Pizza

Indy's pizza game is strong. October may be National Pizza Month, but any day is perfect for a slice. Who is the upper crust on your list of best in the city? Here are some of our favorite local spots to grab a pie.

Bazbeaux

Not only does Bazbeaux consistently lead our own list of the top 25 local restaurants, it has a reputation for offering unique toppings. Feeling like shrimp, crab, snowpeas, and fresh goat cheese? There's a pie for that. If your tastes are less adventurous, you'll find solid pepperoni, sausage, and fresh mozzarella, too. With locations in Broad Ripple, Carmel, and on Mass Ave, Bazbeaux is accessible.

Brozinni Pizzeria

This Greenwood shop serves New York-style pizza in a family-friendly environment. Just glance at the names of the calzones, sandwiches, and pizzas to understand how deep the New York connection goes. The garlic knuckles afloat in a buttery glaze are a must with any meal here. Look for their food truck to catch a slice (and knuckles) on the go. 

Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza

Jockamo is another fave with voters for Visit Indy's top 25 restaurants. Each location (Irvington, Greenwood, Fort Harrison) kicks up the spice with Thai peanut sauce on The GP, Slaughterhouse Five is a fitting tribute to local hero Kurt Vonnegut, and the Dillinger with spicy giardiniera is more tempting than the lady in red. Try to choose just one dipping sauce for the breadsticks. Impossible. 

King Dough

The Holy Cross neighborhood downtown is home to the Thunder Dome, an oven producing pizzas with hand-pulled mozzarella, fresh dough made daily, and only the best local ingredients. Gluten allergy? Their gluten-free pie will satisfy. Rather have a bowl of pasta? They excel with that, too. Adults can kick back with a variety of spirits and cocktails and even all-natural sodas. 

Goodfellas Pizzeria 

A slice of New York City in Indy, Goodfellas has a passion for pizza and bourbon. At both locations (Mass Ave and Broad Ripple) breadsticks are as long as an adult arm and toppings are traditional. Find your way to the Wiseguy Lounge (a modern speakeasy tucked inside the Mass Ave shop) to bask in the ambiance of the 1920s with more than 250 bourbons, hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and rotating beer taps.

Pizzology

This "pizza of principle" elevates your dining experience by sourcing as much as possible from local farms. Start with a fried green tomato salad, add some mussels, then a pizza with either red or white sauce, like the bee keeper with honey or the fresca ardente with fresh mint. Don't miss the chef's special gnocchi, only available Friday nights. 

Napolese

From the culinary masters behind the Patachou brand comes Napolese featuring seasonal menus that take advantage of the best local produce, much of which is grown specifically for the restaurants. The original location in Meridian Kessler includes an adjacent wine bar, but you can also find the artisan pizza at locations downtown and in the Fashion Mall. 

Magoo's California Pizza

If you haven't tried the fluffy, buttery-crust pizzas at this Pakistani restaurant, make a date to visit. Meats are prepared halal-style and there are no pork toppings, but try the garlic sauce and the chicken tikka pizza for flavor sensations. Enjoy the friendly staff and excellent service at two locations: one in the International Marketplace and one in Avon.

HotBox Pizza

These superheros are on a mission to save the world from pizza mediocrity. With locations all over Indy, HotBox is either close enough for delivery or on your way home. Known for creating the official pizza of Gen Con each year, they serve a mix of solid, traditional pies as well as originals. Watch for National Breadstix Day each November to grab a free order with sauce of your choice.

Giorgio's Pizza

It doesn't get much more authentic than the slices at this spot just off Monument Circle. Giorgio Magliaccio, a native of Ischia (near Naples, Italy), has been living the American dream by working hard and using recipes from his hometown since 1990. The friendly staff greets you when you enter, provides quick service, and wishes you well on your way out. Great for a quick stop if you're out and about downtown.

Pearl Street Pizzeria & Pub

With two family-friendly locations (downtown and Geist), Pearl Street wins fans with artisan pizzas, sandwiches, local craft beers, and cocktails served in a cozy pub environment. The spicy chicken and gorgonzola soup is a stand out and if you believe pineapples belong on pizza, you'll love the Hawaiian with spicy Thai chili sauce and cilantro.

Some Guys Pizza Pasta Grill

Everything is made from scratch at both locations (Broad Ripple and Carmel) of this long-time Indy favorite. Start your meal with the bruschetta, which is a little different than most with its gorgonzola and pecans. You can't go wrong with a wood-fired pizza like BBQ chicken or house shrimp, then you'll want to finish with a slice of carrot cake.

Ale Emporium

Live music, sports on multiple TVs, honest pizza, lots of local craft beer, and award-winning Hermanyaki wings make all three locations (Castleton, Greenwood, Fishers) favorite stops. In fact, the wings are so sought after that lines wind around the buildings on Super Bowl Sunday as aficianados want to take home what many consider the city's best wings.

Union Jack Pub

Union Jack turns 40 this year and both locations have solid reputations for great pie. The Broad Ripple shop has a very English pub vibe while Speedway sports a great collection of racing memorabilia. The Chicago-style deep dish and stuffed varieties are worth the 40-minute oven time, giving you plenty of time for beer or apps. Crowns (toppings) include everything from sauerkraut to cottage cheese and corned beef.

Puccini's Smiling Teeth Pizza

Six Indy-area locations bring award-winning pizza, pasta, and salads to the table. Think your diet doesn't allow you to enjoy pizza? Puccini's will show you how you can with more than 50 gluten-free, low carb, and vegetarian menu options. This "pizza with personality" has delighted diners for over 25 years, and each location comes complete with fun, original artwork.

Diavola

Proclaiming "in our crust we trust," Diavola exceeds expectations with a large variety of both red- and white-sauced pies in an upscale setting. Pera pesto includes pears, bacon, and gorgonzola in a tasty combo. Sobro puts goat cheese, eggplant, kalamata olives, and heirlooms together deliciously. Pair your meal with a glass from the wine bar to end your perfect evening.

Arni's

When Arnold “Arni” Cohen opened the doors to his flagship restaurant in 1965, his philosophy was to combine great products, reasonable prices, and community involvement. Pizzas range from traditional to innovative (Jessica's includes roasted red potatos and it's always a nice day for a White Wedding with alfredo sauce). Visitors to the two Indy locations (96th Street and Greenwood) still say, "Meet you at Arni's."

The Missing Brick

This dope pizza joint is for those 21 and over, and serves pies that reflect flavorful dishes the urban community can relate to like lasagna, seafood boils, and barbecue ribs. Offering outdoor dining when weather permits.