Best Pizza Places in Salt Lake City: 7 Must-Try Locations

Pizza is more than just a meal, it's a universal comfort food that brings people together and creates lasting memories. While Salt Lake City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of great pizza, the city's diverse culinary scene has given rise to some remarkable pizzerias that rival those found in more traditionally renowned pizza cities. From authentic Neapolitan-style establishments to creative modern interpretations, Salt Lake City's pizza landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, reflecting both the city's growing sophistication as a food destination and its ability to attract talented chefs who bring their own interpretations of this beloved dish to the Mountain West. Whether you're craving a classic Margherita, seeking innovative toppings, or hunting for the perfect New York-style slice, Salt Lake City's pizzerias offer something for every palate and preference.

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1. The Pie Pizzeria

A campus favorite turned city-wide sensation, serving up thick, cheese-laden pizzas since 1980!

📍 1320 E 200 S | University District | thepie.com

The Pie Pizzeria stands as a testament to Salt Lake City's unique contribution to pizza culture, having evolved from a humble campus hangout to a beloved institution that defines the local pizza scene. Since opening its underground location near the University of Utah in 1980, The Pie has created its own distinctive style that sets it apart from traditional pizza categories. The subterranean setting, with its graffiti-covered walls and dim lighting, creates an atmosphere that's as much a part of the experience as the food itself.

What truly distinguishes The Pie is their signature approach to pizza-making, characterized by thick, chewy crusts and an overwhelming abundance of cheese that creates the legendary "cheese pulls" they're famous for. Their sauce recipe, carefully guarded over decades, strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, complementing their generous toppings perfectly. Signature creations like the "Holy Shiitake" showcase their mastery of mushroom-laden combinations, while innovative options like the "Vegan Thai Pie" demonstrate their willingness to experiment with unique flavor profiles. The ApocalyptDough, available by request, has developed its own cult following among heat-seekers.

“Can't go wrong eating underground in a NY style restaurant. This place is always a cool staple. The pizzas are huge and tasty. Love the chicken bacon ranch. Cool artwork, being a sharpy and sign the walls.” -Yelp Review

2. Este Pizza

Brooklyn-style slices that transport you straight to New York with every bite!

📍 156 E 200 S | Downtown | estepizzaco.com

Este Pizza has established itself as Salt Lake City's premier destination for authentic New York-style pizza, bringing a genuine taste of Brooklyn to the Intermountain West. Located in the heart of downtown, Este has mastered the delicate art of creating thin-crust pizzas that capture the essence of East Coast pizza-making traditions while incorporating subtle touches that reflect their Utah home. The restaurant's minimalist, no-frills atmosphere allows the focus to remain squarely on the quality of their pies.

The secret to Este's success lies in their meticulous attention to the fundamentals of great pizza-making. Their dough, made fresh daily and aged to develop complex flavors, achieves the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness that defines authentic New York pizza. The sauce, made from carefully selected tomatoes and a precise blend of herbs, provides the ideal foundation for their high-quality cheese blend. Beyond their traditional offerings, Este has earned acclaim for innovative creations like their "Green Stripe" pizza, which features a distinctive pesto drizzle. Their commitment to inclusivity shines through in their vegan options, which have gained recognition for their ability to satisfy even dedicated meat-lovers.

“Their pie is always right. Perfect thinness, delicious pepperoni, and the amount of cheese is perfection. I never feel skimped out on the toppings.” -Yelp Review

3. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

Authentic Neapolitan pizza certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana!

📍 260 S 200 W | Downtown | settebello.net

As Salt Lake City's premier destination for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana represents the pinnacle of traditional Italian pizza-making in Utah. This establishment's dedication to authenticity is evidenced by their certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, a designation that requires strict adherence to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making methods. The restaurant's elegant yet welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect setting for experiencing these meticulously crafted pies.

Every aspect of Settebello's operation reflects their unwavering dedication to authenticity, from their imported Italian ingredients to their carefully maintained wood-fired ovens that reach temperatures of 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Their pizzaioli undergo rigorous training to master the art of Neapolitan pizza-making, learning to create the characteristic thin center and puffy, charred crust that defines this style.

“Quick and delicious… Definitely the best place I ate at the entire week I was at SLC.” -Yelp Review

4. Maxwell's

A slice of New Jersey in Salt Lake City, complete with attitude and amazing pizza!

📍 1456 Newpark Blvd | Park City | maxwellsut.com

Maxwell's has successfully captured the essence of an authentic New Jersey pizzeria in downtown Salt Lake City, creating a vibrant space where great pizza meets sports bar energy. This establishment has mastered the delicate balance between maintaining East Coast pizza traditions and adapting to local tastes, resulting in a dining experience that feels both authentic and accessible. The lively atmosphere, complete with multiple TVs showing sports and a full bar, creates an environment that's perfect for everything from casual dinners to game day celebrations.

The pizza at Maxwell's stands out for its technical excellence and generous portions. Their dough recipe, perfected over years of experimentation, produces a crust that achieves the ideal balance between crispiness and chewiness that East Coast pizza enthusiasts crave. 

