10 Iconic Michigan Pizza Places You Have To Try

Michigan has earned its place on the pizza map, thanks to a unique style that was born right in Detroit.

The state’s pizza scene offers everything from legendary deep-dish squares with caramelized edges to delicate thin-crust pies that honor Italian tradition.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore new spots or a visitor eager to taste what makes Michigan pizza so special, this list will guide you to the best.

From family-owned taverns that have been perfecting their recipes for decades to modern pizzerias pushing creative boundaries, these ten iconic places represent the heart and soul of Michigan’s pizza culture.

1. Buddy’s Pizza

Buddy’s Pizza holds a special place in pizza history as the birthplace of Detroit-style square pizza.

Founded decades ago, this restaurant transformed the way people think about deep-dish pies.

Located at 17125 Conant, the original spot still draws crowds from across the state and beyond.

Walking into Buddy’s feels like stepping into a piece of Michigan heritage.

The atmosphere buzzes with families, friends, and pizza enthusiasts eager to taste the legend.

What sets Buddy’s apart is the signature crust that’s both thick and airy.

Crispy edges form a golden, caramelized border that’s become the hallmark of Detroit-style pizza.

Sauce is ladled on top, creating a vibrant contrast against the melted cheese.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by soft, fluffy dough.

Buddy’s has expanded to multiple locations throughout Michigan, but the original remains a pilgrimage site for true pizza fans.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition has never wavered.

Generations of Michiganders have grown up enjoying these iconic square pies.

If you’re exploring the state’s pizza culture, starting at Buddy’s is non-negotiable.

This is where it all began, and the legacy continues strong.

2. Loui’s Pizza

Tucked away in Hazel Park at 23141 Dequindre Rd, Loui’s Pizza represents everything a neighborhood pizzeria should be.

Family-owned and deeply rooted in the community, this spot has built a loyal following over the years.

Many locals will argue passionately that Loui’s serves the finest Detroit-style pizza in the entire state.

The moment you step inside, you’ll notice the quirky decor featuring empty wine bottles covering the walls.

This distinctive touch gives the place character and warmth that chain restaurants can never replicate.

Loui’s specializes in deep-dish pies with perfectly crispy edges and generous toppings.

The dough rises beautifully, creating a pillowy base that supports layers of cheese and sauce.

Every pizza is made with care, reflecting decades of refined technique.

The cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Service here feels personal, like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home.

Regulars return week after week, drawn by consistency and quality that never disappoints.

Loui’s proves that you don’t need a flashy location or modern decor to create something truly special.

Sometimes the best pizza comes from humble places with big hearts.

If you’re serious about experiencing authentic Michigan pizza culture, Loui’s deserves a spot on your list.

3. Michigan & Trumbull

Michigan & Trumbull brings a fresh perspective to the Detroit-style pizza tradition.

Located at 1331 Holden St #100, this family-owned pizzeria has earned national recognition for its innovative approach.

While staying true to the fundamentals of square pizza, they experiment with unique ingredient combinations that surprise and delight.

The restaurant’s name pays homage to the historic intersection where Tiger Stadium once stood.

This connection to Detroit’s sports heritage adds another layer of local pride to the experience.

Inside, the atmosphere strikes a balance between modern and welcoming.

You’ll find a clean, contemporary space that feels both comfortable and stylish.

The open kitchen lets you watch as pizzas are carefully assembled and baked to perfection.

What really makes Michigan & Trumbull stand out is the attention to quality ingredients.

Every topping is thoughtfully selected to create flavor profiles that go beyond the ordinary.

The signature crispy, cheesy edges remain intact, providing that essential Detroit-style crunch.

National food media outlets have praised this spot, bringing visitors from across the country.

Yet it maintains a neighborhood feel that locals appreciate.

For those who want to see how Detroit-style pizza continues to evolve, this is the place to visit.

4. Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant

Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant stands as a monument to Detroit-style pizza history.

Situated at 24443 Gratiot Ave in Eastpointe, this establishment was founded by Gus Guerra.

