While some foodies flock to Rhode Island for fresh seafood, this coastal state is also a paradise for pizza lovers. You can find pizzas of all styles and flavors in the island’s bakeries and pizzerias, many of which are family-owned businesses dating decades back. The island’s history of Italian American immigrants has cemented its reputation for incredible Italian cuisine, of which pizza is one of the most noteworthy dishes. If you’re on the hunt for the best pizza in Rhode Island, you won’t want to miss these five places. Let’s dig in, shall we?
The Rhode Island-Style Pizza (AKA “Party Pizza”)
In addition to replicating and perfecting many well-known classic pizzas, pizzerias and bakeries in Rhode Island have created a new pizza style: the Rhode Island-style pizza, known locally as Party Pizza or Pizza Strips. Party Pizza is a rectangular pizza with a thick, airy crust and tangy tomato sauce, served at room temperature and typically without cheese.
Party pizzas are a favorite amongst locals because of its connection to Italian-American cuisine. The pizza’s simple nature allows the tomato sauce–a staple of Italian cuisine–to shine. Since party pizza is both convenient and delicious, it has become a party staple in Rhode Island, hence the name ‘party pizza’. Its association with family gatherings, community events, and celebrations has cemented its status as a beloved Rhode Island dish and, to many locals, as the best pizza in Rhode Island. Want to know more? Read along if you want to learn more about the history of Rhode Island-style pizza.
The Classic New York-Style Slice
New York-style pizza is renowned for its thin-crust foldable slices with a perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio. This pizza is meant to be served in large slices that are thick and crispy at the edge but thin and soft enough in the center to be folded in half. This iconic pizza style has made its way down to Rhode Island pizzerias and bakeries where it has become a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
New York-style pizzas are characterized by their large slices, with full pizzas ranging from 18 to 24 inches in diameter. A great New York pizza has a crispy, thin crust made of high-gluten bread flour and the perfect blend of fresh tomato sauce and hot, melting cheese served in wide slices.
On a side note, did you know that one slice of pizza cost about one ticket price for the subway when pizzerias were branching out in New York? Read more about New York pizza here.
The Famous Grilled Pizza
The Grilled Pizza is another must-try Rhode Island pizza. This pizza style, which originated in Rhode Island, is a must-try for any tourists who want a taste of Rhode Island cuisine. Unlike traditional baked pizza, this dough is grilled first, rather than baking the entire pizza at once. The crisp dough is then topped with gourmet ingredients, grilled again, and served hot. The tantalizing smoky aroma of the pizza makes it stand out from other pizzas and adds an extra layer of flavor.
The Classic Margherita Pizza
The Margherita pizza is a tried and true classic pizza flavor. Fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil combine to create a balance of flavors that melts in your mouth. The secret to making a perfect Margherita pizza is in the ingredients. Sweet, high-quality tomatoes such as Italian San Marzano tomatoes along with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves can transform the pizza into a gourmet dish. Alongside sourcing high-quality ingredients, the preparation process is critical to making Margherita pizza. Proper preparation includes hand stretching dough to the perfect thickness and size, making sure the toppings are evenly proportioned, and baking the pizza in a high-temperature oven. The simplicity of the pizza allows for its ingredients to shine and makes it one of the most versatile pizza styles, making the Margherita pizza perfect for both casual nights of watching TV and fine dining.
Loaded Meat Lovers Pizza
Another popular favorite of pizza fanatics, the Loaded Meat Lovers Pizza is perfect for people with hearty appetites or, as the name suggests, for meat lovers. This pizza is topped with different types of meat, which typically includes pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, or meatballs. A great meat lover pizza is loaded with toppings that are evenly distributed for an eating experience that is a wonderful surprise in every bite. It is also crucial to source high-quality meat for this pizza since the meat is the highlight of the dish. Thin crispy pepperoni, savory, spiced sausages, and well-seasoned ham will take the pizza’s flavors to another level.
Dive in to read more if you’re curious about Meat Lover Pizza’s origins and rise to prominence.
Manny & Olga’s Specialty Pizzas
Manny & Olga’s Pizza, located in nine different locations in Maryland and Washington D.C., offers a wide selection of specialty pizzas. Whether you want a classic cheese pizza or something unique like a customized pizza, we have one to satisfy every palate. Offered in four different sizes, our specialty pizzas range from vegetarian options, such as the Vegetarian Pizza or the California Greek White Pizza, to well-loved pizzas like the Hawaiian Pizza or The Original Pizza.
We especially recommend the Manny & Olga originals, such as the Olga’s Favorite Pizza, a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, fresh sliced tomatoes, olives, pepper, and pepper on a bed of creamy feta cheese, and the Greek cuisine-inspired My Big Fat Greek Pizza, featuring gyro meat, black olives, spinach, feta cheese, onions & sliced tomatoes. In addition to pizza, we also serve loaded subs and burgers, along with a wide range of Greek and Italian dishes and other entrees.
Embark on a Rhodes Island Pizza Tour
Rhode Island’s pizza scene offers something for every foodie—from classic Margheritas to unique and innovative pizzas. Whether you’re a broke college student who wants to host the perfect party or a professional food journalist looking for your next scoop, we have a feeling the best pizza in Rhode Island is waiting for you in one of these five pizza places.
Craving a delicious pizza? Visit or order from Manny & Olga’s for a fresh, flavorful experience!