Looking to grab a slice of pizza and not sure where the best pizza in Milwaukee is? We are Milwaukee locals and know the best Milwaukee pizza spots in the city. Sorry, Tripadvisor (and similar websites), locals who have actually live here and eaten at these restaurants know what’s up.
We’ve put together our list of where we truly believe the best pizza in Milwaukee can be found. Some of these Milwaukee pizza places we’ve grown up eating at, and others are new to the Milwaukee restaurant scene but serve up a great slice!
1. Transfer Pizza – Adam’s pick for the Best Pizza in Milwaukee
The unique menu at Milwaukee’s Transfer Pizza is guaranteed to delight garlic lovers across the country. They make a great basic garlic pizza (cheese with garlic cream sauce), and they also have a wide range of other garlic-themed pies, like roasted potato chicken, garlic salami, and artichokes.
Although Transfer Pizza is worth visiting just for the variety of garlic pizzas, it might not be the best place to take a romantic date unless you’ve stocked your pockets with gum and mints. In that case, you’d be better off with one of their more traditional pizza styles. You can order the basics like Hawaiian, Veggie, or Deluxe. On the other hand, you could opt for one of their gourmet toppings like Pollo Verde (chicken with feta and pesto), Carne Amore (sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and salami), or Thai Chicken (chicken with cilantro and creamy peanut sauce).
- Address: 101 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee
- Price Range: $10 – $15
- Delivery available
- Gluten-free crust options
2. Pizza Man
A staple in Milwaukee for over 50 years, Pizza Man is a great choice for anyone craving cheesy, carby goodness. Indulge in unique flavors like the Topher (pickled jalapenos, cream cheese, and pepper honey) and the Purple Pig (porchetta, goat cheese, and fried basil), or try their pizza of the month. You can also order their Hometown Heroes Pizza, from which all proceeds go towards a summer camp for children and siblings of fallen US service members.
If you have something particular in mind, Pizza Man also allows you to create your own pizza inventions. From the cheese, sauce, toppings, and even the crust (there’s a crispy cauliflower crust for all the vegan diners out there), you can customize the pizza of your dreams. They also have an impressive selection of wine and beer to help you wash everything down.
We loved their original location on North Ave, but sadly that burned down many years ago. They are now serving up the same great Milwaukee pizza at their other two locations.
- Locations
- Milwaukee Location Address: 2597 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee
- Wauwatosa Location Address: 11500 West Burleigh St, Wauwatosa
- Price Range: $13 – $17
- Delivery available
- Gluten-free crust options
3. Zaffiro’s
Pizza is just one of the many options that Zaffiro’s has on its extensive menu. This classic Italian restaurant also serves delicious seafood, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. Although you won’t find any strange topping combinations like other modern Milwaukee pizza joints, Zaffiro’s pizza is still considered the best pizza in Milwaukee by locals. Sometimes, the original flavors are the best.
When you visit Zaffiro’s, you might want to take advantage of their weekly specials, like any large 2-topping pizza on Mondays for $11, Buy One, Get One Half Off Tuesdays, or their discounted bottles on Wine Wednesday. Come on Sunday and enjoy the Sunday Family Meal Deal, which includes two pizzas, an order of garlic bread, and a 2-liter bottle of soda for just $30.
Zaffiro’s has been serving up some of the best pizza in Milwaukee since 1954!
- Address: 1724 N Farwell, Ave, Milwaukee
- Delivery available
- Price Range: $13 – $20
- Gluten-free crust options
Related Article: Best Burgers in Milwaukee
4. Lisa’s Pizza
This old-school pizza parlor has been serving up mouthwatering pies to the Milwaukee community since 1960, so you know they are one of the best. You can order classic favorites like veggie, deluxe, or meat lover’s pizza. You can also make your own pizza and add special toppings like white sauce, minced garlic, or even handmade sausage that’s made right in the restaurant.
In addition to the pizza menu, Lisa’s also has plenty of other Italian and American dishes on the menu. Some of the fan favorites include the Manicotti, Chicken Cacciatore, and more than four different types of ravioli and spaghetti with meatballs.
