Columbia, South Carolina blends Southern hospitality with creative culinary approaches in its surprisingly diverse pizza scene.
From college favorites to artisanal innovators, these five establishments represent the capital city’s best pizza in 2025.
1. Village Idiot Pizza & Pub
A Columbia institution since 1990, Village Idiot has grown from a tiny college hangout in Five Points to a local chain with three locations.
Their New York-inspired style features hand-tossed, medium-thin crust topped with slightly sweet sauce and quality mozzarella.
The “Idiot’s Delight” loaded with five meats represents classic abundance, while seasonal specials often incorporate local ingredients and Southern flavors.
Beyond excellent pizza, Village Idiot has become deeply integrated into Columbia’s cultural fabric—supporting local musicians, sponsoring community events, and serving as the unofficial headquarters for Gamecock fans during USC sporting events.
2. Citta del Cotone
Bringing authentic Neapolitan traditions to Main Street, Citta del Cotone (“City of Cotton” in Italian) centers around a wood-burning oven producing soft, airy crusts with characteristic leopard spots.
Founded by a Columbia native who studied in Naples, every detail reflects traditional methods—imported 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and house-made mozzarella.
The “Cola Classica” incorporates South Carolina-grown mushrooms and local pork for a regional twist.
The restaurant’s design thoughtfully blends Italian inspiration with nods to Columbia’s history, while educational events including dough-making workshops have helped elevate the city’s food culture.
3. Dano’s Pizza
This quintessential neighborhood pizzeria has built a devoted following through consistent quality, generous portions, and genuine Southern hospitality.
Their distinctive style features a medium-thick crust with a slightly buttery flavor and perfect cheese blend that creates satisfying stretch.
The “Gamecock Supreme” offers loaded satisfaction, while the “Palmetto BBQ Chicken” with Carolina mustard-based sauce shows regional influence. Owners Dan and Nora Thompson know countless customers by name and have watched neighborhood children grow up over years of loyal patronage.
Their community focus includes substantial charitable work, particularly supporting local schools and providing thousands of free meals during difficult times.
4. Soda City Pizza
Named after Columbia’s popular nickname, Soda City Pizza represents the creative, chef-driven approach emerging in the city’s food scene.
Founded by a Johnson & Wales-trained chef returning to his hometown, their signature style features 72-hour fermented sourdough crust with outstanding flavor.
The weekly changing “Saturday Market” pizza incorporates ingredients from Columbia’s beloved farmers market, while the “Southern Heat” combines house-made pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and pepper jelly for a uniquely South Carolinian creation.
Their modern space in a renovated automotive shop features garage doors opening to create indoor-outdoor seating.
5. iPizza
This innovative concept near USC combines fast-casual service with artisanal quality through build-your-own personal pizzas cooked in just 180 seconds in a high-tech 800°F oven.
The foundation is exceptional dough producing a crust that’s crisp yet chewy, while signature combinations like “Carolina Gameday” (buffalo chicken with blue cheese) offer curated experiences.
Their successful marriage of speed, quality, and affordability appeals particularly to students and young professionals, as does their technological integration including a sophisticated ordering app and subscription services.
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