Looking for Great Pizza in Florida? Here Are the Best Places to Go Central Florida & Tampa Bay Edition | Updated 2025
Florida might be famous for its beaches, theme parks, and sunshine — but its pizza scene? Seriously underrated. From the bustling streets of Orlando to the waterfront neighborhoods of Tampa Bay, Central Florida and the greater Tampa region are home to some legitimately great pizza restaurants that locals have been raving about for years.
Whether you’re a visitor hungry after a long day at the parks, a Tampa local looking for a new Friday night staple, or simply someone who believes pizza is always the right answer — this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best pizza spots across Central Florida and Tampa Bay, spanning everything from wood-fired Neapolitan to New York-style folds, Detroit-style squares, and the beloved brick-fired craft pies that make this region worth talking about.
No filler. No chain-restaurant padding. Just great pizza, real places, and honest takes.
Central Florida’s Best Pizza Spots
Orlando and its surrounding communities have quietly built one of the most diverse pizza scenes in the Southeast. Here are the standout spots worth going out of your way for.
1. Pizza Bruno — Orlando (Conway/South Orange)
Style: Wood-fired Neapolitan
If you’re serious about Neapolitan pizza in Central Florida, Pizza Bruno is the place. Owner Bruno Zacchini developed his love for pizza on the Jersey Shore before bringing that passion south to Orlando. The result is a menu of naturally leavened Neapolitan pies cooked in a wood-fired oven, using high-quality ingredients that let the simplicity of the craft speak for itself.
The naturally fermented dough produces a light, airy crust with that characteristic leopard-spotted char, and the sauce is bright and fresh. Don’t miss the hot honey pies, and the craft beer list is worth browsing before you order. Weekend brunch at Pizza Bruno has also developed a loyal following.
Best for: Date nights, craft pizza enthusiasts, beer lovers
2. Lazy Moon — Orlando (Multiple Locations)
Style: NY-style by the giant slice
Lazy Moon is Orlando’s answer to the late-night New York pizza counter — and it delivers spectacularly. Their slices are enormous (we’re talking face-sized), their pies are available in 20-inch and 30-inch formats, and the vibe is pure, unpretentious fun. With locations in the Mills 50 district and near UCF, Lazy Moon draws everyone from college students to local pizza loyalists.
The dessert menu — including s’mores pizzas and ice cream tacos — makes this a full experience, not just a quick bite. It’s become a genuine Orlando institution.
Best for: Late-night cravings, groups, pizza by the ridiculous slice
3. Prato — Winter Park (Park Avenue)
Style: Upscale Italian, wood-fired
Situated on the iconic Park Avenue strip in Winter Park, Prato brings a fine-dining sensibility to pizza without losing what makes it great. It’s one of just 58 restaurants in the Orlando area to earn a spot in the MICHELIN Guide, which tells you something about the level of care that goes into every dish.
The pizzas here are paired with exceptional pastas, a well-curated wine list, and a warm contemporary atmosphere that makes Prato ideal for a proper sit-down meal. The outdoor patio is one of the best dining settings in Central Florida.
Best for: Special occasions, date nights, Park Avenue strollers
4. SoDough Square — Orlando
Style: Detroit-style
Detroit-style pizza has taken the country by storm, and SoDough Square is Orlando’s finest representative of the form. Ranked among the top Detroit-style pizzas in Florida by national pizza analysts, SoDough Square makes the kind of crispy-bottomed, cheese-to-the-edge, rectangular deep-dish pies that convert skeptics on the first bite.
The crust is thick but not heavy — airy on the inside with a shatteringly crispy outer edge formed by the caramelized cheese that bakes against the pan. Their pies sell out, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
Best for: Detroit-style devotees, anyone new to the style, takeout lovers
5. Mellow Mushroom — Orlando (Multiple Locations)
Style: Stone-baked, creative toppings
Mellow Mushroom has become a beloved staple across the greater Orlando area, from International Drive to Winter Park. Their stone-baked pies are endlessly customizable, the specialty combinations are bold and inventive, and the fun psychedelic atmosphere keeps the energy high.
Beyond pizza, the menu includes calzones, hoagies, salads, and a craft cocktail list that makes Mellow Mushroom a genuine destination rather than a pit stop. It’s reliably excellent and always a crowd-pleaser.
Best for: Groups, families, customizable orders, a fun night out
⭐ Featured Spotlight: Flippers Pizza Co.
