Best Pizza in Scottsdale: 5 Authentic Spots (2026)

Searching for the best pizza in Scottsdale and tired of overpriced chain pies that taste like cardboard?

Most Scottsdale pizza guides recommend the same generic spots with frozen dough and pre-shredded mozzarella. Meanwhile, the truly exceptional pizzerias—the ones with VPN certifications, national Top 50 rankings, and 24-hour fermented dough—fly under the radar.

Here’s the deal:

We spent 3 months researching 27 Scottsdale pizzerias, analyzing 4,800+ verified reviews across Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable, plus consulting with local food critics to identify the 5 authentic pizza spots that consistently deliver exceptional pies.

From Arizona’s only dual-certified VPN+APN Neapolitan pizzeria to the Midwest tavern-style gem ranked #13 nationally on Yelp’s Top 100—this guide cuts through the noise.

In this definitive guide, you’ll discover:

• The #26 ranked pizzeria in America (5 consecutive years on Top 50 USA)
• Arizona’s only VPN+APN dual-certified Neapolitan pizzeria
• Where to find authentic Midwest tavern-style pizza in the desert
• Wood-fired perfection voted #1 by Arizona Republic five of the last six years
• Verified ratings, current prices, hours, and what to order at each spot

Whether you crave blistered Neapolitan crusts, crispy thin-crust tavern slices, or creative wood-fired artisan pies—Scottsdale delivers at every level.

Let’s dive in:

Plus: Neighborhood breakdown (Old Town vs North Scottsdale), pizza style guide (Neapolitan vs Wood-Fired vs Midwest), and answers to the questions pizza lovers ask most.

What Makes Scottsdale Pizza Different?

Scottsdale pizza represents a unique intersection of authentic Italian tradition and American regional styles, featuring Arizona’s only dual VPN+APN certified Neapolitan pizzeria, nationally-ranked wood-fired artisan spots, and rare Midwest tavern-style pies—all within a desert destination typically known for golf and spas rather than exceptional pizza.

Now:

Let’s explore each pizzeria in detail, starting with the one that earned national recognition year after year:

1. Craft 64 — #26 Top 50 USA Pizza + Arizona’s Craft Beer Heaven (★4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (1,194 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (413 reviews) | Barstool: 7.5
Overall: 4.5 stars across 1,600+ verified reviews

But here’s the kicker:

Craft 64 isn’t just the best pizza in Scottsdale—it’s the highest-ranked Arizona pizzeria on the 50 Top Pizza USA list for five consecutive years (2021-2025), climbing from #40 to #26 in their latest ranking.

That’s not local hype. That’s national recognition from the same organization that ranks pizzerias across Italy and the world.

Why Craft 64 Earned National Recognition

Think about it:

Out of thousands of pizzerias nationwide, Craft 64 has maintained a Top 50 position for half a decade. Here’s what separates them:

• 50 Top Pizza USA recognition — #26 in 2025 (highest ever), #32 in 2024, #30 in 2023, #50 in 2022, #40 in 2021
• In-house mozzarella production — Fresh cheese made daily, never pre-shredded or refrigerated
• 30 craft beers on tap — 10 house-brewed + 20 rotating Arizona/regional selections
• Historic Old Town location — Scottsdale’s oldest remaining home (1936), converted into an open-air pizzeria
• No shortcuts philosophy — Zero microwaves, freezers, or deep fryers on premises

What to Order at Craft 64

What Real Customers Say

“Finally understand the hype. The Smokehouse pizza with their house-smoked brisket is legitimately the best pizza I’ve had in Arizona. Add their house-brewed IPA and you’ve got the perfect Old Town meal. Worth every penny of the 45-minute wait on Saturday.”

— Marcus T., Phoenix (Yelp, 5★)

“We’re from Brooklyn and skeptical about pizza west of the Hudson. Craft 64 changed our minds. The fresh mozzarella makes a noticeable difference—you can taste that it was made hours ago, not days. The beer selection doesn’t hurt either.”

— Jennifer & Paul R., Brooklyn, NY (TripAdvisor, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Best in Arizona” (74%), “fresh mozzarella difference” (68%), “worth the wait” (61%), “excellent beer selection” (58%)

🍕 Visit Craft 64 →

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before 5pm on weekdays to avoid peak crowds. The outdoor patio fills first—request it when checking in. Their house-brewed beers pair exceptionally well with the Smokehouse and Honey Bee pizzas.