Guerra played a crucial role in developing the square pizza style that would define Michigan’s culinary identity.

The restaurant has maintained its commitment to the original recipe and methods.

Walking through the doors feels like traveling back to a simpler time when quality mattered more than speed.

Cloverleaf’s version of the iconic pie features a perfectly balanced crust that’s both sturdy and tender.

Cheese stretches in satisfying strings with each slice, while the sauce provides a tangy brightness.

The bar and restaurant combination creates a casual, relaxed environment perfect for unwinding.

Locals have been gathering here for decades, creating memories over shared pizzas.

The staff treats everyone like regulars, even first-time visitors.

This sense of community is what keeps people coming back generation after generation.

Cloverleaf proves that staying true to your roots can be a winning strategy.

While others chase trends, this place continues doing what it does best.

For anyone interested in understanding the origins of Detroit-style pizza, Cloverleaf offers an essential history lesson in every bite.

5. Green Lantern Pizza

Green Lantern Pizza has been serving Metro Detroit for longer than many residents can remember.

With multiple locations throughout the region, this local favorite has built an impressive reputation.

The restaurant specializes in square pizzas that hold their own in the competitive Detroit-style conversation.

Each location maintains the same high standards that have made Green Lantern a household name.

The crust achieves that perfect balance between crispy exterior and soft interior.

Generous portions of cheese create a gooey, satisfying topping that stretches beautifully.

Green Lantern’s sauce recipe has remained a closely guarded secret, adding to the mystique.

What you’ll taste is a slightly sweet, perfectly seasoned blend that complements without overpowering.

The restaurants themselves offer comfortable, unpretentious settings where pizza takes center stage.

Families gather here for celebrations, friends meet for casual dinners, and solo diners feel equally welcome.

Service is efficient and friendly, reflecting the neighborhood spirit that defines these establishments.

Green Lantern represents the kind of reliable, quality pizza that communities depend on.

No gimmicks, no pretense, just consistently excellent square pies made with care.

For those exploring Michigan’s pizza landscape, Green Lantern offers a genuine taste of local tradition.

6. Supino Pizzeria

Supino Pizzeria brings authentic Italian thin-crust tradition to Detroit’s historic Eastern Market.

Located at 2457 Russell St, this pizzeria has developed a devoted cult following.

The restaurant’s approach differs dramatically from the Detroit-style deep-dish that dominates the state.

Instead, Supino focuses on artisanal, Neapolitan-inspired pies with carefully selected ingredients.

The Eastern Market location adds to the experience, surrounded by the vibrant energy of vendors and shoppers.

Inside, the atmosphere feels intimate and welcoming, with rustic touches that enhance the Italian authenticity.

Supino’s thin crust comes out of the oven with a slight char and perfect chew.

Toppings are applied with restraint, allowing each flavor to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Fresh mozzarella, quality tomatoes, and aromatic basil combine in simple perfection.

The pizzeria’s commitment to traditional methods means each pie is crafted individually with attention to detail.

Lines often form outside, with customers willing to wait for a taste of these celebrated pizzas.

The small space and limited seating contribute to the exclusive feel.

For those who prefer thin-crust elegance over hearty deep-dish, Supino represents Michigan’s finest.

This is pizza as art, where simplicity and quality ingredients create something extraordinary.

7. Fricano’s Pizza Tavern

Fricano’s Pizza Tavern operates on a simple philosophy that borders on radical in today’s world of endless options.

With locations in Grand Haven at 1400 Fulton St and Holland, this establishment makes exactly one thing.

That singular focus is a specific style of thin-crust pizza with minimal toppings.

Locals throughout western Michigan swear this approach produces the best pizza in the entire state.

The tavern atmosphere provides a relaxed, unpretentious setting for enjoying these unique pies.

Fricano’s crust is impossibly thin, achieving a delicate crispness that shatters with each bite.

The cheese and sauce are applied sparingly, creating a perfect balance where no single element dominates.

