My review of Nello’s earlier this week got me thinking about other good pizza places in the East Valley. It’s one of the most frequent queries I get from readers. So here are five of my favorites in five different cities (click on their names to read my reviews):
Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria
This strip-mall gem is kinda hidden behind a CVS drugstore, but its signature pizza — the 24-inch Big Jimmy (pictured above) — makes it worth locating. Not that hungry? Get a huge slice and a drink for just $4.50 at lunch. 3950 W. Ray Road, Chandler, (480) 963-6633, jimmyandjoes.com.
Vito & Nick’s II
This classic Italian restaurant proclaims its Chicago thin-crust pies represent “the best pizza anywhere,” and then make every effort to back up the claim. I especially like how they’ll cut ‘em up into two-inch squares. 3321 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, (480) 279-4482, vitoandnicksii.com.
Vito’s Pizza Place & Ristorante
Parking can be a challenging — many nights you’ll have to park in the car wash next door — but there’s a reason this family-friendly restaurant’s thin-crust pies have been satisfying diners for more than 20 years. 1947 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, (480) 832-3311, vitospizza.com.
Classic Italian Pizzeria
This Tempe strip-mall hideaway also is difficult to find, but again worth it. Owner Azhar Began makes his 12-inch, wood-fired masterpieces with homemade dough, homemade sauce and even homemade mozzarella. 1030 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, (480) 345-4221.
Humble Pie
This year-old cozy hangout offers wood-fired, gourmet pizzas in just one size, about 11 inches in diameter, plenty big for one hungry person but small enough so a group can get several to share. 6149 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 556-9900, humblepieusa.com.
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Don’t forget about Old World Pizza Kitchen at 323 South Gilbert Road, Suite #111 (South of Elliott in the J.D.’s Homestead Center. Hard to find but worth it! GREAT handmade gourmet pizzas and excellent, friendly service.
SALERNO’S PIZZA ON GUADALUPE & RECKER IN GILBERT. WE LOVE THIS PLACE. WONDERFUL HOMEMADE SAUSAGE & TONS OF MOZARELLA MAKE THIS PIZZA FABULOUS! THEY ALSO SERVE YUMMY PASTA DISHES (HUGE PORTIONS) & THE BEST CHICKEN PARM I HAVE EVER EATEN. THEY ARE ONLY OPEN FOR TAKE OUT OR CATERED EVENTS. MY CO-WORKERS GO CRAZY WHEN I BRING SALERNO’S TO SHARE. TRY IT FOR A EXTRA SPECIAL TREAT.
SALERNO’S PIZZA is out of this world! I used to eat at the original one in Chicago when I was a kid! Get recommendation Phat Tyer!
Humble pie is not that great. They don’t even make their own dough!? Its brought in..and its sourdough. Im a fan of sourdough, but not on pizza. It also should be pointed out on the menu that it is sourdough crust. Its all about truth in menuing.
I have not been to Vito’s pizza since the new owner took over. I am excited to eat it again.
I LOVE Old World Pizza Kitchen!! The owners Jim & Gina are the nicest people and the pizza is incredible! Save room for the Cannoli. I also love Classic Italian. Vito & Nick’s is the best Chicago-style thin crust around. Salerno’s is just ok at best; better than Pizza Hut (what isn’t?) but not in the same league as Vito & Nick’s or even Rosati’s.