Best Places To Visit For Guys That Love Pizza

If you're a pizza aficionado, you've probably dreamed of tasting the world's finest pies in their authentic settings. From the smoky, centuries-old ovens of Naples to the innovative fusion pizzerias of Tokyo, each destination offers its own interpretation of this beloved dish. While you might think you know great pizza from your local spots, there's nothing quite like experiencing these global pizza capitals directly. The cultural nuances, time-honored techniques, and regional ingredients create distinctive pizza experiences that'll transform your understanding of what makes the perfect slice. Let's investigate these must-visit destinations for serious pizza lovers.

Naples: Pizza's Sacred Home

For any serious pizza enthusiast, Naples stands as the undisputed birthplace of modern pizza. When you investigate this city's rich pizza history, you'll uncover iconic spots like Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, which has been serving pizzas since 1738, and L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, where they've mastered traditional recipes since 1930. 

While modern pizza as we know it today emerged as a street food for the city's working-class people looking for something inexpensive, quick to eat, and offered a variety of flavors that could be tailored to the individual's taste, the word actually originated in 997 AD in the town of Gaeta about 100km north west of Naples. Over the next several hundred years several other variations of the term mean "clamp" or "pinze". It's not hard to see from there how that name would be applied to how we eat pizza today ... folded over and pinched or clamped together with our fingers!

The art of pizza-making here represents centuries of culinary evolution, from ancient flatbreads to today's beloved versions. The dough requires 24-hour fermentation to develop its distinctive flavor and texture but many chefs chose to let it ferment even longer for a more distinct flavor.

You'll want to head to the Forcella neighborhood, where pizzaioli (pizza makers) still practice centuries-old culinary traditions. 

A true Neapolitan pizza emerges from a blazing hot wood-fired oven after just 60-90 seconds of cooking at temperatures reaching 900°F, sporting a perfectly charred and leopard-spotted crust that's simultaneously chewy and tender. The traditional Margherita version features San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic soils near Mount Vesuvius, fresh buffalo mozzarella that melts into creamy pools across the surface, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil - all atop a hand-stretched dough made simply from flour, water, salt, and wild yeast. The pizza arrives uncut at your table with a raised, puffy rim called the cornicione that's slightly blackened from the intense heat, while the center remains thin enough that it requires a fork and knife to eat in proper Napoli style.

While some pizza shops will simply be windows, most will have a space where you can watch as they hand-knead the dough and cook your pizza in blazing wood-fired ovens at more than 800°F. For the most authentic experience, try a classic Margherita or Marinara at any VPN-certified pizzeria.

VPN or Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana was established in 1984 to ensure the culinary art of Neapolitan pizza was preserved domestically as well as around the world. These places follow strict guidelines to maintain Naples' pizza-making heritage, which UNESCO has recognized as an intangible cultural treasure. Trust us, there's nothing quite like eating pizza in its spiritual home.

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Chicago, Detroit, and New York: America's Pizza Powerhouses

After exploring Naples' historic roots, you'll find America's taken pizza to new heights with its own diverse styles from coast to coast. While Chicago, Detroit, and New York define traditional Italian pizza with an American twist, pizza has become something that Americans have widely interpreted from a variety of influencers. Whether that's creations such as Hawaiian Pizza or Buffalo Chicken Pizza, or even more recently, Biria Pizza and Indian Pizza ... we Americans love to expand and adapt our favorite foods to fit different cultures that make up our country's rich culinary landscape.

New York's legendary slice joints and century-old establishments like Lombardi's showcase the Big Apple's rich pizza heritage, while innovative West Coast pizzerias have carved out their own niche with creative California-style pies. Some of these establishments have evolved into successful franchise powerhouses that continue to shape American pizza culture. Major chains like California Pizza Kitchen revolutionized the scene with their signature BBQ Chicken Pizza and modern dining experience.

Whether you're craving a traditional New York fold-and-go slice or a gourmet wood-fired creation in San Francisco, you'll uncover that American pizza culture's got something special cooking from sea to shining sea.

Indian Pizza from a pizza place in Joshua Tree, California

America's Must-Visit Pizza Cities for Your Next Guys' Weekend

America's pizza landscape stretches from coast to coast, offering distinctive regional styles that reflect each city's unique culinary identity. We'll go into more depth about New York in just a moment but it's important to also let these other destinations shine as well.

