Best Pizza in DC – Top Spots and Tasty Combinations

These exceptional establishments have captivated both locals and visitors with their unique offerings.

1. & Rossi Pizzeria – A family-owned Italian eatery, Rossi Pizzeria, boasts a classic Neapolitan-style pizzeria experience amidst the bustling streets of Georgetown. Their signature 14″ thin crust wood-fired pizzas have consistently earned high ratings from food critics and patrons for their simple yet delectable combinations.
2. & Red Roc Pizza Co. – Located in the Navy Yard, Red Roc Pizza Co. is another renowned spot that serves authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. With a lively atmosphere and excellent service, it is undoubtedly a top destination for pizza connoisseurs.
3. & Pietro’s 3 – For the past decade, Pietro’s 3 has remained a DC staple, offering handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizzas that embody the traditional Italian culinary approach. This cozy establishment, nestled on Capitol Hill, is cherished by pizza enthusiasts for its warm and inviting ambiance.

Cooking Styles and Techniques, Best pizza in dc

While all three eateries share the same Neapolitan-style pizza roots, their unique approaches set them apart.

• & Rossi Pizzeria prides itself on maintaining its original recipes and cooking techniques, transporting patrons to the vibrant streets of Naples.
• & Red Roc Pizza Co.’s wood-fired oven is a cornerstone of its distinctive cooking method, adding an unbeatable smoky flavor to every pie. Their commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients complements the rich aroma, creating an unforgettable experience.
• & Pietro’s 3’s passion for innovation shines through in its seasonal menu offerings, which consistently blend classic flavors with unexpected combinations. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional techniques is reflected in its hand-crafted pizzas, created with love and care.

Unique Ingredient Combinations

• & Rossi Pizzeria’s Signature Combinations – Their menu boasts a variety of simple yet delicious options, including the “Quattro Formaggi” featuring four distinct cheeses and the “Funghi e Salsiccia” combining earthy mushroom and savory Italian sausage.
• & Red Roc Pizza Co.’s Wood-Fired Delights – Red Roc Pizza Co. features seasonal small plates and pizzas, with their summer favorites featuring locally-sourced tomatoes and fresh herbs like basil and rosemary.
• & Pietro’s 3’s Unique Options – The “Bresaola e Gorgonzola” pizza showcases a perfect blend of cured meats, gorgonzola cheese, and fresh arugula, providing an unforgettable flavor experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Pizza in DC

When it comes to finding the best pizza in DC, the neighborhood plays a significant role. From classic pies to gourmet toppings, each neighborhood offers a unique take on pizza-making techniques, making it a culinary adventure waiting to happen. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best neighborhoods for pizza in DC, highlighting two unique pizza spots in each area.

Shaw and U Street Corridor

The Shaw and U Street Corridor neighborhoods are known for their vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of restaurants. Pizza lovers can indulge in a variety of traditional and gourmet pizzas at the following spots:

1. Aldo’s Ristorante – For a taste of Italy in Shaw, Aldo’s serves up classic Neapolitan-style pizzas with a modern twist. Try their signature “Toro” pizza with fresh buffalo mozzarella and spicy salami.
2. Red Rocks Pizza – This casual spot on U Street offers creative pies with unique toppings like fig jam and prosciutto. Don’t miss their “Spicy Veggie” pizza, loaded with roasted vegetables and spicy pepperoni.

Logan Circle and Dupont Circle

This upscale neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best upscale pizzerias. From artisanal crusts to gourmet toppings, these two neighborhoods offer a refined pizza experience.

1. Bluebird Bakery – This artisanal bakery in Logan Circle serves up wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings like roasted garlic and goat cheese. Try their “Fig and Prosciutto” pizza for a sweet and savory combination.
2. Breadwinner – This farm-to-table pizza spot in Dupont Circle offers seasonal pies with creative toppings like roasted squash and caramelized onions. Don’t miss their “Butcher’s Block” pizza, loaded with slow-cooked short ribs and fresh arugula.