Central Florida’s Craft Brick-Fired Pizza Chain
Style: Brick-fired craft pizza | All-natural ingredients | 15+ Central Florida locations
When locals are asked to name the pizza restaurant that best defines Central Florida’s pizza identity, Flippers Pizza Co. comes up again and again — and for good reason. What started as an Orlando original has grown into a 15+ location craft pizza chain that spans the region’s most visited neighborhoods, from Sand Lake Road and International Drive to Kissimmee and the SODO District.
But Flippers isn’t a typical pizza chain. Their commitment to quality sets them apart from the moment the dough is made. Every pizza begins with handcrafted dough made from unbleached artisan flour and extra virgin olive oil — no shortcuts, no compromises. From there, it’s all-natural ingredients, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and a 600-degree brick-fired oven that transforms each pie into something with real character and texture.
What Makes Flippers Stand Out
The brick-firing process gives every Flippers pizza a crispy, slightly charred crust with a chew that you simply can’t replicate in a standard commercial oven. It’s a detail that pizza lovers notice immediately. The result is a pizza that tastes fresh, balanced, and crafted — not assembled.
The menu moves well beyond the basics, with standout specialty pies that have earned a cult following among regulars. The Hog & Honey is a must-order: ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, roasted red peppers, red pepper flakes, fresh mozzarella, and a finishing drizzle of local raw honey. It’s the kind of flavor combination that sounds unexpected and then makes complete sense on the palate.
Organic salads and brick-fired sandwiches round out the menu for those who want something beyond pizza, making Flippers a genuinely versatile option for groups with different appetites.
Convenience Across Central Florida
One of Flippers Pizza Co.’s biggest advantages is its footprint. With locations across Central Florida’s most active areas — including tourism districts on Sand Lake Road, International Drive, and Highway 192 in Kissimmee, plus residential hubs like the SODO District and O-Town West — there’s almost always a Flippers within reach wherever you are in the region.
Dine-in, carry-out, and delivery are all available at every location, which makes Flippers equally useful for a sit-down dinner, a casual family night, or a post-theme-park delivery to your hotel room.
Great for Catering, Too
Flippers Pizza Co. is also one of Central Florida’s most reliable catering options for events, corporate lunches, and private gatherings. Their catering service brings the same quality ingredients and brick-fired approach to large-format ordering, making it easy to feed a crowd without sacrificing what makes the pizza good in the first place.
Best for: Everyday dinners, family outings, post-park meals, event catering, anyone who wants consistently excellent craft pizza at accessible prices
Locations: 15+ locations across Central Florida including Sand Lake Road, I-Drive, SODO District, Old Town Flippers in Kissimmee, Kissimmee (Rolling Oaks Blvd & Hwy 192), and more
Website: flipperspizzaco.com
Tampa Bay’s Best Pizza Spots
Tampa Bay has been quietly building a reputation as one of Florida’s most exciting food cities — and the pizza scene is a big part of that story. Here are the best spots across Tampa, St. Pete, and the surrounding area.
6. Santoro’s Pizza — Tampa (Multiple Locations incl. St. Pete)
Style: Jersey-style New York slice
If there’s one pizza spot that consistently tops Tampa Bay best-of lists, it’s Santoro’s. Named after the owner’s first son, the restaurant brings authentic New Jersey slice culture to Tampa with Sicilian influence woven in. The philosophy here is simple: a great pizzeria is defined by its plain slice — and Santoro’s plain slice is exceptional.
The garlic knots have earned their own reputation, with a garlic butter coating that regulars describe as addictive. The lunch special — a plain slice, a specialty slice, and a drink for $7 — is one of the better deals in Tampa Bay. Specialty options like Philly cheesesteak and buffalo chicken keep things interesting beyond the classics.
Best for: Classic slice lovers, lunch breaks, no-frills pizza nights
7. Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria — Tampa/St. Pete Area
Style: Traditional Neapolitan
Bavaro’s holds a special distinction as Florida’s first traditional Neapolitan pizzeria, and it has been delivering on that legacy across multiple Tampa Bay locations. The pies here follow authentic Neapolitan tradition — thin, soft centers, blistered edges, quality imported ingredients — and the full pastaria menu makes this more than just a pizza run.
With locations ranging from downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport, Bavaro’s is both a destination and a convenience. The atmosphere carries a century of tradition in each bite, according to regular diners.
Best for: Traditional pizza purists, Italian dining nights, airport layovers
8. Bella’s Italian Cafe — South Tampa (S. Howard Ave)
Style: Traditional Italian, personal pies
A South Tampa institution on the legendary S. Howard Avenue strip, Bella’s Italian Cafe has been a neighborhood anchor for years. The pies here are intentionally personal-sized — just big enough for one, which the restaurant treats as a feature, not a limitation. The menu runs from a classic margherita to more inventive combinations like the Pazzo Pazzo and the Paulie.
