7 Hidden Pizza Gems Across Arizona You Need to Try

Arizona is famous for its stunning deserts, towering cacti, and breathtaking sunsets, but tucked away in cities and small towns across the state are some incredible pizza spots that locals love and visitors rarely discover.

These hidden gems serve up everything from wood-fired Neapolitan pies to creative specialty pizzas loaded with fresh toppings and bold flavors.

Whether you’re craving a classic margherita or something totally unique, these seven pizzerias will surprise your taste buds and leave you planning your next visit.

Get ready to explore Arizona’s best-kept pizza secrets that deserve a spot on every food lover’s bucket list.

1. Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix

Nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Pizzeria Bianco has earned legendary status among pizza lovers who travel from across the country just to taste what many call the best pizza in America.

Owner Chris Bianco has been crafting his signature wood-fired pies since 1988, using only the finest ingredients imported from Italy and fresh produce from local Arizona farms.

The restaurant’s atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen, and a cozy dining room that fills up fast with eager customers.

What makes this place truly special is the attention to detail in every single pie that comes out of the oven.

The dough is made fresh daily and allowed to ferment slowly, creating a crust that’s both crispy and chewy with just the right amount of char from the wood-fired oven.

Their Margherita pizza is a masterpiece of simplicity, featuring hand-crushed tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil that lets each ingredient shine.

The Wiseguy pizza is another fan favorite, topped with wood-roasted onions, house-made fennel sausage, and smoked mozzarella that creates an incredible depth of flavor.

Located at 623 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, this pizzeria has won countless awards and accolades over the years, including recognition from the James Beard Foundation.

Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours, but trust that every minute spent in line is absolutely worth it once you take that first bite of pizza perfection.

2. Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana – Scottsdale

Tucked away in Old Town Scottsdale, Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana brings the authentic taste of Naples straight to the Arizona desert with traditional techniques and certified Italian ingredients.

This family-owned gem has been serving up certified Neapolitan pizza since 2010, earning its place as one of only a handful of pizzerias in Arizona recognized by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.

Walking into Pomo feels like stepping into a charming Italian trattoria, complete with rustic wooden tables, vintage Italian posters, and the intoxicating aroma of pizza baking in their imported wood-burning oven.

The oven itself is a work of art, built by hand in Naples and capable of reaching temperatures over 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential for creating that signature leopard-spotted crust.

Every pizza here follows strict Neapolitan guidelines, from the San Marzano tomatoes grown in volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius to the buffalo mozzarella imported directly from Campania.

The Margherita DOC is absolutely stunning in its simplicity, with a soft, pillowy crust that puffs up beautifully around the edges and a center that’s perfectly tender.

For something more adventurous, try the Diavola topped with spicy salami, fresh mozzarella, and a kick of Calabrian chili oil that adds just the right amount of heat.

You’ll find this hidden treasure at 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, inside the Scottsdale Princess Resort, though they also have a location in Phoenix.

The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of Italian wines and craft beers that pair beautifully with their pizzas, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration.

3. Federal Pizza – Phoenix

Located in the vibrant Coronado neighborhood of Phoenix, Federal Pizza has quickly become a favorite among locals who appreciate creative flavor combinations and a laid-back, neighborhood vibe.

This spot opened in 2012 and immediately started turning heads with its inventive approach to pizza-making that respects tradition while embracing bold new ideas.

The restaurant occupies a converted house with a charming outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal under the Arizona stars surrounded by twinkling lights and desert landscaping.

What sets Federal Pizza apart is their willingness to experiment with unexpected toppings and flavor profiles that somehow just work together perfectly.

Their menu changes seasonally to showcase the freshest local ingredients available, but you can always count on finding something exciting and delicious.

The Pig and Fig pizza is an absolute revelation, combining crispy bacon, caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and sweet fig jam on a perfectly baked crust that balances savory and sweet.

Another standout is the Corn and Bacon pizza, which might sound simple but delivers incredible flavor with roasted corn, applewood-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and a drizzle of chipotle aioli.

You can find this neighborhood gem at 5210 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012, where the friendly staff treats everyone like a regular.

They also offer an excellent selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and natural wines that complement their creative pizzas beautifully.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner with friends or a fun date night without any pretension.

4. Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen – Multiple Locations

For health-conscious pizza lovers who refuse to compromise on flavor, Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen offers an incredible menu of organic, gluten-free, and vegan options that taste absolutely amazing.

This Arizona-based chain started in Sedona in 2003 with a mission to prove that healthy food can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional comfort food.

Every ingredient used in their kitchen is certified organic, from the flour in their dough to the vegetables topping their pizzas, ensuring you’re getting the highest quality meal possible.

Walking into any Picazzo’s location feels bright and welcoming, with modern decor, comfortable seating, and an open kitchen where you can watch your pizza being made with care.

