Pizza was never a Washington thing, until recently. With the influx of pizza craze, several new joints have opened their doors to serve the best pizza in the city. Whether you are looking for New York-style pies or Detroit-style slabs, now you can get everything in Washington D.C.
There was a time when you had to settle for the dull and soggy pies, because of the limited options. But now things have changed a lot for D.C., and its pizza scene is almost as comparable to that of New York. With so many things to try, you can be picky about your choices for crust and toppings.
With so many spots all better than the other, finding the best pizza spot is nearly impossible when you can't afford to miss out on the best. But worry not! Here’s a list of seven best pizza spots in Washington D.C. that you must visit first.
1) Wiseguy Pizza
Image Credit: Wiseguy Pizza
Wiseguy Pizza in Washington DC serves authentic New York-style slices that are crispy, cheesy, and tangy. Each slice is handmade from scratch, using fresh San Marzano tomatoes and high-quality olive oil. The crust is crispy, the cheese is stringy, and the sauce is flavorful. Portions are generous, perfect for a quick lunch or late-night craving. The open kitchen lets you watch the magic happen. Try the classics like Classic Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Sausage and Peppers Pizza, and Margherita Pizza. Or go one step above to try White Pizza, Meat Lover's Pizza, Veggie Supreme Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and Hawaiian Pizza. With so many good options, you’ll find ultimate satisfaction for your cravings.
Location: 300 Massachusetts Ave NW Retail #1, Washington, DC 20001
Open Hours: Sun-Wed: 11 am–11 pm; Thu: 11 am–12 am; Fri-Sat: 11 am–3 am
Must Try: Classic Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Sausage and Peppers Pizza, Margherita Pizza, White Pizza, Meat Lover's Pizza, Veggie Supreme Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza.
Price for 2: $20 approx.
2) All-Purpose Pizza
Mike Friedman’s All-Purpose in Bethesda, Maryland, is a charming spot inspired by New Jersey red-sauce joints. Known for its 18-inch, deck oven pizzas, the menu features slices available at lunch for $5. Their signature crisp-bottomed, Jersey-style pizzas are made from dough that ferments for three days. Popular choices include the pepperoni-and-honey Buona and sausage-and-peppers Duke #7. With an inviting bar area and options for large group dining, it’s a great place for enjoying classic and unique pizza creations.
Location: 1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Open Hours: Mon: 5–9 pm; Tue-Thu: 5–10 pm; Fri: 5–11 pm; Sat: 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–11 pm; Sun: 11 am–2:30 pm, 5–9 pm
Must Try: Pepperoni-and-honey Buona, sausage-and-peppers Duke #7, tomato conserva pizza rossa, classic cheese pizza, unique veggie pizza
Price for 2: $30 approx.
3) 2Amys
2Amys, with its legacy of serving the best Neapolitan-style pizza in D.C. for more than 20 years, invites everyone to savour the finest made slices you can ever find in the city. With classic options like margherita and the savoury Pozzuoli with sausage and peppers, every pie here gets the perfect char from the wood-fire oven. This place is a hit among friends and families who would love the authentic taste without the extravagant appeal.
Location: 3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
Open Hours: Mon-Fri: 5–9 pm; Sat-Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: Margherita Pizza, Pozzuoli Pizza, Sausage and Peppers Pizza, Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza, Almond Pound Cake, Cannolis
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) 90 Second Pizza
When in a hurry, visit 90 Second Pizza to grab their instant pies made in 90 seconds. This unassuming eatery with speedy service will help you relish the carefully cooked pies without making you wait. Every pie is cooked in their imported Italian oven and the authentic dough is aged for over 48 hours, resulting in a chewy, soft crust which gets prepared in the said time frame. Try the fan-favourite "90 Second '' with San Marzano Tomato Sauce, mozzarella, and spicy salami. Plus, they cater to vegans too, so everyone can enjoy their delicious creations.
Location: 1077 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Open Hours: Sun-Thu: 10:30 am–11:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 10:30 am–1 am
Must Try: "90 Second" Pizza, Vegan Pizza
Price for 2: $20 approx.
5) Stellina Pizzeria
Stellina Pizzeria is known for the iconic thin, crispy crust pizzas with inventive toppings like salami, red onion, and honey. Founded by Italian friends Antonio Matarazzo and chef Matteo Venini, Stellina's menu includes street food classics like fried seafood. Their neo-Neapolitan pies, featuring high-hydration dough, are a hit. This pizzeria has multiple locations with each being different from other. Visit their Mt. Vernon Triangle spot for front-row seats to watch pizzas being made and enjoy a special waffle menu. In Union Market, it's perfect for date night or a casual lunch with creative pies and a fun drink selection.
Location: 399 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Open Hours: Tue-Wed-Thu-Sun: 11 am–9 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–10 pm; Mon: Closed
Must Try: Salame Pizza, Red Onion Pizza, Cacio e Pepe Pizza, Fried Seafood, Waffles
Price for 2: $30 approx.
6) Emmy Squared Pizza
Emmy Squared, with its Navy Yard location, serves up the iconic Detroit-style pizza in town. Their thick, square pies boast crispy edges and tangy sauce, with a wide range of toppings including kimchi and burrata. With good vegan and gluten-free options, it's a hit for everyone, even picky eaters. In Shaw, DC, Emmy Squared delights with its array of flavours, from Classic Pepperoni to Vodka pizza. Their unique drinks like honey peach smash complement their signature square pizzas perfectly, making it a must-visit for any occasion.
Location: 1924 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Open Hours: Mon-Wed: 3–10 pm; Thu: 12–10 pm; Fri: 12–11 pm; Sat: 11 am–11 pm; Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Must Try: Classic Pepperoni Pizza, Vodka Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Nashville Hot Sandwich, Zia Waffle Fries, Honey Peach Smash, Pomegranate Margarita
Price for 2: $30 approx.
7) Il Canale
Il Canale in Georgetown serves a slice of Italy on your plate. This place is known for the authentic Neapolitan-style pizza certified by Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, using traditional methods like a wood-burning dome oven and hand-formed dough. Named one of DC’s VPN pizzerias, it's a celebrity favourite for its giant oven and fresh buffalo mozzarella. Here, you can enjoy the taste of Naples with their Margherita pie and explore the full Italian menu.
Location: 1065 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 11 am–10:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–11 pm; Sun: 11 am–10 pm
Must Try: Margherita Pizza, Neapolitan Pizza
Price for 2: $30 approx.