The 10 Best Pizzerias in Texas
What makes a pizza great? The thickness and crispiness of its crust? The creativeness of its toppings? The quality and color of its sauce? Or just the sheer amount of cheese loaded on top? No two Texans will answer this question the same way, which makes our state one of the best in the country for discovering diverse pizzerias.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Chicago- or New York-style zealot, team red sauce or bianco, or outspokenly pro-pineapple-as-a-topping — the Lone Star State has a pizza joint for you. From Dallas to San Antonio, here are the 10 best pizzerias in Texas.
Bollo Woodfired Pizza, Houston
Named one of GAYOT’s top 10 pizza restaurants in the nation in 2022, Bollo in Houston’s Upper Kirby district has assembled one mean menu of pies. They have more than a dozen signature pizzas that range from red-sauce classics like margherita to the deliciously eclectic, like their shrimp scampi pizza with bianco sauce — all baked to perfection in an 800 F wood-fired oven.
Capo’s Pizzeria, San Antonio
Buffalo, New York, native Rick Perna and his sons have opened five Capo’s locations around San Antonio, bringing two styles of New York pizza to South Texas: Buffalo-style pan and New York hand-tossed. Whichever style you prefer, you’ll enjoy any of their specialty pizzas (and calzones) along with a slew of classic appetizers (e.g., garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, and Buffalo-style wings) in a restaurant that’s a quintessential “pizzeria” with checkered tablecloths and plenty of Italian wall art.
Comfort Pizza, Comfort
It’s no wonder some of the best comfort food in Texas can be found in a town named Comfort, a small community just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio in the heart of the Hill Country. The hottest joint is Comfort Pizza, which operates out of an old service station. Their pizzas are famously made on a sourdough crust that’s so popular among the locals that guests are encouraged to call ahead to reserve enough dough for their order. After dinner, treat yourself to their locally made gelato for an extra scoop of Comfort.
The Gypsy Poet, Houston
With two locations in the heart of Houston, Gypsy Poet is the spot for artisan pizza. Their inventive 13-inch pies include the popular “Pepperoni Madness,” which is loaded with giant slabs of pepperoni and drizzles of hot honey, and the “Fancy Backpacker,” pizza with prosciutto, fior di latte (cow’s milk) mozzarella, and oozing with truffle oil. While your pizza’s in the oven, enjoy live music.
i Fratelli, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin
Probably the most iconic rectangular pizza in the state, i Fratelli (Italian for “the brothers”) has been delivering four-sided thin-crust pizza to North Texans since 1987 and now has more than 20 locations across the DFW metroplex, Houston, and Austin. The four founding Cole brothers’ motto is, “Never trust a round pizza,” and it’s a crispy miracle that their thin-crust pies can support the generous toppings they load on top.
The Parlor, Austin
The Parlor is a family-owned pizza joint in Austin that, in true Austin fashion, has been doing things their way for decades. While they have meat on the menu, they pride themselves on being the home of one of the first vegan pizzas in Austin. Plus, they make their own vegan pepperoni, chicken, and sausage (plus gluten-free dough) in house — so anyone and everyone can enjoy their menu of at least a dozen specialty pies.
Rancho Pizzeria, Coleman
Coleman may be a nearly three-hour drive west of Waco and have a population of less than 4,000, but Rancho Pizzeria has put it on the map for pizza fanatics. The mastermind behind the 12-inch gourmet pies is Laurie Williamson, a James Beard-recognized chef who has perfected the art of wood-fired pizza. If you’re in the area or up for a road trip, Coleman is a mecca worth making for a high-end culinary experience at Rancho Pizzeria.
Top It Off, Tyler
Dubbed “the best pizza in East Texas,” Top It Off in Tyler is a classic pizza parlor in all the best ways. The owners opened their doors in Tyler in 2018, having just moved from a 40-year stint making Italian fare in Long Island. All their pizzas are built on handmade dough and baked on stone, so no matter what toppings you select, you’re guaranteed a rich New York-meets-Texas taste.
Zalat Pizza, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin
Regularly voted one of the top pizzerias in the state, Zalat has nearly 20 locations in the DFW metroplex, 10 in Houston, and two more in Austin. They’re serious about their pizza-only menu, delivering as late as 4 a.m. on the weekends. Each of Zalat’s pizzas is as out-of-this-world as the last: The “Loaded Notato” features all the fixins of a loaded potato except the potato itself. The “Pho Shizzle” has grilled chicken and caramelized onions swirled with hoisin and sriracha sauces. The “Pineapple Express” is stacked with bacon, pineapple, jalapeños, and teriyaki sauce. No matter which specialty pie(s) you decide on, no order from Zalat is complete without a few extra sides of their signature house-made SiRANCHa sauce for dipping and drenching every bite.
Zoli’s, Dallas-Fort Worth
If you’ve got it, flaunt it, and Zoli’s does just that with its multiple recognitions as the best pizza in Dallas and one of the top 100 pizzerias in the country. The New York-style spot tosses up edgy specialty pies that have been breaking pizza barriers for over a decade, offering options like everything-bagel crusts, soppressata (dry salami) marmalade, and jalapeño pesto. And if that weren’t awesome enough, they also have a menu of take-and-bake pizzas so you can stock up on fresh Zoli’s to enjoy any time.
Full of pizza but have room for dessert? Check out our guide to the best ice cream parlors in Texas next.
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