• Chicago Deep Dish Paradise: You haven't lived until you've tried Lou Malnati's legendary butter crust deep dish pizza - it's a game-changer that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about pizza. While Pequod's caramelized crust has its devoted followers, and Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder's unique pizza pot pie creation draws crowds, Lou Malnati's remains the go-to spot for that quintessential Chicago experience.
• Detroit's Square Pie Scene: The Motor City's pizza scene centers around Buddy's, where the iconic Detroit-style square pie was born. With its crispy, cheesy corners and perfectly caramelized crust, this style has become so popular that it's now being replicated nationwide - though nothing beats the original.
• New Haven's Pizza Royalty: Frank Pepe's has earned its legendary status with coal-fired perfection, dominating national pizza rankings with five number-one spots. Their white clam pizza has become a mandatory pilgrimage for serious pizza enthusiasts.
• East Coast Pizza Tour: For the ultimate guys' weekend, hit the pizza trifecta of New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Start at Pizzeria Beddia in Philly, make your way to 2Amys in D.C., and finish with a classic New York slice tour - it's the perfect combination of iconic pizza cities and vibrant nightlife.
• Hidden Midwestern Gems & Pizza Heritage: The Midwest has a rich pizza heritage that goes beyond just great local pizzerias - it's the birthplace of some of America's most successful pizza chains. Toledo introduced Marco's Pizza to the world in 1978, Ann Arbor gave us Domino's, Pizza Hut started in Wichita, and Papa John's emerged from Jeffersonville, Indiana. Beyond chain origins, cities like Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and St. Joseph, Michigan (home to the beloved Silver Beach Pizza) each offer their own unique takes on pizza. Even Indianapolis has developed its own style with places like Bazbeaux pioneering artisanal toppings since the 1980s. These Midwestern cities might not get the same attention as New York or Chicago, but they're essential stops on any serious pizza pilgrimage.

Whether you're a deep-dish devotee or thin-crust enthusiast, you'll find your perfect slice somewhere along this pizza pilgrimage!

New York Is America's Pizza Capital

New York City dominates the global pizza scene with an unmatched collection of world-class pizzerias.

You'll find Una Pizza Napoletana leading the pack as the world's best, while spots like Ribalta and Don Antonio round out Manhattan's impressive lineup.

When you're exploring topping trends, you'll want to venture through all five boroughs - each offers its own pizza personality. Queens and The Bronx are actually giving Manhattan and Brooklyn some serious competition these days. Experienced pizza enthusiasts have found that Queens ranks highest for overall pizza quality.

What makes NYC pizza so special? It's that legendary Catskill Mountain water that gives the dough its perfect crispy-yet-chewy texture.

For the best pizza pairings, you can't go wrong with traditional spots that have perfected their craft over generations.

Whether you're hitting up L'Industrie in Brooklyn or checking out Taglio on Long Island, you're in for an authentic slice of pizza heaven. Anthony Mangieri's authentic Neapolitan techniques at Una Pizza Napoletana have been drawing pizza enthusiasts since 1996.

Birria Pizza from Birria Kings San Diego, California

West Coast Pizza Innovation

While New York may claim pizza supremacy on the East Coast, the West Coast has quietly built its own impressive pizza empire.

In San Francisco, you're part of a community that's crazy about reviewing pizzas, with twice as many Yelp reviews as other major cities. The city also stands out for having the most affordable pizza, with a weekly cheese cost representing just 0.9% of annual income. It's also the home of Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine - where the concept of Indian Pizza was invented. Unlike traditional Italian sauce and toppings, he used curry, roasted cauliflower, paneer cheese, tandoori chicken, and other popular Indian dishes to top this east-meets-west fusion cuisine.

What makes the West Coast scene special is how each city puts its own spin on pizza excellence - from Seattle's passionate pizza hunters to San Diego's perfect pairing of craft beer and artisanal pies, as well as unique mashups of Asian and Latin immigrants combining their heritage with classic pizza to create something wonderfully new.

São Paulo's Brazilian Pizza Scene

The rich legacy of São Paulo's pizza scene stands as a tribute to generations of Italian culinary influence. You'll find some of Brazil's most impressive pizzarias scattered throughout the city, each offering their own take on both traditional and innovative pies.

Whether you're craving classic Margherita at the elegant 1900 Pizzeria or feeling adventurous enough to try Pizzaria Camelo's Nutella and strawberry creation, you're in for a treat. The city's dog-friendly environments at places like SP Pizza make dining out an inclusive experience for pet owners. Leading pizzerias like Leggera Pizza Napoletana have earned recognition as Latin America's finest.

You'll quickly notice that São Paulo's pizzarias take their craft seriously, using wood-fired ovens and premium ingredients imported straight from Italy.

Don't be surprised when your pizza arrives unsliced - locals eat their pizza with knife and fork! For unique toppings you won't find anywhere else, check out GattoFiga Pizza Bar or QT Pizza Bar, ranked among the world's best pizzerias.

Tokyo's Pizza Revolution

Since its introduction by Italian-American GI Nick Zappetti in 1954, Tokyo's pizza scene has evolved into a culinary powerhouse that rivals some of the world's best pizza destinations.

