Pizza from the Salty Pig
Boston may not be as famous for its pizza as New York or Chicago, but our chefs sure know how to hang with the big guys.
From Sicilian old-timers who embrace tradition, to new wood-fired pie makers that experiment with toppings, we have talented pizza pros who work hard to bring us tasty dough and delicious slices.
Next time you crave some cheesy bites, book a table at one of these nine classic pizzerias and full-service restaurants ASAP. From meat-lover pies to margheritas and everything in between, these are our favorite pizza spots in Boston.
See also: 5 Best Breweries in Boston
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187 Elm St. / Website
Davis Square is calling, and Neapolitan-style pizzas are waiting for you in a classy and cozy Italian atmosphere. Go for a traditional Margherita or prosciutto pizza, but if you're feeling experimental, we suggest the apple pizza, made with applewood smoked bacon, golden delicious apple, roasted brussels sprouts, maple syrup, mozzarella and parmesan.
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253 Shawmut Ave. / Website
The South End’s comforting, small-town atmosphere makes it the perfect neighborhood for Coppa, a wood-fired pizza restaurant led by star chef Jamie Bissonnette. From toppings like Calabrian sausage to spicy, dry-aged salami, his charcuterie skills clearly set this menu apart. End the evening with a nice cocktail in the street-corner patio. The fruity Rum Punch is a solid pick.
See also: The 8 Best Italian Restaurants in Boston
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513 Tremont St. / Website
This South End eatery offers refreshing takes on the classics. Try a scrumptious Mushroom Conserva & Brie pizza with caramelized onions and arugula, or go for heartwarming goodness with the Alsatian; a combination of sauteed onions, shallots, garlic, crème fraîche, bacon and gruyere. To be sure, Picco’s appeal doesn’t stop at its excellent pies. The restaurant’s ice cream and sorbets, made from scratch and frozen in-house, are one of its greatest hits.
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90 Sherman St. / Website
Visit this Cambridge trattoria for an authentic Italian experience. The full-service restaurant offers delicious pizza, including their Capricciosa with hot salami, mushrooms and sheep ricotta, as well as tasty entrees. Don’t miss out on the melanzane parmigiana, slow-cooked eggplant parmigiana, and the ceci made of chickpea fritters with prosciutto, stracciatella cheese, figs and balsamic glaze.
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111 Chelsea St.; 71 Newbury St. / Website
The family-owned and operated Boston landmark has been serving well-charred pizza since 1933. The secret to their longevity is in the taste, and there’s nothing better than trying a Santarpio's original pie for yourself. Our favorite? The Works: a combination of mushrooms, onions, peppers, garlic, sausage, pepperoni, cheese and anchovies.
See also: 8 Best Chicken Wings in Boston
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310 Massachusetts Ave. / Website
Pagu Chef and owner Tracy Chang is one of Boston’s most talented pizza innovators. Many of us have tried experimenting with pizza-making from home, but Chang’s Japanese approach is simply on another level. Enjoy a mushroom pizza with fino sherry, tamari, caramelized onion, ricotta cheese, cheese blend and house-made red and romesco sauce; or go for the unique squid ink calamari pizza with house-made hot sauce and pickled Basque peppers. The heartwarming story behind Chang’s work is yet another reason to support her cuisine. The chef’s fondest childhood memories are those from her immigrant grandmother’s Japanese restaurant in Cambridge. She found inspiration in her hard work and gracious hospitality, and now, she keeps the food story of her family going strong.
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Various locations / Website
The legendary North End spot has grown quite a lot since its foundation in 1926. The Polcari family now sells its wonders all around the city in kiosks, but nothing compares to standing in line at the original, convivial Thacher Street location. Trust us, the wait is worth it. For a taste of classic brick-oven pizza, try the Giambotta pizza topped with pepperoni, Regina sausage, salami, mushrooms, peppers, onions, Mozzarella cheese and anchovies. The Sausage Cacciatore pizza is another fantastic hit.
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130 Dartmouth St. / Website
Charcuterie fans will find a second home in the Back Bay’s restaurant. Salty Pig’s wood-grilled pizzas take charcuterie toppings very seriously. The start of the menu is definitely the Salty Pig pizza; made with pig parts, arugula, mustard and pale ale caramel - but don't stop there. Let yourself be tempted by an Arrabbiata with TSP sausage, roasted shallot pepperonata, mozzarella and oregano.
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289 Causeway St. / Website
North End pizza comes in all shapes and sizes. So what’s Ducali’s specialty? The pizza-centric bar offers great service and even better pies. Start dinner with fine antipasti before digging into a Melanzane pizza topped with grilled eggplant, crushed tomato, stracciatella cheese and mozzarella. If you’re a meat lover, the Porcellini pizza will satisfy all your cravings and more with sausage, salami, pancetta, mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Photography by: Boston Globe
