01
Best overall pick
Boom's Pizza
Van Aken District, Shaker Heights • Modern Wood-Fired Pizzeria And Bar • Destination For Creative Pies
Inventive wood-fired pies, a lively bar, and a polished but relaxed vibe right in the Van Aken District.
Boom’s brings a big-city pizza energy to Shaker Heights, with leopard-spotted crusts and toppings that go well beyond the usual pepperoni-and-mushroom routine. The menu balances fun combinations with dialed-in classics, so purists and adventurous eaters can happily share a table. It’s an easy pick for date night, a pre-movie bite, or showing off the neighborhood to out-of-town guests.
02
Neapolitan standout
Vero Pizza Napoletana
Cedar-Fairmount, Cleveland Heights • Neapolitan-Focused Pizzeria • Top Pick For Traditionalists
A tight, focused menu of Neapolitan-style pies with chewy, blistered crusts and simple, high-quality toppings.
Vero feels almost like a neighborhood pizza lab, where the focus is entirely on dough, heat, and a short list of ingredients that really shine. The pies arrive with soft, foldable centers and charred edges that reward eating them fresh from the oven. It’s the place to go when you care more about the crust and San Marzano tomatoes than a sprawling menu.
03
Family-friendly choice
Dewey's Pizza
Cedar-Lee, Cleveland Heights • Bustling Sit-Down Pizzeria • Best For Families And Big Groups
Lively, kid-friendly dining with reliable service, creative specialty pies, and generous salads for sharing.
Dewey’s on Lee Road is the kind of place where you can roll in with a hungry group and know everyone will find something they like. The open kitchen and big, shareable pizzas make it a natural fit before a movie at the Cedar Lee or after a game at the nearby fields. Expect well-executed classics alongside bolder combinations, plus solid gluten-free and vegetarian options.
04
Classic Italian joint
Geraci's Restaurant
Warrensville Center, University Heights • Old-School Italian Restaurant And Pizzeria • Go-To For Red-Sauce Comfort
A long-running east side institution known for its square-cut pizzas, hearty toppings, and cozy, throwback feel.
Geraci’s has been feeding east siders for generations, and its pizza reflects that history: slightly thicker crust, plenty of cheese, and that familiar corner-slice crunch. The space feels like the kind of place you went with your parents and now bring your own kids to. It’s a natural choice when you want a big, comforting meal that leans into nostalgia as much as flavor.
05
College-town crowd-pleaser
Pizzazz on the Circle
John Carroll Area, University Heights • Casual Italian Spot With Pizza Focus • Laid-Back Spot Near Campus
A flexible menu of pizzas, pastas, and salads that works just as well for a relaxed family dinner as it does for game-day takeout.
Across from John Carroll University, Pizzazz has the easygoing feel of a neighborhood standby that knows its regulars. The pizza leans classic, with a crisp-but-not-cracker crust and plenty of topping options, from simple cheese to loaded combinations. It’s especially handy when you’re juggling different tastes at the table and need more than just pizza to keep everyone happy.