Travel guide names the pizzerias in Ohio that will ‘blow your mind,’ and a majority of them are here in Central Ohio
Happy Friday! If you don’t have dinner plans yet, a national travel guide might help you out.
Family Destinations named the eleven best “hole-in-the-wall” pizzerias in Ohio, and no surprise, a majority of them are right here in Columbus. After all, we are famous for the invention of Columbus-style pizza (which we all know is the best pizza).
Here are the 11 pizzerias throughout Columbus that will “blow your mind:”
11. Ron’s Pizza (Miamisburg)
Family owned & operated since 1964, Ron’s Pizza offers a variety of classic pies, but also some more unique ones like a Reuben Pizza with corned beef and sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing.
10. Marion’s Piazza (Dayton)
Established in 1965, Marion’s calls themselves “Dayton’s Favorite Pizza,” known for award-winning square-cut pizzas, giant sandwiches, and Italian specialties.
9. Leaning Tower of Pizza (Mansfield)
This old-school joint has been serving pizzas and subs since 1957 and was the first pizzeria in the area. “Most people had never tasted a pizza, and often people over 40 refused to try it,” the pizzeria’s sign out front reads. “They called pizza a fad and said it would soon go away…but the little shop in the obscure basement was an instant success.” This place is also known for creating the first sub sandwich between Columbus and Cleveland back in 1958.
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8. TAT Ristorante di Famiglia (ColumbusLegend has it that the first pizza was brought to Columbus by this restaurant back in the 1930s. And to this day, they’re still serving up incredible, crispy pizza with the perfect homemade sauce. If you live in Columbus, it’s a must-try.
7. Gatto’s Pizza (Clintonville, Columbus-area)
Gatto’s Pizza began in a small shop on North High Street in the neighborhood of Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio. It was 1952 and the brothers, Joe and Jimmy Gatto, opened the pizzeria to serve their community, using family recipes to make fresh dough, sauces, meatballs, and Italian sausage. If you’re a fan of that crispy Columbus-style pizza, you gotta try Gatto’s.
6. The Original Josie’s Pizza (Columbus)
Family owned and operated for over 65 years, Josie’s is one of the oldest pizza shops in Columbus! They’ve offered incredible, Columbus-style pizza since 1959 with homemade doughs and sauces.
5. JT’s Pizza & Pub (Columbus)
JT’s looks unassuming from the outside, but inside, they’re serving up pizzas with edge-to-edge toppings and a stretchy, gooey, cheese blend.
4. Panzera’s Pizza (Grandview, Columbus-area)
This no-frills, family-owned restaurant has served thin and crackly pizza since 1964. Many of their Google reviews swear it’s the best in the city!
3. Gino’s (Akron)
This Akron spot has been owned by the same family since 1960, and they still use the exact recipes for their homemade dough and sauce made fresh daily.
2. Terita’s Pizza (Columbus)
You can’t mention “hole in the wall” or “Columbus-style pizza” without including Terita’s. This has been an underground pizzeria favorite since 1959, even though technically many pizza connoisseurs wouldn’t call it “underground.” Terita’s still makes their Italian sausage in-house with no fillers, and the cheese, sauce, and pepperoni are from Columbus’ top suppliers.
1. Rubino’s Pizza (Bexley, Columbus-area)
Is anyone actually surprised this pizzeria made it in the #1 spot?! Rubino’s serves crunchy, cracker crust pizza in a classic, old-school setting. They’re still cash-only, since 1954, only adding to the charm. Oh, and don’t forget the spaghetti.
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