01
Best overall pick
LaRosa's Pizzeria – Cleves
Cleves • Family-Friendly Cincinnati-Style Pizzeria • Local Standby For All-Ages Dinners
A go-to neighborhood LaRosa’s that keeps Shawnee families in pizza, hoagies, and buddy breadsticks.
For many Shawnee residents, the Cleves LaRosa’s is the default answer to “Where should we get pizza tonight?” The crust is classic Cincinnati style, the sauce has that familiar sweetness, and the menu runs deep with hoagies, pasta, and wings. It’s an easy choice for weeknight takeout or a casual sit-down meal with kids in tow.
02
Classic west side carryout
Trotta's Pizza
West Side Cincinnati • Old-School Carryout Pizzeria • Best For Crispy, Loaded Pies
A west side institution known for generously topped, crispy-edged pizzas that travel well back to Shawnee.
Trotta’s leans into everything people love about classic Cincinnati carryout pizza: cracker-thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and a satisfying crunch. Call ahead, swing by on your way home, and you’ll understand why generations of west siders swear by it. It’s especially good when you want a big, shareable pie for game night without fuss or frills.
03
Best big-slice experience
Goodfellas Pizzeria – Over-the-Rhine
Over-The-Rhine • Lively New York–Style Slice Shop • Best For Late-Night And Big Appetites
Huge New York–style slices and a buzzy OTR setting make Goodfellas worth the trek from Shawnee.
If you are craving a slice you have to fold, Goodfellas in Over-the-Rhine is the move. Order at the counter, grab a drink, and settle in with a slice or a whole pie layered with toppings like pepperoni cups or classic veggies. It’s a fun option when you pair a trip downtown with a Reds game, a show, or a night out in OTR.
04
Campus-area favorite
Adriatico's New York Style Pizza
Clifton Near Uc • Hearty New York–Style And Thick-Crust Pies • Best For Sharing With A Crowd
Beloved by students and locals alike, Adriatico’s turns out hefty pies that can easily feed a hungry group from Shawnee.
Adriatico’s is one of those places people talk about long after they move away from Cincinnati. The crust is substantial, the cheese pull is serious, and the signature thick-crust pies are built to satisfy big appetites. Call in a large or party-size pizza before you head toward Clifton and you’ll have an easy, one-box solution for feeding a whole crew.
05
Best wood-fired option
Fireside Pizza
Walnut Hills • Cozy Wood-Fired Pizzeria In A Historic Firehouse • Best For Date Night Or Laid-Back Evenings
A short drive from Shawnee, Fireside serves blistered, wood-fired pies in one of Cincinnati’s most distinctive dining rooms.
Set in a converted firehouse, Fireside feels special without being stuffy. The menu focuses on well-balanced, wood-fired pizzas with charred, chewy crusts and thoughtful toppings, plus a solid selection of local beers. It’s a great pick when you want to make pizza night feel like more of an outing than a takeout run.