The Ultimate Guide to the Best Pizza in Denver2025 Edition

Last yearwhen a study named Denver the best pizza city in the country, people had some strong reactions.

While it may be a stretch to compare the Mile High to much bigger pizza-centric cities like New York and Chicagowe have just one thing to say to anyone who claims that pizza in Denver sucks: You’re wrongand we will no longer stand for the local pizza scene slander.

Forget the so-called “Colorado-” pies that only Beau Jo’s peddles. Over the last few yearsthe Mile High’s pizza scene has evolved in delicious ways. Now a hot spot for interpretations of regional pizza s from across the countryDenver has also slowly and quietly developed its own signature trend: sourdoughor naturally leavenedcrust topped with seasonal and local ingredients that go beyond the basic pepperoni and sausage.

While some classicold-school spots like Carl’s and Frank the Pizza King continue to serve nostalgic pies that hark to Denver’s pizza pastmany of the best options around are muchmuch newer.

There are so many pizza places we love at the momentwe’ve ditched our ten best- list for this more comprehensive roster of spots we recommendbroken down by – though many places dabble in a variety of takes.

Here’s our ultimate guide to the best pizza in Denver right nowstarting with the best additions over the past year:

Best New Pizzerias in Denver

Listed in alphabetical order.

DTC Slice
8000 East Belleview AvenueGreenwood Village
Brett Freedman takes pizza science seriouslywhich is why he brought in an expert to help him train and perfect the recipewhich he continues to tweak for the very best results. DTC Slice debuted in August and serves neo-Neopolitan pies as well as a version of Detroit- pizza.

High Society Pizza
2229 Wildcat Reserve Parkway A1Highlands Ranch
Keith Naegel ran High Society Pizza as a food truck for six years before bringing the business to a brick-and-mortar in 2024. His goal is to perfect the New York- sliceand he even brought in a machine called the NY Watermaker to do just that.

Leven Supply
300 East Alameda Avenue
Leven Deli has been a favorite for sandwichessaladsbread and more in the Golden Triangle neighborhood since 2018; in Januaryit added an outpost in Wash Park with a slight name variation and some menu additions – including pizza made with naturally leavened dough.

Little Arthur’s
205 East Seventh Avenue
We fell for Aj Shreffler’s hoagies when he was doing pop-upsbut after he opened inside Out of the Barrel Taproom in Cap Hill last year and introduced an expanded menuwe quickly became enamored of his giant pizzastoo. Available only in one sizetwenty inchesthese can easily feed a small crowd and load top-notch ingredients that are well worth the price on a crust that’s both thin and sturdy.

Mario’s Speakeasy Pizza
1410 Market Street
TechnicallyMario’s debuted in 2023dishing out late-night slices out of a back window inside Pour House – hence the speakeasy name. But since thenowner Mitchell Santee has taken over the whole bar; nowhis nostalgia-inducingclassic New York- slices and wholes pizzas are available anytimeincluding well after midnight. Sicilian pies and rustic grandma pies are also in the lineup.

The PZA
644 Santa Fe Drive
Jake Rothey introduced the PZA at the kitchen inside Tight End in 2022 but in April 2024it went on pause as he searched for a space of his own. The PZA moved into its new home in January and the pieswhich Rothey describes as a mix of Neapolitan-inspired dough with an East Coast executionare plentiful in variety and impressively madewith a light yet chewy bite.

New York Style/Pizza by the Slice

While this was once the most ubiquitous of pizza in most of the U.S.periodothers have risen in popularity. But when you’re simply craving straightforward “pizza,” it’s likely that these largeoften foldable slices are what you’re envisioning.

Our favorite in this category is Famous Original J’s (715 East 26th Avenue)a walk-up window in Five Points where Rosenberg’s owner Joshua Pollack has taken his passion for East Coast traditions and applied it to pies that deliver pure pizza pleasureavailable whole or by the slice. We only wish there were windows like this all around the city.

