Wondering where the best pizza in D.C. is found? In honor of National Pepperoni Pizza Day, we thought we’d share our updated epic pizza guide to the best pizza in D.C. with locations that span across the nation’s capital city.
Americans have always enjoyed sinking their teeth into slices of hot, delicious pizza. It’s an especially easy food to order and eat because it’s comforting, convenient, and versatile.
We order pizza on Friday nights, coaches order pizzas for their teams, classrooms have pizza parties to reward hard work, we have pizza parties.
Top Pizzerias to Visit for the Best Pizza in Washington D.C.
- Washington D.C. offers a wide variety of pizza, including classic, deep-dish, Neapolitan-style, and more.
- Great pizza needs three essential elements: perfect dough, fresh ingredients, and visually appealing colors.
- Side Door Pizza serves top-notch Detroit-style pizza with a signature 48-hour fermented dough.
- Pi Pizzeria is known for its cornmeal-infused deep-dish pizza and gluten-free options, along with a great craft beer selection.
- Stellina Pizzeria offers upscale neo-Neapolitan pizza and has earned recognition in Michelin’s 2022 Bib Gourmand list.
- Pizzeria Paradiso is famous for its wood-fired pizza made with quality toppings and extra virgin olive oil.
- 2 Amys is a favorite for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, offering thin crusts with fresh mozzarella and herbs.
- Vace Italian Delicatessen is an old-school gem known for hand-stretched, thin-crust pizzas.
- Wiseguy Pizza offers New York-inspired pizza with imported ingredients and oversized thin-crust slices.
- Timber Pizza Co. rotates pizza options based on seasonal ingredients, with popular pies like “The Green Monster.”
- Menomale’s wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are known for their light and airy crusts, charred to perfection.
- We, The Pizza offers farm-to-table pizza with whole wheat flour dough and homemade natural sodas.
- DC Pizza is known for customizable pizzas baked in conveyor belt ovens, with options like vegan, gluten-free, and meat-lovers.
- Duccini’s serves New York-style pizza with jumbo slices, a great late-night option in Adams Morgan.
You can find some great pizza in Washington D.C.! There are three specific qualities that every great pizza needs to have:
Pizza Dough
The vessel that holds all a pizza’s scrumptious ingredients—the dough. It’s the pizza’s foundation and when the dough is bad it throws off the entire pizza-eating experience. A pizza pie can’t shine without the perfect crust.
Fresh Ingredients
An excellent pizza incorporates fresh ingredients that balance each other out. Having the right ratio of cheese and tomato sauce is extremely important.
Color Quality
The best pizza has colors that pop and showcase fresh ingredients cooked to perfection. Dark, overcooked cheese and old, mealy tomatoes do not make a good pizza.
A pizza must have these three aspects for it to be a stand-out because they are the essence of flavor, texture, and quality. Pizza lovers have always used these elements to compare their pizza dining experiences, so it’s important for any pizzeria or chef to focus on them.
Best Pizza in D.C.
It can be difficult to choose which restaurant offers the very best pizza in D.C. because there are so many options. This list includes time-honored mom and pop shops as well as high-brow Italian restaurants, offering classic, minimalist Italian pies, deep-dish Chicago lover styles, vegetarian, and gourmet personal pizzas — among others — from all over signature neighborhoods like Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, and Cathedral Heights.
Here are some favorites:
1. Side Door Pizza
909 New Jersey Ave SE
Born out of the pandemic, Side Door Pizza serves up some incredible pizza. If you love Detroit-style pizza—Side Door Pizza is a must. Just like its sign out front reads: “It’s DOUGHP”
When it comes to Detroit-style pizza with pepperoni, it would be difficult to find a better pie in D.C. Cheesy with the perfect amount of crunch on the crust and topped with liberal amounts of mini pepperoni—perfection.
The dough is fermented for 48 hours and topped with the freshest ingredients. And if you love pizza but want a vegetarian option, we also love their margarita pizza with sliced heirloom tomatoes and peeled cherry tomatoes, stracciatella di burrata, aged balsamic, and fresh basil—yes, please!
- Pi Pizzeria
910 F St NW
Known for their spectacular cornmeal-infused crust, Pi Pizzeria has deep-dish Chicago-style pizza done right. They also offer thin-crust pizzas and are known to have the best gluten-free pies around.
Pi’s tremendous selection of craft beers is an additional plus. Residents of Sixteen Hundred and The Shelburne in the Dupont Circle neighborhood are less than half an hour away by foot and about a five-minute drive.