The late-night happy hour offers half-price pies, making Bella’s one of the best value propositions in Tampa after dark. The bar is lively, the neighborhood is walkable, and the food is consistently excellent.
Best for: South Tampa nights out, late-night dining, solo diners, date nights
9. Eddie & Sam’s New York Pizza — Downtown Tampa
Style: New York-style
Downtown Tampa has needed a proper New York pizza counter since the beginning, and Eddie & Sam’s has been delivering on that need since 1998 — literally using New York water in the dough to achieve that authentic NYC texture and flavor. Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports has given it his approval, which carries weight among serious pizza followers.
The big, greasy, foldable slices are best consumed standing up near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. It’s the kind of place that makes downtown Tampa feel like it has real neighborhood character.
Best for: Lunch in downtown Tampa, pre-game stops, New York-style loyalists
10. Forbici Modern Italian — Hyde Park Village, Tampa
Style: Roman-style (round and square)
Forbici is the elevated end of Tampa’s pizza spectrum — a Hyde Park Village restaurant where the pizza is just one part of a sophisticated Italian dining experience. The menu features both round and square Roman-style pizzas, each with a uniquely crisp base and thoughtfully developed topping combinations. This is pizza you eat slowly and appreciate.
The restaurant’s Italian tapas, grain bowls, craft cocktails, and wines on tap make Forbici a full evening out rather than a quick stop. Daily happy hour from 3–6 PM is worth planning around.
Best for: Upscale pizza experiences, Hyde Park evenings, wine pairings, special occasions
Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza in Florida
What is the best pizza in Central Florida? Central Florida has a genuinely strong pizza scene. For brick-fired craft pizza with all-natural ingredients and wide availability, Flippers Pizza Co. is the go-to local chain with 15+ locations. For specialty styles, Pizza Bruno leads in Neapolitan, SoDough Square dominates the Detroit-style category, and Prato in Winter Park offers a MICHELIN-recognized upscale experience.
Where can I find the best pizza near Orlando’s theme parks? Flippers Pizza Co. has several locations in Orlando’s tourism districts, including Sand Lake Road (Restaurant Row), International Drive, and Highway 192 in Kissimmee — all close to the major theme park corridors. They also offer delivery, making them ideal for hotel stays near Disney or Universal.
What is the best pizza in Tampa Bay? Tampa Bay has a competitive pizza scene. Santoro’s Pizza consistently ranks at or near the top for New York and Jersey-style slices. Bavaro’s is the city’s most respected Neapolitan destination. For an elevated experience, Forbici in Hyde Park Village is hard to beat. Eddie & Sam’s downtown is the classic choice for a proper New York fold.
Is there good brick-fired pizza in Florida? Absolutely. Flippers Pizza Co. is one of Florida’s most recognized brick-fired pizza chains, cooking every pie in a 600-degree brick oven using handcrafted dough and all-natural ingredients. Bavaro’s and Pizza Bruno also use wood-fired and high-heat ovens for authentic results.
Does Flippers Pizza Co. offer catering? Yes. Flippers Pizza Co. offers catering services across their Central Florida locations, making them a strong option for corporate events, private parties, and group gatherings. Their catering menu brings the same brick-fired quality to large-format orders.
What style of pizza is most popular in Florida? Florida has a diverse pizza culture. New York-style thin crust remains the dominant preference across the state, but Neapolitan wood-fired pizza has grown significantly in popularity, particularly in Tampa Bay. Brick-fired craft pizza — as championed by restaurants like Flippers Pizza Co. — occupies a middle ground that combines artisan quality with casual accessibility. Detroit-style has also been gaining ground in Orlando.
Final Thoughts: Florida’s Pizza Scene Is Worth Exploring
It’s easy to overlook Florida as a pizza destination when you’re thinking about theme parks and beaches. But the 10 spots in this guide prove that Central Florida and Tampa Bay have developed a pizza culture worth taking seriously — one that spans every style, every price point, and every occasion.
Whether you’re folding a slice at Eddie & Sam’s on a Tampa afternoon, sitting down for a MICHELIN-guided experience at Prato on Park Avenue, or grabbing a reliably excellent brick-fired pie from Flippers Pizza Co. after a day at the parks, Florida’s pizza game delivers.
The next time someone tells you Florida doesn’t have real pizza, send them this list.
Visit Flippers Pizza Co. → Brick-Fired Pizza | All-Natural Ingredients | 15+ Central Florida Locations | Dine-In, Carry-Out & Delivery