Other recommendations:

• Fat Sully’s (multiple locations)where the giant pies and slices have been a go-to since 2008.
• SliceWorks (multiple locations)a local chain founded in 2012 by a family from Long Island that’s a dependable stop for an affordablequick slice with a wide variety of toppings and rotating specials.
• Big Bill’s (8243 South Holly StreetCentennial)which has been open since 1995 and offers a classic pizza-joint experience complete with sports memorabilia all over the walls and ice-cold Yoo-hoo.
• Dough Counter (2466 South Colorado Boulevard)a fast-casual joint from the family behind Marco’s Coal Fired that opened in 2023.
• For a late-night slice downtownhit up the pizza joint at the Marquis Theatrewhich is open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Detroit-Style Pizza

Before 2015these thickrectangularsquare-cut pies with carmelizedcheesy edges were a pizza you couldn’t find in Denver. Detroit-based chain Jet’s was the first to bring it to the Mile Highand it has continued to expand in Colorado sinceoffering a budget-friendly version of the . But it was another 2015 debut that’s become synonymous with Detroit pies locally.

Blue Panwhich has locations in West HighlandCongress Park and Goldenhas been at the forefront of the “best pizza” conversation since it opened. With careful attention paid to both technique and high-quality ingredientsit remains the crowd favorite by far.

Other recommendations:

• Rock City Ice & Pie (1386 US-287Broomfield)a carry-out-only joint founded by chef Jason Dascoli out of his home in 2020 that also serves Italian water ice.
• Hops & Pie (3920 Tennyson Street)where the sourdough spin on Detroit pizza is just $7.50 for a cheese on Thursdays.

Chicago/Midwest Tavern-Style Pizza

This is the trendy regional pizza of the moment. Cracker-thin and cut into what’s known as party squaresthis pie is what people in Chicagoland actually eat on a regular basis – despite the fact that deep dish got top billing in that city for years.

Our number-one tavern- pick: Da Sauce, which husband-and-wife team John and Jandee Craig opened at 2907 Huron Streetnear Coors Fieldin April 2023. The menu includes housemade ice cream and other Midwest favorites like Italian beef sandwichesbut its pies are the draw. They’re the ideal balance of crispy crustflavorful sauce and just the right amount of cheese (especially if you like extra cheese and order it while Jandee is working).

Other recommendations:

• Wyman’s #5 (2033 East 13th Avenue)a low-key bar in the Congress Park neighborhood.
• Jimano’s (2950 South Broadway)an Illinois-born chain with one Denver location that’s operated by franchisee Robert Measonwho has plans to open a second outpost in the metro area.
• Blue Pan, which – despite being known for its Detroit- pies – also makes a stellar tavern- version. Opt for the sausage and pepperswhich comes with a side of giardiniera.
• This year marks two decades in business for the Walnut Room in RiNowhich offers a solid beer lineuptwo Trackman golf simulators and tempting tavern- pies alongside its notable sandwiches.

Sicilian Pizza

Similar to Detroit-Sicilian is a thickerrectangular pie – but the sauce goes on before the toppings and cheese. Our current go-to is a place that is known for something very different.

White Pie in Uptown is a passion project from brothers Kristopher and Jason Wallentawho were raised on oblongNew Haven- pies. It was our 2023 Best of Denver pick for Best Pizzeria for a variety of reasons and nowwood-fired Sicilian pizzas are part of its full-time lineup. With an airyfoccacia-like base and fun options like the Spicy Gwhich has a poppy seed crustthese pies are as hard to categorize as they are delicious.

Other recommendations:

• Dough Counterwhich offers Sicilian pies with some non-traditional toppings like Vodka Chicken Parm and the burger-inspired Big Mac.
• Redeemer Pizza (2705 Larimer Street)the RiNo sister restaurant to Dio Mio that offers naturally leavened Sicilian slices of cheese or spicy pepperoni from the window inside its alley entrance.
• SliceWorkswhich has a surprisingly solid Sicilian option that’s available by the sliceof course.

