11 Tastiest Pizza Spots Washington Locals Swear By

From blistered, wood-fired Neapolitan pies to gooey, cheese-laden Detroit-style squares, Washington’s pizza scene is a feast for every kind of slice lover. These 11 spots have locals coming back again and again, serving up inventive toppings, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of personality in every bite.

Whether you’re chasing the perfect crust or just hungry for bold flavor, these pizzerias prove that in Washington, pizza is serious business, but always fun.

1. Veraci, Seattle

Every neighborhood has its pizza spot, but Veraci is where Seattleites go when they want more than just a meal. The warm, inviting space feels like someone’s living room, with the earthy aroma of woodsmoke drifting out the door even before you step foot inside. There’s no flash and very little fuss, just big, beautiful pies crafted with care, and slices so large they require both hands. Local tomatoes and basil brighten the sauce, while hand-pulled mozzarella seals the deal. I once waited in line behind a local chef who said, “This is my cheat meal.” That felt like the best endorsement a pizza could hope for.

What sets Veraci apart is their devotion to wood-fired technique. Each pie develops a thin but sturdy crust with blackened bubbles that add a smoky depth. Their Margherita comes out piping hot, the cheese puddling in the middle, the edges crisp but never burnt. You’ll find inventive specials featuring seasonal produce, yet even the classic pepperoni is a revelation, spicy, crisp, and never greasy.

The staff remember regulars by name, and you’ll overhear conversations about new toppings or community events. Grab a window seat and watch the Fremont bustle, or bring a group and share a few different pies. The dining room buzzes with energy, especially on weekends. Veraci is proof that when pizza is made with care and shared with friends, it becomes much more than just food, it’s a local tradition you’ll want to revisit often.

2. The Rock Wood Fired Pizza, Tacoma

The Rock doesn’t just serve pizza, it feels like a full-blown event from the moment you walk in. You’ll spot guitars hanging on the walls and album covers tucked between bricks. The buzzing soundtrack matches the energy, yet the real showstopper lives in the massive wood-fired oven, where dough blisters and cheese bubbles to a caramelized finish.

What I love most is the fearless approach to flavor. Take one bite of the “Crazy Train” or the “Stairway to Heaven” and you’ll taste house-made sauce layered under heaps of local meats and roasted veggies. The crust stands out: charred patches signal time spent in intense heat, while the interior stays chewy and tender. Some regulars swear by the honey drizzle on the crust, calling it the best ending to any slice.

Every table seems filled with friends sharing laughs and swapping slices. Kids get their own menu, and groups linger over pitchers of beer. The Rock manages to feel both raucous and welcoming, making it a staple for Tacoma families, after-work crews, and anyone craving lively nights out. It’s not just pizza, it’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

3. Pizzeria La Gitana, Olympia

Hidden just off Olympia’s main drag, Pizzeria La Gitana offers a slice of Italy in the Pacific Northwest. Walking in, you’re greeted by the scent of baking dough and a staff that treats every guest like a returning friend. The space glows with gentle light, wood accents, and the steady crackle of a traditional brick oven.

Here, the menu leans heavily into organic ingredients and old-world technique. Flour imported from Italy, fresh basil, and organic tomatoes go onto pies that are hand-shaped and finished with extra-virgin olive oil. The edges are always perfectly charred, never bitter, just right. The “La Gitana” pizza, with prosciutto and arugula, feels both refined and comforting.

Owners and staff move from table to table, sharing recommendations and stories. It’s clear they care deeply about the craft, and about diners feeling at home. On weekends, live accordion music adds to the ambiance. If you’re after genuine hospitality and pizza that honors tradition, this is the spot. Locals say there’s magic in the dough, and after a visit, I couldn’t disagree.

4. Serious Pie, Seattle

Seattle has plenty of pizza options, but Tom Douglas’s Serious Pie draws a crowd for good reason. The pizzeria’s legacy began when it took over the beloved Northlake Tavern space and transformed it with a distinctly Northwest personality. Each pie emerges from the oven with a crust that’s just blistered enough, soft in the center, crisp on the edge, and always full of flavor.

Inventiveness sets Serious Pie apart. Maybe you’re in the mood for Yukon gold potatoes with rosemary, or crave the tang of soft cheese mingled with wild mushrooms. The toppings are unexpected, and each combination feels intentional. Classicists can opt for tomato sauce and mozzarella, but most diners lean adventurous and try the chef’s latest creation.

The dining room hums with conversation as friends dissect their favorite pie or share small plates. The staff know the menu inside out and happily guide newcomers through the choices. For anyone searching for pizza that’s a little outside the box, without sacrificing tradition, Serious Pie keeps raising the bar for Seattle’s pizza scene.

5. Moto, Seattle

Moto’s reputation reaches far beyond its West Seattle address. Known for thick, square Detroit-style pies, this pizzeria is unapologetically inventive. The crust bakes up airy yet sturdy, with edges crisped in a sea of melted cheese that caramelizes against the pan.

Moto doesn’t just stick to tradition; you’ll spot toppings like miso-glazed eggplant or Dungeness crab scattered across golden pies. Each slice offers a mix of comfort and surprise, making every visit feel like a small adventure. Diners talk about the “wait,” but nobody minds once that first bite lands, the payoff is always worth it.

