Best Pizza in RVA: 2018 Edition

As you know by now, we are always looking for the best and brightest that Richmond has to offer, which naturally includes our original list of the Best Pizza Spots in RVA. However, when we made our list, we offered an extreme caveat: claiming that one place has better pizza than another place is like trying to say that one number is better than another. We all have our own idea of what makes the perfect pizza, from thick crust or thin, extra cheese or barely any, exotic toppings or classic pepperoni. For example, if you ask my kids where to find the best pizza, they’ll look for a box of Bagel Bites in the freezer. But they also think dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets count as a “special dinner,” so maybe they’re not the best ones to ask.

However, when it comes to claiming that Richmond has some of the country’s best pizza, regardless of your preferences…well, that we can say with confidence. In fact, Travel + Leisure did a survey of the cities with America’s favorite pizza and Richmond came in strong at #13. This is in no small part to places like Belmont Pizzeria and Bottom’s Up, both of which made our original list of favorites.

Clearly, with so many amazing places to choose from, five favorites just won’t cut it. So today, we’re bringing you another five of our favorite pizza places in the Richmond area. We picked our new favorites based on the following criteria:

1. Reasonable prices
2. A wide variety of options (so even your picky eaters will go home happy)
3. A variety of dining options (delivery, takeout, etc)
4. Overall ambiance and service

The following five Richmond pizza hot spots more than met our criteria and our taste tests.  Take a look at our favorites for 2018, and as always, let us know if there’s a pizza place you think should make the list! Drop us a line at cs@richmondmom.com

Picciotti’s Pizza

Not to keep harping on this point, but pizza IS subjective. So if you want a pizza place that gives you multiple options under one roof, Picciotti’s is going to be your new favorite. Featuring whole pizzas or pizza-by-the-slice, Picciotti’s offers Sicilian-style pizzas, Chicago-style thick crust pizzas, and gluten-free pizzas all on a single menu. This means that you can always find the perfect pie for everyone in the family, without having to sacrifice your own personal preferences. Plus, Picciotti’s doesn’t skimp on toppings, flavor, or freshness, giving you all the more reason to make this Henrico area favorite your new go-to for pizza.

Why we love them: This no-frills pizza joint is the perfect place to find fresh, hot pizza without breaking the bank. Add to that their impressive selection of sides, Stromboli, calzones, subs, salads, and more and you’ll find that there’s something for everyone, even if it’s not pizza. Featuring fast, friendly service and dine-in, take-out, and delivery options, Picciotti’s makes any meal a breeze – whether you’re feeding your family or a whole crowd. Oh…and did we mention that you can order take-out or delivery online? Easy, fast, fresh. If you ask us, Picciotti’s is a home run.

Type of Pizza: Sicilian, Chicago deep dish, gluten-free, whole or by-the-slice
Prices: $10.75 – $22.45
Dining Options: Dine-in, delivery or take-out
Location: 9039 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294
Phone: (804) 270-1411
See the full menu here.

JoJo’s Famous NY Pizza and Subs

Despite the cute-sounding name, the folks at JoJo’s take their pizza seriously—and it shows. Since 2000, JoJo’s has been serving up authentic New York-style pizzas (large slices with thin crust), along with a wide array of hot and cold subs, calzones, Stromboli, salads, and sides. But since it’s pizza we’re talking about today, know that JoJo’s offers all of the classic topping combos you might expect, with a few twists thrown in for good measure, like Barbecue Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, or Steak and Cheese. And while you shouldn’t expect anything fancy at this counter-service joint, come hungry, because the portions are large—and the prices are great.

Why we love them: We’ll say it again: pizza is subjective. But great service and a cool, neighborhood vibe is not. You either have it or you don’t. Fortunately, JoJo’s has both in abundance. Known for their quick turnaround and friendly staff, JoJo’s is one of the hottest lunch spots in downtown Richmond. With plenty of New York flair, but just the right amount of Richmond flavor, JoJo’s is the perfect place to grab a slice with the family or order a couple of pies to-go.

Type of Pizza: New York-style
Prices: Whole pies range from $11.50 (small cheese) up to $23.99 (specialty Sicilian-style); Pizza-by-the-slice combos (2 slices and a drink) – $6.99 and up; Subs – $6.99
Dining Options: Delivery ($25 minimum), dine-in, or take-out
Location: 1201 E. Main Street (Corner of 12th & Main), Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone: (804) 225-9600
See the full menu here.

