In Milwaukee, we place great emphasis on our pizza. That’s why we have a signature thin-crust pizza and an official plaque recognizing the Historic Third Ward as the home of pizza in Milwaukee.
Pizza in Milwaukee draws influence from the Italians and the local culinary tradition. So, when I visit a pizza spot in between my limo rides, the options are either the classic Neapolitan-style pizza or the tavern-style pizza.
Anytime I visit a restaurant for my favorites—pizza or steak, I note my experiences so I can recommend them to my clients. While it isn’t easy to categorically pinpoint the best pizza spot, here are my seven top picks for delicious, mouth-watering pizza in Milwaukee.
7 Best Pizza Spots in Milwaukee
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San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana
Source: sangiorgiopizza San Giorgio Pizzeria, named after San Giorgio (Saint George), is a testament to the Italian pizza-making tradition in Milwaukee. You can sense the Italian demeanor from the Neapolitan pizza style to the pizzeria’s ambiance.
The pizza, which combines imported Italian flour, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and creamy buffalo mozzarella, goes in a wood-fired oven, transforming it into airy, crisp edge pies. San Giorgio’s excellent pizza making is officially certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana as a testament to its authentic taste of Naples.
The atmosphere exudes a warm, homely feel in appearance and hospitality. Usually, there’s soft Italian music playing in the background, with the homely staff attending to you and the owner sharing stories of his family’s culinary heritage.
Location: 838 N Old World Third Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Operation hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Service Type: Dine-in and takeout
Pizza Types: Authentic-made Vera Pizza Napoletana
Signature Pizza: San Giorgio pizza
Additional dishes: Appetizers, soups, salads, rotisserie chicken, pasta, and desserts.
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Zaffiro’s Pizza
Source: zaffirospizza You can rely on Zaffiro’s Pizza to satisfy your craving for a Milwaukee-style pizza and beer. The tavern-like pizza spot is known for its ultra-thin crust pizza with tomato sauce and Wisconsin cheese.
Zaffiro’s Pizza creates an unforgettable experience, from its retro interior filled with lively chatter to its carefully curated Milwaukee-inspired meals and drinks. The knowledgeable staff recommends different pizza toppings, from pepperoni and sausages to fresh vegetables. You should ask for the “Everything but Anchovies” slice, which locals speak highly of.
Location: 1724 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Operation hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
Service Type: Dine-in, takeout and delivery
Pizza Types: Thin-crust, tavern-style pizzas (gluten-free options available)
Signature Pizza: Everything But Fish pizza
Additional Dishes: Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, and desserts.
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Ned’s Pizza Restaurant
Source: nedspizzarestaurant Since Ned’s Pizza opened in 1969, it has maintained its original pizza-making recipe. They have also kept their original space since inception. Their staff have years of combined culinary experience, which makes Ned’s a historic pizza location in Milwaukee.
They specialize in thin-crust Milwaukee-style pizza made from dough, topped with tangy tomato sauce and local Wisconsin cheese. Their flavorful profile includes classic toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, and pepperoni.
The pizzeria’s interior decor has a retro look; home to patrons who keep the place abuzz with their discussions. However, Ned’s does not provide live entertainment to customers.
Location: 3246 South 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Operation hours:
- Monday: 3 pm – 9 pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
Service Type: Dine-in and takeout
Pizza Types: Thin-crust, tavern-style pizzas
Signature Pizza: Sausage & Mushroom Pizza
Additional dishes: Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks.
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Santino’s Little Italy
Source: santinoslittleitaly Santino’s Little Italy provides you with a taste and feel of Italian tradition with each visit. The experience includes the interior vintage decor, the homely staff who pay special attention to each order, and the pizza-making process.
Santino’s owner is a veteran pizza maker with decades of culinary experience who will ensure you have a wonderful dining experience. The pizza chefs load the dough with fresh sun-ripened tomatoes, basil, and exquisite mozzarella before tossing it into a wood-fired oven. The result is a crust that is both crispy and chewy.
Make sure to try Santino’s signature Prosciutto and Arugula pizza, a worthy ambassador of the delectable taste of Southern Italy.
