)
- Address: 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803
- Phone: (781) 272-7775
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: pepespizzeria.com
- Notes: New Haven classic brought north. White Clam Pizza is a must-try.
Town Spa Pizza (Stoughton)
- Address: 1119 Washington Street, Stoughton, MA 02072
- Phone: (781) 344-2030
- Hours: Tue–Thu 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Website: townspapizza.com
- Notes: Classic bar pizza, heavy on the sauce, with a retro family vibe.
Riverview Pizza (Ipswich)
- Address: 20 Estes Street, Ipswich, MA 01938
- Phone: (978) 356-0500
- Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Website: (No website)
- Notes: A legendary takeout-only spot. Old-school, thin, cheesy pies.
Galleria Umberto, North End
Poopsie’s (Pembroke)
- Address: 243 Church Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
- Phone: (781) 293-7960
- Hours: Tue–Sat 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Website: (No website)
- Notes: Hidden gem for old-school South Shore bar pizza.
Pleasant Cafe (Roslindale)
- Address: 4515 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA 02131
- Phone: (617) 323-8535
- Hours: Tue–Sun 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Website: pleasantcafe.com
- Notes: Thin-crust pizza institution since 1937. Also known for classic red-sauce Italian dishes.
Blue Square Pizza (Hopkinton)
- Address: 14 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
- Phone: (508) 625-1001
- Hours: Wed–Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Website: bluesquarepizza.com
- Notes: Detroit-style square pies with big bold flavors.
Nick’s Pizza (Newburyport)
- Address: 43 Storey Avenue, Newburyport, MA 01950
- Phone: (978) 462-9599
- Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Website: (No website)
- Notes: Casual spot with loyal local following. Hearty slices.
Stoked Pizza Co. (Brookline + Cambridge)
- Address: 1632 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446
- Phone: (617) 879-0707
- Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Website: stokedpizzaco.com
- Notes: Wood-fired pizza with creative topping combos and a fun, casual vibe.
Dragon Pizza (Somerville)
- Address: 233 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
- Phone: (617) 764-5020
- Hours: Tue–Sat 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Website: dragonpizzasomerville.com
- Notes: Hip spot in Davis Square known for inventive pies and cheeky branding.
Galleria Umberto (North End, Boston)
- Address: 289 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
- Phone: (617) 227-5709
- Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (or until sold out)
- Website: (No website)
- Notes: Cash-only North End legend. Sicilian slices that sell out fast.
Leone’s Sub and Pizza (Somerville)
- Address: 292 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145
- Phone: (617) 623-2223
- Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Website: leonespizza.com
- Notes: Home of giant slabs of Sicilian pizza — and killer subs too.
Choate Bridge Pub (Ipswich)
- Address: 3 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA 01938
- Phone: (978) 356-2931
- Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: choatebridgepub.com
- Notes: Casual pub with surprisingly great pizza — locals love it.
Frankie’s (Worcester)
- Address: 118 Highland Street, Worcester, MA 01609
- Phone: (508) 797-8000
- Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Website: frankiesworcester.com
- Notes: Delicious creative pies, Italian eats, and a cozy Worcester staple.
Olo Pizza (Worcester)
- Address: 72 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604
- Phone: (508) 926-8999
- Hours: Wed–Sat 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Website: olopizza.com
- Notes: Thin crust, inventive toppings, great vibe for pizza nerds.
Sam and Joe’s Restaurant (Danvers)
- Address: 268 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
- Phone: (978) 774-5022
- Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Website: samandjoesrestaurant.com
- Notes: Family-owned, old-school charm, classic pies and Italian-American comfort food.
Pizza Town (Quincy)
- Address: 547 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02170
- Phone: (617) 472-6010
- Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: (No website)
- Notes: Classic neighborhood pizza joint — unpretentious and reliably good.
Denly Gardens (Weymouth)
- Address: 740 Broad Street, Weymouth, MA 02189
- Phone: (781) 337-6060
- Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Website: (No website)
- Notes: Classic Italian-American spot. Low-key, traditional pizza experience.
Boston may not be known as a pizza capital — (and believe me, as someone with New Haven roots, I get it) — but that’s exactly why a guide like this matters. Good pizza here takes a little more effort to find, and that’s what makes these reader-recommended gems all the more satisfying.
From classic bar pies to bubbling Neapolitans and everything in between, these are the spots locals swear by. And honestly? Hearing directly from the community made it even more fun to put together.
So grab the family, try something new, and don’t forget the napkins. πβ€οΈ
Did we miss your favorite slice? We’d love to hear about it! Tag us on Instagram @bostoncentral, drop us an email at [email protected], or DM us.
More pizza = more joy.
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 25 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area and takes finding good pizza around here quite seriously. π