Few foods spark as much debate or loyalty as pizza, and Tempe’s scene is as passionate as they come. From family-run shops doling out sizzling New York slices to Chicago deep-dish joints and health-focused kitchens with organic toppings, there’s a pie for every craving.
Let’s get to it.
Otto Pizza
You can find Otto Pizza & Pastry on Ash Avenue in Tempe. Family-owned since 1992, the shop features an open kitchen where Otto, a French chef, flings dough with practiced skill. Casual seating includes just a few tables where you can watch every toss and spin.
The menu specializes in New York-style pies. Each thin crust balances crisp edges and chewy centers. Slices start at $3.50 with 59-cent toppings. You’ll find staples like pepperoni and sausage alongside Otto Supreme, Otto Philly and the Frankfurter pie with meatballs and green peppers. White sauce options also earn strong reviews.
Beyond pizza, the counter offers spaghetti, calzones, French sandwiches and cannoli. Steady ASU lunch crowds and evening regulars keep the vibe lively without chaos. Seating is limited but delivery makes up the rest. Otto’s affordable prices, transparent kitchen and focused menu make it a local favorite for simple, delicious pies.
Pizza & Grill
At Pizza & Grill, the family-owned spot keeps its menu simple yet inviting. With over 25 years of tradition tied to the founder’s three decades as a chef, the kitchen honors classic recipes and warm hospitality. Since 2024, the team has carried on this legacy after his passing.
Only hand-tossed pizzas are on offer. Choose sizes from personal pies to large. Toppings range from pepperoni and mushrooms to a Chicken Fajita pizza with mayo, or a Zataar pie sprinkled with thyme, sesame and olive oil. The Zataar Lebna features a generous layer of yogurt you rarely see at other pizza shops.
Every item is halal, drawing a loyal crowd. Beyond pizza, the menu includes baba ghanouj, falafel, gyros, shawarma, fries and wings. Prices suit college students and families. Thirty seats fill the cozy dining room while the patio hosts warmer days. Located near ASU and the lake, and open late some nights, Pizza & Grill keeps guests coming back for more.
Clockwork Pizza
Clockwork Pizza brings authentic New York-style pies to Tempe. This family-owned shop makes dough and sauce from scratch each day and prepares homemade sausage in-house. The menu features a range of pizzas, from the Godfather Clock supreme to meat mountain options like Meat Lover’s and Buffalo Chicken.
Each pizza rests on a hand-tossed crust that’s thin yet chewy. Gluten-free eaters can choose a cauliflower crust in three sizes. Beyond pizza, the menu includes wings with various sauces, calzones, pasta, salads, gyros and sandwiches.
Limited seating outside in front of the strip mall makes takeout and delivery popular choices. Lunch combos, pizza-and-wings specials and budget-friendly pricing turn Clockwork into a late-night favorite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a quick order for friends, this scratch-made approach and diverse menu keep customers coming back for more genuine New York-style slices.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Tempe
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen in Tempe has been serving health-focused Italian fare since 2002. The menu features pizzas, pastas and bowls packed with organic veggies, hormone-free meats and MSC-certified salmon. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options share the spotlight with classics like the cheesy Meaty pizza and the chipotle-drizzled Elote pie.
Customers can pick organic, whole-grain or gluten-free crusts, all baked in a stone oven for crisp edges and tender centers. Beyond pizza, the selection includes hearty salads, quinoa bowls and pasta dishes made with nutrient-dense ingredients. A full bar offers local brews and cocktails blended with fresh juices.
The dining room and patio buzz with families and friends enjoying healthy hour specials. Lunch combos and a kid-friendly menu keep weekday service steady. Despite its focus on wholesome ingredients, Picazzo’s never trades flavor for health. Bold seasonings and generous toppings ensure each bite feels indulgent, making this spot a go-to for anyone seeking guilt-free Italian meals.
Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen
Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen has been a Tempe staple since 1974. Founded by Ken and Elaine Spinato, this family-run pizzeria still honors its roots. It sits near Tempe Marketplace and features a heated patio and dog-friendly tables. A laid-back happy hour fills seats most afternoons.
The menu highlights Chicago-style pizzas with rich red sauce and specialty combinations. Try the Spicy Italian or Nicole’s New Favorite. The Stay Golden pie pairs figs with roasted red peppers for a sweet-savory twist. Meat lovers can add sausage, beef or bacon. Veggie options include feta, spinach and assorted peppers.
Crusts range from classic to gluten-free, cauliflower or keto chicken, so no one misses out. Take a break from pizza with a fresh salad like Strawberry Gorgonzola, pasta dishes or chicken pesto sandwiches. Finish your meal with a house-made cannoli.
Spinato’s pies hold street cred at Phoenix Suns and Mercury games. Personal pies start around $8.50, and happy hour deals add to the budget-friendly appeal.
Barro’s Pizza
When you want a satisfying pie, Barro’s Pizza delivers the classic, thick, hand-tossed crust experience. This strip-mall spot follows a three-generation family secret recipe from Grandma Angelina. The dough turns light and flaky, and the sauce balances sweetness with a gentle kick that tastes far better than typical mall pizza.
Toppings are piled on without restraint. The Mega Meat layers pepperoni, sausage, ham and bacon. The Spezial mixes sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and black olives. Gluten-free crusts ensure no one misses out. The menu stays focused on pizza, wings and salads so everything feels fresh.
Counter service and a modest selection of beer and wine create a casual atmosphere for groups of 30 to 40 diners. Over its forty-year history, Barro’s has earned local awards and a reputation for wings that stand alongside its pizza. Customers drop in for lunch slices, salad combos or a family-sized carry-out dinner. With easy prices and generous portions, it remains a neighborhood staple.