3. Stellina Pizzeria
508 K St. NW (Mt Vernon)
399 Morse St. NE (Union Market)
2800 S Randolph Street STE 130 (Arlington)
Stellina Pizzeria, which made Michelin’s 2022 Bib Gourmand Selection, offers an upscale pizzeria experience serving up their signature neo-Neapolitan pizza that is light and crispy. Pair one of their mouth-watering pizzas with a glass of Italian wine for the perfect meal.
We also love Stellina’s happy hour specials offered at all their locations!
4. Pizzeria Paradiso
3282 M Street NW (Georgetown)
2003 P Street NW (Dupont Circle)
4800 Rhode Island Ave (Hyattsville)
4850 Massachusetts Avenue NW (Spring Valley)
Customers love feeling the warmth and seeing the glow of the wood-burning domed stone oven at this popular Italian eatery.
The pizza here is worked by hand, graced with quality toppings, and finished off with a brush of extra virgin olive oil in the signature oven.
Pizzeria Paradiso has locations in the Georgetown and Dupont Circle neighborhoods and is a favorite among residents of Rocksboro and The Shelburne apartments. It’s less than ten minutes on foot.
5. 2 Amys
3715 Macomb St NW
This popular eatery puts its take on classic Neapolitan-style pizza. The crust is thin, crisp, and perfectly charred in spots. Add the mouthwatering flavors and fresh quality toppings like buffalo mozzarella and fresh herbs and you have pizza perfection. 2 Amys may just be the best wood fired pizza in the D.M.V.
The pizzas are personal size, with the clarity of flavor and the simplicity of ingredients making for really good Italian eating. 2 Amys offers al fresco dining and their prime location near the National Cathedral is about a seven-minute walk from The Archer apartment buildings in the Cathedral Heights neighborhood.
6. Vace Italian Delicatessen
3315 Connecticut Ave NW
This old-school delicatessen has been serving Washingtonians since 1976. It also happens to be home to some of the most delicious, thin-crust, stretched-by-hand pizza pies around.
Grab some Italian groceries, deli meat, and a pizza pie to go from this charming, authentic Italian delicatessen. Last time we checked, you can even grab a slice for $2.50. That’s pretty close to free pizza and unheard of in modern-day DC.
It’s considered the best pizza in the Cleveland Park neighborhood by many. It’s about a five-minute walk from The Parkwest apartment buildings and only 240 feet from The Parkway apartments.
7. Wiseguy Pizza
300 Massachusetts Ave NW #1 (Chinatown)
202 M St SE (Navy Yard)
2121 H St NW, Unit 129A (Foggy Bottom)
This New York-inspired pizzeria delivers old-school Italian charm. Wiseguy proudly imports its pizza ingredients from Italy and bakes their classic pies in an old-fashioned, stone deck oven.
Their pizzas have the perfect ratio of red sauce to cheese and their thin-crust, oversized slices will have you coming back for more. As their website says: “Prepare yourself for Damn Good Pizza.”
Known for their pizza by the slice, Wiseguy is a popular takeout choice among college students and the residents of Sixteen Hundred in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. It’s about a 30-minute walk and less than ten minutes by car.
8. Timber Pizza Company
809 Upshur St NWT
This neighborhood hangout got its start as a farmers’ market pizza stand. Pizza offerings rotate depending on what fresh ingredients are in season.
Their most popular pizza is the “Green Monster,” a favorite comprised of pesto, fresh mozzarella, feta cheese, zucchini, and kale, but we also love “The Norman,” with provolone, mozzarella, nectarines, bacon, jalapenos, spicy jam drizzle, and micro cilantro.
Timber Pizza Co also gets rave reviews for “The Bently” which has cured chorizo, soppressata, Peruvian sweet peppers, and a spicy honey.
Residents of the Crestwood Apartments in the Upper 16th Street neighborhood are about a six-minute walk from this trendy hotspot, which is open seven days a week for takeout.
9. Menomale
2711 12th St NE (Brookland)
33 N St NE (NoMa)
This cheery bistro’s wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the real deal. These portable pies take a 90-second trip in a wood-fired oven heated to 900 degrees; the result is an airy, charred crust with excellent taste and texture.
This nouveau Italian bistro, with terrific outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery options, is a great choice for occupants of the Sixteen Hundred apartments in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
10. We, The Pizza
305 Pennsylvania Ave SE
This is farm-to-table pizza at its best. Chefs craft dough with 100% whole wheat flour which provides the delicious base for the gourmet pizzas topped with fresh herbs and natural goodness.
We, The Pizza serves up amazing natural sodas, as a bonus, made with a splash of crushed fruit and homemade syrups. This modish spot is a popular choice for residents of Sixteen Hundred apartments in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and is about a 15-minute car drive.
11. 90 Second Pizza
1077 Wisconsin Ave NW (Georgetown)
Blink and you might miss this hidden Georgetown gem, 90 Second Pizza. A casual pizzeria offering authentic Neopolatin pizza—fast. The Capricciosa is crazy-good and we love all the vegan pizza options.
