Philadelphia’s pizza scene is more vibrant and competitive than ever in 2025, blending historic Italian-American traditions with new-school innovation.
The city’s best pizzerias run the gamut from naturally leavened Neapolitan pies to thick, cheesy squares and cult-favorite South Philly slices.
Whether you’re a dedicated pizza purist or seeking something totally unique, these five top spots showcase what makes Philly a true pizza city.
1. Pizzeria Beddia
Pizzeria Beddia has earned a place among the world’s pizza greats, with international praise and a loyal local following.
Joe Beddia’s focus is on simple, meticulous perfection: a chewy, naturally leavened crust, tangy house-made sauce, and carefully balanced toppings.
The menu is small, but each pie is dialed in—especially the classic “plain” pizza with its addictive charred crust and minimal, but high-impact, cheese. Expect a lively, modern space and a beautifully curated drink menu to pair.
2. Angelo’s Pizzeria
Often with a line out the door, Angelo’s has fast become a must-visit for both locals and pizza tourists.
Their dough is slow-fermented, resulting in superior flavor and signature leopard-spotting on the chewy-yet-crisp crust.
Both the classic pizzas and the decadent cheesesteak-stuffed “Upside-Down Jawn” have become Philly legends.
Angelo’s is a cash-only, no-frills operation that lets its pizza do all the talking—grab a slice or a whole pie and taste why it’s so beloved.
3. Circles + Squares
A cult favorite in Kensington, Circles + Squares is best known for their thick, Detroit-inspired square pies with impossibly crispy edges, plenty of cheese, and a deeply savory sauce.
Consistently rated among Philly’s very best, their creative toppings and commitment to technique elevate every pie.
The signature “corners” are hotly coveted, and the airy-yet-classic dough makes for a chewy, addictive bite.
For fans of robust, well-developed flavor in an unpretentious setting, this spot can’t be missed.
4. Pizza Shackamaxon
Pizza Shackamaxon is proof that sometimes less is more.
Their menu is small, but every slice delivers high standards: big, crisp-yet-foldable crust, robust sauce, and gooey cheese.
This Fishtown slice shop specializes in New York–style pies done Philly’s way, regularly selling out thanks to a simple formula: top-notch ingredients and expert baking.
Popular with the lunchtime crowd, it’s also a favorite for late-night stops or quick carry-out.
5. The Original Tacconelli’s Pizzeria
Tacconelli’s is a North Philly institution as storied and beloved as any in the city.
Pizza here is a throwback to old-school, thin-crust “tomato pies”—with an ultra-crispy base, aromatic sauce, and just the right amount of cheese.
Orders here are “reservation-only” for dough (yes, really), keeping the pies fresh and the experience personal.
There’s no flash or fuss, just generations-old expertise and a loyal base that swears by Tacconelli’s signature style.
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