13 Ohio Pizzerias That Locals Pick Over National Chains

Ohio pizza hits different, and locals know exactly where to go when cravings call.

If you want chewy crusts, tangy sauces, and toppings that feel crafted not copied, this guide saves you guesswork.

However, every spot here has personality, history, and loyal fans who will defend their slice with a smile.

Where you land in the Buckeye State, there is a pie worth the road trip.

Disclaimer: This article provides general dining information and reflects publicly available details at the time of writing.

Restaurant offerings, hours, and menu items can change, so readers should verify current information before visiting.

All descriptions are intended for informational and entertainment purposes.

13. Hounddog’s Three Degree Pizza – Columbus

Late-night cravings meet their match at Hounddog’s, where molten cheese practically smiles back at you.

Hand-tossed dough, a smoky stone-deck bake, and that legendary garlic-butter crust give locals something to rave about.

Three Degree heat levels let diners choose exactly how wild the spice ride gets.

Vegan and gluten-free options show up with real intention, never as an afterthought.

College-casual energy fills the space, keeping things friendly, lively, and quick.

Loud appetites and upbeat playlists find perfect harmony the moment a pizza lands on the table.

You will find Hounddog’s at 2657 N High St in Columbus, right in the University District’s busy stretch of North High Street.

12. Adriatico’s New York Style Pizza – Columbus (OSU Area)

How big is big enough for hungry Buckeyes.

At Adriatico’s, the square-cut Sicilian and the giant New York pies both qualify as dinner and victory lap.

The sauce leans garlicky and bold, with cheese that stretches like a highlight reel.

Where friends gather near the Shoe, this spot becomes tradition. Staff keep the line moving, even on game days.

You will fold a slice and suddenly understand the hype.

Set your sights on 1618 Neil Ave in Columbus, just off campus in the heart of the Ohio State neighborhood.

11. Mikey’s Late Night Slice – Columbus (Multiple Central Ohio Locations)

The name may wink at late nights, but Mikey’s shows up strong long before the sun goes down.

Oversized slices hit the counter with crispy edges and signature sauces that make dipping feel like a competitive sport.

Cheeky branding earns plenty of laughs, yet it’s the crust that keeps customers returning again and again.

Variety stays front and center across multiple locations, with rotating specials playing like a nonstop greatest-hits mix.

Loud flavors meet lightning-quick service here, turning every visit into a quick, satisfying win.

Look for Mikey’s in walkable corners of central Ohio, including its High Street favorite at 1030 N High St in Columbus and other busy hubs around the city.

10. Rubino’s Pizza – Bexley (Columbus Suburb)

Thin and crackly loyalists treat Rubino’s like a culinary milestone you simply have to experience.

Each crust snaps cleanly, the sauce stays light and bright, and the cheese bakes into a golden, comforting blanket.

Square slices make sharing effortless, which is exactly why people order two and convince themselves it’s practical.

Frills never enter the picture here, because flavor easily carries the whole conversation.

Service moves fast and stays warm, with longtime regulars creating an atmosphere where newcomers feel like part of the family by slice number two.

You will find Rubino’s anchoring Bexley at 2643 E Main St, a short drive east of downtown Columbus.

9. Angelo’s Pizza – Lakewood (Cleveland Area)

Lakewood crowds looking for pure comfort find Angelo’s ready before they even sit down.

Hearty pies arrive with caramelized cheese edges and a sauce that strikes a sweet–savory balance worthy of a hometown anthem.

A sturdy crust keeps its shape under generous toppings, refusing to wilt even on the heaviest slices.

Prime-time waits reveal just how beloved this spot is, though the staff keeps everything moving with upbeat efficiency.

Anyone craving Cleveland-style warmth paired with dependable execution will feel right at home the moment the first slice lands.

Angelo’s sits along Madison Avenue at 13715 Madison Ave in Lakewood, just west of downtown Cleveland.

8. Mama Santa’s Restaurant & Pizzeria – Cleveland (Little Italy)

How do you bottle tradition.

Mama Santa’s answers with red sauce simmered to a friendly whisper and pizzas that feel like Sunday.

The crust is modest, the toppings balanced, and the whole room tells stories without trying.

However, expect lines during festivals and game weekends. Service stays warm, even when the place is buzzing.

You will leave feeling full and somehow more local than when you arrived.

