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Who doesn’t love a good slice of pizza? As perfect as a hot slice can be on a night you don’t feel like cooking, or you want something shareable for guests, pizza from your usual spot can get boring. Here are a few places in your area that just might ascend the ranks as your new go-to.
Tampa Bay
Madison Avenue Pizza – 2660 Bayshore Boulevard, Dunedin
If you’ve got a big appetite, Madison Avenue has you covered. Crowned with the title of “Tampa Bay’s largest pizza pie,” this 32-incher weighs in at 11 pounds and just barely squeezes through the front door.
Although the “That’s What She Said Pizza” is Madison Avenue’s claim to fame, the restaurant also has an extensive menu full of options to build a custom pie or order one of the special pies. With each pizza being baked in a brick oven, every slice is perfectly crisp, a little chewy and mouthwatering.
For the full menu and more information, visit www.madisonavepizza.com.
Eddie And Sam’s NY Pizza – 203 East Twiggs Street, Tampa
For the New York-style pizza lovers, Eddie and Sam’s is as authentic as you’ll get in Tampa. Serving the Tampa area since 1998, this pizzeria actually imports New York water to achieve that signature NY-style crust for each pie. Yes, seriously.
Eddie and Sam’s offers classic pizza, as well as build-your-own. However, the magic is in the specialty pies. The Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana pizzas are topped with breaded eggplant or chicken breast, ricotta, mozzarella, homemade marinara and Parmigiana cheese – a new-age Italian specialty.
However, this pizzeria offers more than just pizza – with everything from wings to salads, to sandwiches and even desserts, Eddie and Sam’s is a true Tampa gem.
Learn more at www.eddieandsamspizza.com.
Due Amici Pizza & Pasta Bar – 1724 East 7th Avenue, Tampa
With nearly 2,000 raving reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Google, Due Amici has earned the name of possibly the best pie spot in all of Tampa. The pizza sauce is made in house with imported Italian tomatoes to create the ultimate and most authentic sauce possible to Tampa Bay residents.
Due Amici’s most popular pies include the classic or pepperoni cheese pizza, buffalo chicken and the Fresca Pizza, made with Due Amici’s pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light lunch or late night snack on a warm summer day.
View the full menu or order online at dueamiciybor.com.
Lake/Marion Counties
PizzAmoré – 722 East 5th Avenue, Mount Dora
Clever name, but even better pies, PizzAmoré offers many different pizzas on the specialty menu such as the house special Palermo, made with mozzarella, pizza sauce, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, roasted onions, spinach and country olive medley.
Another popular pie is the Fifth Avenue, topped with plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, sausage, olive tapenade and fresh basil. Choose your crust texture with either thin, crispy baked or regular to achieve your ideal slice.
However, you can also make a build-your-own pie, or choose from the current summer menu of salads, baked subs, pastas and flatbreads.
See all that PizzAmoré has to offer at www.youlovepizza.com.
Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More – 280 Silverado Street, Tavares
Self-proclaimed as serving “the best New York-style pizza in Lake County,” Bella Nonna is a family-run and owned pizzeria that’s become a local favorite since opening in March 2019. Serving classics and specialties such as Amante di Carne, topped with pepperoni, salami, sausage, capicola, meatballs and fresh basil, it’s no wonder the mix of great service and a tasty menu has put Bella Nonna in such high regard.
To pair with your pie, try the popular mozzarella sticks or garlic knots for an added layer of yummy.
View the menu and order online at www.bellanonnatavares.com/menu.
Del Franco’s Pizza – 25444 FL-46 Suite 5, Sorrento
Owned and run by a New York couple who wanted to bring great pizza to the Sunshine State, Del Franco’s has just want you want in a pizza. Some of the most unique pies include the Italian Classic, complete with olive oil, mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic and basil – wonderfully light to combat the end-of-August heat.
Del Franco’s also offers calzones, salads, pasta, classic pizzeria appetizers, desserts (including cannoli) and much more.
Visit www.delfrancossorrento.com/menu to see the full menu and order online.
Sarasota/Manatee
Lucile Pizza & Wine Bar – 1660 Main Street, Sarasota
Ideal for those with a plant-based diet, Lucile offers plant-based pizzas by default, though you are welcome to add meat or dairy to your pie. Menu pizzas are topped with cashew mozzarella (it’s definitely worth a try) and focus on fresh vegetable toppings. The Truffled Mushroom pie is made with roasted maitake mushrooms, truffled cashew-black garlic cream, cashew mozzarella, kale and lemon – yum!
Aside from pizza, Lucile also offers soups, salads and pastas. All vegan, with most being gluten free!
View the full menu or order online at lucilesrq.com.
