Pizza is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you prefer New York-style thin crust, Chicago deep dish, or artisan wood-fired pies, finding the best pizza in your hometown is a mission worth taking. Here are 10 insider tips to help you uncover your city’s hidden pizza gems and satisfy your craving for the perfect slice.
1. Map Out the Local Favorites
Every town has a handful of pizza places that locals swear by. Ask around: coworkers, friends, local Facebook groups, or your barber. Local recommendations are usually more reliable than search engines or random ads. Pay close attention when multiple people name the same pizzeria—it’s often a strong indicator of consistent quality.
2. Use Google Maps With a Twist
Instead of just searching “pizza near me,” take it a step further:
- Sort by rating (4.5 stars and above).
- Look at reviews posted within the last 3 months.
- Check photos uploaded by customers to get a visual sense of portion size and quality.
Reading comments about specific menu items like “spicy sausage pie” or “four cheese garlic crust” can give you better insight than general 5-star reviews.
3. Search Local Food Blogs and City Guides
Many towns have niche food blogs or local guides (like Eater, Thrillist, or a regional food magazine). Search for terms like
- “Best pizza in [Your City]”
- “[Your City] pizza guide 2025”
- “Top-rated pizza joints [Your Neighborhood]”
These lists often include both trendy hotspots and old-school institutions.
4. Follow Local Pizzerias on Instagram
Social media is a goldmine for spotting what’s hot. Search for pizza-related hashtags and check out posts from local pizzerias. If a place consistently posts mouthwatering images of bubbly crusts, gooey cheese, and creative toppings, chances are they take pride in their craft.
Also, Instagram is where many restaurants share specials or limited-time creations you won’t find on a printed menu.
5. Try Their Signature Pizza
The best pizza places often have a signature pie—a recipe that reflects their passion and creativity. It might be a truffle mushroom pizza, a BBQ brisket pie, or a spicy honey-drizzled pepperoni. Order the house special to get a sense of the chef’s skills and innovation.
If they don’t have a signature pizza, try a classic like Margherita or Pepperoni—these are usually the true test of quality.
6. Prioritize Dough and Sauce Quality
The foundation of any great pizza is the dough and sauce. Look for signs of homemade dough (mention of fermentation or flour type on the menu) and freshly made tomato sauce. Avoid places that use overly processed or canned ingredients.
Great dough will have:
- A light crisp on the outside
- A chewy inside
- A rich, slightly tangy flavor
And great sauce will taste like real tomatoes—not sugar water.
7. Explore Multiple Styles in Town
Your hometown may have more pizza variety than you think. From Detroit-style to Sicilian to Neapolitan to tavern-cut, many cities have multiple styles represented. Try a few to compare:
- Neapolitan: Thin, soft crust with blistered edges.
- New York-style: Foldable slices, crisp base, savory cheese blend.
- Chicago deep dish: thick, buttery crust, layered cheese, and chunky tomato sauce.
- Detroit-style: Rectangular, cheesy edges, thick, and fluffy.
Sampling different styles helps you discover which local spots specialize in your preferred type.
8. Test Delivery vs. Dine-In Quality
Sometimes a pizza that’s incredible fresh out of the oven doesn’t hold up in a delivery box. Test both experiences if possible. A top-tier pizza place should be able to maintain quality whether it’s dine-in, carryout, or delivered.
If they use specialized pizza boxes with venting or insulation, they likely care about delivery quality.
9. Pay Attention to Sides and Salads
Oddly enough, how a place makes its garlic knots or house salad can tell you a lot about their kitchen standards. A pizza joint that puts effort into fresh, flavorful sides probably takes pride in its pizza too. Look for:
- Fresh herbs, not dried
- House-made dressings or sauces
- Unique pairings like burrata with arugula
These details often signal a quality-driven mindset.
10. Consider Longevity and Reputation
Is the pizzeria brand new, or has it been around for 20+ years? While newer restaurants can surprise you with creative flair, older pizza joints often have perfected their craft over time. Look for places that are:
- Family-owned or generational
- Known in the community for decades
- Mentioned in local “best of” lists year after year
Conclusion
Finding the best pizza in Indianapolis takes more than settling for the first place that delivers. It’s about exploring, tasting, comparing, and trusting your own palate. Use these 10 tips to uncover not just a good pizza place—but the pizza place you’ll recommend to everyone you know. Whether you’re enjoying a casual night in or hosting friends for a pizza party, your perfect hometown slice is waiting to be discovered.