Nankin may be a quiet crossroads, but it sits just minutes from some of Ashland County’s most reliable pizza ovens. Head into nearby Ashland and you’ll find everything from long-running neighborhood shops to creative New Haven-style and wood-fired pies. Whether you want a quick carryout on the way home or a sit-down night out, these five spots are where locals actually order from.
A long-running Ashland favorite known for crisp-edged pies and a sauce locals grow up on.
DorLo is the kind of place people who grew up in Ashland still crave when they come back to town. The crust is sturdy but not heavy, with plenty of caramelized cheese at the edges and toppings that lean traditional rather than trendy. From Nankin, it’s an easy drive for a no-nonsense, reliably good pizza night.
Generous pizzas, subs, and wings make this a go-to carryout for feeding a crowd without drama.
Donna D’s feels tailor-made for busy local families who want everything in one order: pizza, subs, wings, and sides. The pies lean hearty with plenty of cheese and toppings, and the menu has enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy. It’s a practical, budget-conscious pick when you’re driving in from Nankin with a car full of hungry people.
Charred, chewy New Haven-style pies with thoughtful toppings and a more modern feel than most small-town shops.
Holy Pepperoni is where Ashland’s pizza scene gets serious, turning out thinner, slightly charred New Haven-style pies that reward a slower, sit-down meal. The crust has real character, the sauce stays balanced, and the toppings feel curated rather than piled on. It’s worth the extra few minutes from Nankin when you want something that feels closer to big-city pizza without leaving the county.
Wood-fired pies with blistered crusts and creative toppings served in a cozy, downtown setting.
Ohio Fire leans into the wood-fired style, with pizzas that arrive blistered at the edges and tender in the middle. Toppings skew a bit more inventive, so it’s a fun spot to share a couple of pies and try something beyond pepperoni. Pair it with a stroll around downtown Ashland and you’ve got an easy, laid-back date night just a short drive from Nankin.
A regional favorite for thickly topped pies and fried chicken, ideal when you need plenty of food fast.
Gionino’s brings the comfort of a familiar regional chain, with sturdy, cheese-heavy pizzas and their well-known fried chicken in the same order. It’s especially handy when you’re grabbing food on the way back toward Nankin from errands along Claremont Avenue. Expect straightforward, filling pizza that travels well and disappears quickly at casual get-togethers.