The Best Pizza in Rhode Island and Most Loved Pizzerias

August 20, 2023

While many cultures claim to have been the first to introduce pizza to the world, Naples, Italy, seems to have the most credibility – but Rhode Island has a rendition all its own. Sure Chicago has its deep dish, New Haven its brick oven pizzas (Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s? A war never won), and New York City its iconic hand-tossed dough with a hint of crisp and oozing cheese is hard to beat, but have you heard of the Rhode Island “pizza strip?” Sometimes called “bakery pizza,” the cheese-less strips of chewy bread topped with tomato sauce is practically an Ocean State delicacy. 

But Rhode Island’s more traditional pies have their own street cred, from Westerly to Woonsocket. Here is where you’ll find some of the best pizza in Rhode Island:

Double Zero in Plant City, Providence

An integral part of Plant City, the world’s first plant-based vegan food hall and marketplace, Double Zero is a casual culinary haven. This plant-based pizza bar with panoramic views of the Providence River and skyline embraces an innovative approach, redefining traditional flavors and textures. Named for the 00 grade of flour used in traditional Italian pizza, here you’ll find pizzas you didn’t know you were looking for alongside vegan Italian dishes and a wine list featuring organic and biodynamic wines. It’s the home of wood-fired pizzas adorned with artisanal vegan cheeses to artfully crafted pasta dishes bursting with seasonal ingredients, like cacio e pepe pizza with black pepper cashew cream, macadamia ricotta, Brussels sprouts and almond parmesan.

Pizza Marvin, Providence 

From the time it opened its doors in Fox Point, Pizza Marvin seemed to be a hit. With a distinct 80s nostalgia vibe and a menu that makes it hard to decide exactly which pie to choose, the corner pizzeria’s perfected dough is the canvas for both classic flavors and innovative combinations. At the beginning of the year, chef/owner Robert Andreozzi received a coveted James Beard nomination in the Best Chef Northeast category. Standouts include the burrata pie, which includes marinara, stracciatella, garlic, and basil, while on the “chowdah” pie (think: if clam chowder and pizza had a baby!), you’ll find topped with clams, potato, bacon, and herbs.

Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Wakefield

The word “authentic” gets tossed around about as much as a handmade pizza dough, but Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana has the chops – and the paperwork – to prove it. The restaurant has earned a certification from the  Associazione Vera Pizza Napolitano, or VPN, which is essentially the stamp of approval from some of the oldest families of pizza makers and the most famous Neapolitan pizzerias. A haven for pizza purists seeking Neapolitan perfection right down to the dash of char, Pasquale’s wood-fired oven dances with flames, crafting pies with thin, chewy crusts kissed by the smoky embrace of oak. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are masterfully combined, yielding a symphony of taste in every bite. With a commitment to tradition and culinary artistry, Pasquale’s has a talent for transporting patrons to Italy with a single bite.

Federal Hill Pizza, Warren 

Drawing inspiration from Federal Hill in Providence, this Warren pizzeria is known for celebrating its Italian heritage. Think:  Neapolitan brick oven pizza with an homage to tradition while adding its own contemporary twists. Locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to quality shine through each savory slice, while an extensive beer and wine selection complements the culinary experience. Try the “Owner’s Favorite” with mozzarella, red sauce, prosciutto, mushrooms, goat cheese and basil cooked well done. Another hit is the East Street pie with mozzarella, homemade meatballs, roasted red peppers, parmesan cheese and red sauce. Mangia!

Brick Pizza Co., Bristol 

Despite being housed in a cool, cavernous building inside a restored, industrial park that’s become Bristol’s newest hotspot, a rich aroma greets you upon entry to Brick Pizza Co. The Shroom pie arrives to your table with local ricotta cheese, roasted Hillside Farm mushrooms, mozzarella, roasted garlic, and California olive oil, while “The Bristol” features sauce fra di avolo, mozzarella, chourico, linguica, cherry pepper rings and a dusting of fresh parsley. Another way to enjoy Brick’s delectable pies is just a few footsteps away at Pivotal Brewing Company. Hop-forward New England and West Coast IPAs, fruit-forward beers, lagers, stouts, porters, and some barrel-aged brews wow everyone from beer connoisseurs to casual sippers. 

