Top 10 Must-Try Pizza Restaurants in Detroit

Buddy's Pizza at the Madison Building brings the legendary Detroit-style experience to the downtown theater district with a more modern, polished atmosphere than the original location. The square pies maintain that same quality that's made Buddy's famous for nearly 80 years, but the Broadway location offers a sleeker environment perfect for pre-show dinners or business lunches. While some purists prefer the original Conant location, this downtown outpost delivers the same iconic pizza with added convenience for downtown workers and visitors. The bar area gets lively during happy hour, making it a solid choice for after-work gatherings.

Mad Nice operates at a completely different price point and sophistication level, offering upscale, artisanal pizzas alongside a curated fine dining experience in Midtown. This is where you go when pizza night needs to feel special—expect creative seasonal toppings, premium ingredients, and a wine list that's been thoughtfully assembled to complement the menu. The 2nd Avenue space exudes contemporary cool with an art gallery vibe, attracting date nights, special occasions, and those willing to invest in a elevated pizza experience. At the highest price level on this list, Mad Nice proves that pizza can absolutely be fine dining.

Bella Forno Pizzeria is a newer addition to the Corktown scene but has already made waves with an impressive 4.8 rating despite being relatively under-the-radar. Their wood-fired oven produces Neapolitan-style pies with that perfect char and chew, while maintaining accessibility for pizza purists and adventurous eaters alike. The Michigan Avenue location offers a modern, minimalist aesthetic that feels fresh compared to Detroit's more traditional pizza joints. With only 24 reviews so far, this feels like a locals-in-the-know secret that won't stay secret for long.

Pie Sci Pizza brings a scientific approach to pizza-making in the Woodbridge neighborhood, with dough recipes developed through precise fermentation timings and ingredient ratios. Their Detroit-style squares achieve that elusive perfect texture—simultaneously light yet substantial, with corners that shatter and a center that's pillowy soft. The Trumbull location has a laid-back, community feel with outdoor seating that's prime real estate during summer months. It's become a favorite among young professionals and Wayne State students who appreciate quality pizza without the downtown markup.

Grandma Bob's Pizza on Michigan Avenue serves up inventive, chef-driven pies that push creative boundaries while respecting Detroit pizza tradition. The menu rotates with seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations that somehow just work—think hot honey drizzles, house-made sausage, and farm-fresh vegetables. The casual, neighborhood vibe attracts a younger, foodie-focused crowd who appreciate the Instagram-worthy presentations and thoughtful ingredient sourcing. It's Detroit-style with a modern twist, perfect for adventurous eaters who want more than pepperoni and cheese.

La Lanterna brings authentic Italian charm to downtown Detroit, serving both traditional wood-fired pizzas and a full menu of Italian classics in an intimate, bistro-style setting. The Griswold Street location feels like a hidden gem despite its downtown address, with warm lighting and cozy seating that screams romantic dinner spot. Their Neapolitan-style pies feature imported ingredients and that perfect leopard-spotted char, while the bar serves up creative Italian-inspired cocktails. It's the perfect pre-theater date spot or intimate dinner destination when you want to impress without the stuffiness.

Loui's Pizza has been slinging Detroit-style squares since 1977, earning a fiercely loyal following in Hazel Park with their perfectly balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio and consistently excellent execution. The crust strikes that sweet spot between crispy and chewy, while their Wisconsin brick cheese creates those sought-after caramelized corners. It's no-frills, family-run, and packed with regulars who've been coming here for decades—the kind of place where the staff remembers your order. With over 4,600 reviews maintaining a 4.6 rating, Loui's proves that sometimes the best pizza comes from those who've been perfecting it for generations.

Buddy's Pizza is the undisputed godfather of Detroit-style pizza, having literally invented the square pie format back in 1946 at this Conant Street original location. The thick, airy dough is baked in seasoned steel pans that create that legendary crispy, caramelized cheese perimeter that defines the style. While there are multiple Buddy's locations now, purists insist the original still hits different—perhaps it's the vintage atmosphere or the generations of pizza-making expertise baked into every pie. Order the 8-square and prepare for a Detroit rite of passage.

Michigan & Trumbull pays homage to the historic intersection where Tiger Stadium once stood, delivering both sports nostalgia and seriously impressive Detroit-style pies in Corktown. The square pies here feature that signature crispy, buttery crust with cheese that cascades over the edges and caramelizes to perfection. Baseball memorabilia adorns the walls, creating a casual, neighborhood feel that attracts families and sports fans alike, especially on game days. Don't sleep on their rotating craft beer selection—it's curated to pair perfectly with their pies.

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar has become a downtown Detroit institution, drawing massive crowds with its wood-fired Neapolitan pies and buzzing atmosphere in the historic Library Street location. Their dough undergoes a meticulous 48-hour fermentation process, resulting in a perfectly charred, airy crust that locals swear by. The open kitchen lets you watch the pizza-making magic unfold while sipping craft cocktails, making it ideal for date nights or groups looking for that energetic urban vibe. With nearly 8,000 glowing reviews, this isn't just hype—it's Detroit pizza royalty.