Listen, I lived in New York for a while after undergrad, and let me tell you, I took full advantage of the pizza scene there. We’re talking Joe’s, John’s of Bleecker Street, Sauce, Bleecker Street Pizza… the whole nine slices. After trying more pizzas than I’d care to admit (my jeans definitely noticed), I came back to Columbus with a finely-tuned pizza palate and a desire to get some much-needed cardio in.
I’m not saying I’m a pizza connoisseur or anything, but let’s just say I know a thing or two about what makes a pie worthy of praise.
Columbus is not NYC, but let me assure you, we’ve got pizzas that can absolutely hold their own. Don’t take my word for it, though! The New York Post even admitted it!
So without any further ado, here’s our guide to the best pizza in Columbus, where we’ve managed to balance our love of a thin, crispy New York-style crust with some good ol’ Columbus flavor.
1. Sexton’s Pizza
If you’re looking for the closest thing to NYC pizza in Columbus, Sexton’s is where it’s at. Thin and crispy, with those delightfully charred edges that make you feel like you’ve made a good life decision just by ordering it. The cup-and-burn pepperoni is a nod to Columbus-style pizza, and it adds a local twist to the classic New York pie. In my humble (yet pizza-expert) opinion, it’s the closest thing to Joe’s you’ll find around here, but with its own Ohio charm. And trust me, that crunchy crust is *chef’s kiss.*
2. GoreMade Pizza
📍 936 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
GoreMade is doing its own thing, and I mean that in the best possible way. This wood-fired pizza isn’t New York, it’s not quite Neapolitan, and it’s definitely not your typical Columbus-style pie. It’s just… GoreMade. Every time I go, I devour an entire pizza by myself (no judgment, right?), and I almost always order the Chef’s Choice. They source all of their ingredients locally (and even forage their own mushrooms), and each Chef’s Choice is a unique creation featuring their seasonal ingredients.
You don’t always know what you’ll get, but you can trust it’ll be delicious. Plus, that patio in the back? It’s an absolute must during the summer.
3. Artisan Pizza Cafe
📍 91 E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
No pizza shop has experienced so much in their first year of business than Artisan Pizza Cafe. Having gone from a quiet storefront in the old DiCarlo’s Pizza location, this pizza joint was on a rocketship towards global stardom after Barstool Sports’ founder Dave Portnoy featured them in his famous One Bite Pizza Reviews, giving them an 8.1 score. But then, a broken oven put them out of business for several months. In that time, owner Jasmin (the sweetest person in the world) was able to get some additional help in the store, and, with Portnoy’s help, was able to reopen with a new oven.
Plus, we’re very proud to have been the ones to tip Dave off about this shop. It really is that good.
4. Rubino’s Pizza
📍 2643 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209
Rubino’s is as old-school as it gets when it comes to Columbus-style pizza. Established in 1954, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect that ultra-thin, crackery crust that defines the genre. I’ve gotta say, their wall-to-wall toppings are a delight, but what really gets me is their pickle pizza. Yeah, you read that right. Pickle. Pizza. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Rubino’s has earned its place in Columbus pizza history, and if you want to taste the past (while wondering how you’re going to fit into your pants tomorrow), this is the spot.
5. Terita’s Pizza
📍 3905 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43224
Terita’s is an old-school Columbus pizza staple, and when I say old-school, I mean really old-school. They’ve been around since 1959, and if that doesn’t convince you to try them, maybe the fact that they’ve won Central Ohio’s Pizza of the Year several times will. The homemade Italian sausage is a standout here—no fillers, just the real deal. I love their pizza, but I have to give a special shoutout to their salads and subs, too. It’s the kind of place where you can order a whole feast and leave feeling like you’ve experienced a Columbus tradition.
6. Bazemore Pizza Company
📍 1991 Riverside Dr, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Bazemore Pizza Company is tucked inside the Pointe Tavern on Riverside Drive in Upper Arlington, and I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this spot sooner. Their pies are incredibly unique, kinda like a blend between Sexton’s Pizza and GoreMade. It’s thin and crispy, and the sauce is dolloped on top of the savory cheese. After just one visit, I can confidently say Bazemore already earned a spot in my pizza rotation (and I think it’ll certainly rise up these rankings over time).
Plus, their subs are ridiculously good. The meatball blew my socks off. Don’t miss out on this spot.
7. JT’s Pizza & Pub
📍 2390 W Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
JT’s is a Columbus-style pizza joint through and through, and the customization options here are next-level. If you’ve ever dreamed of building the pizza of your wildest, most carb-loaded dreams, this is the place to make it happen. Fresh ingredients, great flavor, and the kind of local vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden gem. Plus, you can taste the freshness in every bite. It’s like a Build-A-Bear for your brain and taste buds where they get to work together to create the ultimate pizza masterpiece.
8. The Pizza House
📍 747 E Lincoln Ave, Columbus, OH 43229
The Pizza House has been serving up Columbus-style pies since 1961, and honestly, they’ve mastered it. If you’re looking for authentic Columbus pizza, this is where you should be headed. Their dough is crisp, the sauce has that perfect tang, and they keep it simple with the toppings in the best possible way. There’s a reason this place has stuck around for so long — it’s reliable, delicious, and feels like home with every bite.
9. Aracri Pizzeria
📍 51 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
This family-run spot blends elements of both New York and Columbus styles, and the result is a pizza that hits all the right notes. The crust is light and airy, with that perfect crispy-yet-fluffy balance, and the slices are massive (you already know I’m talking fold-worthy). While I usually stick to cheese, Aracri’s daily specials have completely won me over, especially their chicken pesto and BBQ chicken. Seriously, they’re that good.
10. Plank’s on Parsons
📍 743 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
I’ll admit it… Plank’s is a bit of a controversial choice. The dough is sweet, which will surely throw some people off. But I’m a sucker for sweet-and-savory combos, so Plank’s has a special place in my pizza-loving heart. It also doesn’t hurt that the dough reminds me of my mom’s Christmas sauce (which is the tomato sauce my mom makes for, you guessed it, Christmas), so there’s a little nostalgia baked into every bite. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or just want to try something different, Plank’s is worth the trip.
The vibe inside is also unbeatable. Talk about old school!
11. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza
1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
📍 Ah, Adriatico’s. I’ve eaten more of their pizza than any other pizza joint in the world thanks to my four all-too-fast undergraduate years on Ohio State’s south campus, so this place holds a special, pizza-filled place in my heart. The interesting thing about Adriatico’s is that they market themselves as “New York Style,” which is a bit of a misnomer in my humble Adriatico’s-loving opinion. Their New York style pies just aren’t really all that New York-y, but here’s the secret: Adriatico’s Sicilian-style pizza is where it’s really at. That thick, doughy crust paired with their spicy sauce? It’s a game-changer. Plus, their new location (which is not all that new at this point, but it was new to me back in college!) is super cool, so grab a pie and see what I’m talking about.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my very official, totally non-egotistical guide to the best pizza in Columbus. Whether you’re in the mood for some NYC-style slices or want to dive into the rich history of Columbus pizza, this list’s got it all. And after spending years chasing the perfect pie, I can say with confidence that Columbus is no slouch when it comes to great pizza.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a pie to order.
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