01
Best overall pick
Pizzazz Pizza on the Circle
Near John Carroll University • Casual Sit-Down Pizzeria And Italian Spot • Campus Classic
A lively neighborhood staple where John Carroll regulars and locals come for generously topped pies and hearty Italian comfort food.
If you ask around campus for a pizza recommendation, Pizzazz on the Circle is one of the first names you’ll hear. The crust is sturdy but not too thick, with plenty of cheese and toppings that feel more old-school East Side than slick chain. It’s an easy pick for a relaxed dinner after a game, a family night out, or big orders to feed a houseful of friends.
02
Old-school favorite
Geraci's Restaurant
University Heights Main Strip • Classic Red-Sauce Italian And Pizza Joint • Local Institution
A generations-deep Cleveland favorite known for its caramelized-edge pizzas, red booths, and nostalgic Italian-American vibe.
Geraci’s has been turning out pan-baked pies and red-sauce standards long enough to be woven into east-side family traditions. The pizza leans comforting rather than trendy: a slightly thicker crust, a touch of sweetness in the sauce, and cheese that bubbles up to the very edge of the pan. It’s where you go when you want pizza that tastes like the place has been doing it the same way for decades—in the best possible sense.
03
Top delivery option
Primoz Pizza
Cedar–Taylor Corridor • Neighborhood Carryout And Delivery Shop • Best For Big, Shareable Pies
A go-to for oversized pies, wings, and late-night delivery that reliably covers the University Heights area.
Primoz is built for nights when you’re feeding a crowd and don’t want to overthink the order. The pizzas are large, topping-heavy, and travel well, whether you’re going classic pepperoni or loading up with specialty combinations. Add in wings and appetizers, and it’s an easy one-call solution for study sessions, watch parties, or casual gatherings at home.
04
Best for creative toppings
Dewey's Pizza
Cleveland Heights – Cedar Lee • Modern Sit-Down Pizzeria • Best For Groups
A polished, family-friendly spot known for crisp crusts, well-balanced specialty pies, and a smooth dine-in experience.
A short drive from University Heights, Dewey’s in Cleveland Heights is ideal when you want something a little more put-together than takeout. The menu leans into inventive combinations—think specialty white pies, pesto bases, and well-seasoned veggie options—without losing sight of the basics. With plenty of seating and a relaxed, buzzy dining room, it works as well for family dinners as it does for meeting friends before a movie on Lee Road.
05
Best for pizza purists
Vero Pizza Napoletana
Cleveland Heights – Cedar-Fairmount • Neapolitan-Style Wood-Fired Pizzeria • Date-Night Pick
A serious, minimalist pizza bar turning out blistered, leopard-spotted Neapolitan pies with simple, well-sourced toppings.
When you care as much about the dough as the toppings, Vero is worth the quick drive from University Heights. Pizzas arrive with soft, chewy centers, charred edges, and just a few carefully chosen ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and quality olive oil doing most of the talking. The intimate room and focused menu make it better for lingering over a pie and a drink than for a big group order, which is exactly the appeal.