20 Regional Pizza Styles That Are Worth Traveling Across The World To Try
Every Slice Has a Story
Pizza may have started in Italy, but it has evolved into countless regional styles that reflect local ingredients, traditions, and tastes. From paper-thin crispy crusts to thick, cheesy pies loaded with toppings, every destination puts its own spin on this beloved comfort food. If you enjoy planning trips around great meals, these pizzas deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. Here are 20 regional pizza styles that are absolutely worth seeking out.
1. Neapolitan Pizza (Naples, Italy)
If you only have room for one pizza in Italy, try ordering a Neapolitan pie in Naples. The soft and airy crust is toasted in a very hot wood oven, leaving the perfect amount of char around the crust. Simple toppings of fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil allow the dough to really stand out.
Aurélien Lemasson-Théobald on Unsplash
2. Roman Pizza al Taglio (Rome, Italy)
Pizza al taglio is sold by the slice, but don't expect ordinary slices. The dough is light, crisp, and baked in large rectangular trays before being cut to whatever size you'd like. You'll find everything from classic tomato and mozzarella to creative seasonal toppings. It's perfect when you want to sample several varieties in one afternoon.
3. New York-Style Pizza (New York City, USA)
Everyone knows and loves New York pizza for a reason. The thin crust is sturdy enough to hold your favorite toppings, yet thin enough to fold in half.
Grab a slice of plain cheese or go all out with veggies, meats, and more.
4. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza (Chicago, USA)
Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza feels more like a full meal than a quick snack. The buttery crust forms a deep bowl that's layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. Every bite is rich, filling, and packed with flavor. You probably won't need dessert afterward.
Belinda Hankins Miller on Wikimedia
5. Detroit-Style Pizza (Detroit, USA)
You will know Detroit-style pizza when you see it. Not only is it served in a square shape, but crispy caramelized cheese completes the crust. Despite the large amount of cheese and sauce, the thick crust is light and airy. The sauce is often striped over the pizza rather than underneath.
6. Sicilian Pizza (Sicily, Italy)
Sicilian pizza features a thick, fluffy crust that makes every bite wonderfully satisfying. Traditional versions often include tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, herbs, and cheese, although modern variations offer countless combinations. The square slices make it easy to share with family and friends. It's comfort food at its finest.
7. New Haven Apizza (Connecticut, USA)
What makes famous New Haven apizza different from the rest? It's the thin, chewy crust and delicious char around the crust. Be sure to try the white clam pizza, as many locals believe it to be a New Haven staple.
8. St. Louis-Style Pizza (Missouri, USA)
St. Louis pizza skips thick crust in favor of an incredibly crisp, cracker-like base.
It's traditionally topped with Provel cheese, giving it a creamy texture and unique flavor. Square slices make it easy to enjoy with a group. Even if you've never tried Provel before, this style is worth experiencing at least once.
9. Tavern-Style Pizza (Chicago, USA)
Talk about a hidden gem. Before deep-dish ruled the Chicago pizza scene, tavern-style was commonly found in local restaurants. The thin and crispy crust is cut into small square slices, much like a British pudding. If you can handle the crispy crust, you will be reaching for seconds in no time.
Shsilver at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
10. California Pizza (California, USA)
California pizza embraces fresh ingredients and creative topping combinations. You might find goat cheese, arugula, barbecue chicken, or seasonal vegetables sharing the same pie. The focus is often on bright flavors rather than heavy toppings. Every restaurant seems to have its own signature twist.
11. Turkish Pide (Turkey)
Turkish pizza may be more popularly known as pide. It’s hard to resist ordering this pizza alternative when traveling through Turkey. The boat-shaped crust is layered with your choice of cheese, meats, veggies, or eggs.
12. Alsatian Flammkuchen (France)
Flammkuchen, also known as tarte flambée, comes from the Alsace region of France. Instead of tomato sauce, the thin dough is topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon before being baked until crisp. The result is light, savory, and wonderfully balanced.
It offers a completely different take on pizza while still feeling familiar.
frank wouters from antwerpen, belgium , België , Belgique on Wikimedia
13. Argentine Fugazzeta (Argentina)
Fugazzeta takes inspiration from Italian traditions while adding plenty of local character. This thick pizza is packed with mozzarella and topped with generous amounts of sweet onions. Some versions even hide extra cheese inside the crust itself. It's an indulgent treat that's especially popular in Buenos Aires.
14. Brazilian Pizza (Brazil)
When Brazil perfected the art of pizza, regional varieties began to pop up everywhere. From hearts of palm and catupiry cheese to corn and green peas, you’ll find them all on pizzas. Don’t be surprised if you see dessert pizzas on the menu.
15. Japanese Mayo Corn Pizza (Japan)
Japan has developed its own unique pizza culture by blending local tastes with international influences. Mayo corn pizza combines sweet corn, creamy Japanese mayonnaise, and melted cheese into an unexpectedly satisfying combination. You may be skeptical before taking the first bite, but the flavors work remarkably well together. It's a fun reminder that pizza can successfully cross cultural boundaries.
16. Swedish Kebab Pizza (Sweden)
Swedish kebab pizza is one of the country’s favorite comfort foods. It is prepared with thin-crust pizza dough, seasoned kebab meat, fresh vegetables, garlic sauce, and sometimes fries on top. Swedes love this after a night out while drinking.
17. Greek Pizza (New England, USA)
Greek-style pizza, common throughout parts of New England, is baked in shallow metal pans that create a soft, chewy crust. The slightly thicker dough pairs well with generous cheese and flavorful tomato sauce. Many family-owned pizzerias have perfected this style over several generations. It's a regional favorite that deserves more national attention.
katharine j moriarty on Wikimedia
18. Polish Zapiekanka (Poland)
Zapiekanka isn't a traditional pizza, but pizza lovers often fall for it anyway. A toasted baguette is topped with mushrooms, cheese, and countless optional ingredients before being finished with ketchup or other sauces. It's a popular street food that's affordable and satisfying. If you're exploring Kraków, you'll likely come across plenty of excellent versions.
19. Grandma Pizza (Long Island, USA)
Long Island introduced us to grandma pizza. This thin pizza comes in a rectangular shape and is cooked in a pan. Unlike its Sicilian cousin, grandma pizza has a lighter crust that is crispy on the outside but not thick.
VillageSquarePizza on Wikimedia
20. Pizza Rossini (Pesaro, Italy)
Italy continues to surprise pizza lovers with regional specialties, and Pizza Rossini is one of its most unusual. Originating in the city of Pesaro, it's topped with hard-boiled egg slices and mayonnaise along with the usual tomato sauce and mozzarella. It may sound unconventional if you've never seen it before, but locals have loved it for decades.
Sometimes the best travel experiences come from trying something you never expected to enjoy.
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