8 ½

While the name doesn’t offer much in terms of description, the pizza speaks for itself. This small take-out-focused Italian market in the Fan serves up some of the city’s favorite pizzas, along with other Italian classics that deserve praise in their own right. But back to the pizza…by focusing on the freshest ingredients, 8 ½ always serves pizzas that are a cut above the rest. To ensure the best of the best when it comes to ingredients, they feature a daily menu that provides seasonal flavors and guaranteed freshness. But of course, pizza is not for everyone. I find that hard to believe, but if it happens that someone in your crew is not in the mood for pizza, rest assured that at 8 ½, you’ll have plenty of other options, including sandwiches, lasagnas, fresh homemade pasta and more. It’s a win-win, even when you have a picky crew.

Why we love them: 8 ½ may not have the largest menu or the widest range of options when it comes to pizza. But what they lack in menu size, they make up for in variety. Every day you can find new flavors, backed by freshness that can’t be beaten. Plus, even though they don’t deliver, their take-out style shop makes it easy to call ahead and pick up freshly made pizzas, or other Italian favorites, for the whole family. They don’t offer a website but be sure to check their daily menu options by visiting them on Facebook.

Type of Pizza: Thin crust; vegan options available
Prices: Check the daily menu for pricing.
Dining Options: Take-out
Location: 401 Strawberry Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 358-8505
See the full menu here.

Pupatella

If you’re wondering why this name sounds familiar, then perhaps you know the original Pupatella restaurant in Arlington. And perhaps you know that it has won multiple awards from national food publications, including being named some of the Best Pizza in America and the Best Pizza in Virginia. If you didn’t know any of this, then all you need to know is that Pupatella has opened their second location in Richmond—and it’s worth getting excited about. While we don’t normally feature “chains,” as it were, Pupatella is a Virginia original and with only two locations, they are quickly becoming a hometown Richmond favorite. At Pupatella’s you’ll find traditional, authentic Neopolitan pizzas made from recipes brought over by Enzo Algarme, a Naples native and Pupatella’s founder. All of their pizzas are cooked in an oven that is made from bricks containing ash from Mount Vesuvius and shipped directly from Italy. The result is a pizza like nothing you’ve tasted before, at least not on this side of the globe.

Why we love them: If you’re looking for pizza that offers something different, then Pupatella is just what you’re looking for. In addition to offering a cool Fan-worthy ambiance, their flavors are unmatched and their technique is about as true-to-tradition as you can get. Featuring hand-stretched, thin crusts, you can choose from white or red traditional Neopolitan pizzas that range from a classic Margherita (with ingredients imported from Naples) to Eggplant and Red Pepper. And, with a kids’ menu and plenty of sides and salads to choose from, you can be certain that no one will go home hungry.

Type of Pizza: Neopolitan, wood-fired
Prices: All pizzas are around 11” and range from $10-$16
Dining Options: Dine-in or take-out
Location: 1 North Morris Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: (804) 355-3135
See the full Richmond menu here.

Anthony’s on the Hill Pizza and Pasta Kitchen

Although Anthony’s on the Hill has only been in the Church Hill neighborhood since 2011, you would think that it had always been there. Maybe it’s the chill, neighborhood vibe. Maybe it’s the cozy atmosphere. Or maybe it’s the fact that once you’ve tasted Anthony’s Italian comfort food, you simply can’t imagine a world without it. And when it comes to serving up delicious, authentic pizzas, Anthony’s will make you think you’re back at your grandmother’s kitchen table – assuming your grandmother was Italian and made amazing pizza. Regardless, this Church Hill gem is known for their wide variety of toppings and specialty pizzas that will satisfy every palate, every time.

Why we love them: Great pizza is one thing, but a great ambiance is icing on the cake…so to speak. While Anthony’s doesn’t offer a ton of seating, they do offer that cozy, corner restaurant vibe that is becoming harder to find in a world of chain restaurants and strip malls. Whether you’re out with the family or looking for a place to spend some quality time on date night, Anthony’s serves up the perfect atmosphere – not to mention the perfect pizza. Looking for something a little closer to home? No worries, Anthony’s delivers.

Type of Pizza: Classic Italian-style, whole or by-the-slice
Prices: $3.50 for a cheese slice (toppings extra); $10 for a plain 12” cheese pizza up to $18 for a 16” specialty pizza
Dining Options: Dine-in, delivery or take-out
Location: 2824 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (804) 344-3374
See the full menu here.

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