Detroit takes pizza seriously, and these local favorites prove the Motor City knows exactly how to turn dough, sauce and cheese into something unforgettable.
LessMad Nice brings a stylish, Italian-inspired vibe to Midtown Detroit, with coastal touches, mid-century design and a lively dining room. Pizza is the main attraction. The square pie topped with tomato, basil and wild oregano keeps things classic, while the truffle version leans a little more indulgent. The menu doesn’t stop at pizza either. You’ll also find pasta like rigatoni ragout, plus stacked open-faced bagels and sandwiches if you’re in the mood to branch out.
Mootz Pizzeria + Bar feels like a classic pizza parlor with a little extra style. Kick things off with Nonna Meatballs topped with ricotta or a basket of buttery garlic knots before getting to the main event, New York-style pizza. Cheese lovers should order the Holy Cheesus, stacked with mozzarella, fontina, parmigiana, romano and pecorino. If you want something less traditional, try the Juliet with prosciutto, gorgonzola, green onions and balsamic glaze.
Michigan & Trumbull Pizza is a family-owned Corktown favorite known for its take on classic Detroit-style pies. The Packard Pepperoni is a standout, topped with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, pickled chiles and a drizzle of housemade “haute” honey. Prefer something without red sauce? The Woodward White layers baked ricotta, lemon zest, garlic oil and red pepper flakes. There’s even a solid vegan option with the Vernor Vegan, topped with almond romesco, roasted tomato and garlic.
Ottava Via feels like a cozy neighborhood trattoria, with red brick walls, antiques and a fireplace that adds to the warm, rustic vibe. Pizza is a highlight here. The short rib pie comes topped with Tuscan-braised beef, provolone, onions and pepperonata, while the Funghi loads up portabella, cremini and shiitake mushrooms with Tartofu cheese. Round things out with roasted broccolini or calamari and a glass of Sicilian Sangria with cabernet, limoncello and citrus.
Pizza and beer run the show at Elephant & Co., and the dough even gets a boost from Eastern Market Brewing Co.’s Wunderboi Kölsch. Sure, you’ll find the classics like margherita and spicy pepperoni, but the fun starts with the specialty pies. The Scapegoat mixes pears, roasted garlic, dill, goat cheese and hot honey for a sweet-savory combo that somehow just works. Or go big with Elote Returns, loaded with chorizo, street corn, jalapeño, cotija and Wisconsin brick cheese.
No fancy gimmicks here, just a solid neighborhood spot where pizza shares the spotlight with burgers, shawarma and chicken. The chicken bacon ranch pie is a local go-to, while the From the Sea pizza piles shrimp over a creamy white sauce. Feeling hungry? Order the loaded beef shawarma fries. And whatever you do, don’t leave without the giant cookie. It’s warm, massive and absolutely worth saving room for.
The bright red building is your first clue that Pie Sci likes to do things differently. The menu leans playful, with pizzas that sound a little wild but totally deliver. The BLT pie stacks bacon, mozzarella, spring mix, cherry tomatoes and herb mayo over garlic oil. Then there’s the Shellraiser, a comfort-food mashup topped with nacho cheese, pasta shells, bacon and breadcrumbs. Finish with Evil Bread, their deep-dish cinnamon sticks with vegan glaze.
Flamz keeps things relaxed with wood-fired pizzas and plenty of ways to build your own. The BBQ chicken pie is a favorite, stacked with smoky sauce, white cheddar, bacon and red onion. Seafood fans might lean toward the creamy white sauce pizza topped with crab, shrimp and spinach. Wings come out saucy and messy in the best way. Not in a pizza mood? The Italian sub piled with ham, salami and mozzarella does the trick.
Toss & Sauce brings big Detroit energy and plenty of personality to the pizza game. The signature pies are where things get interesting. The Yo Peezy!! tops white sauce with smoked salmon, capers and red onions, while the Shiggy Town throws pineapple, bacon, jalapeños and ranch drizzle into the mix. Order the T-Bone Honey Hittas on the side, crispy wings coated in hot honey that disappear fast once they hit the table.
Louis Pizza in Hazel Park has been quietly turning out Detroit-style classics for decades, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Expect thick, airy crust, loads of cheese and sweet tomato sauce spread right across the top. It’s simple, nostalgic and exactly what Detroit pizza should be. Can’t make it back soon? Grab a frozen pie to bake at home. They also serve Italian staples like lasagna, spaghetti and sausage sandwiches.