Inside, the space feels modern yet warm, with staff quick to recommend new flavors. Moto made headlines for their “Pi Day” specials and collaborations with local chefs. If you’re after a Detroit-style experience with a PNW twist, Moto stands alone. Grab a thick slice and taste what locals rave about.

6. Stevie’s Famous Pizza, Seattle (Beacon Hill)

The energy at Stevie’s Famous Pizza is infectious. Tucked inside the Clock-Out Lounge on Beacon Hill, this spot serves pies with a sense of humor and a whole lot of flavor. Slices like the “Normie MacDonald”, stacked with coppa, burrata, grana, and a drizzle of hot honey, have become local legends.

There’s no pretense here. The space is a blend of dive-bar charm and vibrant creativity, with walls plastered in music posters and neon signs. Groups gather over huge pies, trading stories and debating the merits of each topping. The line at the counter never really stops, but the staff keep things moving with jokes and genuine smiles.

Stevie’s doesn’t shy away from bold flavors or quirky combos. You might find daily specials inspired by staff favorites or pop-culture moments. If you love pizza with personality and a crowd that loves to celebrate, this Beacon Hill staple will leave you smiling, and maybe even planning your next visit before you’re done.

7. The Carlson Block, Wilkeson (Pierce County)

Some pizza places win you over with flash, but The Carlson Block draws people with its unassuming charm and remarkable sourdough crust. Set in Wilkeson, a coal town with history in every brick, it’s the sort of destination you’ll hear about from those in the know. The Seattle Times once called it the best pizza in Washington state, a bold claim that feels earned after the first bite.

Each pizza starts with naturally leavened dough, left to rise until it’s tangy and airy. The wood-fired oven gives the crust a blistered finish, while toppings like house-pulled mozzarella, fennel sausage, and seasonal vegetables showcase local bounty. Pies arrive at the table with a simplicity that feels almost old-fashioned.

Regulars gather around big tables, sharing slices and local stories. The owner often checks on guests, eager to talk about the day’s fresh ingredients or the history behind the oven. This isn’t fast food, it’s an experience made for lingering. If you’re seeking out-of-the-way excellence, The Carlson Block is a pilgrimage worth making.

8. Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, Multiple Locations

Tutta Bella doesn’t just serve Neapolitan-style pizza, it lives and breathes the tradition. Each location feels like a portal to Naples, with pizzaioli working dough by hand and wood-fired ovens burning at blistering temperatures. The flour, tomatoes, and cheese come from Italian producers, ensuring authenticity down to the last bite.

The Margherita pizza, with San Marzano tomato sauce and fior di latte, is a crowd favorite. Edges balloon up, spotted with tiny charred bubbles, a sign of proper technique. For those who like to branch out, toppings like spicy soppressata or wild mushrooms add a local twist to classic recipes.

Families and friends fill the dining room, sharing laughter and passing plates. Tutta Bella is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, a rare honor in the U.S. For anyone longing for a taste of Italy right here in Washington, these pizzerias deliver every time.

9. Big Mario’s, Seattle (Capitol Hill & Belltown)

For years, Big Mario’s has anchored Seattle’s late-night pizza scene. The vibe is classic, think checkered floors and neon signs, with the buzz of Capitol Hill and Belltown just outside. Oversized New York–style slices fill the glass counter, and regulars argue over which topping reigns supreme.

Big Mario’s isn’t fancy, but that’s the point. You walk in for a quick slice after a show or to refuel before heading home. The crust is foldable but sturdy, with a perfect ratio of sauce to cheese. Late hours and a laid-back staff mean there’s always a seat for one more, even at 2 A.M.

What keeps people coming back? Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s the way each pie tastes just as good at midnight as it does at lunch. Either way, Big Mario’s is a slice of old-school Seattle that never goes out of style.

10. Delancey, Seattle (Ballard)

Delancey feels like the pizzeria every neighborhood wishes it had. Tucked into Ballard, it’s a labor of love from Molly Wizenberg and Brandon Pettit, who built their reputation on the idea that simple, high-quality ingredients make the best pies. The space is cozy, with exposed wood beams and just enough seats for a relaxed meal.

The Jersey-style pies here lean thin and crisp, with a hint of chew at the edge. Toppings like fennel sausage, olives, and sweet onions balance each bite, while the tomato sauce offers just the right amount of acidity. There’s no rush, guests linger over wine and conversation, savoring each slice.

Delancey often ranks among the nation’s best pizza spots, and regulars treat it as their own secret haunt. If you love thoughtful, expertly crafted pizza in an unpretentious setting, Delancey rewards patience (and reservations).

11. Dino’s Tomato Pie, Seattle (Capitol Hill)

Dino’s Tomato Pie brings big flavor and big attitude to Capitol Hill. The energy is palpable, red booths, checkerboard floors, and a soundtrack that keeps conversations lively. Here, pizzas are cut into thick, square slices, each one layered with toppings that demand attention.

Try the “Mr. Pink” for a taste of something different: vodka sauce, pools of ricotta, and fresh basil combine in rich, creamy bites. The crust stands out, thick but soft, with a crisp bottom that supports all the cheese and sauce. Friends crowd around tables, sharing stories and debating their favorite combos.

Dino’s doesn’t try to be anything but itself. Bartenders craft classic cocktails, staff shout greetings across the room, and every visit feels like a mini celebration. For those who crave pizza with personality and a side of Capitol Hill buzz, Dino’s belongs on your short list.