Since moving to the Tampa area about 10 years ago, it’s been tough to find pizza that makes me go “Wow!” There are a LOT of good pizzas.
Take Eddie & Sam’s for example. I’ve popped into their little place downtown Tampa a few times. I like their pies, but none of them have had that wow factor for me. Yet it seems like whenever the topic of pizza comes up, it seems to be a favorite for so many. So for those of you who think that’s the best of the best, I’ve got 5 somewhat under-the-radar pizza hotspots for you try in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Riverview and Bradenton.
Cristino’s
Hands down one of the best pizzas in the world. The first time I had Cristino’s, it was so good that when I visited NYC the following week I didn’t even look for pizza.
Due Amici in Ybor
There are plenty of pizza spots in Ybor City. There’s one on a side street off 7th that I can’t remember the name of at the moment. But it’s frustrating because depending on who’s working, some nights it’s awesome and some nights their pizza is terrible. But Due Amici is pretty consistent. The game changer for me was when I tried their Sicilian style.
Cappy’s In Riverview
This was one of my first great pizzas I discovered when I moved to Florida. Pizza lovers argue about New York vs. Chicago style pizza. Cappy’s has both. Their NY style is good, but the Chicago version is excellent. They also have other locations, including one in St. Pete I’ve tried a few times. But the Riverview restaurant seems to do it best. It’s definitely not an everyday pizza. Deep dish pizza is an event or an occasion. You will not leave hungry.
Arte Caffe in Bradenton
The newest addition to my list is a close runner up to my favorite pizza in Florida. The crust has a perfect texture. The sauce is out of this world. The cheese has the perfect level of saltiness. I don’t get to Bradenton often but every time I go, this tiny intimate Italian restaurant will be a new stop for me. The penne pasta was excellent but the pizza was insanely good.
Italia Mia in St. Pete
It is in St. Pete but no hipsters it’s not a place you just never noticed downtown St. Pete. It’s not downtown at all. It’s hidden in a cruddy strip mall on 62nd Ave. I had the chicken parm dozens of times before I finally tried their pizza. I shouldn’t have waited so long. Their chicken parm is top notch but the pizza is very good.
Written by Geno Knight
Hear more about the best pizza in Tampa Bay (:54) on the Experience Tampa Bay in 10 Minutes or Less podcast. You can also hear about Tampa Bay Comic Con (2:59) and the Moffitt Cancer Center’s Mole Patrol (6:01).
Photos: G. Knight for BBGI Tampa
Produced by Micaela Figueroa