Best Pizza in Madison, Wisconsin: Your Ultimate Guide

Whether you crave thin tavern-style pies, bubbly Neapolitan rounds, or crispy-edged Detroit squares, Dane County delivers exceptional independent pizza across every community. This comprehensive guide features more than 50 family-friendly pizzerias—from award-winning institutions to hidden neighborhood gems—organized by location to help you find outstanding pizza wherever you are in the Madison area. All entries are independent pizzerias or local/regional chains; national chains are excluded.

Madison

The city itself boasts the highest concentration of independent pizzerias, with distinctive options in every neighborhood.

Downtown and Capitol Square

Naples 15 at 15 N. Butler Street serves what many consider Madison's most authentic Neapolitan pizza. Owner Salvatore Di Scala, a Naples native, earned AVPN certification (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) for his 1,000°F wood-fired pies that bake in 95 seconds. The white-tablecloth setting features pizzas named after Italian songs. Open Monday–Thursday 5–10pm, Friday–Saturday 5–11pm; closed Sunday. Price range: $$$–$$$$. Phone: (608) 250-6330. Website: naples15.com.

Lucille occupies a renovated historic bank building at 101 King Street, offering two distinct styles: traditional wood-fired pies and "Wisco-Detroit" cheddar-crusted steel pan pizza. The Aphrodite—lamb sausage, feta, and tzatziki—exemplifies their creative approach. Full craft cocktail bar. Open Monday–Wednesday 3–11pm, Thursday 11am–11pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–1am, Sunday 11am–11pm. Price range: $$–$$$. Website: lucillemadison.com.

Ian's Pizza (State Street location at 100 State Street) pioneered Madison's by-the-slice culture. The Mac N' Cheese slice appeared on Food Network, and creative weekly specials draw devoted fans. Late-night hours until 2:30am on weekends serve everyone from field-trip families to late-night students. Price range: $. Website: ianspizza.com.

Eat the Best Pizza operates beneath the University Bookstore at 711 State Street with New York-style slices until 3am—Madison's latest pizza hours. Fluffy crust and garlic knots. Price range: $. Website: eatthebestpizza.com.

Near East Side and Williamson Street

Salvatore's Tomato Pies at 912 E. Johnson Street (with a second location at 10 N. Livingston Street) serves Trenton, New Jersey-style tomato pies—built in reverse with cheese beneath sauce. Chef Patrick DePula (Madison Magazine Chef of the Year 2016) sources locally with an "All Wisco, no Sysco" philosophy. The Fig & Bacon with wine-poached figs and gorgonzola is legendary. Open Wednesday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday–Saturday 4–10pm, Sunday 4–9pm. Price range: $$. Website: salvatorestomatopies.com.

Molten Monkey at the same address (912 E. Johnson) opened in 2024 as Madison's dedicated Detroit-style destination. Co-founded by Otto Dilba (Ale Asylum brewery co-founder), it features thick square pies with caramelized cheese edges called "frico." The Umami Bomby layers four mushroom types with truffle parmesan. Open Wednesday–Sunday 4–10pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 709-2770. Website: moltenmonkey.com.

Grampa's Pizzeria at 1374 Williamson Street earned recognition from both Isthmus and Seth Meyers. Wood-fired pies like the Barberini (ricotta, Calabrian chiles, honey) pair with romantic ambiance. Tuesday Date Night offers salad, pizza, dessert, and wine for two at $55. Open Monday–Wednesday 4–9pm, Thursday–Saturday 4–10pm, Sunday 4–9pm. Price range: $$. Website: grampaspizzeria.com.

Atwood and Schenk neighborhoods

Bar Corallini at 2004 Atwood Avenue features wood-fired Neapolitan pizza from Chef Giovanni Novella, voted Madison's Best Chef 2023. House-made mozzarella and burrata arrive fresh daily. The dog-friendly patio accommodates families, and weekend brunch includes excellent pizzas. Open Tuesday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday 4–10pm, Saturday–Sunday 11am–10pm/9pm. Price range: $$–$$$. Phone: (608) 709-1316. Website: barcorallini.com.

