When you think of eating in New Orleans, your mind probably jumps straight to bowls of dark-roux gumbo, overstuffed fried shrimp po-boys, and plates of buttery charbroiled oysters. And you wouldn't be wrong to crave those—we do them better than anyone else. But what often flies under the radar for visitors is the city's wildly impressive pizza scene. Over the last decade, New Orleans has quietly evolved into a serious pizza town, blending historic Southern hospitality with masterful dough fermentation and wood-fired techniques.

There is something inherently communal about sharing a pie, and in a city built on lingering over a table with friends, it just makes sense. From blistered Neapolitan crusts in Uptown to massive, foldable New York-style slices in the Bywater, our local pizzaiolos are pulling absolute magic out of their ovens. Here are my favorite spots to grab a pie when I need a break from the French Quarter classics.

Pizza Delicious Tucked away on Piety Street in the vibrant Bywater neighborhood, Pizza Delicious is a testament to what happens when you obsess over the details. What started years ago as a scrappy Sunday pop-up in a shared kitchen has blossomed into an undeniable local institution. They specialize in massive, New York-style pies with a crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and foldable. The tomato sauce is bright and tangy, and they don't hold back on the high-quality cheese. With over 2,200 glowing reviews, you can expect a line on weekends, but grabbing a slice of their spicy pepperoni, pairing it with a local craft beer, and sitting on their industrial-chic patio is a quintessential New Orleans afternoon.

Zee's Pizzeria If you venture uptown to Baronne Street, you'll find Zee's Pizzeria, a neighborhood joint that currently boasts a near-flawless reputation among locals. Clocking in with an impressive 4.8 rating, Zee's brings Northeast-style tavern pizza down South. The edges of these pies are deeply caramelized, boasting that irresistible, slightly charred crunch that only comes from a perfectly dialed-in oven. The vibe inside is unfussy and incredibly welcoming, making you feel like a regular the moment you walk through the door. Do not skip their classic cheese pie—it is a masterclass in simplicity, proving that you don't need wild toppings to make an unforgettable pizza.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen When you're wandering the French Quarter and need an escape from the humidity and the crowds, head down to the French Market and slip into Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. This spot has been a dependable anchor for years, serving up fantastic wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed, brick-walled dining room. What I love about this place is how they weave subtle local flavors into traditional Italian techniques—think roasted garlic, wild mushrooms, and a truly great wine list. It is a fantastic spot to split a smoky, wood-fired pie before heading back out into the vibrant chaos of the Quarter.

PIZZA domenica Shopping along Magazine Street will inevitably leave you hungry, and PIZZA domenica is exactly where you want to drop your bags. The atmosphere here is effortlessly stylish yet entirely casual, making it a perfect lunch stop or a lively dinner spot. Their custom-made oven churns out magnificent pies with a blistered, chewy crust that bends just right in the center. While the Margherita is textbook perfect, I always steer friends toward the Calabrese pie layered with spicy salami and capers.

Now, let's talk logistics for planning your own pizza run. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, aim for a late lunch or early dinner. New Orleans operates on a later dining schedule, so showing up at 5:30 PM often means you can snag a prime table without a wait. For casual, counter-service spots like Pizza Delicious and Zee's, it's strictly walk-in, so just roll up and join the neighborhood flow. If you are planning an evening at PIZZA domenica or Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, especially on a Friday or Saturday, grabbing a reservation online will save you some hassle. Price-wise, expect to spend around $4 to $6 for a massive slice at the casual counters, or $20 to $30 for a whole artisan pie at the sit-down restaurants.

New Orleans will always be a seafood and Creole heavyweight, but our pizza makers are undeniably holding their own. The next time you find yourself in the Crescent City, give the jambalaya a rest for one night. Wander into one of these neighborhoods, pull up a chair, and order a pie. Let me know which spot wins you over—I'm always ready for an excuse to go back for another slice.