Best Pizza in Rochester (2025)

Playful branding, serious pies: square Detroit-style slabs and thin “nickel” rounds with standout vegan and gluten-free options. Crowned Best Pizza by CITY Magazine readers, and a frequent darling of local critics for bold flavors and quality toppings.

A former three-wheeled pizza truck turned brick-and-mortar, known for NY rounds daily plus Detroit Wednesdays and pan-style Thursdays. Profiled by Rochester Business Journal and named a top finisher in CITY Magazine’s Best Pizza; local classes deepen its community ties.

Downtown since 1986, this family-run slice shop channels true NYC thin-crust—foldable, crisp, and unfussy. A perennial favorite among local writers and a CITY Magazine Best Pizza finalist, it anchors weekday lunches and pre-show dinners with classic pies.

Family-owned since 1973, Nino’s turns out heartwarming Sicilian and focaccia-crust pies alongside thin “Napolitan.” Regularly praised by Rochester pizza diehards and highlighted on regional roundups, it’s a go-to for sauce-first, old-world flavors.

Near the campuses and tech parks, this four-decades-strong, family-run shop nails sheet pies, pepperoni cup-and-char, and hearty wings. A neighborhood staple that locals cite for generous slices and fair prices.

Hand-tossed, foldable Brooklyn-style pizza from an independent local group that keeps the focus on crackly crusts and generous slices. Trusted by transplants craving downstate flavor; multiple area outposts keep it easy to find.

A pioneer of East End wood-fired pizza where blistered crusts meet simple toppings and an energetic bar. OpenTable diners consistently praise the pies and vibe; the oven-front seats are a local rite of passage before concerts.

Chef-driven Italian with a cult following for wood-fired pizzas and seasonal antipasti. Frequently cited by local critics and a regular Best Italian honoree in CITY Magazine, Rocco blends neighborhood warmth with sharp technique.

Inside the historic Public Market, Fiorella turns out naturally leavened, wood-fired pizzas with produce-driven toppings. Celebrated by CITY Magazine as Best Italian and admired by local food writers for careful sourcing and airy crusts.

A pizza-forward bar from the Swan family (think Vern’s) with big, bubbly pies, DJ nights, and late slices. Its loud-and-fun ethos and craveable toppings have earned steady praise from locals and nightlife writers.

Village Gate’s hub for wood-fired “landmark” pizzas named after local icons, alongside burgers and salads. Noted on Rochester’s community guides and praised for sustainable practices and a friendly, family feel.

Rochester’s 100% vegan pizzeria crafts creative pies with house-made toppings and gluten-free options. Recognized by CITY Magazine in its Best Vegan Restaurant category, it broadens the scene without sacrificing the pizza joy.