Glass Nickel Pizza (East location at 2916 Atwood Avenue) represents the local chain that has won Isthmus "Madison's Favorite Pizza" nine consecutive years. Founded in Madison in 1997, they use fresh daily dough, real Wisconsin cheese, and an in-house delivery team. The Fetalicious (spinach, feta, mushrooms) is their signature. Open Sunday–Thursday 10:30am–11pm, Friday–Saturday 10:30am–midnight. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 245-0880. Website: glassnickelpizza.com.

Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood

Pizza Brutta at 1805 Monroe Street has served wood-fired Neapolitan pies since 2009. Owner Derek Lee trained with Vera Pizza Napoletana in Italy and uses organic flour and San Marzano tomatoes. The 10.5-inch personal pies cook at 800°F. House-made mozzarella and local arugula from McFarland's Vitruvian Farms demonstrate their sourcing commitment. Gluten-free crust available. Open daily 11am–9pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 257-2120. Website: pizzabrutta.com.

The Roman Candle at 2625 Monroe Street has crafted hand-tossed New York-style pizza since 2005. The signature Algo Malo combines caramelized onions, beets, walnuts, and blue cheese with arugula. Kid-friendly atmosphere, full bar, and gluten-free options (12" and 14"). Price range: $$. Website: romancandlepizzeriabar.com.

Near West and Campus area

Greenbush Bar hides in the basement of the historic Italian Workmen's Club at 914 Regent Street—one of America's oldest continually operating Italian social clubs. Christmas lights illuminate the speakeasy atmosphere year-round, and ultra-thin tavern-style pizza has been served here since 1993. New ownership in 2024 (Sam Brown, whose father co-founded Rocky Rococo) maintains the tradition. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 257-2874. Website: greenbushbaronregent.com.

Ian's Pizza Frances Street (319 N. Frances Street) is the original 2001 location where Ian Gurfield created the Mac N' Cheese slice that launched an empire. Open Monday–Sunday 11am–2:30am. Price range: $.

West Side and Hilldale area

Luigi's Pizza at 515 S. Midvale Boulevard offers thin-style pizza on cornmeal crust with build-your-own options. Five sauce choices—red, white, olive oil, pesto, truffle—provide customization. The Bacon and Brussels features white sauce, fontina, shaved brussels sprouts, and balsamic. Gluten-free and vegan options available. Open Monday–Thursday 3:30–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday 3:30–9pm. Price range: $$. Website: luigismadison.com.

Glass Nickel Pizza West at 5003 University Avenue serves the western neighborhoods with the same award-winning formula. Open Monday 10am–10pm, Tuesday–Thursday 10am–10:30pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–11:30pm, Sunday 11am–10pm. Phone: (608) 218-9000.

Nonno's Ristorante Italiano at 704 S. Whitney Way offers Italian restaurant pizza alongside a full menu. Open Tuesday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm. Price range: $$. Website: nonnosristoranteitaliano.com.

North Side

It's Good For You at 521 N. Sherman Avenue opened in February 2023 in a renovated beauty salon and has been called "remarkably good...up there with Madison's best" by Wisconsin State Journal critic Samara Kalk Derby. Wood-fired pies bake at 1,000°F for 90 seconds. This hidden gem earned the highest rating on TheExtraCheese. Price range: $–$$. Website: itsgoodforyoumadison.com.

Cafe La Bellitalia at 1026 N. Sherman Avenue serves traditional Italian pizza in a cozy atmosphere. Open Monday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday 4–10pm, Saturday 3:30–10pm, Sunday 3:30–9pm. Price range: $$. Website: cafelabellitalia.com.

Shorewood Hills

Novanta at 2903 University Avenue takes its name from the Italian word for "ninety"—the seconds required to bake pizza in their imported 900°F ovens. House-made mozzarella (available for take-home purchase) tops every pie. The Lombarda pairs pear with gorgonzola and arugula. Excellent gluten-free options praised by the celiac community. Price range: $$. Website: novantapizzeria.com.