12. DC Pizza
1103 19th St NW
Customization is the theme at this popular pizza spot near the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Their industrial conveyor belt ovens, which are geared for speedy takeout and patio dining, bake custom pies within minutes.
Customers’ favorite toppings include smoked ham, grilled chicken, pepperoni, vegan chorizo, and a variety of veggies. DC Pizza offers “Free Finishes” like fresh basil, olive oil, spinach, feta, ranch, wing sauce, bbq sauce, sweet red chili sauce, honey sriracha sauce and more.
We especially love this cool, modern storefront because their menu includes gluten-free, vegan, and meat-lovers pizza options. DC Pizza has become the trendy takeout-option for residents of The Rodney Apartments and the Sixteen Hundred Apartment homes in the heart of Dupont Circle. It’s a little over a ten-minute walk from both buildings.
13. Duccini’s
1778 U St NW (Adams Morgan)
This old-school New York-style pizza shop is known for its jumbo slices and a “great bang for your buck.” The pizza crusts are cooked to perfection and paired with incredible, classic Italian tomato sauce and fresh toppings.
This casual small pizza shop delivers, no doubt about it and it’s a great late night option after a night on the town. Duccini’s is a 20-minute walk from The Vintage on 16th apartments in the Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights neighborhoods and the 1900 Lamont residential community.
Celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day!
New York and Chicago residents might say their cities have the best pizza, but after all this delicious research, it’s clear that you can find some of the best pizza in D.C.. So whether you’re looking for specialty pizza or classic pizza pie, there are plenty of places to celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day in the DMV.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Pizza in Washington D.C.
Where can I find Detroit-style pizza in Washington D.C.?
Side Door Pizza is the place to go for Detroit-style pizza in D.C. They serve up incredible pizzas with perfectly crispy crusts and generous toppings, including mini pepperoni. Their dough is fermented for 48 hours, ensuring maximum flavor.
What makes Pi Pizzeria special in D.C.?
Pi Pizzeria is known for its cornmeal-infused deep-dish pizza. They also offer gluten-free options and thin-crust pizzas. Their great selection of craft beers makes it a popular spot for both pizza and drinks.
What kind of pizza does Stellina Pizzeria serve?
Stellina Pizzeria offers upscale neo-Neapolitan pizza. Their pizzas are light and crispy, made with high-quality ingredients. Stellina also has locations in D.C. and Arlington and is recognized in Michelin’s 2022 Bib Gourmand list.
What is Pizzeria Paradiso known for?
Pizzeria Paradiso is famous for its wood-fired pizza made with fresh toppings. They also finish their pizzas with a brush of extra virgin olive oil, giving them a distinct and delicious flavor.
What kind of pizza does 2 Amys serve?
2 Amys specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Their thin crusts are crisped to perfection and topped with fresh mozzarella and herbs, making them a local favorite for pizza lovers in D.C.
What is unique about Vace Italian Delicatessen’s pizza?
Vace Italian Delicatessen offers hand-stretched, thin-crust pizzas. It’s an old-school deli that has been serving D.C. residents since 1976. Their pizzas are simple yet delicious, making it a great option for quick, authentic Italian pizza.
What kind of pizza does Wiseguy Pizza offer?
Wiseguy Pizza offers New York-inspired pies. They use imported ingredients and bake their pizzas in an old-fashioned stone deck oven, giving them perfectly crispy thin-crust slices. It’s a favorite for oversized pizza slices by the piece.
What is Timber Pizza Co. known for?
Timber Pizza Co. is known for its seasonal pizza offerings, with unique combinations like “The Green Monster,” which includes pesto, fresh mozzarella, feta cheese, zucchini, and kale. They focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients for their pies.
What makes Menomale’s pizza special?
Menomale is known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with airy, charred crusts. Their quick 90-second cooking time in a 900-degree oven ensures excellent texture and flavor in every bite.
What type of pizza can I find at We, The Pizza?
We, The Pizza serves farm-to-table pizza made with 100% whole wheat flour for their dough. They also offer natural sodas made from crushed fruit and homemade syrups, making it a healthy and refreshing pizza option in D.C.
What makes DC Pizza unique in Washington D.C.?
DC Pizza stands out for its customizable pizza options, including gluten-free, vegan, and meat-lover choices. Their pizzas are baked in industrial conveyor belt ovens for quick takeout and patio dining.
What type of pizza does Duccini’s offer?
Duccini’s serves classic New York-style pizza with jumbo slices. Their pizza crusts are perfectly cooked and paired with fresh ingredients and classic tomato sauce. It’s a great late-night pizza option in Adams Morgan.
