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 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. Here’s my guide to the best pizza in Columbus, where I’ve managed to balance my 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. Natalie’s Grandview
945 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Coal-fired pizza is a dying art, even in NYC, but luckily Natalie’s is keeping the tradition alive in Columbus. This place doesn’t just serve incredible pies, it also brings in live music, which makes it a double win in my book. Their pizza reminds me of John’s of Bleecker Street with its perfectly charred, coal-fired crust. Plus, the atmosphere inside is an absolute vibe. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re dining in a tucked-away NYC spot while listening to live jazz, this is your place.
3. 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 cheese, a.k.a. “The Comfort Zone Harry.” I don’t judge myself for devouring their pies because they’re light, crispy, and full of flavor. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Chef’s Special an awesome choice, because they craft up something unique based on the fresh local ingredients they have on hand. You never know what you’ll get, but you can trust it’ll be delicious.
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. Aracri Pizzeria
51 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
I just discovered Aracri recently, and let me tell you, I am impressed. 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. I’m normally a purist when it comes to toppings, but Aracri’s specials are changing my ways. Seriously, they’re that good.
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 meatball sub was literal perfection. 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. 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.
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, you guessed it, for 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.
11. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza
1618 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Ah, Adriatico’s. I’ve probably eaten more of their pizza than any other pizza joint in the world throughout my time on Ohio State’s south campus, so this place holds a special, pizza-filled place in my heart (and no, I’m not talking about the cholesterol). 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.