- Address: 2961 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee
- Delivery available
- Price Range: $10 – $15
- Gluten-free crust options
5. Ian’s Pizza – Hannah’s pick for the Best Pizza in Milwaukee
This delicious pizza chain has three different locations around the Milwaukee area, which means you’re never too far from one of the best pizzas in the city. They have an astounding selection of pizzas for meat addicts, vegetarians, and even vegans that can be ordered as a whole pie or served as single slices. When you visit Ian’s, you can rest easy knowing that everyone in your group will have something to make their mouths water.
While there are many options on the menu to tempt your tastebuds, do yourself a favor and order the Mac n’ Cheese pizza. This is Ian’s number one selling pizza, which is topped with cream, mozzarella, cheddar, and macaroni noodles! However, we can also recommend the buffalo chicken pizza, the cheesy potato with ranch, or the drunken ravioli with vodka sauce. Oh and grab a bag of puppy chow at the register too. Who doesn’t love puppy chow?
When I worked downtown, this was one of my go-to lunch spots in Downtown Milwaukee.
- Locations
- Milwaukee Eastside Location: 2035 E. North Ave, Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Downtown Location: 146 E. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee
- Wauwatosa Location: 5300 W. Bluemound Rd, Wauwatosa
- Delivery available
- Price Range: $15 – $30
- Gluten-free crust options
6. Fixture Pizza Pub
This comforting and cozy pub is guaranteed to be your home away from home. The warm atmosphere of Fixture Pizza Pub is almost as famous as the delicious pies themselves. Try the Fat Daddy’s (sausage, pepperoni, bacon, meatball, and ground beef), the Great Lakes Distillery (pepperoni and cream cheese), or Walker’s Pint (taco sauce, ground beef, crushed tortilla, and sour cream).
Fixture Pizza also serves a mean meatball parm sandwich as well as some of the crispiest chicken wings in the city. Don’t forget to order one of their ice-cold beers on tap to wash everything down.
- Address: 623 S 2nd St. Milwaukee
- Price Range: $20 – $30
- Gluten-free crust options
Related Article: Things to do in Milwaukee
7. Classic Slice Bayview
Giant pizza slices, gooey calzones, and old-school arcade games – what else do you need? You can devour gourmet pizza slices at this ultra-hip joint while playing a round of Pac-Man or Donkey Kong. It’s a fun place to go, whether you’re with kids or even if you’re a kid at heart! Come for lunch and enjoy a discounted pizza deal or the ever-changing pizza slice deal of the day.
Besides your go-to flavors like cheese and pepperoni, Classic Slice also has a unique mix of toppings for every type of palette. Many of their ingredients are locally sourced from small, organic vendors right here in Wisconsin.
Switch things up, add cheese curds or feta, or top your pizza with house-made meatballs, curry sauce, or spiced chicken. You can also opt for a gluten-free crust and choose between a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly toppings (curried tofu, soy cheese, and vegan pesto) for any non-meat eaters. If you’re still feeling hungry after pizza, you can always order a basket of their cheesy mashed potatoes, breadsticks, or buffalo balls.
- Address: 2797 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
- Price Range: $5 – $10
- Delivery Available
- Gluten-free crust options
8. Maria’s Pizza – Recently Closed
If you like your pizza thin, crispy, and larger than your plate, then make sure you stop by Maria’s Pizza. They’ve been delighting customers with some of the best pizza in Milwaukee since 1957.
Fresh out of the oven, these pizzas are served on a giant square sheet pan, so make sure to come with a group (or at least with an empty stomach). Toppings are limited to cheese, pepperoni, and sausage, but we guarantee they are made with some of the best ingredients you can find in the state.
When you dine at Maria’s, you can enjoy pizza the same way that your parents and grandparents did. Most visitors who have visited over the years swear that the melted cheese and crispy crust bring back childhood memories of eating here in the past.
Although Maria no longer owns the place, her daughter Crivello has since taken over, so it has remained in the family. Even to this day, not much has changed (including their ability to take credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash on you).
