I’ll admit, Dominoes was my favorite pizza place for years. However, now my family has a new favorite. Actually, not just one. Several new favorites. From nationwide brands like California Pizza Kitchen to regional classics like Giordano’s, there’s a lot of great pizza to love out there. You may have had a few of the pizzas on this list. If not, you may find your own new favorite. Either way, try a slice of each when you get a chance. You may love it so much that you also leave Domino’s in the dust.
California Pizza Kitchen
©”Retail California Pizza Kitchen” by ccPixs.com is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
This nationwide pizza chain offers some of the best pizzas in the country. They have many different options, and I find myself trying them all. They specialize in hand-tossed pizzas that are super high quality. However, there’s more to the menu. They have seasonal items, great cocktails, and more.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©”cauliflower crust pizza as it goes in to the oven” by hallosunnymama is licensed under BY-SA 2.0. – Original / License
Even if you’re not a vegetarian, take the time to try the California Veggie Pizza on a thin or cauliflower crust. It’s a healthy option but it tastes great. It’s loaded with Cremini mushrooms, corn, red onions, broccolini, roasted cherry tomatoes, and more. Do yourself a favor, and get a side of the California Olive Oil with Mediterranean Herbs.
Papa Murphy’s
©”Papa Murphy’s 2021″ by Jenny59323 is licensed under BY-SA 4.0. – Original / License
If you want a mix of restaurant-quality pizza and good home cooking, then try Papa Murphy’s. The idea here is that you go to the eatery, and they give you an uncooked pizza. You bring it home and make it yourself. Seems like more work than it’s worth, but it’s not. This is not your pie from the freezer section. It’s one of the best pizzas you’ll ever eat.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©”Papa Murphy’s pizza” by gfairchild is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
Ask people about their favorite pizza at Papa Murphy’s, and many will tell you it’s the Chicken Bacon Artichoke Pizza. It’s like a gourmet pizza in your living room. The mixture of artichoke, bacon, and chicken toppings are life changing. Get it with a thin crust for the perfect crunch.
Mod
©”Mod Pizza” by Blue MauMau is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
The name “Mod” doesn’t scream “pizza place,” but if you see one, be sure to stop in. This place is like the Subway of pizzerias. You go in, choose the type of pizza you want and then pick from a large number of toppings. Then you cook it and eat it there or bring it home. Either way, the pizza is delicious.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©Leigh Loftus/Shutterstock.com
While you do have your choice of how you set up your pizza, some items on the menu are better than others. The pizza that is my new favorite is the Calexico. This is a great pizza for people who like a bit of spice that isn’t overwhelming. It has jalapeños, gorgonzola cheese, and hot buffalo sauce. A mix of ingredients that’s sure to change your life.
Giordano’s
©”Giordano’s Pizza” by chrismetcalfTV is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
Many people won’t eat pizza at all unless it’s Chicago-style. Luckily, some pizza places are catching on. Enter Giordano’s. They serve delicious pizzas with perfectly flaky crust and an amazing sauce. They also love to cover the pizzas with tasty cheese.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©OzProductions/Shutterstock.com
While Giordano’s also serves salads and desserts, if you’re going for pizza, try the Meat-Lovers Deep Dish. This amazing pizza is loaded with meat and thick layers of cheese. It also has that thick crust that adds a new layer of flavor. Many people will tell you that this is the only way to eat pizza, so try it next time.
Costco
©Juan Llauro/Shutterstock.com
It’s strange to realize that a big box store could be the home to pizza that’s better than Domino’s, but it’s true. For starters, the pizza at Costco is very affordable, at $10 for a large. Beyond that, the pizza is perfectly seasoned, and the crust is just right. The only downside is your limited option of pepperoni or cheese.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com
If you love pepperoni, then you may find that your new favorite is the 18-inch pepperoni pizza. The meat is just right, and it has that world-famous crust. The joy is in the simplicity of the pizza because they can put more attention on the flavors.
Little Caesar’s
©”Little Caesars Patton Ave Asheville, NC” by MikeKalasnik is licensed under BY-SA 2.0. – Original / License
Just like Domino’s, Little Caesar’s has been a staple of the pizza business for decades. They offer tasty pies at a very reasonable price, which is why you usually see it at birth parties and other gatherings. They also have a decent selection.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©MMD Made my dreams/Shutterstock.com
If you love real substance with your meal, go with the 3 Meat Treat pizza. The three incredible meats include bacon, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. Plus there’s enough melty cheese to keep you satisfied. They don’t skimp on the meat either. There’s plenty to go around.
Sbarro
©”2015-05-11 16 22 23 Sbarro restaurant at the Commodore Perry Service Plaza along the Ohio Turnpike (Interstates 80 and 90) in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio” by Famartin is licensed under BY-SA 4.0. – Original / License
You often find Sbarro in the mall food court. If you’re like me, you find it hard to pass by without getting a slice. This pizza wasn’t invented in the malls. Instead, it had its roots in Brooklyn, where they know great pizza. The sauce is a real stand-out. It’s fresh tomato, and it completely transforms the slice.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©Svetlana Lukienko/Shutterstock.com
If you really love pizza, then almost any slice at Sbarro will do the trick. However, to us, the best slice comes down to a tie between the NY Spinach and Tomato and the NY Mushroom. No, neither has meat, but they’re both very tasty. The NY Spinach and Tomato is great without the processed meat. The NY Mushroom is amazing if you love mushrooms.
Pizza Hut
©”Pizza Hut Restaurant, Miles City” by dave_mcmt is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
Many people can’t tell much of a difference between Pizza Hut and Domino’s, but if you haven’t been the former in a while, you may discover your new favorite. Regardless of which toppings you request, you’re always going to get gooey cheese and a delectable crust. Pizza Hut also continues to be an affordable option.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©MMD Made my dreams/Shutterstock.com
Go all out and get the Supreme Pizza at Pizza Hut. Everything is great, from the crust to the marinara sauce and the oozing cheese. There are also the vegetables that complete the flavor profile. After you try it, Domino’s will be a thing of the past.
Rosati’s
©bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images
People who love Rosati’s really love Rosati’s. I’m one of them. I find the meats to be perfect and the crust to be simply amazing. You can’t find Rosati’s everywhere, but if you’re near one, don’t delay. They have many pizza options, and you’ll likely love them all. Rosati’s is also great if you like your pizza cut into squares.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©”Cheese pizza at Pinocchio’s Pizza Harvard Square” by Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Venue is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
If you’re in Chicago or otherwise near a Rosati’s, try the Double Dough pizza. This is one of their pizzas with a thicker crust. It also has extra cheese and sauce for a real flavor explosion. This is a classic Chicago-style deep dish, and it won’t disappoint. Seriously, try Rosati’s once and you may never look back!
Papa John’s
©”Papa John’s Peru” by Arturo de Albornoz is licensed under BY-SA 2.0. – Original / License
If you’ve seen the many commercials for Papa John’s, you know just how many different options you have, and most of them are delicious. The toppings are great here. When combined with the thin crust and perfect cheese, you get a tasty bite every time.
The Pizza You Need to Try
©”Cheese Pizza” by larryjh1234 is licensed under BY 2.0. – Original / License
You don’t have to get too creative to find your new favorite pizza at Papa John’s. Just go for the cheese pizza. It features a golden brown crust, fresh mozzarella, and perfect sauce. Plus, at only about 200 calories per slice, you can enjoy it without doing much damage. Papa John’s is tasty and affordable.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©”cauliflower crust pizza as it goes in to the oven” by hallosunnymama is licensed under BY-SA 2.0..
