October marks National Pizza Month, and to celebrate, DoorDash is turning up the heat on America’s favorite comfort food with the ultimate pizza showdown. Drawing on thousands of customer ratings, reviews, and order insights from January through September 2025, the delivery platform has unveiled its list of the 50 Most Popular Local Pizzerias across five of the nation’s most iconic pizza states — California, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.
This delicious data deep dive shines a spotlight on the local pizza makers who turn dough, sauce, and cheese into a cultural institution — the small businesses that have helped define regional tastes and family traditions for generations.
The Original Delivery Hero
Before poke bowls, burritos, or bubble tea ever hit the delivery scene, there was pizza — the undisputed OG of food delivery. It was pizza that first proved a meal could travel from oven to doorstep and still taste like it came straight out of the kitchen. Its perfect balance of warmth, portability, and comfort made it a natural fit for delivery long before app-based ordering existed.
DoorDash’s new rankings celebrate that heritage while also highlighting how pizza continues to evolve. From thick, buttery Detroit-style squares to wafer-thin New York slices and inventive California toppings, America’s pizza landscape is as diverse as it is delicious.
“Pizza has always been about connection,” said Ruth Isenstadt, Head of U.S. Restaurants at DoorDash. “It’s the food we share when watching a game, marking a milestone, or just enjoying a quiet night in. Every chef brings a unique story and regional twist to the table — and that’s what makes local pizzerias so special. They’re not just making food; they’re creating memories.”
A Celebration of Local Flavor
At its core, DoorDash’s mission is to grow and empower local economies. That mission takes shape every time a customer orders from a neighborhood favorite — because every delivery supports the small merchants who fuel communities across the country.
This National Pizza Month, DoorDash is celebrating not the national chains or celebrity chefs, but the independent, locally rooted pizzerias that have become landmarks in their own right. Many of them have fewer than ten locations, but what they lack in scale, they more than make up for in heart, history, and flavor.
These 50 pizzerias were selected based on DoorDash customer data from the first nine months of 2025. To qualify, each had to have:
- Fewer than 10 total locations
- At least 1,000 verified customer reviews
- Some of the highest average ratings on the DoorDash platform
The result is a mouthwatering lineup of hometown heroes, each with its own take on the world’s most beloved dish.
From Coast to Coast: America’s Most Loved Local Pizzerias
Each state in the ranking has its own pizza identity, shaped by decades of tradition and innovation. From coal-fired ovens in the Northeast to wood-fired artistry in California, the diversity of these styles reflects the melting pot that is American dining culture.
In California, Golden Boy Pizza in San Francisco is a local legend, famous for its clam and garlic square pie, which has been delighting Bay Area residents for decades. Meanwhile, Pizzana in Los Angeles continues to push boundaries with its “neo-Neapolitan” crust — airy, blistered, and full of flavor.
Connecticut, the cradle of “apizza” culture, brings its own heavy hitters to the list. Fino Wood Fired Pizza Bar wins hearts with its hot honey slice, while Zuppardi’s Apizza in West Haven continues to uphold New Haven’s coal-fired legacy. The state’s dedication to charred crusts and minimalist toppings remains unmatched.
In Illinois, deep-dish may be the signature, but variety reigns supreme. Happy Camper Pizza in Chicago is a standout for its Hawaiian-inspired pie, topped with smoky bacon, pineapple, and jalapeños — a playful nod to the city’s flair for bold flavors. Across town, Pequod’s Pizza continues to earn cult status for its caramelized crust edges, while smaller neighborhood favorites like Coalfire Pizza are redefining what Chicago-style can mean.
Michigan, home to Detroit-style pizza, proves that crispy, cheesy edges never go out of style. Greco’s Pizza, a standout on the DoorDash list, has won over fans with its BBQ chicken pizza, combining sweet, tangy sauce with perfectly crisped cheese corners. Other Michigan favorites, such as Buddy’s Pizza, have helped turn Detroit-style pizza into a nationwide phenomenon.
And of course, no pizza list would be complete without New York — the undisputed heart of America’s pizza obsession. From corner slice joints to artisan shops, New York continues to set the bar. Joe’s Pizza, a landmark institution and a fixture of the city’s dining culture since 1975, once again earns a top spot. Known for its classic, no-frills New York slice, Joe’s remains a pilgrimage site for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Other New York gems, such as Prince Street Pizza and Lucali, continue to represent the city’s unshakable devotion to perfect dough and sauce.
The Local Heroes Behind the Dough
What makes these pizzerias truly exceptional isn’t just their recipes — it’s the stories behind the ovens. Many are family-run establishments where generations have worked side by side, preserving old-world techniques while adapting to modern tastes. Others are young entrepreneurs experimenting with fermented doughs, organic ingredients, or unexpected toppings.
For DoorDash, shining a light on these small businesses isn’t just about celebrating great pizza — it’s about celebrating resilience and creativity. Local pizzerias have weathered economic shifts, rising ingredient costs, and changing consumer trends. Yet they continue to thrive because they do what they’ve always done best: deliver comfort, consistency, and connection in every slice.
“Every pizza shop we deliver from represents a story of dedication and community,” added Isenstadt. “We’re proud to help these businesses reach new customers and keep their ovens fired up for generations to come.”
A Slice of the Future
The pizza industry continues to evolve, with new flavors, technologies, and dining trends reshaping the way Americans enjoy their favorite food. DoorDash data shows that customer loyalty to local pizzerias remains strong, even as national brands dominate advertising space. Consumers are increasingly drawn to authentic experiences — to the pizza places where the dough is hand-stretched, the sauce is homemade, and the recipe comes with a story.
In that sense, the “Battle of the Slices” isn’t about competition — it’s about celebration. Every order placed, every five-star review, and every family dinner shared keeps these local favorites thriving.
As National Pizza Month rolls on, DoorDash invites everyone to explore their local pizza scene — to revisit an old favorite or discover a new go-to spot. After all, the best pizza isn’t just the one that tastes great. It’s the one that brings people together.
