Best Pizza in Milwaukee
The pizzerias that consistently earn top marks across all categories—quality, consistency, and atmosphere.
Santino's Little Italy
Consistently ranked Milwaukee's best pizza. Santino's delivers exceptional pies in a cozy setting. The Agrigento and Diavolo pizzas get rave reviews, and everything from the sauce to the crust is made with care.
MUST TRY
Agrigento Pizza, Diavolo, House Salad
INSIDER TIP
Reservations recommended for dinner. The lunch specials are a great value.
7606 W State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Zaffiro's Pizza
Milwaukee's favorite pizzeria since the 1950s. This Sicilian immigrant family has been serving thin-crust tavern-style pizza for over 70 years. The original Farwell location has the most authentic atmosphere.
MUST TRY
Classic Tavern-Style with Sausage, Pepperoni
INSIDER TIP
The original Farwell location is tiny—go early or expect a wait.
1724 N Farwell Ave (Original), plus downtown and suburbs
Neapolitan & Wood-Fired
Authentic Naples-style pizza with charred, chewy crusts from proper wood-fired ovens.
San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana
The closest you'll get to Naples without a plane ticket. San Giorgio's exceptional attention to detail, imported ingredients, and wood-fired oven produce pizzas with that signature charred, chewy crust.
MUST TRY
Margherita D.O.C., Diavola, any seasonal special
INSIDER TIP
Sit at the bar to watch the pizza-making process. It's mesmerizing.
207 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Fixture Pizza Pub
Bay View's answer to Neapolitan pizza. The wood-fired oven and quality ingredients create excellent pies in a neighborhood pub setting. Great beer selection too.
MUST TRY
Margherita, any seasonal special
INSIDER TIP
The outdoor seating is great in summer. Beer pairings are on point.
2379 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Tavern-Style & By the Slice
Milwaukee's signature style—thin, crispy crust cut into squares, plus great slice spots.
Transfer Pizzeria Café
Known for their unique cracker crust that offers a satisfying crunch with each bite. Transfer represents modern Milwaukee tavern-style with quality ingredients and craft beer.
MUST TRY
Any pizza with their signature cracker crust, Local beers
INSIDER TIP
Great spot before a show at Turner Hall—it's right next door.
101 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Classic Slice
The best by-the-slice pizza in Milwaukee. Massive, foldable slices with that perfect NY-style chew. Perfect for late-night cravings or a quick lunch.
MUST TRY
Cheese Slice, Pepperoni, any daily special
INSIDER TIP
Late night on weekends is when this place shines.
2273 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Detroit-Style
Thick, airy crust with those signature caramelized cheese edges.
Brute Pizza
Detroit-style pizza done right in Milwaukee. The thick, airy crust with those crispy, caramelized cheese edges (called frico) makes this a unique pizza experience.
MUST TRY
Classic Detroit, any weekly special
INSIDER TIP
They sometimes sell out—get there earlier rather than later.
Walker's Point, Milwaukee
Neighborhood Pizzerias
The reliable spots that anchor their neighborhoods with consistent, quality pizza.
Balistreri's Italian American Ristorante
A Milwaukee institution since 1978. Balistreri's serves old-school Italian-American pizza and pasta in generous portions. The atmosphere is classic and the pizza is consistently excellent.
MUST TRY
House Pizza, Baked Pastas
INSIDER TIP
Come hungry—portions are huge. Great for families.
812 N 68th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Pizzeria Scotty
A Shorewood neighborhood favorite known for quality ingredients and consistent execution. Pizzeria Scotty hits that sweet spot between traditional and elevated.
MUST TRY
Build your own with quality toppings
INSIDER TIP
Delivery is solid if you're in the East Side area.
3969 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Amelia's Pizzeria
A Bay View pizza staple serving solid pies in a no-frills neighborhood setting. Exactly what you want from a neighborhood pizzeria.
MUST TRY
House specials, classic combinations
INSIDER TIP
Good for carryout when you want reliable neighborhood pizza.
Bay View, Milwaukee
Sorella
More than just pizza—Sorella is a full Italian experience. But the pizzas are excellent, with quality ingredients and thoughtful combinations.
MUST TRY
Seasonal pizzas, pasta dishes
INSIDER TIP
Great date night spot—the full Italian menu is excellent.
2535 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Maggio's Wood Fired Pizza
Wood-fired pizza in West Allis with a focus on fresh ingredients and proper technique. The char and smoke from the wood oven add depth to every pie.
MUST TRY
Wood-fired specialty pizzas
INSIDER TIP
Worth the trip to West Allis for wood-fired fans.
7210 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
More Milwaukee Food Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tavern-style pizza?
Tavern-style pizza is a Milwaukee/Midwest tradition featuring a thin, cracker-like crust that's crispy and sturdy enough to hold toppings without flopping. It's typically cut into squares (party cut) rather than triangles. This style originated in the taverns of Milwaukee and Chicago, designed to be eaten while drinking at the bar.
What is the best pizza in Milwaukee?
Top-rated Milwaukee pizzerias include Santino's Little Italy (best overall), San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana (best Neapolitan), Zaffiro's (classic Milwaukee tavern-style), and Transfer Pizzeria (cracker crust). The best pizza depends on your preferred style—Milwaukee has excellent options across all categories.
Where can I get New York style pizza in Milwaukee?
Classic Slice in Bay View is the go-to for NY-style by-the-slice pizza with large, foldable slices. For full pies, several spots offer NY-influenced styles, though Milwaukee's native tavern-style is more common.
What is Milwaukee known for in pizza?
Milwaukee is known for tavern-style pizza—thin, crispy crust cut into squares (party cut). Zaffiro's, opened in the 1950s by Sicilian immigrants, is considered the quintessential Milwaukee pizzeria. The style is meant to be shared with drinks in a tavern setting.
Where is the best Neapolitan pizza in Milwaukee?
San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana in the Third Ward is widely considered the best Neapolitan pizza in Milwaukee. Their wood-fired oven and imported ingredients produce authentic Naples-style pizza. Fixture Pizza Pub in Bay View is another excellent option.
Is there Detroit-style pizza in Milwaukee?
Yes! Brute Pizza in Walker's Point specializes in Detroit-style pizza with that signature thick, airy crust and caramelized cheese edges (frico). They've developed a cult following for their unique approach.
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