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 12 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, 3 locations
A Derby City staple, 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 won LEO Weekly’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Pizza in 2021 and 2022. Plus, our readers said it has the best crust in Derby City. It’s most popular pie, Sting Like a Bee, pays homage to “The Greatest” and features Detroit-style pepperoni cups and hot honey.
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 — like the Tommy’s Never Right — 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 Neopolitan pizzas.
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.
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, 3 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.
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 16 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. on Barret Avenue. The counter is conveniently located just steps from the bar, too.
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.
