Malta might be a small river village, but you do not have to look far to find a satisfying slice. In-town, Pirates Pizza anchors the scene, while a short drive opens up classic parlors in Zanesville and more adventurous pies in Athens and Marietta.[2] Whether you are staying local or making a mini road trip out of it, these five spots are the ones locals actually recommend.
Casual, no-frills pies and subs that feel made for weeknights after the game or a quick riverfront lunch.[2]
Locals point first to Pirates when you ask where to grab pizza without leaving the village limits.[2] Portions are generous, toppings are straightforward, and the laid-back dining room makes it easy to bring kids or catch up with neighbors over a large pie.[2]
A Zanesville institution known for chewy, edge-to-edge cheese pizzas that feel straight out of a family scrapbook.
If you are willing to make the drive up to Zanesville, Adornetto's rewards you with a cozy, throwback dining room and pies that taste like they have been perfected over decades. Thin, slightly chewy crust, plenty of cheese, and familiar toppings make it a comforting choice that still feels like a special night out.
Big, crowd-pleasing pizzas with lots of topping options and plenty of space to spread out.
Pizza Cottage is an easy pick when you have kids, out-of-town family, or a ball team in tow. The menu leans into shareable appetizers, customizable pies, and combo deals, so feeding a crowd stays affordable. It is the kind of place where no one argues about the choice because there is something for every pizza preference.
Wildly inventive toppings and hand-tossed crusts that turn pizza night into a little road-trip adventure.
Down in Athens, Avalanche Pizza has built a following on bold flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients. Expect chewy, well-developed dough, fun specialty pies, and plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. It is a smart stop if you want something more adventurous than pepperoni without losing the comfort of a good slice.
Crisp, foldable slices served hot from the oven right in the middle of Marietta's historic downtown.
When your visit to Malta turns into a wider Ohio River drive, The Original Pizza Place is the kind of dependable stop that keeps people coming back. The menu focuses on classic, New York-leaning slices with a light, crisp crust and tangy sauce. Grab a couple of slices and a drink, then wander the brick streets or the nearby riverfront.