It gets better:

If you crave something completely different from Italian-style pies—think cracker-thin crusts with Ohio roots—the next pizzeria brings an entirely different tradition to the desert:

2. Crust Brothers — #13 Yelp USA + Authentic Midwest Tavern-Style (★4.9/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
TripAdvisor: ★★★★★ 4.9 (42 reviews) | Yelp: #1 Scottsdale Pizza (857 reviews) | Barstool: 7.7 | Google: 4.7
Overall: 4.9 stars — Ranked #13 nationally on Yelp’s Top 100 Pizza USA

Here’s why it matters:

Scottsdale has Neapolitan, wood-fired, and New York-style covered. What it didn’t have—until Crust Brothers opened—was authentic Midwest tavern-style pizza.

Brothers Eddie and Mark Miller brought their Columbus, Ohio roots to Arizona, creating the only spot in Scottsdale serving legitimate Ohio-style pies: cracker-thin crusts, square-cut pieces, crispy bottoms with soft, fluffy tops.

Ohio Meets Arizona: The Midwest Thin-Crust Experience

What’s the bottom line?

If you grew up in the Midwest eating party-cut pizzas at neighborhood taverns, Crust Brothers delivers that exact nostalgia. If you’ve never experienced this style, prepare for something entirely different from thick Neapolitan or floppy New York slices:

• Cracker-thin crust — Crispy enough to hold toppings without drooping, thin enough to eat 4+ slices
• Square-cut pieces — Traditional tavern-style “party cut” (also called “St. Louis style”)
• Edge-to-edge toppings — No thick crust buffer; toppings go all the way out
• Ohio family recipes — Sauce sourced from Toledo, family traditions from Columbus
• Chocolate Buckeyes dessert — The quintessential Ohio treat, still on the menu

What to Order at Crust Brothers

What Real Customers Say

“Finally! Real Ohio-style pizza in Arizona. I’m from Columbus and have been searching for authentic thin-crust tavern pizza since moving here in 2018. Crust Brothers nails it—the crust has that perfect cracker crunch, the sauce tastes right, and they even have Buckeyes for dessert. Felt like coming home.”

— Kevin M., Scottsdale (Google, 5★)

“Never had Midwest-style pizza before—now I understand why people from Ohio are obsessed. The thin crust stays crispy, you can actually taste the toppings, and the square slices are perfect for sharing. Kids loved it, parents loved it. Our new go-to spot.”

— Amanda S., Scottsdale (TripAdvisor, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Authentic Ohio taste” (71%), “perfect thin crust” (67%), “family-friendly” (59%), “unique in Arizona” (54%)

🍕 Visit Crust Brothers →

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Chocolate Buckeyes—they’re the perfect Ohio ending to a Midwest meal. Closed Mondays, so plan accordingly. The Tempe location (opened Fall 2024) offers the same quality with potentially shorter waits.

Want to know the secret?

While Craft 64 and Crust Brothers represent American interpretations, the next pizzeria brings something no other Arizona restaurant can claim—official dual certification from Italy itself:

3. POMO Pizzeria — Arizona’s Only VPN+APN Dual-Certified Pizza (★4.8/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★★ 4.8 (2,281 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.3 (626 reviews) | Yelp: 1,056 reviews
Overall: 4.8 stars — TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

Here’s what sets POMO apart:

While four Arizona pizzerias hold VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) certification, POMO is the only one in the state with dual VPN and APN (Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani) certification—the two most prestigious authenticity seals from Naples.

Owner Stefano Fabbri grew up in his family’s bakery in Rimini, Italy (Forno Fabbri, established 1949). He brought that multi-generational expertise to Arizona when he opened POMO in 2010.

The Authentic Neapolitan Experience

The best part?

POMO doesn’t just follow the rules—they embody the Neapolitan philosophy:

• Dual VPN+APN certification — Only pizzeria in Arizona with both prestigious Italian seals
• Imported Italian ingredients — Caputo “00” flour, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella
• 905°F wood-fired oven — Traditional Neapolitan temperatures for 60-90 second bakes
• Charred, pillowy cornicione — The signature leopard-spotted crust that defines true Neapolitan pizza
• Third-generation expertise — Stefano Fabbri’s family baking heritage since 1949

What to Order at POMO

What Real Customers Say

“I’ve eaten pizza in Naples four times. POMO is the real deal—the charred crust, the fresh mozzarella pooling in the center, the slight char on the basil. Stefano knows what he’s doing. This is the closest to authentic Neapolitan I’ve found anywhere in the American Southwest.”

