Best Pizza in Salt Lake City: Top Spots for 2026
Quick Answer: Rusted Sun Pizzeria in Ballpark serves the best thin-crust pizza in Salt Lake City, with their legendary cheese dip stealing the show. For authentic Neapolitan pies, Settebello downtown delivers perfectly charred crusts from their wood-fired oven, while Osteria Amore in East Central offers upscale Italian pies with creative toppings.
At a Glance
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rusted Sun Pizzeria | Ballpark | $$ | 4.7 | Thin-crust pizza and cheese dip |
| Osteria Amore | East Central | $$ | 4.6 | Upscale Italian dining experience |
| Sicilia Mia | Holladay | $ | 4.6 | Southern Italian tradition |
| Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana | Downtown | $$ | 4.5 | Authentic Neapolitan pizza |
| Pizza Nono | East Central | $$ | 4.2 | Crispy Neapolitan-style crust |
Salt Lake City's pizza scene has grown up considerably over the past decade. What started with a handful of chains and neighborhood joints has transformed into a legitimate destination for serious pizza lovers. The city now supports multiple Neapolitan specialists, inventive thin-crust operations, and traditional Italian trattorias that treat pizza as the art form it deserves to be.
The variety here reflects Salt Lake's broader culinary evolution. You'll find wood-fired ovens imported from Italy, dough fermented for days, and ingredients sourced from local farms and specialty importers. Whether you're craving a quick slice on State Street or settling in for a full Italian dinner in the Avenues, the options span every style and price point. The competition has pushed quality higher across the board, meaning even your third or fourth choice will likely serve a better pie than what was available here ten years ago.
This guide covers the five spots consistently delivering the best pizza in Salt Lake City right now. These aren't just popular places—they're restaurants where the crust, sauce, and toppings come together in ways that make you rethink what pizza can be.
How We Chose These Restaurants
These rankings come from repeated visits over the past two years, combined with analysis of thousands of customer reviews and conversations with Salt Lake City food industry professionals. I've prioritized consistency, ingredient quality, technique, and overall value. Each restaurant has been visited multiple times at different hours to ensure the experience holds up whether you're there on a Tuesday lunch or Saturday night rush.
1. Rusted Sun Pizzeria
Ballpark | $$ | 4.7/5
Rusted Sun occupies a converted space on State Street that feels more Brooklyn than Ballpark, with exposed brick, industrial lighting, and communal tables that fill up fast on weekends. The open kitchen lets you watch the pizza makers stretch dough and work the ovens, and the whole place hums with the kind of energy that tells you people are here for the food, not the Instagram moment. The bar area serves local beers and a tight wine list that pairs well with the pizza-forward menu.
The thin-crust pizza here has a cracker-like base that stays crispy even under generous toppings. The margherita showcases the fundamentals—tangy tomato sauce, quality mozzarella, fresh basil—but the specialty pies take more risks. Try the prosciutto and arugula, where the greens get tossed on after baking so they stay bright and peppery. The real star, though, is the cheese dip that arrives bubbling hot with herbs on top. It's basically fondue made with a blend of Italian cheeses, and you'll want to order extra bread for it. The calzones are massive, stuffed with ricotta and whatever fillings you choose, and they seal in all that moisture so every bite stays rich.
Parking can be tricky along State Street, but there's a lot behind the building that usually has space. They don't take reservations for parties under six, so expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights between 7 and 9 PM. The turnover is pretty quick, though—most people are in and out within an hour unless they're really settling in with drinks.
Must-Try Dish: The cheese dip appetizer—it's become legendary for a reason, arriving molten hot with the perfect blend of Italian cheeses and fresh herbs.
Good to Know: No reservations for small parties, so arrive before 6:30 PM or after 8:30 PM on weekends to avoid the longest waits.
2. Osteria Amore
East Central | $$ | 4.6/5
This East Central spot treats pizza as part of a larger Italian dining experience rather than the sole focus. The dining room feels intimate and European, with dark wood accents, soft lighting, and tables spaced far enough apart for actual conversation. It's a date-night favorite and draws a slightly older crowd than the more casual pizza joints around town. The service runs professional without being stuffy, and the wine list goes deeper than most pizza places bother with.