Village Pizzas by Emma – 3350 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota
Featuring fresh dough made each day and house made sauce, Village Pizzas by Emma is one of a kind. Each pie comes in a standard two inches larger than normal pizza sizes, so you get more bang for your buck! Build your own pizza, order specialty or even order by the slice.
Specialty pizzas include veggie, Hawaiian, cheeseburger or even summertime, made with garlic spread, spinach, tomato and fresh garlic cloves. You can enjoy your pie for pickup or enjoy some time dining outside at this pizzeria.
Learn more at www.villagepizzasbyemma.net.
La Mucca Ballerina – 1668 Main Street, Sarasota
This counter-serve deli makes its own mozzarella to top menu items. Pizza-by-the-slice is available during lunchtime, with whole pizzas available at dinner time. Pies include Margherita, Napoli (tomato, mozzarella, anchovies) Ortolana (tomato, mozzarella, mix of seasonal veggies) and so many more.
Although closed until August 29, 2021, this pizzeria is definitely worth the wait. Visit the website for updates and the full menu at www.lamuccaballerina.com.
Southwest
Manatees Pizza – 408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
This local favorite since 1990 makes each pie with homemade dough, crafting an authentically delicious bite each time. Manatees Pizza signature pies include Supreme, Meatza, BBQ Chicken and even Sante Fe, build with spicy chicken, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and jalapenos.
Add to your order with the many sandwiches, starters, salads or stromboli offered, as well.
Learn more at www.manateespizza.com.
Taglio Cucina & Pizzeria Romana – 24065 Peachland Boulevard #103, Port Charlotte
Authentic and not shy with toppings, Taglio Cucina offers a variety of pizza combinations that are perfect for any palate. Build your own pie or choose from one of the gourmet menu pizzas like the spicy La Diavola Pizza made with tomato sauce, Calabrian peppers, cup’n’char pepperoni, red onion, local sausage, fresh mozzarella, spicy soppressata.
Not looking for a pizza? Try one of the many calzones, salads, artisan sandwiches or fresh made pasta dishes. There’s something for everyone here.
For more information or to order online, visit www.tagliocucinapizzeriaromana.com.
Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante – 321 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Since opening its doors, Carmelo’s has won a number of awards in dining experience and general excellence, all for good reason. This restaurant is known for its deliciously fresh pasta and pizzas, including the Prosciutto and Gorgonzola pizza, topped with prosciutto, walnuts, spinach, onions, Gorgonzola cheese, mozzarella, olive oil and Parmigiano cheese.
Or if you’re looking for a pizza that packs a punch, try the stuffed pizzas (pizzolo) available for carry-out only. These include options such as the Stuffed Pizzolo Vegetariano, made with eggplant, mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomatoes, light sauce and mozzarella.
View the full pizza menu at www.carmelosristorante.com/menu/pizza.
Suncoast
Paul’s Chicago Pizza St. Pete – 11002 4th St N, St. Petersburg
We’ve listed several New York-style pizzerias, but what about Chicago? Paul’s Chicago Pizza is the place for anyone wanting to share an authentic Chicago-style deep dish pie. However, subs, hot dogs, wings and non-deep dish pizzas, are on the menu as well.
Regular pies include Classic, with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and green peppers; Sam’s Special, with white sauce, chicken, spinach and ricotta; and even Chicken Ranch Dip, with ranch sauce, diced roasted chicken breast, ham and little onions.
For more information and the full menu, visit www.paulschicagopizza.com.
Trattoria Da Mino – 335 West Venice Avenue, Venice
Serving up rustic Italian dishes, Trattoria Da Mino makes each dish fresh as soon as you order it, including the pizza pies. The dough is made fresh in house and tossed in the air to get the wonderful crispy texture signature to an authentic pizza.
Popular pizza options include the signature Malafemmena Pizza, made with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil and olive oil. If you’re not looking for spice, try the Pugliese Pizza, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, onion, anchovy, black olives and capers.
For more information, visit www.trattoriadamino.com.
Leone’s Italian Market & Pizzeria – 916 SE 14th Ave, Cape Coral
This Italian market offers made-from-scratch dishes and hand-tossed Jersey-style pizza. Leone’s serves fresh made soups, sandwiches and, of course, fresh pizzas.
The most popular pizza is the Sicilian pie, which they take pre-orders for in order to ensure you can get your hands on it, otherwise pre-made pies run out quickly. The Sicilian is a thick crust pizza topped with homemade tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
According to its Facebook page, Leone’s will be closed from August 31 to September 13, so plan accordingly! For more details, visit www.facebook.com/Leones-Italian-Market-and-Pizzeria.