Venezia’s Pizza
At Venezia’s Pizza in Tempe, you find a family-owned New York style pizzeria just off Mill Avenue that has been serving hungry students since 1978. With seating for up to 160 people, this spot fills up at lunch and after ASU games. The scent of scratch-made dough in the air sets the tone for a classic thin-crust experience.
Their menu features pepperoni slices by the dozen and veggie pizzas topped with mushrooms and black olives. The Margherita pizza stays delightfully simple. Vegan sausage adds a plant-based option and the 10-inch cauliflower crust with a full gluten-free menu has even won awards.
Beyond pizza, you can order garlic bread, bone-in or boneless wings, a variety of salads, plus beer and wine by the glass. Prices remain firmly in the mid-range. You can grab a single slice or go all in with a giant pie and wings for around $30 to $40. Delivery keeps things easy when campus traffic spikes. They earned a cameo on Breaking Bad, so you can brag about that too.
Zesty Zzeeks Pizza & Wings
At Zesty Zzeeks Pizza & Wings in Tempe, this strip-mall neighbor throws the kind of block party you don’t want to miss. The team makes scratch dough every day and offers a variety of crusts: hand-tossed New York style, Detroit-style squares with crispy edges, gluten-free and cauliflower. They even have a Keto crust made from seasoned chicken.
Signature pies lean into comfort territory… Extreme Pepperoni covers every inch of the crust. Mac ’N’ Cheese and Chicken Bacon Ranch bring indulgent flavors and the Philly Cheesesteak pizza layers tender beef, peppers and onions. Wings and calzones round out the menu.
Counter service, TVs at the booths and a small selection of craft beers on tap set a casual tone. Prices stay reasonable and delivery runs on an in-house team. Regulars pack the place with a lively, community-driven energy. The focus remains on bold, crowd-pleasing pizzas and wings made with care. It’s a cozy, unpretentious spot where flavor takes center stage.
Rosati’s Pizza
Rosati’s Pizza carries nearly a century of tradition from its Chicago roots dating back to 1926. This suburban pizzeria sits between a nail salon and a dry cleaner but feels more like a family reunion. TVs mounted on the walls show the game while friendly staff take your order behind the counter and an open kitchen lets you watch each pie come together.
As for crust styles, you get the signature thin and crispy option, the classic Chicago deep dish with a buttery, ridged edge and the Double Dough hand-rolled crust for a heartier bite. A gluten-free crust is also on offer.
Toppings run from real Italian sausage and meatballs to hot giardiniera and an assortment of fresh vegetables. Specialty pies such as the Windy City and the Monster pile on flavor without holding back. Every dough batch is scratch-made using the family’s original recipe.
Although prices may make you pause at first glance, the pizzas feel like a full meal. The casual dining area welcomes groups and families craving genuine Chicago taste without leaving town.
Oregano’s
At Oregano’s Pizza Bistro in Tempe, the focus is on Italian-American dishes made exceptionally well. The menu offers hand-tossed thin crust, pan pizzas and gluten-friendly options… Every pie has its own twist. The Numero One-o stacks housemade sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and Wisconsin cheese. You’ll also find white pizzas, barbecue chicken and stuffed crust for extra indulgence.
It’s not just pizza here. Bold pasta dishes like Big Rig Pasta and Alfredo The Dark share space with hearty salads and calzones.
The vibe feels like a neighborhood gathering spot. Big-band music drifts through the dining room and patio, while TVs show the game. Families, students and late-night crowds all find a spot. The warm, gooey Pizza Cookie dessert draws cheers at the end of the meal. Prices are approachable, there’s wheelchair access and parking out back. No pretension, just well-crafted pizzas and pastas that hit the spot. Guests rave about the friendly staff and quick service.
Slices
At Tempe Marketplace, Slices brings a confident New York… style slice tradition that has been a local staple since 1998. A long counter displays every variety, from classic Margherita and Chicken Parmesan to Potato & Bacon and even a Salad Pizza. You can build your own pie, but the ready-made combinations offer bold flavor right at hand. Scratch-made dough bakes in a stone oven, a detail pizza purists appreciate and everyone else simply enjoys.
Prices stay firmly in the affordable category. Individual slices run about three dollars, while whole pies, combo deals, and student specials hover just under ten. Indoor seating is limited, but the open-air mall benches right outside provide plenty of space to dig in. Beyond pizza, the menu includes calzones, garlic knots, fresh salads, and homemade cookies. Casual service keeps lines moving during peak hours. It may not suit a formal date night, but it’s perfect for a quick bite before a movie or a rewarding stop after an afternoon of shopping.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
In Tempe, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria transports diners straight to Chicago with its signature buttery deep dish. The famous garlic Buttercrust deserves its own fan club, drawing nearly as much attention as the gooey layers of cheese and Italian sausage. The “Lou” tops cheese and sauce with spinach, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. For a classic taste, the Malnati Chicago Classic piles generous rounds of sausage over a rich cheese foundation.
If you prefer a lighter bite, the crispy thin crust allows a hassle-free slice without reaching for a fork and knife. A gluten-free thin crust option ensures more guests can join the feast. Inside, modern Chicago memorabilia lines the walls and a spacious patio offers open-air seating. A full bar supports happy hour gatherings, business lunches, and late-night pizza runs. You can dine in for the full atmosphere, take pies to go, or order frozen deep dish for home baking. Most meals total just above twenty dollars, so you’ll likely enjoy leftovers too.
