Arizona is not a region often lauded for its pizzerias. But across the state are countless restaurants that craft up some of the most delicious pizzas we’ve been able to get our hands on. This list is just a few of our favorite spots that span across the desert and beyond!
Il Bosco
With its original location on Becker Lane in North Scottsdale, and a second location in Downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row, this neighborhood pizzeria sports cozy vibes! Il Bosco draws in visitors with the smell of pizza from its open kitchen and the sound of live music on the patio. At Il Bosco their catchphrase is “playing with fire” and they literally are! Pizzas are wood fired and the fire coming off of the secretmenu pizza named “The Za” is absolutely nuclear! “The Za” features Il Bosco’s special blended sauce, fresh mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, Italian sausage, Peppadew
peppers, Hatch, serrano and Calabrian chile, and honey drizzle.
Pizzicletta
This Flagstaff favorite now has two locations less than half mile apart – the original location on Phoenix Avenue and a second outpost tucked inside Dark Sky Brewing. Pizzicletta makes the most incredible Neapolitan pizza, with a gorgeous leopard-spot charred crust that will blow you away. Pizza lovers know that when it comes to Neapolitan pizzas, you can’t go wrong with a traditional Margherita. However, our recommendation here is the “Bee’s Knees” with house mozzarella, mascarpone, spicy sausage, sage, and local honey. Pair this with any of Dark Sky Brewing’s newest innovative beers for a match made in heaven.
Old County Inn
Located in Pine, AZ roughly 20 minutes from Payson, Old County Inn is an easy day trip from Phoenix. Soak up the laid-back vibes and views of rim country to the sound of live music, or play some fun yard games on the patio as you enjoy incredible wood-fired pizza. My recommendation here is their classic meat pie which is loaded with bacon, pepperoni, and house-made sausage. If you’re feeling adventurous, I’ve created my own, self-dubbed “Wizard’s Way,” with roasted pork, pineapple and serrano peppers.
Myke’s Pizza
What began as a pop-up outside of Cider Corps in Downtown Mesa has now transitioned into permanent residency inside of Cider Corps. If you haven’t been to Downtown Mesa in a while, it’s time you make a visit. The scene has changed and Myke’s is a crown jewel! Myke Olsen’s passion for pizza-making is unmatched, resulting in some of the most artistic looking pizzas you’ll find anywhere. For a classic, my recommendation is the Margherita with pepperoni. For something more creative, order the potato bacon pizza! Smeared with a white mozzarella garlic cream and topped with cubed bacon, sliced potatoes, 5-year aged Gouda, and a scatter of rosemary. It’s incredibly savory comfort food.
Craft 64
Now with two locations (south Scottsdale and downtown Chandler), Craft 64 is the true embodiment of an Arizona business. Their menu features only organic ingredients from local farmers and up to 30 Arizona craft beers on tap. Signatures of Craft 64’s beautiful pizzas are that they are topped with scratch-made mozzarella and cooked in 100% wood fired ovens. The best advice I can give you here is that no matter what pizza you order, make sure it includes the in-house smoked sausage!
Every pie at Myke’s is outstanding, but the one that really grabs me is his pineapple pizza. The ham-and-pineapple “Hawaiian” pizza is so often maligned, but he makes his own unique version with plenty of tropical fruit and New Jersey pork roll. I’m also quite fond of his peach pizza when that fruit is in season.
Very interesting! We will have to have that next time we stop by Myke’s. And as always thanks for supporting local!