South Florida has become one of the world’s most visited pizza hubs, attracting food lovers and some of the most prestigious food critics in the country. But to those unfamiliar with the many pizza-dining experiences the city has to offer, this guide will help. Here are five pizza spots in South Florida you must try to give you a kickstart to some of its best takes on this famous and timeless Italian dish.
La Leggenda Pizzeria
224 Española Way
Miami Beach
(305) 763-8566
Monday – Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Opened in 2016 by Italian immigrant Giovanni Gagliardi, La Leggenda Pizzeria is home to some of the most authentic Neapolitan pizza in the area. Inspired by his hometown, Gagliardi brings a taste of Naples to Miami Beach, using only ingredients imported from that city. Their menu includes the award-winning Margherita pizza, along with pies featuring classic toppings.
“La Leggenda is not about eating the pizza, it’s about the authentic Napoli experience,” Gagliardi said. “Using only Napoli-imported products and traditional recipes guarantees real Napoli quality.”
Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza
3015 Grand Ave., Suite #165
Coconut Grove
(305) 680-5330
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
From a small restaurant hidden inside an office building in Miami Beach to more than 20 locations across the United States, including 13 in South Florida, Mister O1 continues to attract new customers with creative, one-of-a-kind combinations. Among the most popular are “Claudio,” a simple crust baked with nothing but tomato sauce and mozzarella and later topped with stracciatella cheese, truffle oil and basil, and “Marco,” a star-shaped crust filled with ricotta and topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami and basil. Originally known for its star-shaped pizza, the restaurant is beloved for its specialty pies and signature thin, crisp crust.
“Chef Renato was granted the prestigious O-1 visa, which is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability,” said Desire Lainette, general manager of the Coconut Grove location. “He earned the recognition thanks to The Best Pizza in the World award for his star-shaped, ricotta-filled crust invention after winning two titles in the Pizza World Championship in Monte Carlo.”
Miami Slice
1335 NE Court
Miami
(305) 217-5423
Wednesday – Monday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
From freshly grated cheese to basil leaves delicately placed on each slice, Miami Slice has become one of Miami’s most critically acclaimed pizza restaurants of 2024. With its artisan, gourmet-like slices, each bite is an experience in itself. Founded in 2022, this small, open-kitchen restaurant has won the heart of many Miami locals, drawing a line of customers that snakes outside until closing time. After spending nearly two years perfecting their recipe, the owners ensure each slice is precisely crafted, topped in perfect proportion and cooked to perfection right in front of guests.
“People come for the pizza—not because of the restaurant, just for the pizza. We don’t care about selling the vibe or an image, we’re just here to sell pizza. The pizza has made us who are,” said Santiago Huen, one of five owners, and a Florida International University alum.
Nick’s Pizza South Beach
100 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach
(786) 864-2160
Monday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 a.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
At Nick’s Pizza South Beach, these New York-style slices are so large you’ll need two plates just to hold one. The pepperoni slice, their bestseller, is topped with just the right amount of crispy pepperoni, each curling slightly to form tiny pools of irresistible oil. Every bite is a crunchy explosion of flavor.
Previously known as Primo’s Pizza, the restaurant changed ownership in 2023 and has since gained massive popularity through social media, especially on Instagram, for its giant two-foot pizza slices and videos showcasing its diverse pizza offerings.
Vice City Pizza
2615 SW 147th Ave.
Miami
(305) 392-0826
Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
This small pizza spot in Kendall has locals lining up outside every Saturday for the best Detroit-style pizza in Miami. Opened in 2023, Vice City Pizza is bringing a fresh vibe to Kendall, creating a community-focused, neighborhood-friendly restaurant. Owner Carlos Estarita has mastered the art of these square pizzas.
“We live very close to here, and our family has been coming for a year now. We love the pizza, especially the pepperoni with hot honey, but we also like the variety. It’s a different restaurant,” said customer Valerie Gonzalez.
Drawing inspiration from his Colombian and Cuban heritage, Estarita incorporates unique flavors into some of his pizzas while staying true to the classic toppings most grew up with—pepperoni, supreme, meat lovers. These pies aren’t Miami’s typical pizza. They’re square, fluffy yet crispy, cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor.