Lombardino's at 2500 University Avenue is Madison's oldest pizzeria, established in 1952 when Sicilian immigrant Matteo Lombardino moved his State Street operation. The 1950s Italian-American décor remains, and Pizza Carbonara is the signature. Run by Chef Patrick O'Halloran since 2000. Price range: $$–$$$. Website: lombardinos.com.

South Side

Clyde's Pies at 1865 Fisher Street represents pandemic-era entrepreneurship. Owner Kwame Latimer, a bread maker turned pizzaiolo, offers 12" artisan pizzas Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday only, noon–8pm. The Buffalo Chicken with habanero jack showcases creative toppings. Call or text (608) 300-5757 to order. Black-owned business. Price range: $.

Additional Madison locations

Rosati's Pizza brings authentic Chicago deep-dish and thin crust to Madison at two locations: 4933 Commercial Avenue (East) and 6644 Mineral Point Road (West). Daily specials include Tuesday $11.99 14" thin 1-topping and Wednesday free wings with pizza. Price range: $$. Website: myrosatis.com.

Buck's Pizza at 219 Cottage Grove Road offers carryout-only tavern-style thin crust with ingredients made from scratch. A loyal neighborhood following knows this family-owned spot well. Open Monday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday–Saturday 4–10pm, Sunday 4–9pm. Price range: $. Website: buckspizzamadison.com.

Ian's Pizza Garver Feed Mill at 3241 Garver Green brings the by-the-slice experience to the east side's renovated feed mill complex. Open Monday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm.

Western suburbs feature artisan excellence

Middleton, Verona, Mount Horeb, and Cross Plains offer distinctive pizzerias worth the drive.

Middleton

Villa Dolce Café at 1828 Parmenter Street has served authentic Italian pizza for 16+ years. Owners Faton and Jerry Lumani (European roots) use Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato sauce. Gelato on-site. Private parties and outdoor seating available. Open Monday–Saturday 5–8:30pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 833-0033. Website: villadolcecafe.com.

Novanta Pizzeria Middleton at 8452 Old Sauk Road offers the same 90-second Neapolitan formula with house-made mozzarella. DIY pizza kits available. Open Monday–Saturday 11am–9pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 831-7740.

Roman Candle Middleton at 1920 Parmenter Street serves the signature Algo Malo and three kinds of artisanal pepperoni. Make-and-bake pizza kits bring the experience home. Local farm meats and Wisconsin vegetables featured. Price range: $$. Website: theromancandlepizzeria.com.

Verona

Sugar River Pizza Company at 957 Liberty Drive operates as a family-owned (women-owned) business with locations also in New Glarus and Belleville. The outdoor patio is highly rated, and an extensive craft beer selection accompanies from-scratch pizzas. Rio Grande BBQ Chicken and The Tropics are specialties. Open Tuesday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm; closed Monday. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 497-1800. Website: sugarriverpizza.com.

Mount Horeb

Martin's Pizza at 1213 Springdale Street features creative specialties including Reuben Pizza and Chicken Tikka Pizza (Indian-inspired). New ownership as of April 2024 brings fresh energy while maintaining quality. Delivery to Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds. Open Monday 4–7pm, Tuesday–Thursday 3:30–7:30pm, Friday–Saturday 3:30–8:30pm, Sunday 3:30–7pm. Price range: $–$$. Phone: (608) 437-9171. Website: martinspizza.com.

Mount Vernon Tap at the corner of Highway 92 and Davis Street in nearby Mount Vernon serves classic Wisconsin bar-style pizza. Monday taco pizza specials, Friday fish fry. Family-friendly with a warm atmosphere. Price range: $–$$. Phone: (608) 832-6289. Website: mountvernontap.net.

