There’s a particular kind of thrill that comes from chasing down the best pizza in New Orleans. Maybe it’s the way hot crust crackles in between jazz notes, or how the scent of bubbling cheese floats alongside the breath of the French Quarter. Over the years, I’ve ducked into near-hidden pizzerias after rain showers and sat beneath string lights while watching dough tossed sky-high. New Orleans has a habit of turning simple things—like a slice—into something that feels like an art form.
Finding a stand-out pizza in a city known for gumbo and beignets feels like a treasure hunt. Forget generic chains and frozen mediocrity. This city’s best pizza is defined by creativity, tradition, and pure flavor. From airy Neapolitan crusts to pies with local flair, each spot on this list brings its own charm and loyal followers. If you’re ready to see New Orleans through the lens of mozzarella and spice, pull up a chair. You might just find your next favorite bite in the most unexpected corner.
Where to find the best pizza in New Orleans, LA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pizza in New Orleans, LA:
- Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter
- Mona Lisa Restaurant
- Pizza Delicious
- Magazine Pizza
- Vieux Carre Pizza
- Crescent City Pizza Works
- Paladar 511
- Sofia
- Pizza Domenica
- Tavolino Pizza & Lounge
1. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter
Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter sits tucked away in the heart of the city, and it’s a spot I return to every time I need a slice with some personality. When I last stopped in, the scent of wood smoke hit me before I even sat down, promising the kind of crust you can only get from a proper wood-fired oven.
What sets them apart is the use of organic, local ingredients and a crust you can choose—either unbleached white or hearty whole wheat. Their menu covers the usual suspects, yet the real magic starts when you try bold choices like the Cajun-inspired pies.
For a true taste of New Orleans, try the Cajun Pizza with chicken and local veggies, or stick with a classic Margherita if you want to let the sauce and cheese shine. Vegetarians and vegans have more choices than most anywhere else in the city.
2. Mona Lisa Restaurant
At the corner of Royal and comfort, Mona Lisa Restaurant feels as much like an art gallery as a pizzeria. Each wall is covered in hand-drawn portraits of the Mona Lisa, but it’s the pizza here that’s truly memorable. I remember ducking in on a rainy evening—the welcoming, quirky vibe making me forget the storm outside.
Mona Lisa’s crust is crisp and tender, a perfect canvas for their robust tomato sauce and generous toppings. The menu goes big on flavor but keeps things approachable for vegetarians and vegans, too.
Order the Vegetarian Pizza for a bright, garden-fresh bite, or the Four Cheese Pizza if you want oozing richness in every slice. There’s a gentle harmony to their slices that echoes the cozy, artful spirit of the place.
3. Pizza Delicious
Pizza Delicious in the Bywater is the type of spot you daydream about after late-night wanderings. My first time in, I was greeted by a swirl of flour in the air and slices that could convert even the most loyal New Yorker. The vibe is ultra-casual, and yet, the pizza means business.
What separates Pizza Delicious is the New York-style crust—thin, chewy, and built to fold—alongside inventiveness with toppings. This is a place where pizza cravings are taken seriously.
For the best of both worlds, sink your teeth into the classic Margherita for bright tomato flavor or go bold with the White Pie with spinach. Both reflect a blend of tradition and playful New Orleans spirit on every plate.
4. Magazine Pizza
Finding Magazine Pizza was a happy accident after a long walk down Magazine Street. Something about the energy made me stay—the steady hum of locals, the bright neon, and the staff moving with practiced ease. Whether you want to settle in or need a quick delivery to your hotel, this place nails both comfort and convenience.
The menu’s standout is the crust: golden, crisp, and never overshadowing the toppings. With gluten-free and vegan options, there’s no missing out for anyone at the table. Their list of pies shows true creativity, reflecting a New Orleans love for big, memorable flavors.
I always go for the Bayou Beast for its bold blend of veggies and spice, though you can’t go wrong with a classic Veggie Delight. Both celebrate local taste and a knack for balance in every bite.
5. Vieux Carre Pizza
Vieux Carre Pizza is a local gem, found just steps from the buzz of Bourbon Street. I remember grabbing a slice here after an evening stroll, the late-night crowd humming around me with stories and laughter. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel part of the city, even if you’ve just arrived.
The pizza here is classic and straightforward—in the best possible way—with a focus on hearty toppings and a crust that’s firm enough for one-handed eating. Perfect when wandering the Quarter or refueling after a busy day.
The Garden Pizza is always fresh with crisp, vibrant vegetables, while the Three Cheese Pizza delivers the comforting richness people crave. Both echo the simple, satisfying charm that defines Vieux Carre Pizza.
