5 Must-Try Pizza Shops in Philadelphia

A Slice of Heaven: Philadelphia's 5 Best Pizza Destinations

Philadelphia's culinary landscape is rich and diverse, and when it comes to pizza, the City of Brotherly Love offers a spectrum of styles and flavors to satisfy any craving. From classic tomato pies with a history as long as the city itself to modern artisanal creations, Philly's pizza scene is a testament to passion and delicious tradition. Here are five must-visit destinations for the best pizza Philadelphia has to offer.

1. Angelo's Pizzeria (South Philadelphia)

• The Pizza: Located in the heart of the historic Italian Market, Angelo's Pizzeria has quickly become a legend since opening in 2014. Known for its authentic, meticulously crafted pizzas and its equally lauded cheesesteaks, Angelo's is a cash-only establishment that often sees lines stretching down the block.
• The Style: They serve classic Italian favorites alongside signature pies like their renowned Upside Down pie, featuring a sweet tomato sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning layered over the cheese. The crust is perfectly chewy with a delightful char.
• The Vibe: This bustling South Philly spot embodies the neighborhood's authentic culinary spirit. Be prepared for a wait, but know that the reward is well worth it.

2. Pizzeria Vetri (Multiple Locations)

• The Pizza: With three locations across Philadelphia and a fourth on the way, Pizzeria Vetri celebrates the art of authentic Italian pizza. Acclaimed nationally, Vetri specializes in wood-fired pizzas made with a Neapolitan-style crust that is both airy and slightly crisp.
• The Style: Their menu features a range of creative and seasonal options, from classic margherita to innovative pies featuring squash or the popular Maurizio pie. They also offer delicious calzones, salads, and antipasti.
• The Vibe: Pizzeria Vetri boasts a modern and stylish atmosphere with an open kitchen, allowing diners to watch the pizza-making process firsthand. It's a great spot for both casual and slightly more upscale dining.

3. Tacconelli's Pizzeria (Port Richmond)

• The Pizza: A Philadelphia institution with a history stretching back decades, Tacconelli's Brick Oven Pizzeria in the Port Richmond neighborhood is renowned for its classic thin-crust tomato pie. This is a no-frills, cash-only operation that focuses on delivering a consistently delicious and iconic Philly pizza experience.
• The Style: Their signature thin-crust pie is made to order and baked in a traditional brick oven, resulting in a slightly charred and perfectly crisp crust with a flavorful tomato sauce. Reservations are essential, often needing to be made at least a day in advance. They are also BYOB.
• The Vibe: Tacconelli's exudes a classic, old-school neighborhood charm. It's a beloved spot that has stood the test of time, focused purely on the quality of its pizza.

4. Pizza Shackamaxon (Fishtown)

• The Pizza: Located in the trendy Fishtown neighborhood, Pizza Shackamaxon offers a more contemporary and casual pizza experience. This counter-serve spot features both veggie and meat pizzas, with daily specials adding to the variety.
• The Style: Their thin-crust pies are large and foldable, perfect for enjoying at their walk-up window or at one of their picnic tables. You can order classic toppings like plain or pepperoni, or opt for their thick tomato pie. They also have a full bar, making it a great place to socialize.
• The Vibe: Pizza Shackamaxon has a hip and laid-back atmosphere, fitting perfectly into Fishtown's vibrant scene. It's an excellent spot for a quick and delicious slice or a casual evening out.

5. Pizza Brain (Fishtown)

• The Pizza: Another Fishtown gem, Pizza Brain is a quirky and fun eatery known for its artisan pies with unique and creative toppings. This pizzeria also houses a full-scale pizza memorabilia museum, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
• The Style: Their pizzas are made with crushed tomatoes and thin crusts, with expertly blended and often unexpected topping combinations. They also serve ice cream for a sweet finish.
• The Vibe: Pizza Brain boasts a casual and whimsical atmosphere, decorated with pizza-related art and celebrity photos. It's a must-visit for both pizza aficionados and those looking for a unique and memorable dining experience.

From the classic tomato pies of Tacconelli's to the innovative creations at Pizza Brain, Philadelphia's pizza scene is a delicious tapestry of tradition and creativity. These five destinations represent just a slice of the incredible pizza that the city has to offer, promising a satisfying and authentic taste of Philly for every palate.