Their gluten-free crust is genuinely impressive, made from a special blend of organic flours that creates a texture remarkably close to traditional pizza dough.

The menu offers something for everyone, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthier pizza option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Their Margherita pizza features organic tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil on a perfectly baked crust that’s light and flavorful.

For vegan diners, the Vegan Pesto pizza is absolutely incredible, topped with house-made basil pesto, roasted vegetables, and dairy-free cheese that melts beautifully.

With locations throughout the Phoenix area, including one at 20753 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, you’re never too far from a healthy pizza fix.

They also offer organic salads, pasta dishes, and desserts, making it easy to enjoy a complete meal that aligns with your dietary preferences and values.

5. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Scottsdale

Originally founded in Brooklyn under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, Grimaldi’s has brought its legendary coal-fired pizza tradition to Scottsdale, where it has become a beloved destination for authentic New York-style pies.

The coal-fired brick oven is the secret weapon here, reaching temperatures that create a crust with an incredible char and smokiness that you simply cannot replicate in a regular oven.

Located at 4000 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, this location maintains all the charm and quality that made the original Brooklyn restaurant a pizza institution.

The dining room features exposed brick walls, checkered tablecloths, and vintage photographs that transport you straight to an old-school New York pizzeria.

What makes Grimaldi’s special is their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, including their secret recipe pizza sauce made from California tomatoes and Grande mozzarella cheese.

The crust is hand-tossed and baked directly on the floor of the coal oven, creating a thin, crispy base with a slightly chewy texture and those signature charred bubbles.

Their classic cheese pizza is perfection in its purest form, with a perfect balance of tangy sauce, creamy mozzarella, and that distinctive coal-fired flavor.

For meat lovers, the Grimaldi’s Special comes loaded with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, creating a hearty pie that satisfies even the biggest appetites.

The restaurant also serves delicious calzones, fresh salads, and homemade desserts, including their famous cheesecake that’s the perfect way to end your meal.

Service is friendly and efficient, and the portions are generous, making it great for families or groups looking to share several pies.

6. Spinato’s Pizzeria – Multiple Locations

Spinato’s has been a beloved Arizona institution since 1974, serving up Chicago-style thin crust pizza that has kept families coming back generation after generation.

This family-owned business started when the Spinato family brought their grandmother’s secret pizza recipe from Chicago to Phoenix, and it has been perfected over nearly five decades.

What makes their pizza unique is the thin, crispy crust that’s rolled out by hand and topped edge to edge with premium ingredients, then cut into squares in true Chicago tavern-style fashion.

The atmosphere at Spinato’s locations feels warm and family-friendly, with comfortable booths, friendly servers who remember regular customers, and walls decorated with family photos and Italian memorabilia.

Their sauce is made fresh daily using a special blend of tomatoes and spices that creates a slightly sweet, perfectly balanced flavor that complements the toppings beautifully.

The Italian sausage is made in-house using a family recipe that includes fennel and other spices, giving it an authentic flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Their most popular pizza is the Spinato’s Special, loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions on that signature thin, crispy crust.

With multiple locations across the Valley, including one at 3209 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018, there’s always a Spinato’s nearby when the pizza craving hits.

Beyond pizza, they offer excellent pasta dishes, sandwiches, and salads, but the real star has always been their pizza that tastes like home.

The restaurant also caters events and offers takeout and delivery, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food wherever you are.

7. Sauce Pizza & Wine – Multiple Locations

Combining artisan pizza with an extensive wine selection, Sauce Pizza & Wine has created a unique dining experience that elevates casual pizza night into something special and sophisticated.

This Arizona-based concept launched in 2006 and has expanded to multiple locations across the state, each offering a modern, upscale atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations.

The restaurant’s interior features contemporary design with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and an open layout that creates a lively but not overwhelming dining environment.

What sets Sauce apart is their focus on gourmet ingredients and creative flavor combinations that push pizza beyond the ordinary without being pretentious or overdone.

Their dough is made fresh daily and allowed to rise slowly, creating a crust that’s light, airy, and perfectly crisp around the edges.

The Prosciutto & Arugula pizza is absolutely divine, featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, paper-thin prosciutto, peppery arugula, and shaved Parmesan with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Another standout is the Pear & Gorgonzola pizza, which combines caramelized onions, roasted pears, creamy gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, and a touch of honey for an incredible sweet and savory experience.

You can find locations throughout Arizona, including one at 6952 East Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, where the wine list features over 40 selections by the glass.

The staff is knowledgeable about wine pairings and happy to recommend the perfect bottle or glass to complement your pizza choice.

They also offer fresh salads, small plates, and decadent desserts that make it easy to create a complete dining experience that feels special without breaking the bank.