01
Campus classic
Adriatico's New York Style Pizza
University District Near Osu • Hearty New York-Style And Thick-Crust Pies • Best For Big Groups
A campus-era rite of passage known for massive, cheesy pies built to feed a crowd.
Adriatico’s is the spot Ohio State grads still dream about, with hefty pizzas that can easily handle a study group or game-day watch party. The thick-crust Sicilian-style pans come out chewy at the center with a satisfyingly crisp edge, loaded with cheese and toppings. Call ahead if you’re ordering one of the giant party pies—they’re worth the wait but rarely a quick grab-and-go.
02
Late-night legend
Hounddogs Pizza
Old North / Campus Corridor • Casual, Late-Night Pizzeria And Bar • Late-Night Pick
Beloved by night owls for big, saucy slices and a divey, lived-in vibe.
Hounddogs feels like the well-worn couch of Columbus pizza joints: familiar, a little chaotic, and exactly where you want to be after midnight. The pies lean indulgent, with plenty of cheese, generous toppings, and that signature garlic butter crust if you want to go all in. It’s the kind of place where nobody is in a hurry, the music is a little loud, and the pizza hits harder than it has any right to at 2 a.m.
03
Wood-fired standout
GoreMade Pizza
Italian Village / Near Downtown • Wood-Fired, Farm-To-Table Pizzeria • Best For Seasonal Toppings
A cozy spot where blistered, wood-fired pies meet local, often seasonal toppings.
GoreMade started as a mobile oven and has grown into one of the city’s most thoughtful pizza kitchens. The crust gets serious attention here—chewy with charred bubbles from the wood fire—topped with ingredients that often nod to what’s in season around Ohio. It’s an easy choice for a laid-back date or a small group that wants craft beer, shareable pies, and a break from the usual pepperoni-and-mushroom routine.
04
Old-school thin-crust
Rubino's Pizza
Bexley Neighborhood • Classic Columbus-Style Thin-Crust Shop • Old-School Favorite
A no-frills institution turning out crackery, square-cut pies that define Columbus-style pizza for many locals.
Rubino’s is the kind of throwback pizzeria where the décor barely changes and nobody minds. The crust is whisper-thin and crisp, cut into small squares that disappear quickly if you’re sharing with a hungry table. It’s especially good for families and nostalgic locals who want a simple pepperoni or sausage pie and a reminder of why this style has stuck around for decades.
05
Neighborhood date-night pick
Harvest Pizzeria
German Village / South Side • Upscale-Casual Neighborhood Pizzeria • Best For Date Night
Thoughtful pies with creative toppings in a cozy space that feels made for lingering.
Harvest balances comfort and polish, turning out pizzas that feel a bit elevated without losing the fun. The dough has a gentle chew and some char, often topped with combinations like local sausage, seasonal vegetables, or a drizzle of infused honey. Pair a couple of pies with a cocktail or local beer, and it’s a relaxed, walkable night out in German Village that works as well for a first date as it does for a catch-up with friends.