“Are you looking for excellent pizza and pasta? Look no further. This might be the best pizza not only in Park City but one of the best I've ever had. The crust is phenomenal and the sauce is perfectly paired with the cheese and toppings. ” -Yelp Review

5. Pie Hole

Late-night slices that satisfy both your cravings and your wallet!

📍 344 S State St | Downtown | pieholeutah.com

In the landscape of Salt Lake City's pizza scene, Pie Hole has carved out a unique niche as the go-to destination for quality late-night slices served with a side of alternative culture. This downtown establishment has perfected the art of creating New York-style pizza that satisfies both traditional pizza lovers and those seeking something different. The space itself, decorated with local artwork and maintained with a decidedly punk rock aesthetic, creates an atmosphere that's as much about the experience as it is about the food.

What sets Pie Hole apart is their ability to maintain high quality while keeping prices reasonable and hours late. Their pizza strikes an impressive balance between traditional techniques and creative innovation, with a rotating selection of daily specials that keep regulars coming back to try new combinations. The dough, made fresh daily, creates a crust that's thin yet sturdy enough to hold their generous toppings. Their potato bacon slice has achieved legendary status among local pizza enthusiasts, demonstrating their ability to think outside the traditional pizza box while still delivering satisfying results. The vegan options are particularly noteworthy, created with the same attention to flavor and texture as their traditional offerings.

“Still the best slice for 100 miles - always delivering a reliably greasy crunchy delicious slice of pizza at a decent price!” -Yelp Review

6. From Scratch

Artisanal pizzas where everything, including the flour, is made in-house!

📍 62 E Gallivan Ave | Downtown | fromscratchslc.com

From Scratch has elevated the concept of artisanal pizza-making to new heights in Salt Lake City, distinguishing itself through an unprecedented commitment to in-house production of key ingredients. This establishment has taken the farm-to-table movement several steps further by milling their own flour, a process that creates distinctive crusts with depth of flavor and texture impossible to achieve with commercial products. The restaurant's modern, open design allows diners to witness the care and craftsmanship that goes into every aspect of their pizza production.

Their approach to pizza-making begins with the fundamentals: their house-milled flour blend, created through careful experimentation to achieve the perfect protein content and texture for pizza dough. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of their operation, from their house-made mozzarella to their carefully crafted sauce variations. The wood-fired oven adds another layer of complexity to their pies, creating perfectly charred crusts that showcase the unique qualities of their fresh-milled flour. Their seasonal menu changes reflect both their commitment to using the freshest available ingredients and their creative approach to pizza-making. While some might consider their prices higher than average, the quality of ingredients and level of craftsmanship justify the cost.

“This restaurant is absolutely amazing! The service, the food and the atmosphere were all great! This place is located in downtown SLC.” -Yelp Review

7. Rusted Sun Pizzeria

A hidden gem serving creative pies in a cozy neighborhood setting!

📍 2010 S State St | Liberty Wells | rusted-sun-pizzeria.res-menu.com

Rusted Sun Pizzeria has earned its reputation as one of Salt Lake City's hidden gems through years of consistent quality and creative innovation in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. This neighborhood establishment proves that exceptional pizza doesn't require fancy surroundings or extensive marketing, just a dedication to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere reflects their approach to pizza-making: comfortable and familiar, yet capable of surprising and delighting customers with unexpected combinations.

Their success lies in their ability to balance traditional pizza-making techniques with creative flavor combinations that push conventional boundaries without becoming gimmicky. The crust, neither too thin nor too thick, provides the perfect foundation for both classic and innovative topping combinations. Their "Mediterranean" pizza is a fan favorite, with its green olives and feta shows their ability to execute international flavor profiles while maintaining the essential appeal of great pizza. What truly sets Rusted Sun apart is their consistency and the friendly, knowledgeable staff that creates an environment where regulars feel at home.

“I would give it 6 stars if I could! There is no exaggeration here. It is one of my favorite pizzas of all time! It is so fresh, with plenty of cheese, a sweet yet flavorful sauce, and lots of toppings. The service was attentive, even intuitive, to my high soda consumption. I love the local artwork on the walls, showing how they are in tune with the community.” -Yelp Review

Discover Your Perfect Slice of Pizza in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City's pizza scene has evolved into a rich tapestry of styles and flavors that reflect both traditional pizza-making heritage and contemporary culinary innovation. From The Pie's iconic underground location serving cheese-laden comfort food to Settebello's strict adherence to Neapolitan traditions, each establishment contributes its own unique perspective to the city's pizza landscape. These seven distinctive pizzerias demonstrate that great pizza can be found in unexpected places, each offering their own interpretation of this beloved dish. Whether you're seeking authentic Neapolitan craftsmanship, East Coast-style slices, or innovative combinations that push the boundaries of traditional pizza, Salt Lake City's pizzerias promise an exceptional dining experience that rivals those found in cities with much longer pizza-making traditions.