Pizza is one of those foods that always seems to hit the spot. With the potential for countless toppings and the ability to easily be eaten at all times of the day, including for breakfast, pizza is likely one of the most versatile foods out there.
Virginia has a number of independently owned and operated pizzerias that know how to make mouthwateringly good pies. Whether you like a plain cheese pizza or one loaded with a laundry list of toppings, one of these 10 pizzerias will undoubtably appeal to your tastebuds.
Sandro’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
Location: Christiansburg
Sandro’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant “serves authentic Italian dishes along with hand tossed New York-style pizza.”
The specialty pizza menu features 19 18-inch pizzas. The Sandro’s Pizza comes with pepperoni, green peppers, hamburger, and onions. Gluten-free crust options are available.
One of the 12 pizza rolls on the menu, including the Hawaiian and Sandro’s rolls, is a good option for those who like pizza but want something a bit different.
Pete’s Pizza
Location: Danville
Practice makes perfect. Pete’s Pizza has produced a lot of pies since it first opened in 1967.
Each pizza can be ordered as a small, medium or large with either regular, thin or extra thin crust.
If you like a lot of toppings, try one of the specialty pizzas, like Pete’s Super Combination. It comes with pepperoni, Italian sausage, hamburger, diced ham, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
Crozet Pizza
Location: Crozet
Crozet Pizza has been run by the same family since 1977. Since that time, all of its pizzas have been made using a “secret sauce made with a unique blend of spices and herbs.”
There are 20 different signature pizza options on the menu, including the Buddhist Pie. It comes with a white base, sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, feta, and basil.
Those who love pizza but want a slightly healthier option should try one of the four pizza salads. The Broadberry comes with a bed of baby spinach and arugula, chopped tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, roasted sweet potatoes and homemade lemon honey dressing on the pizzeria’s signature crust.
By dining at Crozet Pizza, you’re also supporting local producers, like beef and herb farmers.
Rocco’s NY Pizza and Subs
Location: Leesburg
Passion, quality, and tradition are three words that describe how Rocco’s NY Pizza and Subs crafts its pies.
The Rocco’s Special is an obvious standout on the menu. It comes with pepperoni, crumbled sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and mozzarella.
The Nutella Pizza, which comes with the hazelnut cocoa spread and fresh fruit, is sure to be a favorite among kids, as well as anyone with a sweet tooth.
Chesapeake Pizza
Location: Chesapeake
Chesapeake Pizza has been serving up stone-baked pan pizzas since 1973.
“We truly believe in providing the best; hence, we do not compromise on the quality and value of what we offer to each of our customers,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Its signature The Chesapeake Special comes loaded with pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, ham, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.
For dessert, order a slice of fresh and locally handmade cheesecake.
Astoria Pizza and Restaurant
Location: Woodbridge
Astoria Pizza and Restaurant has been serving the “tastiest pizza, Greek food and subs in Woodbridge” since 1976.
All of the pizzas are made New York-style with thin crust that is tossed by hand and cooked in a classic oven that is designed for maximum flavor.
Since Greek food is in the restaurant’s wheelhouse, order the Greek Pizza, which comes with gyro, feta, and Greek olives.
Nino’s Pizza
Location: Callao
“We are a family-oriented restaurant using only the freshest ingredients to bring you outstanding, authentic, quality pizza,” according to Nino’s Pizza, which has been serving homemade pizza and Italian food since 1988.
For those who don’t eat meat, try Nino’s Vegetarian Pizza, which comes with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives and fresh tomatoes. Those who love a good burger will likely enjoy Nino’s Cheeseburger Pizza. It is smothered with tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, ground beef and, smoked bacon.
Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza
Location: Harrisonburg
If you’re looking for a trendy pizzeria to hang out at with your friends and family, look no further than Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza. The farm-to-table restaurant has a lot of charm due to its location in the historic Livery Building in Harrisonburg’s downtown area.
All of its Neapolitan-inspired pizzas are made with 100% organic, unbleached wheat flower and are wood-fired in a massive 900-degree oven. Gluten-free crust options are available. If you can handle a little spice, order the Ring of Fire. It comes with a homemade hot sauce, fennel sausage, roasted mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella.
Wash down your pizza with a glass of beer from a local microbrewery, like Harrisonburg’s own Brothers Craft Brewing, or an artisan cocktail, like the Honey Angelica, made by the lead mixologist.
Doughmakers Pizza
Location: Norton
“Our pizza is made with fresh dough and hand tossed for perfection,” according to Doughmakers Pizza.
The Doughmakers Deluxe is the perfect choice for those who love toppings. It comes with pepperoni, sausage, beef, ham, bacon, onions, black olives, green peppers, banana peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, and cheese.
In the off chance you still have room for dessert, order the Apple Crisp Pizza or Blueberry Crisp Pizza.
Simona’s Pizzeria
Location: Petersburg
Simona’s Pizzeria is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, having been opened in 2003 by the Ingargiola family.
If you’re looking for authentic Sicilian-style Italian cuisine, you’re in luck because it’s Simona’s specialty. “Our varied menu includes all fresh ingredients like homemade sauces, pizza dough made daily and homemade lasagna,” according to the pizzeria.
A standout menu item is Simona’s Supreme. It comes with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives, ham, hamburger and extra cheese. Order it with either the gluten-free or cauliflower crusts if you’re feeling adventurous.
Aila Boyd Aila Boyd is a Virginia-based educator and journalist. She received her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University.