Wood-Fired/Neapolitan Pizza

The OG pizza from Italy remains the gold standard for many – it even comes with strict rules that a restaurant must follow to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. But some local spots have truly made Neapolitan pies their own.

This is one of the most prevalent in town nowbut the OG on the scene is Basta. It was Kelly Whitaker’s first restaurantdebuting in Boulder in 2010. Nearly fifteen years laterKelly and his wifeErika Whitakerwere named Outstanding Restaurateur at the James Beard Awards for their growing Id Est Hospitality Group.

Fifteen years into its runthe chefs at this Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery still cook everything in one wood-fired ovenincluding the stellar pies (don’t skip the clam).

In 2014Whitaker brought the same pies to Denver with the original Cart-Driver in RiNo. While he parted ways with that concept two years laterit’s also still going strong and is held in high esteem by diners and other pizza place owners for its bubblyperfectly charred crust. The concise menu includes just a handful of options for pie topping combosincluding the basic Daisyits take on the Margheritaand seasonal specials that usually highlight local produce. Plusyou can pair your pizza here with oysters and tinned fishwhile its recently reopened LoHi location offers a more expansive menu.

Other recommendations:

• Marco’s Coal Fired (2129 Larimer Street and 10111 Inverness Main Street in Englewood), which has been in business since 2008 and has the approval of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.
• White Piewhere the Mario Acunto wood-fired oven was shipped directly from Italy for its New Haven-inspired pizzas.
• Kaos Pizzeria (1439 South Pearl Street)a neighborhood favorite that dishes out everything from pineapple and cream cheese to chicken and pesto on its pies.
• Benzina (4839 East Colfax Avenue)an upscale restaurant where pizzaincluding a beloved clam pieis just one of the reasons to visit…which you should do soonas it’s set to close at the end of March.
• Bar Dough (2227 West 32nd Avenue)which introduced a new chef in 2024 and is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in town.
• Lon Symensma’s Gustowhich opened near Sloan’s Lake in 2024cooks its Neapolitan pies in an Italian-sourced gas oven. Don’t skip the Amalfi topped with confit lemonCalabrian chilePecorino and ricotta.

Sourdough Pizza

Newer Denver pizza hot spots have embraced sourdough – also known as naturally leavened – as the next big thing in pizza crusts. Depending on the method usedthe amount of actual sourdough tang varies. But one thing all of these pies have in common is that they are more easily digestiblemaking it easier to enjoy a few slices without needing a nap after.

Our top choice for a sourdough-crust pie is Joy Hillwhich opened on South Broadway in 2020. Its wood-fired pies are topped with thoughtful combinations like arugula pesto and a variety of veggies on the That 70’s Pieand local bison chorizo with housemade green chile ranch on the Hunter. We also love that this place has a rooftop patio with mountain views and a killer cocktail and wine program.

Other recommendations:

• Hops & Pie (3920 Tennyson Street), the craft beer bar that switched to sourdough for all of its pizza s – DetroitNew York and Sicilian – in 2022.
• Redeemer Pizza (2705 Larimer Street)which makes both its Sicilian and “New York 2.0”- pies with naturally leavened dough that has a very subtle sour note – so subtle you may not even notice it.
• The Greenwich (3258 Larimer Street)a New York-inspired eatery that kept its pies when it pivoted to a more Italian-focused menu in 2024.

Pizza From Top Bakeries

One of our favorite pizza trends builds on another culinary trend in Denver: the booming bakery scene. Since 2020many cottage-food pop-ups have turned into full-fledged brick-and-mortar businessesand as a resultthere are a whole lot of impressive baked goods to be found in the Mile High right now.