Cross Plains

PJ's Pizza at 1830 Main Street offers authentic Italian-American pizza with specialties like Chicken Bacon Ranch, Spicy Chicken Broccoli, and calzones. The Apple Roll-Ups dessert finishes meals sweetly. Second location in Lodi. Open Sunday, Tuesday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm; closed Monday. Price range: $–$$. Phone: (608) 798-0320. Website: pjspizzawi.com.

Northern suburbs serve growing communities

Sun Prairie, Waunakee, DeForest, and Windsor have developed strong pizza cultures.

Sun Prairie

Anna's Pizzeria at 1609 W. Main Street has served Southern Italy-inspired pizza for over 30 years, making it a historic establishment. The family-run operation makes homemade sauce (described as "divinely sweet") and sausage with perfect seasoning. Voted "Sun Prairie's Best." Wood-paneled, homey atmosphere with TV for sports. Open Wednesday–Saturday 4–9pm, Sunday 4–8pm. Price range: $–$$. Phone: (608) 825-2660. Website: annaspizzasunprairie.com.

Pizza Pit Sun Prairie at 330 W. Main Street won the 2025 Madison People's Choice Award for Best Pizza, continuing recognition the chain has earned since 1969. Super thin, traditional thin, thick, and gluten-free crusts accommodate all preferences. BBQ Bacon Chicken and Mac-n-Cheese Pizza are popular. Fresh dough and sauce made daily. Mega 20" pizzas available. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 825-2818. Website: pizzapit.biz/sun-prairie-wi.

Glass Nickel Pizza Sun Prairie at 410 E. Main Street opened in 2004 and rebuilt after the 2018 downtown tragedy. The "Pizza with Purpose" community program supports local organizations. Private event room available. Open Sunday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 834-9919.

Rosati's Pizza Sun Prairie at 355 East Linnerud Drive brings Chicago-style thin crust, double dough, and deep dish options. The recipe has remained unchanged since 1964. Daily specials include Tuesday $11.99 14" thin 1-topping. Open Tuesday–Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm; closed Monday. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 318-3988.

Waunakee

Zoe's Pizzeria at 604 East Main Street offers three styles: New York hand-tossed, Wisconsin tavern thin crust, and new Detroit pan pizza (10"x14" rectangular). Extensive plant-based menu with vegan cheese and plant-based ranch sauce. Weekly specials and famous garlic knots. Open Sunday–Thursday 10:30am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 10:30am–10pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 849-7900. Website: zoespizzeria.com.

Windsor

Branch + Daughter at 6601 Traveler Trail combines a butcher shop, specialty market, and eatery with artisan pizza on family-recipe dough. Winner of 2024 Best of Madison Bronze Award and Best of DeForest. The New Haven clam pizza earned special mention in Wisconsin State Journal coverage. Large play yard for kids, dog-friendly patio, summer live music. Open Wednesday–Thursday 11am–6pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–7pm, Sunday 11am–6pm. Price range: $$–$$$. Phone: (608) 842-0139. Website: branchanddaughter.com.

Calvino's Pizza at 4628 Golf Drive (inside Lake Windsor Country Club) makes sauce and dough entirely in-house. "The Rocky" is a customer favorite. Gluten-free options, online ordering via Toast. Open Wednesday–Sunday 3:30–9pm (Friday–Saturday until 10pm). Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 846-9014. Website: calvinospizza.com.

DeForest

BB Jack's DeForest at 300 Holum Street combines award-winning pizza with a vast craft beer selection in a pub atmosphere. Full bar. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 846-9000. Website: bbjacksdeforest.com.

Rocky Rococo at 4905 County Highway V represents the iconic Wisconsin chain founded in Madison in 1974. Pan pizza by the slice and whole pies. Kids' Reading Recognition Program. Fresh dough daily. Mobile app rewards. Open Sunday–Thursday 10:30am–8pm, Friday–Saturday 10:30am–9pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 842-2229. Website: rockyrococo.com.