- Address: 5025 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee
- Price Range: $5 – $10
9. Calendrone Club
Another top contender for best thin-crust pizza goes to the Calendrone Club. Their crispy, Neapolitan-style recipe has been the same since 1945 and has won multiple awards since its opening. This recipe has been passed down from owner to owner because if something is this tasty, why change it?
While their menu isn’t as extensive as other places on this list, you can count on the traditional flavors like the Margherita and Veggie. One of the most popular choices is the Calendrone Works, which comes with authentic Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers.
Although Caldendrone club is famous for their pizza, they do have other Italian dishes on the menu to order as well. Start with a basket of their award-winning fried eggplants, choose between Linguine alla Pescatore or Veal Piccata, and end the meal with a slice of traditional tiramisu.
- Address: 842 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee
- Price Range: $15 – $30
Related Article: Best Breweries in Milwaukee
10. Balistreri’s
Milwaukee has some amazing Italian restaurants, and Balistreri’s is no exception. Their multi-page menu consists of every delectable Italian dish you can imagine, from Risotto Quattro Fungi and Ravioli Al’ Amatriciana to Baked Italian Cod and Veal Scaloppini. However, we recommend ordering off their pizza menu and sinking your teeth into the gooey, cheesy, mouthwatering flavors they have on offer.
The menu consists of a few specials, like The Works, Veggie, and Anchovy Heaven. They also have a list of gourmet pizza options, including Pesto Shrimp, Chicken Alfredo, and White Pizza with garlic butter and goat cheese. For those with a big appetite, you can ask for extra sauce or gourmet crust at no extra charge. Or you can try the Everything but the Kitchen Sink Pizza, which comes with sausage, pepperoni, anchovies, and a plethora of fresh veggies.
- Locations
- Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn Location: 6501 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee
- Balistreri’s Italian/American Ristorante Location: 812 N 68th St, Wauwatosa
- Price Range: $20 – $30
- Gluten-free crust options
11. Ned’s
Not much has changed at Ned’s since they first opened their doors in 1969. This historic pizza joint has been in the same location, with the same management, using the same traditional recipe that they did from the opening day. Since then, Ned’s has built up a cult following from locals, as well as tourists who travel worldwide to try their delicious thin-crust pizza.
When it comes to fresh ingredients, Ned’s doesn’t cut any corners. Their pizza dough and sauce are made fresh every day, and their cheese is all locally sourced from Wisconsin farmers. You’ll find classic favorites like cheese and mushroom, pepperoni, and BBQ chicken, although all pizzas can be customized with toppings of your choice.
On Monday, you can get a pizza with green peppers and onions at no extra charge, while you can get a discounted pizza, garlic bread, and soda combination for a discounted price. You should also come by during their lunch hours for their daily lunch special and garlic bread combo.
- Address: 3246 South 27th Street, Milwaukee
- Price Range: $13 – $35
- Delivery Available
Related Article: 3 Days in Milwaukee Guide
12. Dom & Phil DeMarinis
The pizza at Dom & Phil DeMarinis is worth your visit in itself, although the view from the dining room, lounge, and bar aren’t too shabby either. You can enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Milwaukee skyline while you indulge in a hand-tossed, thin-crust pizza with all your favorite toppings.
Choose from classic toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms, or opt for their signature Steak Pizza, which comes with mozzarella cheese, tenderloin steak, red onions, mushrooms, and red peppers.
In addition to their pizza menu, Dom & Phil DeMarinis also serves a variety of fried appetizers (mozzarella sticks, fried ravioli, crispy buffalo wings), sandwiches (breaded chicken parmigiana, pork chop sandwich, sausage sandwich), and pasta (ravioli, lasagna, linguine).
Come on Friday and take part in their Friday Fish Fry, which comes with coleslaw, fries, soup, or potato pancakes. Mixing both Italian and local Wisconsin flavors, Dom & Phil DeMarinis is guaranteed to be one of the tastiest and most memorable meals you’ll have in Milwaukee.
- Address: 1211 E Conway Street, Milwaukee
- Price Range: $10-20
Are you a Milwaukee local and think we forgot one of the best pizza in Milwaukee spots or a Milwaukee pizza restaurant that thinks they deserve a spot in our article? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!