You will find Mama Santa’s on Mayfield Road in Cleveland’s Little Italy, at 12301 Mayfield Rd amid the neighborhood’s classic row of trattorias and bakeries.

7. Geraci’s Restaurant / Geraci’s Slice Shop – University Heights & Cleveland

Old-school charm comes standard at Geraci’s, landing right in that sweet nostalgic zone diners love.

Family recipes anchor the main restaurant, while the slice shop sends out quick, foldable wedges that disappear fast.

Savory oregano-kissed sauce sets the stage, giving pepperoni cups room to crisp into full perfection.

Both spots move with cheerful efficiency, keeping lines short and spirits high.

Generous portions speak softly but confidently, and decades of practice show up in every slice you bend toward your plate.

Start at the original Geraci’s at 2266 Warrensville Center Rd in University Heights, then follow the brand’s slice shops across greater Cleveland for faster fixes.

6. Wedgewood Pizza – Austintown / Boardman (Youngstown Area)

Youngstown pizza debates rarely stay quiet when Wedgewood’s name comes up, and for good reason.

Pepperoni crisps into perfect little cups, the crust brings a light, satisfying chew, and the undercarriage develops that coveted browned finish.

Zesty sauce plays its part without stepping on the cheese, creating balance locals swear by.

Prime hours turn the place into a whirlwind, but staff handle the surge with the confidence of seasoned traffic controllers.

Regional swagger shines through every bite, making the trip feel like a pilgrimage for anyone who loves proud hometown flavor.

Plan your visit around the Youngstown area locations, including the longtime spot at 1622 S Raccoon Rd in Austintown and the busy Boardman storefront at 6200 South Ave.

5. Luigi’s Restaurant – Akron (Downtown)

Luigi’s may be known for salads buried under mountains of cheese, but the pizza quietly claims center stage.

A straightforward, sturdy crust arrives blanketed in a generous melt that turns golden and irresistible in the oven.

History seems to warm the dining room itself, giving each visit the feel of an Akron tradition.

Cash-only rules can catch newcomers off guard, yet the team behind the counter stays friendly and composed even during weekend rushes.

Classic Ohio comfort radiates from every slice, offering a hometown favorite with zero pretense and plenty of heart.

You will find Luigi’s at 105 N Main St in downtown Akron, a short walk from the city’s historic core.

4. Taglio Bar & Pizzeria – Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s modern pizza scene hits a high note at Taglio, where Detroit-style technique becomes something airy, golden, and crave-worthy.

A light, lofty dough supports caramelized cheese edges that crackle with every bite, while toppings lean chef-driven yet still feel perfect for any ordinary weeknight.

Square pan slices promise serious satisfaction, so ordering modestly on your first visit is a wise strategy.

Team members guide newcomers with easy charm, making the whole experience feel welcoming from the start.

Crisp corners shine as the star of the show, delivering flavor so bold it practically counts as edible poetry.

Taglio’s bar and pizzeria energy centers on its Columbia Tusculum location at 3531 Columbia Pkwy in Cincinnati, with additional outposts around the metro.

3. Ramundo’s Pizzeria – Cincinnati

Two hands come in handy at Ramundo’s, where oversized New York–style slices meet full-on Midwest hospitality.

Foldable wedges land with tangy sauce, generous cheese coverage, and a reheated bite that somehow tastes like a fresh victory lap.

Neighborhoods across the city claim it as their personal favorite, a sign of just how widely loved the place has become.

Staff keep spirits high even during late-night rushes, turning busy moments into something surprisingly smooth.

One slice often leads to an entire box for later, because everyone knows future-you always deserves a treat.

Look for Ramundo’s in cozy Cincinnati neighborhoods, especially the Mt. Lookout shop at 3166 Linwood Ave and the Mt. Washington original at 2210 Beechmont Ave.

2. Marion’s Piazza – Dayton Area

Where Dayton families gather, Marion’s sets out party-cut legend status.

Ultra-thin crust carries edge-to-edge toppings, so every square hits flavor first.

The room feels retro in the best possible way, like a time capsule with extra pepperoni.

However, consistency is the secret across all locations.

Service is fast, seating is plenty, and prices stay friendly.

If you need crowd-pleasing pizza, this local chain delivers reliability and smiles.

Marion’s spreads across the greater Dayton region with multiple dining rooms in communities like Kettering, Oakwood, Englewood, Mason, Miamisburg, Troy, Beavercreek, and North Dayton, all flying the same Dayton-style pizza flag.