TripAdvisor Names the Best Pizza Places in the Nation

This obviously calls for a taste-test. Road trip anyone?

ByABC News
July 31, 2015, 1:29 PM
Boston's famous Pizzeria Regina made TripAdvisor's top 10 list of pizza restaurants in the U.S.
Boston's famous Pizzeria Regina made TripAdvisor's top 10 list of pizza restaurants in the U.S.
Lane Turner/Getty Images

— -- The people at TripAdvisor are a brave bunch: They've gone and named the 10 best pizza places in the nation.

Every food lover knows that declaring a pizza place "best" is the surest way to start a fight. When it comes to opinions on pizza, people are passionate.

Some places are predictable. And as for surprises, there are a few. Pizza lovers will have to travel all the way to Anchorage, Alaska, to sample a slice of the no. 3 locale. And Chicago? Not one Windy City restaurant made the list. So much for deep dish.

The rankings of top U.S. pizza restaurants, the company said, "is based on the quantity and quality of reviews for pizza restaurants, giving more weight to reviews written in the past year. Pizza restaurants were identified as those having a majority of reviews mentioning pizza, a minimum of 500 reviews, and at least 10 percent of reviews mentioning 'best pizza.”'

Juliana's Pizza, New York City

"Opened in 2012 by legendary Brooklyn pizza maker Patsy Grimaldi, this eatery tantalizes taste buds with its thin crust pizza that is charred to perfection under a coal-fired hearth," said TripAdvisor. A TripAdvisor reviewer raved, “The main reason why Patsy Grimaldi is an institution is because he does make outstanding pizza! After all these years, the perfect crust, great tomatoes, delicious mozzarella and toppings galore; try them all, you can't go wrong.”

Pizza Time of St. Augustine, Saint Augustine, Florida

"Located in Saint Augustine’s historic downtown, pizza fanatics can get their fill at this cash-only spot that serves up a variety of specialty slices including breaded eggplant, lasagna, and “Grandma’s” Sicilian-style," the web site said. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The pies were fresh and cooked to perfection. We had slices of their meat lovers, spinach white and plain cheese. They make their own sauce from Roma tomatoes imported from Italy, it's to die for.”

Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, Anchorage, Alaska

TripAdvisor said, "After feasting on flavorful pies including the 'Amazing Apricot' —topped with apricot sauce, cream cheese, carrots and chicken—satiated diners can wash down the delicious ‘za with one of more than 40 draft beers that are hand-crafted in this pizzeria’s sister brewery. “Love the combinations and have tried nearly all of them. Pair it with one of the in house brews and you are in for a treat. There is a reason this place is always packed,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Keste, New York City

"Famished travelers can get a taste of Naples in this popular eatery in the West Village of Manhattan. Italian chef-owner Roberto Caporuscio serves up stringently authentic Neapolitan pizza that is tenderly topped with San Marzano tomato sauce and imported bufala mozzarella before quickly firing in a hand-built wood oven," according to the site. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The cheese, the crust, the tomato sauce, the slight burn on the crust, everything comes in a harmony to make this pizza what it is.”

Tony's Pizza Napoletana, San Francisco

"There’s a slice to suit every taste at this North Beach pizzeria that uses different ovens to bake delectable styles including Neapolitan, Sicilian, New York, St. Louis and more. Indecisive diners can place their bets on the shop’s premier pie -- its Margherita was the first U.S. entry to win the coveted World Pizza Cup," said TripAdvisor. A site reviewer noted, “Instant bliss filled my mouth… the dough divine, sauce simply super, magnificent mozzarella, and beautiful basil blended together in the best way imaginable.”

Pizzeria Regina, Boston

According to TripAdvisor, "In Boston’s North End, this small, family-run eatery has been toasting perfect pies since 1926. While there is often a line outside, once seated, famished patrons can feast on the Giambotto—it boasts all the traditional toppings and weighs more than three pounds." One reviewer noted, “The best pizza I have ever eaten! Had to wait about 40 minutes, but it was well worth the wait! Loved the history of the restaurant, location (Little Italy), atmosphere, and the food!”

Antico Pizza Napoletana, Atlanta

"Boasting an open kitchen, communal tables and bring-your-own-beverage policy, this casual spot welcomes groups to gather over its delectable Neapolitan pizzas. Conversation may even steer to the standout San Gennaro pizza, a tangy blend of salsiccia sausage, sweet red peppers, bufala mozzarella and cipolline onions," said the site. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “I've never had a pizza with such fresh ingredients. It was pretty cool that you could watch them make the dough and the pizzas.”

Bill's Pizza, Palm Springs, California

"In the Coachella Valley, this pizzeria has amassed a following among desert dwellers and travelers. A sourdough crust creates a canvas for fine toppings including Schriener’s sausage and olive oil roasted veggies." A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “We ordered our pizzas and once they arrived it became evident that this was no ordinary pizza parlor. This was the best pizza ever. The crust was thin and not the least bit doughy, the sauce and toppings fresh and tasty.”

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, New Haven, Connecticut

TripAdvisor said, "Founded in 1925, this pizzeria originated the New Haven-style apizza—a thin, coal-fired crust topped with tomato sauce (without cheese), oregano, and a sprinkling of pecorino Romano. More adventurous diners can also sample another Pepe’s original—the white clam pie" According to one review. . “No matter how long the line seems it moves pretty quick and is worth the wait. After filling ourselves to the brim we decided to order one to go to eat at home later that night.”

John's Pizzeria, Bleecker St., New York City

"NYC pizza aficionados and first-timers will be similarly satisfied at this quintessential joint. Operating since 1929, John’s maintains its classic flavor with graffiti-carved wooden booths and delectable pizza pies fired in its original, hot-burning coal oven," the site said. A TripAdvisor reviewer note, “There are quite a few old school pizza joints in NYC. John's is among an elite group of the best. You don't go here for fantastic service. You go here for amazingly delicious pizza."