One of the city’s ‘Best You’ve Never Heard of’ pizzerias is hidden in an unassuming strip mall

One of my favorite East Coast-style pizzerias in Columbus, Papa Giorgio’s, is located in a strip mall at 5216 Bethel Center Mall. Their pizza is similar to a slightly thinner New York-style slice, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of grease. The dough, made fresh daily from just five ingredients, results in a delightfully chewy crust with a subtle crispiness.

Papa Giorgio’s crust is phenomenal, and they don’t stop there; they step it up a notch with house-made Roma tomato sauce that is zesty, well-seasoned, and slightly sweet. They top your pizza with all-natural Grande artisan cheese, and your choice of fresh-cut vegetables and premium meats. Their sausage, pepperoni, and salami are sourced locally from Ezzo Sausage Company, a beloved Columbus family-owned business.

My Go-To Dishes:

Roman Bread: Start with this freshly baked bread topped with garlic butter, Kalamata olives, blue cheese, mozzarella, and provolone cheeses. It’s a savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy dish, perfect as an appetizer or a side.

Cheese Pizza: Choose from four house-made sauces: Plum Crushed Tomato, Pizza Sauce, Vodka Sauce, or Roasted Garlic Butter Sauce. The mozzarella and provolone blend offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Mozzarella provides a creamy, mild, and melty base, while provolone adds a slightly sharper and richer flavor. Together, these cheeses create a balanced and satisfying combination, delivering both gooeyness and depth of flavor—a major feast.

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Killer Combo: Featuring housemade vodka sauce with cheese, sausage, and red onion. The vodka sauce is rich and creamy with a subtle spice. A generous amount of cheese and Ezzo sausage is a game changer, while the sweetness and subtle crunch of the red onion help balance the richness of this decadent pizza.

Save room for a sweet treat dessert with the Buckeye Calzone, made with homemade peanut butter and Ghirardelli chocolate on the inside, and topped with a chocolate drizzle.

Papa Giorgio’s also offers salads, subs, pasta, stromboli, and calzones. They’re open:

Sunday to Thursday: 4–9 PM

Friday and Saturday: 4–10 PM

Papa Giorgio’s is a hidden gem that’s truly a slice above the rest—what other lesser-known spots should we ‘cheese’ to explore next?

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