Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Louisville’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 16 places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
From humble beginnings, Danny Mac’s has become a LOU favorite.
Photo courtesy @thelouguru
Local Legends
Danny Mac’s, Clifton
Located in the courtyard of the Mellwood Art Center, Danny Mac’s started as a small operation inside the AmVet Post No. 9 in Germantown before opening this shop in 2016. If you want a frosty brew to go along with your ‘za, you don’t have to go far — Butchertown Brewing is right next door.
Impellizzeri’s, 4 locations
Impellizzeri’s has been dishing out what it calls “Louisville style pizza” since the late 1970s, but decades later it still reigns supreme. In 2023, Reader’s Digest named the restaurant not just the best pizza in Louisville, but in all of Kentucky.
Pizza Lupo, Butchertown
Founded in 2017, this Butchertown operation’s wood-fired Neopolitan offerings was named the best crust in Derby City by our readers in 2022. Its most popular pie, Sting Like a Bee, pays homage to “The Greatest” and features Detroit-style pepperoni cups and hot honey.
Spinelli’s, 4 locations
Get a slice or a whole pie at (almost) any hour of the day from this pizzeria. Spinelli’s has perhaps the largest slices in town — they’re served on two paper plates each. Plus, if you dine-in at the Highlands location, you can sit in an old-fashioned sports car. Bonus: If you find yourself in need of more late-night eats, check out our guide.
Fancier Fare
Bar Vetti, NuLu
Located on the first floor of the AC Hotel, Bar Vetti might seem like a suave spot to sip a cocktail but its menu also offers six pizzas, including a mushroom and artichoke pie with marscapone and locally farmed fungi.
Sarino, Schnitzelburg
Home to one of the sleekest outdoor patios in Derby City, Sarino offers the full repertoire of Italian fare, including a Margherita pie with buffalo mozzarella. Bonus: All Sarino’s pies are available gluten free.
Porcini, Crescent Hill
You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to Tuscany when you step into this Frankfort Avenue restaurant. The menu includes three pizzas along with its other Florentine-style fare, like pranza and ensalata.
Wheated, Highlands
The original Wheated is in Brooklyn, NY, but the second location is right here in Derby City. Pair your sourdough crust pizza with a meatball starter or a seasonal cocktail.
The Post offers classic New York-style slices until midnight, but don’t sleep on their monthly specials.
Photo courtesy @mydailybourbon
Think outside the pizza box
The Post, Germantown + Highlands
This late-night spot, which dishes out New York-style slices until midnight, is known for its specialty pies — like the New Dill with ranch dressing + pickles.
Parlour, 6 locations
You wouldn’t guess that this local chain started across the river in Indiana when you look at its menu. Parlour’s Hot Brown pizza is positively Louisville, taking after the city’s culinary icon.
PizzaAF, Germantown
Part of a complex that also features BreakfastAF, BakedAF, and Hauck’s Corner, Pizza AF serves specialties and build-your-own pies, plus sandwiches and calzones. If the weather’s right, you can enjoy your ‘za on the outdoor patio + grab a beer from Hauck’s for the perfect pairing.
Wick’s, 3 locations
Wick’s has been a local staple since 1991, but just because it is a Louisville classic doesn’t mean it solely sticks to the classics. Try the Mexican pizza, which is topped with chorizo and bacon.
“The Bardstown” is just one of the locally-inspired pizza names at Coal’s Artisan Pizza.
Photo courtesy @loufoodreviews
Brick oven-style
Mozzapi, 3 locations
If you find yourself kneading more at Mozzapi, the business also sells bread and pastries, all made in the same artisan style as the pizza.
Coal’s Artisan Pizza, St. Matthews + Middletown
Want a flavor that tastes like home? Coal’s offers 17 pies, all named after Louisville neighborhoods and landmarks. Is it wrong if your favorite isn’t the place where you live?
Mac’s at Mile Wide, Irish Hill
There’s no need to investigate how the sausage (pizza) is made at Mac’s — the brick oven greets you the moment you walk in the door at Mile Wide Beer Co. The counter is conveniently located just steps from the bar, too.
Locals Food Hub and Pizza, Smoketown
You can get a meal + ingredients for the week at this combo pizza pub/grocery store. You can really keep it local by ordering the Kentucky Hot Brown, featuring pulled chicken and local bacon on a mornay sauce base.
We know, this is just a piece of the pie. If your favorite place to get pizza wasn’t mentioned, let us know so we can show it some love in the future.
