Pizza in the Phoenix area: local shops, not chains

AZ Business Directory lists locally owned pizza shops around the Phoenix area, from Mesa to Avondale to central Phoenix. Each listing has a phone number, so you can call in an order or ask about delivery, pickup and big groups. Pick a style first, then pick a shop.

What are the main pizza styles?

You will see a few styles on Valley menus.

• Wood-fired: Cooked fast in a very hot oven, with a soft, charred crust. Often thin, and best eaten right away.
• Thin crust or New York-style: Large slices you can fold. Good for quick lunches.
• Pan or thick crust: Heavier and bready, with lots of cheese.
• Neighborhood shop pizza: Classic pies, wings, subs and salads on one menu, handy for a crowd.

If you are not sure what a shop makes, ask what they are known for.

How do you choose a pizza place?

• What is the shop's style? Match it to what you are craving.
• Delivery, pickup or dine-in? Ask which they offer and for what areas.
• How long is the wait? Fridays and game nights are slow, so order early.
• Can you customize? Half-and-half pies work for mixed groups.
• What else is on the menu? Salads, pastas and subs help if someone does not want pizza.
• Do they take large orders? Call a day ahead for a party.

Who is in the directory?

Pizza Mart on East Main Street in Mesa lists that it has been in business since 1982. AZ Pizza Co on McDowell Road in Avondale is a family-owned shop serving pizzas, wings, subs, salads and beer. Federal Pizza has two locations, one on Central Avenue in Phoenix, in a restored 1950s bank building, and one on Tatum Boulevard in Paradise Valley, serving wood-fired pizza, pastas and salads.

Delivery or pickup in the heat

In summer, a pizza box left in a hot car gets soggy and sad quickly. If you pick up, go straight home. If you order delivery, ask for a time window and check that someone will be home to take it from the driver. During monsoon storms, delivery can run late, so give yourself extra time.

To reheat leftover slices, use a skillet or an oven, not the microwave, so the crust stays crisp.

A family pizza night

Order one cheese for the kids and one with toppings for the adults, or ask for half-and-half. Add a salad so there is something green. Ask about a side of ranch or marinara, and whether there is a kids' option on the menu.

Planning more than dinner? Try the trip planner to build an evening out.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

How many pizzas do I need for a group?

It depends on appetite and slice size. Ask the shop what a medium or large size feeds, since they know their own pies. Order a little extra if teenagers are coming.

Do local pizza shops deliver?

Many do, but not all. Call the number on the listing and ask whether they deliver to your address and what they charge.

Is wood-fired pizza different from regular pizza?

Yes. It cooks in a very hot oven for a short time, which gives a softer, slightly charred crust. Slices are often thinner and less sturdy, so it is best eaten fresh.

See every pizza shop in Phoenix