There’s pizza—and then there’s Houston pizza. Whether you’re searching for a classic slice after a Rockets game or hoping to impress a friend with Neapolitan-style finesse, this city quietly raises the stakes. Houston’s pizza scene is both wild and exacting. Over the years, I’ve scavenged through its neighborhoods, bitten into a crime-scene of bubbling cheese, and learned that the first whiff from a stone oven can upend your loyalty in a heartbeat.
Some say you can’t get the “real thing” outside New York or Chicago. Those people are missing out. Here, the crusts range from whisper-thin and blistered to thick enough to double as dinner plates. Toppings are chosen with care—and sometimes a bit of rebellious flair you won’t find anywhere else. Ready for the city’s standout pies? Grab a napkin. We’re diving into Houston’s best pizza, one spectacular pizzeria at a time.
Where to find the best pizza in Houston, TX
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pizza in Houston, TX:
- Frank’s Pizza
- Star Pizza
- Coltivare Pizza & Garden
- Piola Midtown, Houston
- North Italia
- Romano’s Pizza Italian Restaurant
- Bollo Woodfired Pizza
- Osso & Kristalla
- Luigi’s Pizzeria
- Star Pizza 2
1. Frank’s Pizza
You can’t walk past Frank’s Pizza downtown without catching the hypnotic scent of perfectly baked dough. This spot is the pulse of late-night Houston. Frank’s thrives on simple, honest pizza that satisfies hungry souls after a night out or a long shift.
From personal experience, the crust comes out golden and just the right amount of chewy—you taste a little smoke from the oven, but the cheese stays the star. Frank’s is where you go after midnight, craving something real and reliable.
First-timers should try a big slice of Frank’s Special—it’s stacked generously with veggies and meats, but stays balanced and never overpowers. If you don’t eat meat, their veggie pie holds its own with fresh toppings that snap and sing.
2. Star Pizza
Step into Star Pizza and you’re stepping into a piece of Houston history. Tucked inside a cozy converted house, Star feels like a neighborhood secret that you somehow lucked into. Since ’76, it’s been a refuge for anyone craving thick, cheesy comfort. I remember my first visit—sinking into a deep booth, I realized everyone seemed to know the staff by name.
The crust is what hooks you—soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough for a generous heap of toppings. Star’s deep-dish pies set them apart; these bubbling casseroles of flavor could silence the most passionate Chicago expat.
For your first order, try their signature Joe’s Pizza (spinach, garlic, and fresh tomatoes) or the Starburst (classic with a twist). Every slice captures the unpretentious, homemade spirit that built their loyal following.
3. Coltivare Pizza & Garden
Coltivare Pizza & Garden pulls off something you don’t find everywhere: a lush edible garden right outside the dining room. Every visit, I find myself wandering among the herbs, basil hanging on the air, knowing some of it will show up on the next pizza out of the oven. There’s a closeness to the ingredients that you taste in every bite.
Pies here trend rustic and inventive. The crust is light, chewy, and never hides behind excess cheese. Coltivare is always buzzing, yet it somehow feels tucked away, a local whisper rather than a crowded destination.
Look out for the seasonal Margherita—fresh-picked tomatoes and just-plucked basil. Another house favorite is the corn and smoked mozzarella pizza, a dish that makes the most of Houston’s produce-forward scene.
4. Piola Midtown, Houston
Piola Midtown brings a modern Italian vibe straight from Italy to a lively Houston neighborhood. The décor is sleek but comfortable, and the energy always matches the diverse, late-night crowd. My first visit was spontaneous, drawn in by the gleam of a brick oven and the hum of conversation spilling out onto the sidewalk.
Thin crusts steal the spotlight here, blistered and fragrant from the brick oven. Piola’s pizzas stick close to tradition—less is more, and every ingredient stands on its own.
For something truly Piola, order the Margherita DOC—the tomatoes and mozzarella make a point of being fresh and unadulterated. Those feeling adventurous shouldn’t miss the Brasiliana, which layers spinach and cream for a silky, unexpected bite.
5. North Italia
North Italia feels like a polished escape—sleek interiors, open kitchen, and a menu that respects classic Italian flavors without being predictable. The first time I sat at the bar, I could watch dough being hand-stretched and pies sliding into their impressive oven. There’s a focus on freshness and craft in every single pie.
The pizzas here are thin but not frail, with edges that shatter and a base that holds every ingredient just right. Each bite is equal parts crisp and satisfying.
Try the Spicy Meatball pizza for a bold kick, or lean fresh with the Margherita. North Italia delivers balance—tomatoes taste sun-warmed, and the basil reminds you it came from the plant the same day.