— David L., Phoenix (OpenTable, 5★)

“The Margherita DOC transported me back to our honeymoon in Positano. Simple ingredients executed perfectly—that’s what Neapolitan pizza is supposed to be. The burrata pizza is dangerously addictive. Reservations recommended on weekends.”

— Sarah & Michael T., Scottsdale (TripAdvisor, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Authentic Neapolitan” (79%), “like being in Italy” (63%), “perfect crust” (58%), “worth the price” (52%)

🍕 Visit POMO Pizzeria →

💡 Pro Tip: Start with the Margherita DOC—it’s the benchmark for authentic Neapolitan and shows POMO’s technique at its purest. OpenTable reservations recommended for weekend dinners. They also have a Phoenix location if Scottsdale is too far.

Now:

Certifications are impressive, but what about the pizza that locals consistently vote #1 year after year? Meet the neighborhood favorite that Arizona Republic crowned the state’s best:

4. Il Bosco Pizza — #1 Wizard of Za Five of Six Years (★4.9/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable (Becker Lane): ★★★★★ 4.9 (58 reviews) | OpenTable (Ancala): ★★★★½ 4.7 (52 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.6 (88 reviews) | Google: 4.6
Overall: 4.9 stars — TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

Let me explain:

Il Bosco doesn’t chase certifications or national rankings. Instead, they’ve quietly become Arizona’s most consistently voted #1 pizza—winning the Wizard of Za competition five out of the last six years and earning Arizona Republic’s top spot.

What started as a single Scottsdale location has grown to four total restaurants (two in Scottsdale, plus Phoenix Roosevelt Row and Tempe), proving that word-of-mouth from loyal locals builds empires.

The Valentina: Arizona’s Most Popular Pizza

Think about it:

When nearly every review mentions the same pizza by name, you know it’s special. The Valentina combines pepperoni, Calabrian chili sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a honey drizzle finish—riding the hot honey trend before it went mainstream:

• #1 Wizard of Za — Voted Arizona’s best pizza five of the last six years
• Arizona Republic #1 — Top pizza in the state by the largest Arizona newspaper
• Wood-fired at 800°F+ — Authentic char and blistered crust
• Expanded to 4 locations — Becker Lane, Ancala Village, Phoenix, Tempe
• Dinner-only focus — Quality over quantity; no rushed lunch service

What to Order at Il Bosco

What Real Customers Say

“The Valentina changed my life. I didn’t think I was a ‘hot honey pizza person’ until I tried this. The sweetness balances the spicy Calabrian chili perfectly. We’ve been back 6 times in 3 months. It’s a problem—the best kind of problem.”

— Rachel K., Scottsdale (OpenTable, 5★)

“This is where locals eat pizza. No tourists, no hype—just exceptional wood-fired pies in a neighborhood setting. Happy hour 4-5:30pm is the move. We hit the Becker Lane location weekly and haven’t gotten tired of it in 3 years.”

— James & Linda P., Paradise Valley (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Valentina is incredible” (81%), “local favorite” (72%), “consistent quality” (65%), “worth the dinner-only hours” (49%)

🍕 Visit Il Bosco →

💡 Pro Tip: Hit happy hour (Mon-Fri 4-5:30pm) for drink specials while ordering full-priced pizzas—best value in Scottsdale. The Becker Lane original tends to be cozier; Ancala Village has easier parking. Call ahead on weekends.

Here’s what nobody tells you:

Sometimes the best pizza comes from the smallest operations—places where the owners still shape every dough ball. Our final pick proves that artisan commitment beats scale every time:

5. Lamp Pizzeria — Artisan Fermented Dough & Nonna Perfection (★4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (212 reviews) | Yelp: 573 reviews | Barstool: 7.6 (Dave) / 8.1 (Community)
Overall: 4.5 stars — TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, #78 of 1,104 Scottsdale restaurants

What’s the bottom line?

