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8 Best Italian Pizzerias in Philadelphia: 8 Places to Compare

Philadelphia’s Italian pizzerias offer very different ways to enjoy pizza, from a quick vegan slice or Old City lunch to brick-oven pies, Detroit-style pizza, cocktails, and pre-show dinners. The right choice depends on both the style you want and the time available.

Start by choosing the occasion, then compare specialty pies, seating, drink options, and service pace. If your plans include a show or date night, confirm reservations and travel time before selecting a table.

How this list is ordered

A reputation that holds up over time, real focus on this service and a clear account of how they work: that is how this guide to Italian pizzerias in Philadelphia was built and ordered.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Every optionMapChoosing well

Compare the 8 local options

20th Street Pizza, Philadelphia#1

20th Street Pizza

4.7737 reviews
108 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
Best suited to
A quick vegan pizza slice

20th Street Pizza specializes in fully vegan pies with thin, crisp, flavorful crusts and carefully layered toppings. The sourdough dough is associated with a long fermentation, giving the base a distinctive depth and satisfying bite. Funghi square, Popeye, White and Balboa are among the memorable choices, while the vegan cheese melts convincingly for diners seeking familiar pizza comfort.

It works well for a quick slice, a casual meal or takeaway after a busy day. The shop also provides delivery, including no-contact delivery, and has a small seating area for eating in. Fresh preparation, clean surroundings and friendly service keep the focus on the pizza.

Pizzeria Salvy, Philadelphia#2
Why it stands out
  • Heritage-driven pizza menu

Pizzeria Salvy

4.755 reviews
1800 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
Best suited to
Center City date nightsPizza and cocktails

Pizzeria Salvy presents a polished Philadelphia pizza experience inspired by family cooking and the culinary legacy of Marc Vetri’s father. The menu centers on 12-inch pizzas and specialty taglio slices, supported by salads, seasonal vegetables, Sal’s meatballs, cocktails, wine, and dessert.

Tucked into the Comcast building, it feels like a distinctive Center City destination for a date, a refined casual meal, or a well-made slice to go.

Alice Pizza and Restaurant (Locust Street), Philadelphia#3
Why it stands out
  • Roman pizza served by the pound

  • Italian oven and homemade pasta

Alice Pizza and Restaurant (Locust Street)

4.51,220 reviews
235 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
Best suited to
Pre-show dinnersMix-and-match pizza tasting

Alice Pizza and Restaurant presents an authentic Roman pizza experience near Philadelphia’s cultural district. Its pizza is served by the pound, allowing diners to choose a small taste or build a varied plate from traditional and more inventive toppings. Fresh ingredients, an imported Italian oven, homemade pasta, gelato, and Italian desserts broaden the menu beyond pizza.

The format works well before a performance, for a quick solo meal, or for takeaway and delivery. Pici pasta, fried gnocchi, meatballs, and seasonal-style slices give repeat visitors plenty to explore, while beer, cocktails, coffee, and gelato support a relaxed dine-in stop.

City Pizza, Philadelphia#4
Why it stands out
  • Thin-crust pizza and Philly classics

City Pizza

4.6113 reviews
8 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Best suited to
Quick slices in Old City

City Pizza serves Philadelphia-style casual favorites in a format that works equally well for a quick slice, a full dinner, or a larger group order. The pizza is thin-crust with broad slices, and the menu extends to white pizza, cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, salads, fries, and other familiar comfort food.

Delivery, takeaway, curbside pickup, and dine-in give the pizzeria plenty of flexibility. Large orders are handled with clear communication, while the convenient Old City setting makes it a useful stop for visitors and locals looking for an uncomplicated meal. Catering is also available for gatherings.

Tetra Pizza and Grill, Philadelphia#5
Why it stands out
  • Crisp-edged Detroit-style pizza

  • Gluten-free pizza available

Tetra Pizza and Grill

4.5219 reviews
17 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
Best suited to
Detroit-style pizza

Tetra Pizza and Grill brings Philadelphia pizza tradition to the Rittenhouse area, with delivery, takeaway, pickup, and dine-in options for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite. Its Detroit-style pies are the signature draw: thick, airy centers and crisp edges pair especially well with bold combinations such as pepperoni, burrata, and hot honey.

The menu also includes gluten-free pizza, classic cheese and pepperoni slices, and other comfort-food options. Outdoor seating adds flexibility when dining in, while convenient ordering makes Tetra practical for a busy midday break or an easy meal at home.

Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria, Philadelphia#6
Why it stands out
  • Naturally leavened creative pizzas

Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria

4.5190 reviews
1700 Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, United States
Best suited to
Italian dinner with drinks

Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria pairs naturally leavened pizza and bread with a lively Philadelphia dining room, outdoor seating, beer, cocktails, and Italian comfort food. The menu reaches beyond classic pies with options such as pear and Gruyère pizza, hot honey, stromboli, short rib, and seafood dishes.

