01
Best overall pick
LaRosa's Pizzeria – St. Bernard
St. Bernard • Family-Friendly Cincinnati Chain • Local Standby
A go-to neighborhood LaRosa's with all the classic pies, hoagies, and crowd-pleasing sides locals grew up on.
Just a couple minutes down Vine Street from Elmwood Place, the St. Bernard LaRosa's is the definition of a reliable hometown pizza joint. The crust is on the softer side, loaded with sauce and plenty of cheese, and the menu runs deep with hoagies, wings, and pasta. It’s the easy choice when you’re feeding a mixed crowd or need a no‑stress weeknight delivery.
02
Best for craft toppings
Dewey's Pizza – Clifton
Clifton Near Uc • Modern Neighborhood Pizzeria • Best For Creative Pies
Inventive specialty pizzas and crisp salads in a lively dining room just a short hop from Elmwood Place.
Dewey's Clifton location draws students, hospital staff, and neighborhood regulars for its chewy crust and smart topping combos. Favorites like the Edgar Allan Poe or Killer Veggie feel a step above standard delivery fare without getting fussy. It’s a great pick when you want to linger over a pint and a pie rather than rush home with a box.
03
Campus classic
Adriatico's New York Style Pizza
Clifton Heights • Campus-Area New York–Style Shop • Best For Big Groups
Legendary, oversized pies with serious cheese and crust, perfect for sharing with a hungry crew.
Adriatico's has been a UC-area staple for decades, and the hefty, square-cut pizzas explain why. The thick, chewy crust, generous cheese, and sturdy sauce make each slice a meal, especially if you spring for the massive Bearcat-style pies. It’s ideal for game nights, parties, or any time you need to feed a lot of people without skimping on flavor.
04
Late-night slice stop
Goodfellas Pizzeria – Over-the-Rhine
Over-The-Rhine • Bustling Downtown Slice Joint • Late-Night Favorite
Big, foldable New York–style slices served late into the night in the heart of OTR.
When you’re downtown for a show or drinks, Goodfellas is the easy answer to the “where are we eating?” question. The slices are wide, thin, and nicely charred underneath, with classic toppings and a few fun specials rotating through. Grab a slice and garlic knots to go, or head upstairs to the bar if you’re turning it into a full night out.
05
Detroit-style standout
Taglio
Columbia-Tusculum • Detroit-Style And Cracker-Thin Hybrid Spot • Worth-The-Drive Destination
Crispy-edged Detroit-style squares and ultra-thin pies that reward a slightly longer drive from Elmwood Place.
Taglio has built a devoted following for its pan pizzas with caramelized cheese edges and pillowy interiors. The menu also features a super-thin, crisp crust option, so you can mix and match styles at the same table. It’s a bit farther from Elmwood Place than some other picks, but the quality of the dough and toppings makes it a destination pizzeria rather than just another carryout.