Lodi (nearby)

Log Tavern Pizza Co. at W10896 Spring Creek Road, about 15 minutes northwest, offers thin-crust scratch-made pizza with craft beers and full bar. Frequently cited as "best in Madison area" by reviewers. Gluten-free options. Open Tuesday–Friday 4–9pm, Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 592-0641.

Southern and eastern suburbs anchor family traditions

Fitchburg, Monona, Oregon, Stoughton, McFarland, and Cottage Grove maintain strong independent pizza scenes.

Fitchburg

Glass Nickel Pizza Fitchburg at 3191 Muir Field Road serves the award-winning local chain formula with fresh daily dough and hand-cut vegetables. Weekly specials include calzone and salad for $15. Gluten-sensitive options (shared kitchen). Open Monday–Thursday 10:30am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 10:30am–11pm, Sunday 10:30am–9pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 848-4877.

Monona

Salvatore's Tomato Pies Monona at 5511 Monona Drive brings the Trenton-style tomato pies with sauce-on-top construction. The Lambeau (pepperoni, jalapeños, hot honey) honors Wisconsin pride. Dog-friendly patio, outdoor seating. Full bar with craft cocktails. Open Tuesday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday 4–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm. Price range: $$–$$$. Phone: (608) 305-8611.

Falbo Bros Pizzeria at 101 River Place specializes in deep dish, thin crust, and stuffed crust options. The Slaughterhouse Five layers five meats. Extensive gluten-free menu with 20+ options. "Tater Kegs" (stuffed tots) are a signature side. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6:30pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 223-9800. Website: falbosmonona.com.

McFarland

Spartan Pizza at 5813 Main Street has operated since 1974—over 50 years—making it one of the area's oldest pizzerias. Family-run by Dale, Linda, Shena, and Scott Scott with daily fresh-ground mozzarella and homemade sauce. Sports bar with HD TVs. No delivery, no checks accepted—dine-in and pickup only. Open Tuesday–Saturday 4–10pm, Sunday 4–8pm. Price range: $$. Website: spartanpizza.net.

Angelo's at 4706 Farwell Street offers modern Italian dining with "Best of Madison" nominee status. White pizza earns special praise. Friday fish fry features blackened mahi and walleye. One of Wisconsin's best Hamm's beer collections. Open Monday–Saturday from 4pm. Price range: $$–$$$. Phone: (608) 838-2233. Website: angelosmcfarland.com.

Oregon

Pizza Pit Oregon at 130 N. Main Street maintains the award-winning chain's 55-year tradition. Multiple crust options, 100% Wisconsin cheese blend. Phone: (608) 835-7744. Website: oregonpizzapit.com.

Maria's Pizza at 134 S. Main Street has served Oregon for over 40 years as a community landmark—recently saved by new owners in 2025. Award-winning pizza, excellent garlic cheese bread, cannoli for dessert. Curbside pickup available. Open Tuesday 4–9pm, Wednesday 11am–7pm, Thursday–Friday 4–9pm, Saturday 11am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 835-5455. Website: mariaspizzawi.com.

La Rocca's Pizzeria at 971 Janesville Street includes an attached Italian specialty store (La Rocca's Imports and Specialties). Homemade sausage is a specialty. Wednesday special: Penne and Homemade Sausage for $13. Open Wednesday–Saturday 4–9pm. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 291-0522. Website: laroccaspizzeria.com.

Stoughton

Famous Yeti's Pizza at 2300 US Highway 51 combines hand-crafted pizza with the attached Basecamp Arcade—ideal for family parties and kids. Pizza by the slice (rare in the area), Bumbie's Best pizza specialty, ice cream on-site. Catering rated 5/5. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 877-1544. Website: famousyetispizza.com.

Pizza Pit Stoughton at 1060 W. Main Street brings the award-winning chain formula. Phone: (608) 873-7737.

Cottage Grove

Papa Jimmy's Pizzeria at 224 W. Cottage Grove Road features a signature sauce recipe and multiple crust choices. Papa's Pick Two deal saves $5 on two unlimited-topping pizzas. Salad bar, Chocolate Shoppe ice cream. Very active in local community. Price range: $$. Phone: (608) 839-3102. Website: papajimmys.com.