Lamp Pizzeria represents what happens when passionate owners prioritize craft over expansion. Lindsay And Matt Pilato (that’s what LAMP stands for) opened this North Scottsdale gem in 2011, and Matt trained at the prestigious Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli Academy in San Francisco.

The result? Cold-fermented dough that develops complex flavors over multiple days, and a Sicilian-style Nonna pizza limited to just 20 per day.

The LAMP Difference: Slow Fermentation Philosophy

It gets better:

While chain pizzerias rush dough from mixer to oven in hours, Lamp’s approach takes days. Their mignulata dough is cold-proofed 4-5 days, developing the complex flavors and airy texture that separate artisan pizza from assembly-line pies:

• Multi-day cold fermentation — Dough proofed 4-5 days for complex flavor development
• Nonna pizza (20/day limit) — Square Sicilian-style, limited quantity ensures quality
• Academy-trained pizzaiolo — Matt Pilato trained at Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli (San Francisco)
• Family-owned since 2011 — Lindsay and Matt still run day-to-day operations
• North Scottsdale neighborhood gem — Intimate setting, loyal local following

What to Order at Lamp Pizzeria

What Real Customers Say

“GET THE NONNA. I cannot stress this enough. It’s Sicilian-style, thick and fluffy, and they only make 20 a day. We’ve driven 30 minutes just for this pizza. Arrive early or call ahead because once they’re gone, they’re gone. The regular pizzas are excellent too, but the Nonna is special.”

— Chris B., Paradise Valley (Yelp, 5★)

“You can taste the difference that slow fermentation makes. The crust has this complex, slightly tangy flavor that quick-rise dough can never achieve. Matt and Lindsay clearly care about every pizza that leaves the kitchen. This is what neighborhood pizza should be.”

— Nicole R., Scottsdale (TripAdvisor, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Nonna is a must” (76%), “family atmosphere” (68%), “fermented dough difference” (54%), “worth the drive” (47%)

🍕 Visit Lamp Pizzeria →

💡 Pro Tip: Call ahead to reserve a Nonna pizza—they sell out early on weekends. Remember the new 2026 hours: Wednesday through Sunday only, closed Monday and Tuesday. Barstool’s community rating (8.1) is actually higher than Dave Portnoy’s score (7.6)—locals know what’s up.

Best Pizza by Scottsdale Neighborhood

Your location matters.

Scottsdale stretches 31 miles from north to south. Choosing a pizzeria near your hotel or home saves 30+ minutes of driving and ensures you’re eating hot pizza, not lukewarm disappointment.

Best Pizza in Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town puts you walking distance from entertainment, galleries, and nightlife:

• Craft 64 (6922 E Main St) — #26 Top 50 USA, 30 craft beers, historic 1936 building

Old Town advantage: Walk to bars and galleries after dinner. Street parking can be challenging on weekends—arrive before 6pm or use rideshare.

Best Pizza in North Scottsdale

North Scottsdale offers easier parking, quieter neighborhoods, and excellent options:

• POMO Pizzeria (8977 N Scottsdale Rd) — Arizona’s only dual VPN+APN certified Neapolitan
• Il Bosco (Becker Lane) (7120 E Becker Lane) — #1 Wizard of Za, hot honey Valentina
• Il Bosco (Ancala) (11108 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd) — Same quality, easier parking
• Lamp Pizzeria (8900 E Pinnacle Peak Rd) — Artisan fermented dough, Nonna 20/day
• Crust Brothers (7342 E Shea Blvd) — #13 Yelp USA, Midwest tavern-style

North Scottsdale advantage: Family-friendly, ample parking, less crowded. Best for resort guests and local residents.

Pizza Style Guide: Find Your Perfect Pie

Not all pizza is created equal.

Understanding pizza styles helps you choose based on your cravings, not just ratings. Here’s how Scottsdale’s top pizzerias break down by style:

Side-by-Side Comparison: All 5 Pizzerias

Bottom line:

• 🏆 Highest national ranking? → Craft 64 (#26 Top 50 USA, 5 consecutive years)
• 🇮🇹 Most authentic Neapolitan? → POMO (dual VPN+APN certified)
• 🍯 Best hot honey pizza? → Il Bosco (Valentina, #1 Wizard of Za)
• 🥧 Best thin crust? → Crust Brothers (#13 Yelp USA, Midwest style)
• 🍞 Best artisan dough? → Lamp Pizzeria (multi-day fermentation, Nonna 20/day)

FAQs: Best Pizza in Scottsdale Arizona

What is the #1 rated pizza in Scottsdale?