The pizza menu here leans traditional but shows some creativity in the combinations. The crust falls somewhere between Neapolitan and New York style—thicker than Rusted Sun but not as puffy as Settebello, with good char on the bottom. The quattro formaggi delivers exactly what you want from a four-cheese pizza: gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina working together without overwhelming each other. The diavola brings proper heat with spicy salami and calabrian chiles. Beyond pizza, the pasta dishes deserve attention—the Osteria Amore pasta special changes seasonally but always features house-made noodles with thoughtful sauces.
Reservations are recommended here, especially Thursday through Saturday. Street parking on 1300 East fills up quickly, but there's usually space on the side streets just north or south of the restaurant. The pacing is slower than a quick pizza joint—plan on at least 90 minutes for a full meal with appetizers and dessert.
Must-Try Dish: The quattro formaggi pizza showcases four Italian cheeses in perfect balance, with a crust that's sturdy enough to support the richness without getting soggy.
Good to Know: Make reservations for dinner service—this place fills up fast on weekends and they prioritize reserved tables.
3. Sicilia Mia
Holladay | $ | 4.6/5
Sicilia Mia brings Southern Italian cooking to a Holladay strip mall location that doesn't look like much from the outside but surprises you once you step inside. The dining room feels warmer and more upscale than the exterior suggests, with white tablecloths and Italian pottery on the walls. The staff clearly takes pride in the food, and on busy nights you might catch them preparing carbonara tableside with the dramatic flair of a traditional Italian restaurant. It's become a neighborhood fixture for locals who want quality Italian food without driving into the city.
While pizza isn't the only focus here, the pies coming out of the kitchen show serious technique. The crust has a good chew to it with a slightly charred bottom that adds flavor. The margherita pizza uses San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella for an authentic taste, while the salsiccia pizza tops fennel-spiced Italian sausage with roasted peppers and onions. The menu reaches beyond pizza into traditional Sicilian dishes like arancini, caponata, and pasta alla norma. Everything tastes like it comes from family recipes rather than a corporate test kitchen.
The location on Highland Drive has decent parking in the shared lot, though it fills up during dinner rush. They take reservations and you should use them—the dining room isn't huge and regulars book their favorite tables weeks in advance. Lunch service is quieter and offers better value with their lunch specials including pizza and salad combinations.
Must-Try Dish: The salsiccia pizza combines fennel-spiced Italian sausage with roasted peppers and onions on a perfectly charred crust.
Good to Know: The tableside carbonara preparation is worth ordering just for the show, even if you came primarily for pizza.
4. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Downtown | $$ | 4.5/5
Settebello takes Neapolitan pizza seriously enough to import their oven from Italy and follow the strict guidelines that define true pizza napoletana. The downtown location draws a mix of business lunches, pre-event dinners (it's walking distance from the theater district), and dedicated pizza fans who appreciate the commitment to tradition. The space feels modern and clean with the wood-fired oven as the centerpiece, and the open layout keeps things lively without getting too loud.
The pizza here follows the Neapolitan playbook: soft, puffy crust with leopard-spotted char, minimal toppings, and a slight sag in the middle that's considered proper form. The marinara is the purist's choice—just tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil on that pillowy dough. The margherita DOC adds buffalo mozzarella and basil for the classic combination. The crust tastes slightly tangy from the long fermentation and has that perfect contrast between the airy interior and charred exterior. Pizzas come out fast from the 900-degree oven, so hot you need to let them cool for a minute before diving in. The menu stays focused—mostly pizzas with a few salads and appetizers—which means they do what they do very well.
Downtown parking can be a pain, but there's a paid lot across the street and metered street parking if you get lucky. They don't take reservations, so prime dinner times mean a wait—but they'll text you when your table is ready, so you can grab a drink at one of the nearby bars. Lunch service moves faster and the midday crowd is smaller.
Must-Try Dish: The margherita DOC with buffalo mozzarella shows what Neapolitan pizza should taste like—simple ingredients, perfect execution, and that signature puffy, charred crust.