Quick reference by pizza style

Neapolitan/Wood-fired (authentic high-heat): Naples 15, Pizza Brutta, Novanta (both locations), Bar Corallini, It's Good For You, Grampa's Pizzeria, Villa Dolce Café

Detroit-style (thick square with crispy edges): Molten Monkey, Lucille ("Wisco-Detroit"), Zoe's Pizzeria

Trenton/New Jersey tomato pie (sauce on top): Salvatore's Tomato Pies (all locations)

Chicago deep dish: Rosati's Pizza (all locations), Falbo Bros, Village Pizza

Tavern/Midwest thin crust: Greenbush Bar, Buck's Pizza, Glass Nickel, Anna's Pizzeria, Spartan Pizza, Log Tavern Pizza Co.

New York-style hand-tossed: Ian's Pizza, Eat the Best Pizza, Roman Candle (all locations), Zoe's Pizzeria

By-the-slice specialists: Ian's Pizza (3 Madison locations), Eat the Best Pizza, Famous Yeti's Pizza, Rocky Rococo

Award winners and critical favorites at a glance

• Isthmus "Madison's Favorite Pizza" (9 consecutive years): Glass Nickel Pizza

• 2025 Madison People's Choice Winner: Pizza Pit

• 2024 Best of Madison Bronze: Branch + Daughter

• Madison Magazine Chef of the Year 2016: Patrick DePula (Salvatore's)

• Best Chef 2023: Giovanni Novella (Bar Corallini)

• AVPN Certified Neapolitan: Naples 15

• UpNorthNews Readers' Poll 2024 Top 3: Salvatore's (#1), Grampa's (#2), Pizza Brutta (#3)

Best picks for families with kids

With entertainment: Famous Yeti's Pizza (arcade), Branch + Daughter (play yard)

Fast and affordable: Ian's Pizza, Pizza Pit, Rocky Rococo

Accommodating dietary needs: Zoe's Pizzeria (extensive plant-based), Falbo Bros (20+ gluten-free options), Novanta (celiac-friendly)

Kid-friendly atmosphere: Glass Nickel (all locations), Roman Candle, Luigi's Pizza, Anna's Pizzeria, Papa Jimmy's (ice cream)

Historic establishments worth celebrating

Pizzeria Est. Years Location Lombardino's 1952 73 Shorewood Hills Pizza Pit 1969 56 Multiple Spartan Pizza 1974 51 McFarland Rocky Rococo 1974 51 Multiple Maria's Pizza ~1985 40+ Oregon Anna's Pizzeria ~1995 30+ Sun Prairie Greenbush Bar 1993 32 Near West Glass Nickel 1997 28 Multiple Ian's Pizza 2001 24 Multiple

Conclusion

Greater Madison's pizza scene reflects the region's commitment to local sourcing, culinary creativity, and community connection. Three establishments stand above the rest for different reasons: Naples 15 for pure Neapolitan authenticity, Salvatore's Tomato Pies for innovative regional style with local ingredients, and Glass Nickel for consistent award-winning quality across eleven locations.

Hidden gems reward adventurous eaters—Spartan Pizza's 50-year legacy in McFarland, Branch + Daughter's butcher-shop artisan pies in Windsor, and It's Good For You's wood-fired excellence on North Sherman Avenue all merit detours. For families, the combination of Famous Yeti's arcade and pizza in Stoughton or the playful atmosphere at Branch + Daughter create memorable outings beyond just great food.

The region's diversity of styles means dedicated pizza enthusiasts can experience Detroit squares at Molten Monkey, Jersey tomato pies at Salvatore's, and authentic Neapolitan at Pizza Brutta—all within a 20-minute drive. That variety, combined with an unusually strong commitment to Wisconsin ingredients and community involvement, makes Dane County one of the Midwest's underrated pizza destinations.