Fresh local ingredients, a welcoming team, and catering availability make it a strong choice for both neighborhood dinners and group occasions.

Liguria Pizzeria, Philadelphia#7
Why it stands out
  • Crisp sourdough pizza

  • Creative ingredient combinations

Liguria Pizzeria

4.4185 reviews
1826 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, United States
Best suited to
A distinctive pizza lunch or dinner

Liguria Pizzeria puts its emphasis on sourdough pizza, crisp thin crusts, and carefully selected ingredients. The menu has a modern, ingredient-driven edge, with standout combinations such as mushroom pizza, stracciatella, ricotta, burrata, and pepperoni with long hot peppers. A cheesesteak is also part of the lineup.

The casual Philadelphia setting supports dine-in meals, counter service, takeaway, solo visits, and quick bites. Ample seating and a friendly team make it easy to choose between a full dinner and a slice on the go.

Zio's Brick Oven Pizza, Philadelphia#8
Why it stands out
  • Crisp New York-style crust

Zio's Brick Oven Pizza

4.3713 reviews
111 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
Best suited to
Classic brick-oven pizzaCreative specialty pies

Zio’s Brick Oven Pizza serves Philadelphia with hand-tossed, New York-style pizza made the old-fashioned way. The menu ranges from classic pies to inventive brick-oven combinations, along with garlic knots, cheesesteaks, and other comfort-food favorites.

The thin, crisp crust and balanced marinara stand out in pies such as the Margherita, while specialty options add ingredients like ricotta, hot honey, fresh vegetables, or chicken cutlet. The casual shop works for a quick solo meal, family dinner, or late-night food, with dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and curbside pickup available.

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest suited to
#120th Street Pizza 4.7737A quick vegan pizza slice
#2Pizzeria Salvy 4.755Center City date nights
#3Alice Pizza and Restaurant (Locust Street) 4.51,220Pre-show dinners
#4City Pizza 4.6113Quick slices in Old City
#5Tetra Pizza and Grill 4.5219Detroit-style pizza
#6Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria 4.5190Italian dinner with drinks
#7Liguria Pizzeria 4.4185A distinctive pizza lunch or dinner
#8Zio's Brick Oven Pizza 4.3713Classic brick-oven pizza

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Mapping italian pizzerias in Philadelphia

No verified neighborhood cluster covers the full selection, although some options are tied to specific plans such as Old City visits or Center City date nights. Check the route for the pizzeria you prefer. For a quick slice, distance and service speed may matter most. For dinner, cocktails, or a pre-show meal, allow time for seating, ordering, and the journey to your next stop.

What each one offers

  • Vegan pizza slicesA quick plant-based option when you want pizza without a long meal.
  • Detroit-style pizzaA distinctive regional style with a different shape and texture.
  • Brick-oven pizzaClassic oven-baked pies alongside creative specialty combinations.
  • Pre-show dinnersA practical sit-down meal to fit before an evening performance.
  • Pizza and cocktailsA dinner format suited to date nights and a more complete evening.
  • Quick Old City slicesA convenient choice for a short meal while exploring the area.

How to compare italian pizzerias in Philadelphia

  1. Pick the pizza style firstDecide whether you want a slice, brick-oven pie, Detroit-style pizza, or a specialty creation before comparing venues.
  2. Match the timing to the mealFor a show or tight schedule, ask about typical preparation time and choose a format that can finish comfortably before departure.
  3. Check dietary optionsConfirm whether vegan choices are full pies, individual slices, or limited menu items, and ask about ingredient substitutions.
  4. Review the evening setupFor a date night, compare table service, cocktail availability, and reservation requirements rather than focusing only on the pizza.
  5. Plan the routeMeasure the trip from Old City, Center City, a theater, or your next destination and add time for busy service periods.

Your questions answered

Which Philadelphia pizzerias offer vegan options?

20th Street Pizza is identified with a quick vegan slice, while other menus may vary. Confirm current ingredients, preparation practices, and whether vegan choices are available by the slice or only as whole pies.

What is the difference between the pizza styles listed?

Brick-oven pizza emphasizes oven-baked pies, Detroit-style pizza has its own pan-baked format, and slice-focused shops are designed for a quicker visit. Ask the restaurant what size, crust, and serving format to expect.

Where should I eat before a show?

Options identified for pre-show dinners may suit an evening near a scheduled performance. Check the route, reserve when appropriate, and confirm how much time the kitchen and seating process usually require.

Do pizzerias offer more than pizza?

Some options include cocktails, beer, grills, or broader Italian dinner choices. Review the current menu if your group needs drinks, non-pizza dishes, or a meal that works for different appetites.

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