Craving a slice? Stop by one of these local eateries for a variety of tasty pizzas.
Mistral's beef tenderloin pizza
Antico Forno Cucina a Legna
Nothing is lost in translation at this brick oven staple, whose name means “old oven, kitchen of wood.” Owner and North End-native Carla Afrippino-Gomes was the first to bring wood-burning brick-oven pizza to the neighborhood in 1996, and continues to serve up delectable pies to this day. Defined by rustic Southern Italian cuisine, Antico Forno won’t disappoint with standouts like the Il Gamberi pizza with smoked mozzarella, sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes and fresh arugula. 93 Salem St., 617.723.6733, anticofornoboston.com
Area Four
Executive chef Jeff Pond brings over a decade of Boston culinary experience and a cherished 14-year-old sourdough starter to this Cambridge pizzeria. Not only is Area Four’s pizza dough fermented for over 30 hours, but this spot has a focus on sustainable, local ingredients. The result of this attention to detail? Barack Obama once dropped by for a presidential pie: the Mushroom & Fontina, with mushroom sauce, pecorino and gremolata. 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, 617.758.4444, areafour.com
The Banks Fish House
You may not expect to find a newsworthy pizza at a seafood restaurant, but you’d be pleasantly surprised inside Back Bay’s The Banks Fish House. Inspired by New England’s lush history in fishing, navy blues and copper accents accentuate a hefty reliance on tiles to evoke a refined fish market aesthetic. The inventive flatbreads combine the renowned Italian dish with fresh seafood sourced from established local boats, producing flavorful creations like The Chowda: creme fraiche, smoked bacon, clams, potatoes and oyster crackers. 406 Stuart St., 617.399.0015, thebanksboston.com
Bricco Ristorante and Enoteca
With celebrated patrons, including Robert De Niro, Shaquelle O'Neal and Steven Tyler, this upscale restaurant’s client list speaks for itself. The luxurious atmosphere lays the foundation for a night of decadent pizza accompanied by an award-winning selection of European and California wines. For a real slice of Italy, try the Salsicce e Broccoli Rapa pizza with spicy Italian sausages, broccoli rabe and mozzarella. 241 Hanover St., 617.248.6800, bricco.com
Capo
A step inside Capo feels like entering a local eatery in Italy: wood-paneled ceilings match the carved wooden chairs with exposed brick walls and creative spherical lighting. Watch the cooking process of your Roman-style wood-fired pizza from your seat through the open-concept kitchen until mouthwatering pies like the black truffle pizza with caramelized onion, honey and fontina arrive at your table. 443 W Broadway, 617.993.8080, caposouthboston.com
Contessa
Underneath a glass dome atop The Newbury Boston hotel, this Mario Carbone eatery features commanding 360 views of Back Bay and The Boston Public Garden. Designed by Ken Fulk, the rooftop locale is the ideal backdrop for the Northern Italian trattoria menu. Wondrous sights are only matched by the exceptional flavors—the tasty vongole pizza has Calabrian cream and littleneck clams oreganata. 3 Newbury St., contessatrattoria.com
Coppa
From the minds of James Beard award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, Coppa brings modern Italian small plates and pizzas to the South End neighborhood. Another establishment dedicated to hand making their dishes with the finest ingredients, the wood-fired blistered pizza is packed with flavor. Start with the house charcuterie and a glass of wine before biting into one of the restaurant’s stellar pies like the N’duja, topped with tomato, spicy calabrian sausage, roasted eggplant, mozzarella, ricotta and oregano. 253 Shawmut Ave., 617.391.0902, coppaboston.com
Figs By Todd English
The owner behind this international brand, Todd English, boasts three James Beard Awards, and for good reason. The visionary’s authentic take on pizza originates from his culinary beginning in Italy, so don’t be alarmed––Figs’ pizzas are circular for a reason. It’s indicative of English’s authentic, precise dough-making process. For a one-of-a-kind slice, the Crispy Calamari Pizza with tomato sauce, hot cherry peppers, arugula salad, crispy calamari and lemon aioli won’t lead you astray. Multiple locations, 617.742.3447
La Famiglia Giorgio’s
Once simply Giorgio’s Pizzeria, the eatery has expanded into a full Roman cuisine experience, with traditional family-style dining reminiscent of Nonna’s in the old country. Their old-fashioned doctrine of generous portions means you’ll never leave the rustic interior unsatisfied. One of our favorites off the menu, which also notes gluten-free crust options, is the Abbondanza topped with meat sauce, prosciutto, Italian sausage, pepperoni and hot banana peppers. 112 Salem St., 617.367.6711, lafamigliagiorgios.com
Mistral
Serving up French Mediterranean cuisine inspired by France’s southern coastline, South End’s Mistral is a feast for the eyes and stomach. The decor feels like walking in Provence: hand-picked French pottery, high ceilings and arched floor to ceiling windows call to European sensibilities. Opened in 1997 by chef Jamie Mammano, the menu includes thin crust pizzas from the grill like the creative steak and potatoes pie: beef tenderloin, mashed potato, caramelized onion and white truffle oil. 223 Columbus Ave., 617.867.9300, mistralbistro.com
Regina Pizzeria
A North End classic, Regina Pizzeria has served the North End community for over three generations—nearly a century of quality pizza. The family-owned chain continues to cook up renowned pies with aged dough, natural sauce and whole milk mozzarella. With plenty of decadent options for a slice, try St. Anthony’s white pizza, topped with Regina’s sausage, roasted onions and peppers, more sausage links, parmesan, mozzarella, fresh basil and garlic sauce. Multiple locations, 617.227.0765, pizzeriaregina.com
Santarpio’s Pizza
Established in 1903 as a bakery, the Santarpio’s family restaurant has evolved over the 120 odd years into one of the most celebrated spots on the block, having won the award for best traditional pizza in Boston three years in a row. Their New York style-pizza is famously delectable—for a classic slice, order the Italian cheese with pepperoni, garlic and hot peppers pie. Multiple locations, 617.567.9871, santarpiospizza.com
Scampo
Located in The Liberty Hotel, this Beacon Hill restaurant was once part of the Charles Street Jail—trust us, the food is so good it should be illegal. Founded by boundary-pushing and James Beard award-winning chef Lydia Shire, the casual eatery features an Italian-inspired menu as limitless as its creator by incorporating elements of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Two shining options are the lobster pizza and the innovative potato pizza with tender spring leeks. 215 Charles St., 617.536.2100, scampoboston.com
Toscano
As you walk beneath the Ulla Darni painted chandeliers and stand on 100-year-old walnut flooring, you can almost breathe in the country air of Tuscany. Toscano remains true to its Tuscan heritage, replicating the vibrant cuisine by using aromatic olive oil, housemade pastas and sausages and a stone pizza oven. Grab a slice of the Funghi Di Bosco, topped with wild mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, thyme, tomato and olive oil, while sipping on a glass from the 1,000-bottle wine room. Multiple locations, 617.723.4090, toscanoboston.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Mistral