6. Crescent City Pizza Works
Crescent City Pizza Works is that spot on Bourbon Street where late nights tend to end with a smile and a slice. I landed here after a parade, drawn by the glow and the warmth spilling onto the sidewalk. Inside, the hand-tossed, artisanal dough gives every pie a rustic edge and unmistakable chew.
There’s a playful balance between tradition and creativity here, from the classic cheese to inventive veggie-topped specialties. Each pizza has a light crispness, and even a single slice packs flavor.
Go for a Spinach and Mushroom Pizza to taste the freshness of local ingredients, or enjoy a gooey Three Cheese for pure comfort. Crescent City Pizza Works captures the energy of the Quarter—right down to the last bite.
7. Paladar 511
Paladar 511 has this effortless charm, where big windows flood the space with light and every detail feels just right. My last visit was for brunch, and even in the late morning, their pizza had a kind of quiet magic—thin, blistered crust and toppings that feel thoughtfully composed.
This isn’t your usual pizzeria; Paladar 511 weaves freshness and seasonality into every dish, making each pizza shine with just a handful of high-quality ingredients. The kitchen pivots between creative and classic, never missing a beat.
The Margherita Pizza lets their tangy sauce and silky cheese do the talking, while the Veggie Pizza layers in local greens for an earthy, satisfying bite. Even gluten-free and vegan options here never feel like an afterthought.
8. Sofia
Sofia is where Italian tradition meets New Orleans flair, tucked under the glow of the Warehouse District lights. My evening there started with laughter over small plates, but it was the scent from the wood-fired oven that pulled everyone’s attention back to the pizza.
Chef Talia Diele’s pizzas are a canvas for inventive toppings and classic flavors, each one served with bold confidence and perfect crust charring. The funky, stylish space adds to the sense that you’re in for something special.
The Margherita is a reliable choice, simple yet bursting with fresh tomato and basil. For something more unique, the Vegetable Pizza layers seasonal produce over creamy cheese, creating bites that balance rustic charm with Sofia’s modern edge.
9. Pizza Domenica
Pizza Domenica is the kind of place where the buzz of conversation rises as soon as you walk in. I’ve had more than one joyful gathering around their communal tables, each visit marked by the unmistakable aroma of wood-fired dough. The vibe strikes a lively balance between neighborhood warmth and modern flair.
What puts Pizza Domenica in a class of its own is the slow-fermented dough—light, chewy, and just blistered enough on the edges. The kitchen doesn’t shy away from unusual toppings, but they treat every classic with respect.
Order the Roasted Carrot Pizza for an inventive twist you probably won’t find elsewhere, or go all-in on their Margherita if you’re a purist craving deep tomato and vibrant basil. Each slice tells a story of skill and enthusiasm.
10. Tavolino Pizza & Lounge
Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is a neighborhood hideaway that feels worlds apart from the city’s usual bustle. My visit started with a peaceful seat by the window and a menu that balances Italian roots with local charm. There’s a gentle hum from regulars, a sign that this spot is as much about community as it is about great food.
Their pizzas are crisp, thin, and topped with care—never a topping out of place, always bright and fresh. Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch or a lingering dinner, Tavolino keeps it unfussy and genuine.
Try the Spring Veggie Pizza for a fresh, seasonal punch or the Classic Margherita for that perfect mingling of cheese, sauce, and basil. Everything here feels thoughtfully prepared and quietly confident.
More Things to Try in New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
What styles of pizza can I find in New Orleans?
New Orleans offers everything from classic New York–style and traditional Neapolitan pizzas to creative, locally inspired pies. Many spots serve wood-fired, thin-crust, and even gluten-free or vegan versions.
Are there good options for vegetarians or vegans?
Absolutely. Many pizzerias in New Orleans offer vegetarian and vegan pizzas, plus gluten-free crusts and a wide range of fresh toppings. Places like Pizza Delicious, Paladar 511, and Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter are great choices.
Do pizzerias in New Orleans deliver late at night?
Yes, a number of pizza places—especially in the French Quarter and along Magazine Street—offer delivery late into the night. Crescent City Pizza Works and Vieux Carre Pizza are reliable for late-night cravings.
Do any pizza restaurants use local Louisiana ingredients?
Many New Orleans pizzerias highlight local produce and regional flavors. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter and Magazine Pizza are both known for weaving local veggies and specialty ingredients into their menus.
Can I find gluten-free pizza in New Orleans?
Definitely. Plenty of spots, including Paladar 511 and Magazine Pizza, feature gluten-free crusts and toppings, making pizza accessible for all dietary needs.