Al Forno, Providence 

The Capital City’s longtime culinary gem, Al Forno is a bonafide institution far beyond Rhode Island’s borders. Celebrated for its irresistible grilled pizza, the chef/owner husband/wife team  of Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon put the restaurant on the map. While, Cucina Simpatica, their 1991 cookbook, is described as bringing home cooks “the luscious, lusty food of Al Forno.” Stretched thin and topped with farm-fresh ingredients, their best-known pizza is the margarita, made simply with pomodoro, two kinds of cheese,  fresh herbs, and a dash of extra virgin olive oil. These grilled pizzas are best enjoyed at the riverside restaurant, It’ll be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Mother Pizzeria, Newport

A neighborhood restaurant from the team behind the award-winning Giusto. Mother Pizzeria crafts 12-inch pies with naturally fermented dough and local stone ground flour. Cooked to perfection in an Italian-designed brick oven located behind the sleek counter the signature pizzas include classic Margherita with mozzarella, Bianco di Napoli tomatoes, and basil; The Notorious F.I.G. with black mission fig, ricotta, prosciutto, arugula, aged balsamic; The Super Tuscan with soppressata, mozzarella, tomato, broccoli rabe; The Nightshade with heirloom cherry tomato, pesto trapanese, smoked mozzarella; Calabrian Luau with n’duja, pineapple, red onion, roasted pepper, caciocavallo; and, what’s turning into a customer favorite, the RI Party Pie with tomato, estratto di pomodoro, Sicilian oregano, and chili flakes. Mother offers two different culinary experiences: a quick counter-style to-go reminiscent of a Roman cafe and a dining room and bar.

Caserta Pizza, Providence 

Synonymous with Federal Hill itself, Caserta Pizza calls itself the originator of the “Wimpy Skippy,” a spinach pie stuffed with black olives, cheese and pepperoni which, admittedly, is more calzone than pizza. An institution since 1953, Caserta’s is decidedly casual, right down to the vinyl seats and the counter where you order. Don’t forget to pick up your t-shirt with the restaurant’s longtime slogan, “If You’re Not Eating Caserta’s, You’re Not Eating Pizza!” (Or their signature pizza box Christmas tree ornament.  

Nana’s, Westerly

Like its location in Mystic, Connecticut, Nana’s is an organic bakery, pizza shop, and bar, offering naturally leavened dough using regional and sustainably grown ingredients. While you’ll usually find the simple Nana’s tomato with basil and olive oil, you never know what the seasonally driven restaurant might come up with, like this past summer’s “loaded potato pie” topped with slices of potato, scallion, guanciale (Italian bacon) and sour cream.  A classic white delivers garlic butter, ricotta and rosemary, while the sweet and spicy pepperoni is a potpourri of herbed honey, mozzarella, parmesan, Koji tomato sauce and Calabrian chili. Don’t miss some of the wines that make for perfect pairings.

Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe, Jamestown 

It’s not a legal requirement to know Friday night is pizza night to live on Conanicut Island, but it may as well be. In a longstanding tradition, Village Hearth is pizza central on Fridays.

Here’s the deal: pre-orders for partial baked pizzas, better known as “takes and bakes,” are available each week until Friday at 2pm and ready to pick up anytime between 4 – 7pm that evening. But may we suggest making a little evening out of a visit to this bucolic island outpost, where you can order a fresh pizza to enjoy on our patio with a cold beer or glass of wine. Enjoy potato pizza, fig and arugula, eggplant parmesan, or whatever else makes the weekly special.

Bar ‘Cino, Newport (and in Massachusetts, Brookline and Watertown)

Take note, the first thing you’ll notice about Bar ‘Cino pizza isn’t that it’s square or is served on a pizza paddle but rather it’s served with…a pair of scissors. It’s not all that uncommon to find pizza cur with scissors in Italy – Rome in particular – especially when serving long slab pizza styles, including Pizza al Taglio or Pizza Bianca alla Romana. At Bar ‘Cino, the renowned grilled pizza options are margherita pomodoro, fontina, parmesan, scallion, basil, then there’s the prosciutto pizza with fig, arugula, fontina, and gorgonzola. The spicy sausage pizza has roasted kale, lemon-ricotta, scallion and a kick from the red pepper flakes, and for vegetarians, there’s a pizza with roasted Rhode Island Mushrooms, charred radicchio, fontina, parmesan, olive oil, saba and fresh herbs. 

Twin’s Pizza, North Providence

For many Rhode Islanders, a pizza round up would not be complete without including Twins. For over half a century now, ownership and operation of the restaurant have remained within the same family. Stepping through its doors evokes a nostalgic journey through time. Every square pizza pie here is hand-made to order in ovens that have been doing their part for decades. Particucularly known for its hearty toppings, a light crispy crust and being a good value. Inside tip: if you like a cheesy pie, ask them to go a little heavy handed.

From the crispy edges of “strip-style” to the artistic Neapolitan creations, Rhode Island’s pizza scene is a flavorful mosaic of tradition and innovation. Rhode Island’s pizzerias are more than eateries; they’re cultural hubs where families, friends, and food enthusiasts gather to savor the perfect blend of cheese, sauce, and dough. Rhode Island’s pizza parlors are a testament to the enduring love affair between its residents and this timeless culinary delight. Whether you’re captivated by the coastal allure of Newport or enticed by the vibrant urban atmosphere of Providence, rest assured that you’ll discover delectable slices to satisfy every taste bud.

Check out some of our other local eateries we have highlighted in this yummy blog, like our favorite hidden gems, awesome Rhode Island food trucks, and event the best Rhode Island Irish pubs!