01
Best downtown hangout
Avalon Downtown Pizzeria
Downtown • Classic Tavern-Style Pizzeria And Bar • Go-To Spot Before A Show Or Game
A lively downtown standby with buttery crusts, generous toppings, and a true Youngstown bar-pizza vibe.
Avalon feels like the living room of downtown Youngstown, especially on game nights and weekends. The pies lean hearty, with a crisp-edged crust, plenty of cheese, and a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s the place to bring a mixed crew of locals and visitors who want pizza, a drink, and a real sense of the city.
02
Youngstown icon
Wedgewood Pizza (Boardman)
Boardman • Thick-Crust, Sauce-Forward Pizza Shop • Classic Mahoning Valley Tray Pizza
A benchmark for Youngstown-style pizza, known for its thick square trays, sweet-leaning sauce, and edge-to-edge toppings.
If you ask ten locals for their favorite pizza, Wedgewood will show up on most lists, and the Boardman shop is a standby for big orders. The trays come out with a sturdy but airy crust, a bold, slightly sweet sauce, and that signature corner-piece crunch. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, whether you’re celebrating a game, a graduation, or just making a Friday night feel like an occasion.
03
Family-pleasing favorite
Cocca's Pizza (Canfield)
Canfield • Family-Run Neighborhood Pizzeria • Best For Big Family Orders
A long-running Mahoning Valley name turning out consistent pies, wings, and Italian comfort food in a friendly, no-fuss setting.
Cocca’s leans into the family-pizza-night sweet spot: reliable, generous, and easy to share. The crust is sturdy enough to handle heavy toppings, and the menu is broad enough that everyone finds something, from simple cheese to loaded specialty pies. It’s the place you call when you’re ordering multiple boxes for cousins, neighbors, and whoever else shows up at the table.
04
Best carryout workhorse
Uptown Pizza
South Avenue Corridor • Casual Takeout-Focused Pizzeria • Reliable Weeknight Pickup
A straightforward, satisfying pie shop known for solid crust, good cheese pull, and fast, friendly takeout service.
Uptown hits that sweet spot between quality and convenience, making it a staple for busy weeknights around Boardman and the South Side. The pizza has a balanced crust—not too thick, not too thin—with a nice chew and just enough char on the edges. Add in wings, subs, and quick turnaround times, and it becomes an easy default when nobody feels like cooking.
05
Cozy Italian-leaning option
Bella Napoli
Liberty-Youngstown Line • Italian Restaurant With Standout Pizza • Best For Sit-Down Pizza Night
A warm, family-style Italian spot where the pizza shares the spotlight with pastas, salads, and classic red-sauce dishes.
Bella Napoli is ideal when you want pizza but also want a full sit-down dinner, not just a quick pickup. The pies skew more Italian restaurant–style, with a slightly thinner crust, well-seasoned sauce, and thoughtful topping combinations. It’s a good choice for small groups or date nights when you might start with a pizza and stay for espresso and dessert.