Good to Know: No reservations accepted, so expect waits during peak dinner hours, especially before events at nearby venues.
5. Pizza Nono
East Central | $$ | 4.2/5
Pizza Nono occupies a corner spot on Harvey Milk Boulevard that feels cozy and neighborhood-focused. The interior keeps things simple with wood tables, an open kitchen, and garage doors that open up in nice weather to blur the line between inside and out. It's the kind of place where you can bring kids without worry or settle in for a casual date. The vibe stays relaxed and the staff seems to know many of the regulars by name.
The pizza style here aims for Neapolitan but comes out thinner and crispier than the traditional puffy version. The crust has good flavor from what tastes like a sourdough starter, and it stays crispy even as you work your way through the pie. The bianca pizza skips tomato sauce in favor of ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, finished with arugula and a drizzle of olive oil. The pepperoni uses cup-and-char style pepperoni that crisps up and pools with spicy oil. They also do some more adventurous combinations like fig and prosciutto or potato and rosemary that work better than they sound on paper.
Parking is easier here than at some of the downtown spots, with street parking and a small lot adjacent to the building. They take reservations for larger parties but walk-ins usually get seated within 15-20 minutes. The patio is prime real estate on summer evenings, so call ahead if you want to guarantee outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dish: The bianca pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and arugula shows how good a white pizza can be when the crust is crispy and the cheese blend is right.
Good to Know: The patio seating is excellent in warm weather—call ahead to request it or arrive early to snag one of the outdoor tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best Neapolitan pizza in Salt Lake City?
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana downtown serves the most authentic Neapolitan pizza in the city, with imported Italian ovens and strict adherence to traditional methods. Their margherita DOC with buffalo mozzarella showcases the style perfectly with its puffy, charred crust and simple toppings.
Where can I find the best thin-crust pizza in SLC?
Rusted Sun Pizzeria in Ballpark makes the best thin-crust pizza in Salt Lake City. Their cracker-thin base stays crispy under generous toppings, and the cheese dip appetizer has become legendary among locals.
Which Salt Lake City pizza restaurant is best for a date night?
Osteria Amore in East Central offers the most romantic atmosphere with intimate lighting, professional service, and a full Italian menu beyond just pizza. Sicilia Mia in Holladay is another excellent choice with white tablecloths and tableside carbonara preparation.
Do any of these pizza places deliver?
Most of these restaurants partner with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, though pizza always tastes best fresh from the oven. For the best experience, dine in or pick up your order directly to enjoy the crust at its optimal crispiness.
What's the most affordable pizza option in Salt Lake City?
Sicilia Mia in Holladay offers the best value at a single dollar sign price point, with quality ingredients and authentic Southern Italian preparation. Their lunch specials provide particularly good deals on pizza and salad combinations.
Which pizza restaurant has the best gluten-free options?
Settebello and Pizza Nono both offer gluten-free crusts, though you should call ahead to confirm availability. The quality varies by location and day, so it's worth asking about preparation methods if you have celiac disease versus gluten sensitivity.
Where's the best pizza near downtown Salt Lake City?
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana at 260 S 200 W sits right in downtown and serves excellent Neapolitan pizza within walking distance of theaters and hotels. It's the most convenient option for visitors staying downtown or locals catching a show.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City's pizza scene offers something for every preference and occasion. For a casual night out with friends and the city's best thin-crust pizza, Rusted Sun Pizzeria in Ballpark delivers consistently with that legendary cheese dip. When you want authentic Neapolitan pizza by the book, Settebello downtown imports the ovens and follows the traditions that define the style. Date night calls for Osteria Amore's intimate atmosphere and upscale Italian experience, while families and neighborhood regulars appreciate Sicilia Mia's warm hospitality and Southern Italian cooking in Holladay.
The quality across these five restaurants means you can't really go wrong—your choice comes down to what style of pizza you're craving and what kind of experience you want around it. Start with Rusted Sun if you're new to the scene, then work your way through the others to find your personal favorite. The pizza conversation in Salt Lake City keeps getting better, and these spots are leading that evolution.