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Your Guide To Pizza in Tempe

July 15, 2024

Find your favorite pie (or slice) at these Tempe restaurants

“One bite, everyone knows the rules.” You don’t need to have Dave Portnoy status in the pizza world to know that Tempe is stacked with pizzerias and Italian restaurants. From Chicago deep-dish favorites to New York-style pies and authentic Italian recipes to wildly innovative flavor combinations, Tempe’s pizza scene is as diverse as it is delicious.

Each restaurant offers a distinctly different dining experience — from places the entire family will enjoy and accommodations for various dietary restrictions to late-night slices and even viral concepts — so the options are seemingly endless. And for the Barstool Sports fans, you may recognize a couple of our top shops from Portnoy’s past reviews.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
27 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-863-3500

Hailing from the Chicagoland area, this pizzeria brings its original deep-dish recipe to the Tempe Marketplace dining landscape. A concept dedicated to family since its founding in 1971, this restaurant aims to please every palate. In addition to the world-famous Chicago deep-dish selections, you’ll also find thin crust, pasta and sandwiches equally delicious. Bonus: Lou’s offers a kids menu, a variety of gluten-free options and the famous chocolate chip dessert pizza, making this spot a true crowd pleaser. 

Must-Try Pie: The Malnati Chicago Classic, made with Lou’s lean sausage, some extra cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on Buttercrust.

Mellow Mushroom
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-6355

Mellow Mushroom is an iconic Mill Avenue pizza joint that’s quirky, delicious and popular among the late-night crowd (open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) — but it’s also a favorite among families and groups all day thanks to the stone-baked pizzas. The foundation of each pie is the classic Mellow crust, which is made with Appalachian spring water, and then topped with either classic or innovative combination. Don’t miss your chance to try the 50th anniversary menu (available through Nov. 11, 2024), starring The Marley, which features Jerk chicken, Mozzarella, Italian Sausage, and Sweet Onions on a Pesto base, and the Maui Wowie, with pesto base, mozzarella, honey ham, pineapple, jerk chicken, banana peppers, and applewood-smoked bacon. Here you’ll also find a vast selection of pies on the gluten-free and vegan menus too.

Must-Try Pie: Nearly a namesake, the Holy Shiitake features an olive oil and garlic base, roasted shiitake, topped with button and portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, Wisconsin Aged White Cheddar cheese, fresh chives, shaved Parmesan, garlic aioli swirl and a spritz of black truffle oil.

Otto Pizza and Pastry
804 S. Ash Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-1003 

Otto Pizza and Pastry is a cozy gem that’s been serving up whole pies and slices since 1992. Otto, who moved to Arizona from France that same year, can always be found in the kitchen tossing his much-loved New York-style pizza dough. The generously slices start at $3.50 with additional toppings costing 59 cents. The 12-, 14- and 16-inch pies are equally affordable. And, your order will be out in just minutes. 

Must-Try Slice: Otto Rainbow covers the spectrum with mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, green pepper, black olives, tomatoes and seasonings.

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
440 W. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-785-0522

Picazzo’s serves up modern-Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and meat dishes – which means there are plenty of options to suit everyone. With over 40 vegan and vegetarian options — including bowls, pizzas and pasta — this restaurant is a standout. Additionally, they use organic ingredients whenever they can and the entire restaurant is 100% gluten free.

Must-Try Pie: The Puttanesca, starring olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, roasted yellow tomatoes, Kalamata olives, chopped artichokes, feta and fresh basil.

Slices – Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-2021

Located at Tempe Marketplace, Slices is the perfect stop for refueling during any retail therapy outing. This family-owned restaurant was founded by Anna (from Rome, Italy) and Joe (from Chicago) who perfected his skills during his time as a pizzaiolo (pizza maker) in Italy. Check the website or Instagram for deals and specials.

Must-Try Slice: The Chicken Bacon Ranch, all three of my favorite food in one bite.

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen
96 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, AZ 85288 | 480-967-0020

Just in time for its 50th anniversary, this Tempe pizzeria moved into its new location — the combination of which yielded a visit from Portnoy in 2023, but you’ll have to rate this kitchen for yourself (no spoilers here). Sleek, spacious and modern, Spinato’s Pizzeria features both thin and Sicilian crust, as well as gluten-free, cauliflower and chicken keto, to choose from. If the Greek, meat or L’Italiana don’t tempt you, the build your own options are limitless.

Must-Try Pie: The Courtside Classic Pizza, a collaboration with the Phoenix Suns Gorilla and the Mercury Scorch, includes hot sopressata, pickled jalapeños, red onion, our secret spice blend, mozzarella and the signature sauce.

Spinelli’s Pizza
420 S. Mill Ave., #101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-800-5300 

Spinelli’s is a local late-night (or early, early morning) favorite located on Mill Avenue. The wide variety of these pizza slices — chicken & waffles, chicken bacon ranch, breakfast, mac n cheese — set them apart. Of course, these aren’t for the pizza purists, but anyone with an adventurous palate will thank us later.

Must-Try Slice: The Veggie pizza pairs and ultra thin crust with toppings piked high for the perfect balance.

Venezia’s Pizzeria
27 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-858-1660 

Known for its wide variety of traditional and innovative pies — as well as all the complementary sides — Venezia’s made its way onto Portnoy’s radar and was paid a visit by the pizza aficionado in 2023. Whether you pick up a hearty New York-style slice (starting at $3.25) or go all in with a 12-, 14-, 16- or 24-inch pie, you can expect a thinner crust and an excellent cheese pull. Gluten-free and dairy-free options available.

Must-Try Slice: The Mala, inspired by Phoenix Rising FC, is topped with cheese, pepperoni, grilled chicken and French fries. Kick it up a notch with a Buffalo sauce swirl, bacon and jalapeños.