6. Romano’s Pizza Italian Restaurant
Romano’s Pizza Italian Restaurant is the kind of no-fuss spot that wins you over before your first bite. The dining area is simple and tucked away, which only sharpens your focus on what really matters: the pizza. There’s something comforting about watching old-school pizza makers toss dough behind the counter.
Each pie arrives piping hot with a crust that’s chewy in the center and crisp along the edge. I still remember the thrill of folding up a slice New York-style and tasting that first stringy pull of mozzarella—pure nostalgia in every bite.
The classic cheese pizza shines here, and so do their white pizzas with creamy ricotta and spinach. Simple, honest, and deeply satisfying.
7. Bollo Woodfired Pizza
Bollo Woodfired Pizza brings the theatrical energy of an 800-degree oven to Houston’s Upper Kirby district. From my first visit, the aroma made it clear—these pizzas are crafted with serious intention. Bollo’s crusts hit the sweet spot between chewy and lightly charred, making every bite memorable.
The vibe is laid-back yet sophisticated. You’ll find diners chatting over airy, Neapolitan pies with blistered bubbles dotting the edges. The kitchen’s sense of timing is impeccable—your pizza lands on the table almost too pretty to slice.
The Margherita pizza is the move here: tomatoes pop with brightness, and fresh basil cuts through the richness. Feeling bolder? Their Funghi e Tartufo pizza layers earthy mushrooms with white truffle oil, capturing Bollo’s creative, woodfired edge.
8. Osso & Kristalla
Osso & Kristalla feels bright and inviting, set just steps from Houston’s downtown bustle. I remember slipping inside for lunch, sun pouring through big windows, and watching pizza crusts spin in a wood-fired oven. There’s intention in every detail—fresh, local ingredients shine right through their simple approach.
The vibe lands somewhere between a casual bistro and a sleek lounge, perfect for lingering with friends. Even with a busy rush, the kitchen never loses its rhythm or quality.
Order the Margherita or Funghi pizza. Both highlight balanced flavors and thoughtfully sourced toppings, letting the chewy, smoky crust take center stage. Osso & Kristalla nails that blend of comfort and modern flair.
9. Luigi’s Pizzeria
Luigi’s Pizzeria is the definition of a Houston neighborhood classic—unpretentious, lively, and beloved by regulars. On my first visit, I found a line out the door, but everyone waited with anticipation rather than impatience. Luigi’s pizza has that irresistible combination of a blistered, foldable crust and a cheese pull that stretches for days.
This isn’t a spot trying to impress with fancy toppings. Instead, Luigi’s wins you over with freshness and flavor balance that feels both old-school and current.
Start with a classic cheese or Margherita pizza—simple, but full of soul and that signature sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their veggie pie loaded with mushrooms, onions, and peppers, all roasted to perfection.
10. Star Pizza 2
Star Pizza 2 is more than the sibling of the original—it’s its own comfort-driven destination. The first time I ventured in, the smell of rising dough and the sound of laughter told me this place has roots. Star Pizza 2 serves the kind of thick, golden pies that can win over skeptics and outlast fads.
The crust is slightly crunchy on the outside, but still pillowy in the middle, sturdy enough to hold layers of toppings. There’s always a relaxed, lived-in feel that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Don’t think twice before trying the vegetarian “Starburst” pizza—it’s a local legend stacked with garden-fresh toppings. Or build your own and discover why so many consider this spot a staple in Houston’s pizza scene.
More Things to Try in Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of pizza is most popular in Houston?
Houston does a bit of everything—New York-style slices, Chicago deep-dish, Neapolitan, and creative Texan mashups. Most local favorites have a classic thin crust or deep-dish, but you can find almost any style if you look around.
Are there good vegan or vegetarian pizza options in Houston?
Yes, most top pizzerias in Houston offer vegetarian pies, and many provide vegan cheese or fully plant-based options. Spots like Coltivare, Frank’s, and Piola are known for their vegetable-forward menus.
Which pizza spots offer gluten-free crust in Houston?
Many pizzerias now have gluten-free crusts available. North Italia, Star Pizza, and Coltivare stand out for offering gluten-free options that don’t taste like an afterthought.
Where can I find late-night pizza in Houston?
Late-night cravings? Frank’s Pizza downtown and Piola Midtown keep the ovens hot well past midnight, perfect for a post-game bite or last call hangout.
Is it easy to find delivery and takeout pizza in Houston?
Almost every top pizza place offers delivery and takeout. Whether you want a quick slice from Luigi’s or a crafted pie from Bollo, you have plenty of reliable options.
Do any Houston pizzerias use local ingredients?
Coltivare and Osso & Kristalla are especially committed to sourcing local produce. Both spots let you taste the difference that fresh, regional ingredients make.