Some of these spots are also cranking out pizza. While it may not be the main draw at mostit’s a damn good bonus. Two of our favorites in this category are Good Bread (1515 Madison Street)which makes wood-fired pies on Friday nights. In Wheat RidgeGet Right’s recently started regularly selling its pizzas for takeout from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Pizza Pop-Ups and Food Trucks

Beyond brick-and-mortarsDenver has a thriving pop-up and food-truck scene. Many of these creative entrepreneurs are dishing out pizzabut you have to plan a bit to enjoy them.

One new pop-up on the scene comes from the former chef at the GreenwichJustin Freemanwho is currently the executive chef at vegan eatery Somebody People. He’s also working toward opening his own restaurantslowly introducing the concept through one-off events under the name Monarch. Pizza is just one part of his future visionbut it’s certainly a highlight. Follow it @monarchdenver to give it a try.

Other recommendations:

• Joey Parm’swhich you can find on the front porch at Beacon in RiNo from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. (There is currently a GoFundMe for the owner of Joey Parm’swho has to get surgery for a recent arm injury.)
• Get Saucedwhich does occasional drops of Detroit- and round pies.
• Simply Pizzaa food truck that launched nearly a decade ago.
• Outside Pizzawhich serves out of a retro camper and is teaming up with Cerebral on its upcoming West Highland taproom.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Pizza

At its corepizza is saucedough and cheesebut that doesn’t mean people with dietary restrictions can’t enjoy it. Most pizzerias these days offer vegan cheese substitutes and/or gluten-free crust optionsusually for an upcharge.

Some dairymeat and gluten-free pies defy all dietary limitations. For super-creativefully vegan pizzacheck out Mora Pizzawhich gained a big following on social media and now operates out of the former Cap Hill Benny Blanco’swhere it shares a space with a traditionalNew York- conceptTua Mama’s.

The reigning favorite for gluten-free pies is Marco’s Coal Firedwhich also developed a gluten-free version of Sicilian pizza for its sister restaurantDough Counter.

Where to Find Pizza Outside of Denver

Pizza is one of those foods where proximity counts – your favorite is often the one closest to you. But for the right reasonstrue fans will go out of their way to get their hands on a certain pie. If you’re up for a pizza adventurehere are some worth the drive:

Boulder

• Pizzeria Albericowhich serves wood-fired Neapolitan pies from the Frasca group.
• Bastafrom the wood-fired section of the guide.
• Barchettaa spot with retro vibes and a chef/co-owner who formerly worked at the original Pizzeria LocaleBasta and the Wolf’s Tailor.
• Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garagea counter-serviceNew York- pizzeria with a big neighborhood following.
• New Yorkesea stall inside Avanti from Steve Redzikowskithe owner of Oak at FourteenthBrider and Bellota.

Longmont

• Rosealee’s Pizzeriaa friendlydecade-old joint that’s owned by husband-and-wife team Amy and James Ross and dishes out round pies and thickerSicilian-like squares.
• Urban Field Pizza & Marketwhich serves award-winning artisanal pies and expanded to Loveland in 2024.

Westminster

• Kokopelli Beer Companywhich opened over a decade agooffers creatively topped hand-tossed pies.

Lakewood

• Pizzeria Luia small spot that maintained its quality after switching from wood-fired to an electric oven to keep up with demand.
• Pizzeria Leopoldwhich was rebranded in 2022 after operating for over three decades as Deli Italia.

Arvada

• If you miss Benny Blanco’s in Cap Hillyou can get a fix at its Arvada outpostwhich debuted in the summer of 2024.

Broomfield

• Rock City Ice & Pie from the Detroit- section of the guide.
• Original NY Pizzaa family-owned operation that’s been in business since 1991.

Littleton

• Virgilio’s Pizzeria & Wine Barwhich was founded by Italian-born Virgilio Urbano in Lakewood in 2005 and still serves brick-oven pies in a former Johnny Carino’s space.

Golden

• Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza Restauranta staple that was founded over thirty years ago and draws crowds for its pizza buffet.
• Mannie & Bo’sa low-key joint that makes both Chicago tavern- and deep-dish pies.

Is your favorite pizza place missing from the guide? Email us at [email protected].