Georgetown and Foggy Bottom

Georgetown and Foggy Bottom offer a more laid-back pizza experience, with a focus on casual, laid-back eateries.

1. Coal Fire Pizza – This Georgetown spot serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Try their “Margherita” pizza for a classic Italian experience.
2. Ben’s Chili Bowl – This iconic Foggy Bottom eatery has been serving up classic burgers and chili for decades, but their pizza is a hidden gem. Don’t miss their “Veggie Delight” pizza, loaded with fresh veggies and a tangy sauce.

Capitol Hill and Eastern Market

For a more authentic, old-school pizza experience, head to Capitol Hill and Eastern Market.

1. Good Times Cafe – This Capitol Hill institution serves up classic pies with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Try their “Meat Lover’s” pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon.
2. Capitol City Brewing Co. – This Eastern Market spot combines great pizza with excellent craft beer. Don’t miss their “BBQ Chicken” pizza, loaded with slow-cooked chicken, red onion, and cilantro.

Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights

For a more adventurous pizza experience, head to Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights.

1. La Famosa – This Adams Morgan spot serves up creative pizzas with unique toppings like grilled pineapple and chopped bacon. Try their “Korean BBQ” pizza, loaded with spicy chorizo and kimchi.
2. Pizzeria Ortolana – This Columbia Heights spot offers a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Don’t miss their “Garden Veggie” pizza, loaded with roasted vegetables and a tangy sauce.

Top-Rated Toppings: Best Pizza In Dc

When it comes to the best pizza in DC, the toppings play a crucial role in elevating the flavor and experience of this beloved dish. From classic combinations to innovative pairings, DC’s pizza joints have mastered the art of creating unique and mouthwatering topping combinations that cater to diverse tastes.

In this section, we’ll explore the most popular topping combinations at top-rated DC pizza joints, highlighting innovative and bold choices that reflect the region’s cultural diversity.

The Classics: Timeless Combinations

Some topping combinations remain timeless and universally loved. These classic pairings bring together the best of traditional flavors to create a perfectly balanced pizza. At places like &pizza and Pizzeria Orso, you can find:

• Margherita: A classic combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
• Quattro Formaggi: A blend of four artisanal cheeses, including mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, and ricotta.

These classic combinations are staples for a reason, providing a solid foundation for any pizza enthusiast.

Innovative Combos: Pushing the Boundaries

Beyond the classics, DC’s top-rated pizza joints are pushing the boundaries of topping combinations, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity and creativity. From Korean BBQ to Mediterranean-inspired pairings, these unique combinations showcase the city’s culinary innovation.

• K-Town Pizza at Red Rocks Café: A fusion of Korean BBQ sauce, bulgogi beef, and kimchi, creating a spicy and savory pizza experience.
• Mediterranean Mashup at Luna Grill: A combination of feta cheese, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon-herb sauce, offering a refreshing and tangy taste.

These innovative combinations showcase the city’s love for bold flavors and cultural fusion, ensuring a pizza experience like no other.

Traditional Flavors with a Twist

DC’s top-rated pizza joints often put a creative spin on classic flavors, elevating them to new heights. This innovative approach to traditional toppings creates pizzas that are both familiar and excitingly new.

• Prosciutto and Arugula at Pizzeria Orso: A classic Italian combination with a twist of peppery arugula and crispy prosciutto, adding depth and freshness to a timeless pairing.
• Mushroom and Truffle at &pizza: A rich and earthy combination of sautéed mushrooms and truffle oil, elevating the earthy flavors of the mushrooms to new heights.

By merging classic flavors with innovative twists, DC’s top-rated pizza joints continue to raise the bar for pizza enthusiasts, inviting you to explore new tastes and combinations.

Sides to Pair with Your Best Pizza in DC

When it comes to enjoying a delicious pizza in DC, having the right sides can elevate the overall dining experience. From classic Italian fare to more modern twists, the options are endless. In this section, we will explore some of the best sides to pair with your pizza in DC, highlighting their historical context, flavor profiles, and textures that make them the perfect complements to a mouth-watering pie.

