Living in Cleveland, Ohio means living in one of the pizza capitals of the country. But if you’d like to take your pizza experience to a new level, Cleveland has many great options, too. The following come highly recommended:
Fire Food and Drink
13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH
This upscale dining spot takes the beloved pizza and elevates it by using gourmet ingredients such as gruyere, ricotta, arugula, and ragout. It also proves that scrumptious food can also be sustainable, as most ingredients are sourced from local farmers. All pizzas are cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens and are best savored with a glass of wine or one of their craft cocktails.
Crust
2258 Professor Ave, Cleveland, OH
Nothing can sate one’s pizza craving quite like Crust. This restaurant’s pizza slices weigh in at about a pound each. These are hewn from a 32-inch diameter pizza that is topped with a variety of deluxe ingredients, including roasted red peppers, fennel-scented fiocchiona, smoked mozzarella, and white truffle oil, just to name a few. Despite the pizza’s size, each is crafted 100% from scratch—from the pizza dough down to the tomato sauce.
Bar Cento
1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH
While Bar Cento’s European-inspired interiors are undeniably chic, its thin-crust pizzas are decidedly rustic. All are handmade and use the freshest seasonal ingredients. This is why Food Network declared its pizzas the best in Ohio. Must-try flavors include prosciutto pear, seaside, roast vegetable, and marinara. And with over 100 wines to choose from, you’re sure to find a perfect drink to pair with your chosen pie.
Citizen Pie
2144 W 25th St., Cleveland, Ohio
This small pizza joint offers big surprises that are sure to delight. The Neapolitan-style pizzas are made of the finest ingredients, such as brie, porcini duxelles, mozzarella, and truffle oil, just to name a few. The doughy crust is made from flour and salt imported from Italy, perfectly charred to create a satisfying crunch. You can also create a custom pie using the various top-notch ingredients available.
Vero Pizza Napoletana
12421 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH
Enjoy a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza right in the heart of Cleveland at this small but much-loved joint. All pizzas are hand rolled and are made of the simplest but highest-quality ingredients. Their pies are baked in a wood-fired oven for exactly 90 seconds, resulting in a crust that’s chewy on the inside but crispy on the outside. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to cap off your meal, Vero Pizza also has a gelato bar with over two dozen flavors. Note that this is a first-come-first-served restaurant, so try to visit during off-peak hours.
Of course, this is just a small sample of all the great pizzerias that call Cleveland home. This city has many more culinary delights just waiting to be discovered.
If you’re thinking about moving to Cleveland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Cici Riley at 216-831-9310 or ciciriley(at)howardhanna(dotted)com to learn more about the market.