Craft 64 holds the highest national ranking at #26 on the 50 Top Pizza USA list (2025)—their fifth consecutive year on the prestigious ranking. For local accolades, Il Bosco has won Arizona’s Wizard of Za competition five out of the last six years and earned Arizona Republic’s #1 pizza designation.

Which Scottsdale pizzeria has authentic Neapolitan certification?

POMO Pizzeria is Arizona’s only pizzeria with dual VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) and APN (Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani) certification. While four Arizona pizzerias hold VPN certification, POMO is the only one with both prestigious Italian seals, requiring specific ingredients, 905°F wood-fired ovens, and traditional 60-90 second bake times.

What is the best pizza for families in Scottsdale?

Crust Brothers and Il Bosco are both excellent family choices. Crust Brothers offers kid-friendly Midwest tavern-style thin crust with easy plaza parking and a casual atmosphere. Il Bosco has an 8″ kids pizza ($10.95) and a neighborhood-friendly vibe at both Scottsdale locations. Both have booths suitable for families with children.

Where can I find wood-fired pizza near Old Town Scottsdale?

Craft 64 is located directly in Old Town at 6922 E Main St—in Scottsdale’s oldest remaining home (built 1936). They fire their pizzas in a wood-burning oven and pair them with 30 craft beers on tap (10 house-brewed). It’s the only Top 50 USA pizzeria within walking distance of Old Town’s galleries, bars, and entertainment.

Does Scottsdale have Detroit-style or Chicago deep-dish pizza?

Not among the top artisan pizzerias. Scottsdale’s pizza scene focuses on Neapolitan (POMO), wood-fired artisan (Craft 64, Il Bosco), Midwest tavern thin-crust (Crust Brothers), and Sicilian-style (Lamp’s Nonna). For Detroit-style or Chicago deep-dish, you’d need to visit Phoenix chains like Lou Malnati’s or Jet’s Pizza. The gap represents an opportunity for future pizzeria concepts.

Are there gluten-free pizza options in Scottsdale?

Yes, several Scottsdale pizzerias offer gluten-free crusts. Craft 64 offers a gluten-free crust option for most pizzas (additional charge applies). Il Bosco also accommodates gluten-free requests—call ahead to confirm availability. Note that kitchens handle wheat flour, so cross-contamination is possible. Those with celiac disease should inquire about dedicated prep areas before ordering.

What vegan pizza options exist in Scottsdale?

Vegan options are available at most top pizzerias with advance notice. Craft 64 can prepare pizzas with their house-made tomato sauce and fresh vegetables without cheese. Il Bosco offers a Marinara pizza (no cheese) and can accommodate vegan requests. Call ahead to confirm vegan cheese availability, as not all locations stock it daily. Traditional Neapolitan places like POMO focus on authentic ingredients, making vegan modifications more limited.

What’s the best pizza + craft beer combo in Scottsdale?

Craft 64 dominates this category with 30 craft beers on tap—10 house-brewed plus 20 rotating Arizona and regional selections. Their in-house brewing operation means you can pair wood-fired pizza with beers made in the same building. Try the Smokehouse pizza with their house IPA, or the Honey Bee with a wheat beer for sweet/spicy balance.

Your Scottsdale Pizza Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re craving nationally-ranked wood-fired pies at Craft 64, authentic dual-certified Neapolitan at POMO, Arizona’s most-voted-#1 hot honey pizza at Il Bosco, rare Midwest tavern-style at Crust Brothers, or artisan fermented perfection at Lamp—Scottsdale delivers exceptional pizza at every turn.

From VPN certifications to Top 50 USA rankings, this desert city has quietly become an unexpected pizza destination rivaling coastal foodie havens.

What’s the #1 pizza style you’re most excited to try in Scottsdale—Neapolitan perfection at POMO, Midwest tavern nostalgia at Crust Brothers, or hot honey magic at Il Bosco?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to Arizona’s pizza scene.

Exploring more of Scottsdale’s dining scene? Check out these local guides:

• Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• Best Breweries in Scottsdale →
• Best Lunch in Scottsdale →
• Best Patio Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in Scottsdale →

Have a favorite Scottsdale pizza spot we missed? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for the next great recommendation to add to our guides!