Location: 352 East Stewart Street Milwaukee, WI 53207
Operation hours:
- Friday & Saturday: 4 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 4 pm – 8 pm
Service Type: Dine-in and takeout
Pizza Types: Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza
Signature Pizza: Prosciutto & Arugula pizza
Additional dishes: Pasta, calzones, and traditional Italian desserts.
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Calderone Club
Source: calderoneclub When clients seek restaurant recommendations, I refer them to longstanding restaurants like Fox & Hounds Restaurant (established in the 1930s) and Calderone Club, which has been around for over four decades.
I remember when I had a flat during a ride and dialed trustworthy roadside assistance for help. They quickly helped change the tire. However, my client asked where he could get some food, and luckily, we were just around the corner from Calderone. We ordered the Calderone Special, loaded with savory sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions. The thin, crusted pizza was crispy and chewy. After our meal, I ordered a takeout pizza, and the staff promptly prepared it.
Interestingly, I also learned that Calderone Club used to be the meeting spot for local artists and intellectuals. Well, I can testify that neither intelligence nor creativity is lacking in their meals.
Location: 842 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Operation hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4:30 pm – 10 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 4 pm – 11 pm
Service Type: Dine-in and pickup
Pizza Types: Thin-crust pizza
Signature Pizza: Calderone Special
Additional dishes: Calzones, pasta, Secondi Piatti, salads, and appetizers.
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Wy’east Pizza
Source: wyeastpizza The founders named Wy’east Pizza after the Native American term for Mount Hood. This pizza spot infuses tradition with innovation in its ambiance and pizza. The interior decor features a rustic and warm interior that will make you feel relaxed.
Their signature pizzas come with toppings like spicy soppressata, hot honey, and fresh basil to balance the sweetness and heat of each slice. The staff are friendly and handle each order with care. Whether you dine in or take out, they ensure an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Location: 5601 W. Vliet Street Milwaukee, WI 53208
Operation hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday (Phone order): 1 pm – 7:45 pm
- Saturday: 1 pm – 8:15 pm
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday (Dine-in & Pickups): 4 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday: 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Service Type: Dine-in and takeout
Pizza Types: Artisan pizzas inspired by New York and Neapolitan techniques
Signature Pizza: Bee Sting pizza
Additional dishes: Pies, Salads, Bevis, and dessert.
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Maria’s Pizza
Source: mariaspizzamke Maria’s Pizza is a top flag-bearer of Milwaukee-style pizza. They serve ultra-thin, crisp pizza topped with slightly sweet tomato and generous amounts of Wisconsin cheese. Interestingly, Maria’s has also maintained its original recipe for over fifty years.
Although they primarily offer takeout, they prepare each order with the same care found in traditional dine-in pizza spots.
Location: 5025 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53219
Operation hours:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 4 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Service Type: Mainly takeout (dine-in may be available)
Pizza Types: Classic tavern-style, ultra-thin cracker-crust pizza
Signature Pizza: A traditional tavern-style cheese pizza
Additional dishes: Appetizers
What Sets the Milwaukee Pizza Scene Apart from Those of Other Regions?
The Milwaukee pizza scene features two main pizza styles—the tavern-style pizza and the Neapolitan pizzas. The tavern-style pizza features ultra-thin, square-cut crust while the Neapolitan pizza adhere strictly to Italian traditions, using naturally fermented dough, imported Italian ingredients, and wood-fired oven baking.
Customers love the tavern-style pizza for its crispy, cracker-like crust, and no-frills flavor, while they enjoy the Italian pizza for its light, airy cornicione, and soft center.
Do Milwaukee Pizza Spots Have Options for Dietary Preferences, such as Gluten-free or Vegan Pizza?
Yes, for instance, Zaffiro’s Pizza offers gluten-free crust options and vegan alternatives on their menu. However, traditional spots like San Giorgio and Maria’s Pizza maintain classic recipes. It’s better to check the menu in advance or make a call to learn what’s available.
Do Milwaukee’s Top Pizza Spots Offer Outdoor Seating or Special Entertainment?
Many Milwaukee pizza spots try to enhance your dining experience through exclusive seating arrangements and in-house entertainment. Check the pizza spot’s website to confirm what is available.