Pasta as a Perfect Pairing

One of the most iconic side dishes that pairs well with pizza is pasta. This classic combination has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. In the United States, pasta’s popularity as a side dish for pizza emerged in the 1960s, particularly in urban areas with large Italian-American populations. Today, you can find a wide variety of pasta dishes that complement pizzas, from spaghetti to penne, and from classic tomato sauce to rich and creamy Alfredo.

• Classic Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce: A timeless combination that pairs perfectly with a simple or meat-topped pizza. The long, thin strands of spaghetti complement the crispy crust and savory sauce, while the tomato sauce adds a tangy and savory element.
• Cannelloni: A Sicilian classic filled with meat, cheese, and herbs, cannelloni pairs beautifully with meat-lovers or vegetarian pizzas. The rich, cheesy goodness of cannelloni complements the savory flavors of the pizza.
• Garlic Bread: A classic Italian-American comfort food, garlic bread is a staple side dish for pizza. The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic bread pairs perfectly with a variety of pizza toppings, from classic pepperoni to more adventurous options.
• Mac and Cheese: A creamy, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with rich and savory pizzas. The smooth texture and velvety cheese sauce complement the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.

Garlic Knots and Other Baked Goods

Baked goods, such as garlic knots, are a popular side dish for pizza. These savory treats are easy to make and can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices to complement the pizza. Garlic knots, in particular, are a classic combination that pairs perfectly with a simple or meat-topped pizza.

• Cheese Sticks: A popular side dish in Italian-American cuisine, cheese sticks are a simple, yet flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of pizza toppings. The crunchy exterior and creamy interior of cheese sticks complement the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.
• Breadsticks: Another classic Italian-American side dish, breadsticks are a fun and flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with a variety of pizza toppings. The crispy exterior and soft interior of breadsticks complement the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.
• Garlic Knots: A classic Italian-American comfort food, garlic knots are a staple side dish for pizza. The crispy, buttery goodness of garlic knots pairs perfectly with a variety of pizza toppings, from classic pepperoni to more adventurous options.

Italian-Style Salads

Italian-style salads, such as Caprese or Insalata Cesare, are a popular side dish for pizza. These salads offer a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pizza, with their light and tangy texture and bright, herbaceous flavors.

• Caprese Salad: A classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, Caprese salad pairs beautifully with a variety of pizza toppings. The creamy cheese, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil complement the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.
• Insalata Cesare: A classic Italian salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese, Insalata Cesare is a popular side dish for pizza. The light and crunchy texture of the salad complements the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.

Other Delicious Options

Lastly, there are many other delicious side dishes that pair well with pizza. From crispy onion rings to creamy spinach and artichoke dip, the options are endless.

• Onion Rings: A crunchy and addictive side dish, onion rings pair beautifully with a variety of pizza toppings. The crispy exterior and sweet onion interior complement the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.
• Fries: A popular side dish in many cuisines, fries are a great match for pizza. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of fries complement the crispy crust and savory sauce of the pizza.
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A creamy and flavorful side dish, spinach and artichoke dip is a popular treat that pairs beautifully with pizza. The rich, cheesy goodness of the dip complements the savory flavors of the pizza.

Closure

So, whether you’re a pizza lover, a food critic, or just a curious traveler, we hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best pizza in DC. From classic combinations to innovative toppings and sides, we’ve covered it all. Happy eating!

User Queries

Q: What makes a pizza great in DC?

A: A combination of high-quality ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and creative combinations of toppings set DC’s top pizza joints apart from the rest.

Q: Where can I find New York-style pizza in DC?

A: Several restaurants in DC offer authentic New York-style pizza, such as Joe’s Pizza and Lombardi’s Pizza.

Q: What are some unique pizza combinations in DC?

A: Try out some of the most popular topping combinations at top-rated DC pizza joints, such as pineapple and prosciutto or BBQ chicken and red onion.