This minimalist approach lets the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves.

Many first-timers are surprised by how different Fricano’s pizza is from typical offerings.

There’s no thick crust to fill you up, no mountain of toppings to overwhelm your taste buds.

Instead, you get pure, concentrated flavor in every slice.

The tavern has maintained this singular vision for decades, resisting pressure to expand the menu.

This dedication to doing one thing exceptionally well has earned fierce loyalty.

Visiting Fricano’s means embracing a different pizza philosophy entirely, one that values restraint and refinement.

8. Tomatoes APizza

Tomatoes APizza has carved out a special place among Michigan’s thin-crust pizza enthusiasts.

Operating locations in Farmington Hills and Rochester Hills, this restaurant consistently appears on best-of lists.

Pizza lovers often mention Tomatoes APizza alongside legendary names like Loui’s and Green Lantern.

That’s impressive company, speaking to the quality and consistency this establishment delivers.

The restaurant environment feels comfortable and inviting, perfect for both family dinners and casual dates.

Tomatoes APizza specializes in thin-crust pies that strike a beautiful balance between crispy and chewy.

The crust provides a sturdy foundation without being too brittle or too soft.

Toppings range from classic combinations to more adventurous options, all prepared with fresh ingredients.

What sets this place apart is the attention to detail in every aspect of pizza making.

Sauce is seasoned just right, cheese is distributed evenly, and baking times are carefully monitored.

The result is a consistently excellent product that keeps customers returning week after week.

Service is friendly and efficient, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

For those who prefer their pizza thin and crispy rather than thick and doughy, Tomatoes APizza delivers exactly what you’re craving.

This is suburban pizza done right, proving you don’t need to be in the city to find excellence.

9. Silver Beach Pizza

Silver Beach Pizza occupies one of the most charming locations on this entire list.

Housed in a historic train depot at 410 Vine St in St. Joseph, the setting alone makes this worth visiting.

The building’s architecture tells stories of Michigan’s railroad past while serving as a beloved pizzeria today.

Located on the west side of the state near Lake Michigan, Silver Beach Pizza has become a regional favorite.

Families flock here after spending time at the nearby beach, creating a perfect summer tradition.

The unique setting adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the already excellent pizza.

Inside, the converted depot retains historical character while functioning as a modern restaurant.

High ceilings and interesting architectural details create a memorable dining environment.

The pizza itself lives up to the special location, featuring quality ingredients and careful preparation.

Crusts come out with a satisfying texture, toppings are generous, and flavors are well-balanced.

Silver Beach Pizza understands that families are their core customers and creates a welcoming atmosphere accordingly.

The menu offers enough variety to please both adventurous eaters and picky kids.

After your meal, you can stroll to the beach or explore downtown St. Joseph.

This combination of great pizza and a fantastic location makes Silver Beach Pizza a must-visit destination.

10. Pie-Sci

Pie-Sci breaks all the rules in the best possible way.

Located at 5163 Trumbull in Detroit, this pizzeria celebrates creativity and innovation.

The name itself hints at the experimental approach taken with every pie that comes out of the kitchen.

Traditional pizza purists might raise eyebrows, but adventurous eaters will find paradise here.

Pie-Sci pushes boundaries with unconventional topping combinations that somehow work beautifully together.

The restaurant also caters to diverse dietary needs, offering impressive vegan options alongside traditional choices.

This inclusivity means everyone at your table can find something exciting to try.

The interior reflects the creative spirit, with a modern design that feels fresh and energetic.

You can sense the passion and experimentation that goes into each pizza creation.

Despite the unconventional approach, the fundamentals remain solid with well-made crusts and quality ingredients.

Pie-Sci proves that respecting tradition doesn’t mean being bound by it.

The pizzeria has attracted a devoted following of people who appreciate culinary creativity.

Each visit might reveal new flavor combinations you never imagined would work on pizza.

For those who love trying new things and pushing culinary boundaries, Pie-Sci represents the exciting future of Michigan pizza.