You'll find legendary spots like Seirinkan, where master pizzaiolo Susumu Kakinuma crafts pizzas with distinctively rippled crusts on salt-covered oven floors, creating an experience that'll make you feel like a true pizza connoisseur.

The city's pizza culture seamlessly blends traditional Italian methods with innovative Tokyo ingredients, and you won't want to miss trying these creative combinations. Local chefs often incorporate corn and mayonnaise as signature toppings that set Japanese pizza apart. If you're visiting Fuji-Q Highland theme park, make sure to stop by their themed Pizza-La store for a unique dining experience.

From Pizza-La's distinctive Japanese-inspired toppings to the authentic Neapolitan offerings at Pizzeria Bar Le Napoli, there's something for every pizza lover.

Even international pizza consultant Anthony Falco has praised Tokyo's scene, which has now spread its influence to cities worldwide.

London's Neapolitan Pizza Scene: A Slice of Naples in the UK

London's Neapolitan pizza scene has flourished since 2008, when Giuseppe Mascoli brought traditional methods to Brixton Market. Today, outstanding London pizzerias like Cinquecento, Fatto a Mano, and Santa Maria lead the authentic Neapolitan movement, while Rudy's has expanded across the city with locations in Shoreditch, Soho, and beyond.

These establishments maintain strict authenticity - using San Marzano tomatoes and DOP buffalo mozzarella imported from Italy, fermenting dough for 48 hours, and cooking pizzas in blazing-hot ovens for just 90 seconds to achieve that perfect charred crust. While most pizzerias stick to traditional methods, some innovative spots blend British flavors with Italian techniques, offering unique London twists on Neapolitan classics.

Canada's Surprising Status as a Pizza Pioneer

Canada may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of pizza innovation, but our neighbors to the north have made some seriously game-changing contributions to pizza culture. From small-town Ontario to the Atlantic coast, Canada's pizza scene offers unique regional variations that any serious pizza enthusiast needs to explore.

Hawaiian Pizza: Born in Chatham, Ontario - Not Hawaii

The controversial yet globally popular Hawaiian pizza was actually invented in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos at his Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario - not on the tropical islands its name suggests. Inspired by the growing tiki culture trend, Panopoulos started experimenting with sweet and savory combinations, ultimately creating the now-famous ham and pineapple-topped pie that divides pizza lovers to this day.

Windsor-Style Pizza: Ontario's Best Kept Secret

Just a short drive away, Windsor, Ontario has developed its own distinctive pizza style that locals swear by. Windsor-style pizza is characterized by a medium-thick, impossibly crispy crust, canned mushrooms (a must-have local quirk), shredded pepperoni that gets ultra-crispy while baking, and the signature touch - locally made Galati cheese that's shredded extra-thick and piled on generously. Local institutions like Arcata, OG Pizza, Krusty's and others have perfected this style since the 1950s.

Other Regional Canadian Pizza Variations Worth Traveling For

Beyond these well-known varieties, Regina, Saskatchewan has developed a regional pizza culture centered around Greek-owned pizzerias serving pies loaded with thick-cut ingredients and generous amounts of meat. Meanwhile, in Atlantic Canada, "Halifax donair pizza" has become a late-night staple, featuring spiced ground beef, a sweet garlicky sauce, and diced onions and tomatoes - inspired by the city's famous donair sandwiches.

For adventurous pizza enthusiasts, Montreal's "all-dressed" pizza (toute garnie) offers a uniquely Québécois take, typically featuring a combination of pepperoni, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, often with signature local ingredients like Quebec-made mozzarella and distinctive spiced pepronni that you won't find elsewhere.

Your Pizza Passport: A Guy's Guide to Global Pizza Excellence

While Naples may be pizza's birthplace and cities like Tokyo and São Paulo offer exciting international interpretations, the United States remains an incredible wonderland of pizza creativity. From New York's legendary slices to Chicago's deep dish, every region offers something unique - including hidden gems like Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph, Michigan.

There, you'll find their innovative "pizza of the month" program and everyday favorites like my go-to ... UJ's Sunburst, a surprisingly delicious combination of fresh asparagus, squash, zucchini, sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. It's unexpected discoveries like this that make pizza pilgrimages to places like St. Joseph, Michigan so rewarding as a guys trip, especially when paired with a frosty 18-oz schooner of local Michigan craft beer and a Lake Michigan beach view.

Whether you're exploring traditional pizzerias in Naples or discovering your new favorite slice in an unexpected place like St. Joe, the global pizza scene offers endless opportunities for guys to combine great food, cold beer, and memorable travel experiences. So, get ready to pack your appetite and an open mind - your perfect pizza adventure awaits.