Pizza can be a lot of fun. There are usually good pies involved, and you’re generally required to navigate some local spot that makes you feel a little bit like a culinary detective. And even though showing up at a modern pizzeria probably won’t get you into trouble with your diet, there’s still a level of discovery that makes going out for slices seem like an adventure. From wood-fired Neapolitan to classic New York-style, these are the best pizza restaurants in Delaware, OH.
Pizza Hut
$ | (740) 369-7777 | WEBSITE
Putting a family-friendly pizza joint inside a suburban strip mall is like putting sprinkles on a sundae—and that’s exactly what Pizza Hut has done. This reliable spot from the chain known for pan pizzas and stuffed crust is tucked between a pharmacy and a dry cleaner, and it’s worth the quick drive from downtown.
The space feels like a 1990s rec room where someone might devour a Meat Lover’s while quietly planning a movie night—complete with red vinyl booths, checkered tablecloths, arcade games in the corner, and enough neon signs to make it all seem a little nostalgic. The menu leans classic, with straightforward options that are perfect for a Delaware weeknight, like a pepperoni pizza made with fresh dough, hot sauce, melty cheese, and crispy crust.
To get your order, head through the front doors or use the convenient parking out back.
Loiee G’s
$ | (740) 417-4923 | WEBSITE
Loiee G’s is a pizza joint and a family spot, and it serves both purposes equally well. The entrance is right off the main street, marked by a bright neon sign that you can’t miss. Simple as the entrance is, the space is large and brightly lit. And since there are no reservations or fancy dress codes needed, this place can get busy on the weekends.
But it’s a good kind of busy—a mix of families, pizza enthusiasts, and locals looking to escape the hassle of cooking with a classic pie in hand—that makes it feel both lively and fun.
Amato’s Woodfired Pizza
$ | (740) 369-8797 | WEBSITE
For a cozy, wood-fired pizza experience without all the fuss, head to Amato’s Woodfired Pizza. The space is warm, the atmosphere is inviting—thanks to the glow from the open kitchen’s brick oven that illuminates the rustic wooden tables—and there’s a pleasant outdoor seating area that looks out over the street.
As you’d expect, the menu is pizza-focused, but in addition to perfectly balanced pies with crisp crusts, you can also grab the Pasta Amato with its richly flavored creamy red pepper sauce, sausage, onions, bell peppers, and spinach. There’s friendly service here, with reasonable prices that make it easy to enjoy. To get to Amato’s, just follow the aroma of baking dough.
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
$ | (740) 363-8020 | WEBSITE
In the convenient strip mall location of Hungry Howie’s Pizza is a reliable, straightforward spot dedicated to affordable pizza and quick meals. Hungry Howie’s has long been a go-to for budget-friendly options, so it’s no surprise that you can get some pretty decent food here. The menu is organized by pizza styles and toppings, so you can stick with classic pepperoni, or grab a stuffed crust with double pepperoni to pair with a fresh salad.
There are two main draws here—one being the efficient carry-out service with pizzas served hot and ready, and another being the ample parking space for easy pick-up experiences.
Shorty’s
$ | (740) 362-5555 | WEBSITE
Most of Delaware’s pizza joints are clustered downtown or near campus, but Shorty’s brings the booming world of great pizza to a popular local spot. It’s easy to miss unless you know to look for the small parking lot beside the converted storefront that connects to other area businesses. Shorty’s basically feels like the coziest pizza place in town, with packed tables and a fun atmosphere built into the space.
The tasty food selection is divided into classics and local favorites like the Reuben pizza, a hearty pie with thousand island dressing and corned beef.
Scoreboard Pub & Grill
$$ | (740) 417-8416 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Delaware, Scoreboard Pub & Grill is a lively sports pub known for its great atmosphere and plenty of TVs. And by great atmosphere, we mean that it’s packed with friendly faces and two bars inside that make us feel like we’re at the heart of the action.
They’re wheelchair accessible, so no worries there—game nights can get busy—but they’re one of the few spots in town that offers Kona Big Wave on tap every day they’re open, in case you needed another reason to catch the game with a cold one. They do have food of their own, and you can dig into a delicious pizza loaded with toppings the “Scoreboard way,” and enjoy a solid, satisfying meal with a couple Reuben sandwiches or loaded fries on the side.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (740) 363-9824 | WEBSITE
This is one of the most reliable pizza spots in Delaware, located in a straightforward storefront along the main commercial strip. Place your order online or by phone, which will come with a tracking number that you’ll watch as your pizza makes its way from preparation to delivery. Inside, you’ll find a clean, functional space that looks like it was designed for efficiency, complete with bright lighting, tile floors, and a counter for pickup orders.
Make your way to the back, and you’ll see the kitchen area where the staff works quickly to assemble and bake the pizzas. The menu is a mix of classic favorites and specialty pies, with many options available for delivery right to your doorstep.
Payne’s Pizza & More
$ | (740) 363-9040 | WEBSITE
We know what you’re thinking. “But Delaware, Ohio, Payne’s Pizza & More is just a casual pizza joint, not a hidden gem,” to which we’ll tell you to head past the paved parking lot, through the inviting entrance, and make your way to the cozy dining area. There, you’ll find a warm, casual atmosphere guiding you to a satisfying meal at a reasonable price, set in a family-friendly spot.
It doesn’t have fancy décor—and it’s busy on most evenings—when it’s packed, you’ll be able to enjoy the combo pizza and salad bar deal—but if you settle in, you’ll find yourself in a relatively efficient and positive escape from the everyday, with pizzas that are a few steps above the average pie in town.
Jet’s Pizza
$ | (740) 363-1600 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve found the perfect pizza spot, head to Jet’s Pizza. It’s in a strip mall in Delaware, right near the heart of town. Place your order online or by phone, which will give you a pickup time before you even leave the house. It sounds like just another takeout joint, but it’s worth it once you walk through the front door and are greeted by the warm smell of baking crust and a counter stacked with ready-to-go boxes.
(Jeans and a t-shirt, work clothes, or even pajamas all feel equally appropriate here). The pizzas can be affordable, but with things like deep dish pies, gluten-free options, and that famous cheesy bread on the menu, it’s all part of the reliable, satisfying experience.
Mohio Pizza Co.
$ | (740) 363-9990 | WEBSITE
Located right on Sandusky Street in the heart of Delaware, Mohio Pizza Co. is a cozy spot with a small but perfect menu focused on exceptional Neapolitan-style pizza. You can definitely come here with a group for dinner, but the majority of the outdoor seating feels intimate, so this is more of a place to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family.
You can make reservations ahead of time, or just walk up to the friendly staff and grab a table—we’ve had pretty good luck walking in relatively early in the evening.
Donatos Pizza
$ | (740) 362-0682 | WEBSITE
Pulling into Donatos Pizza’s front lot off the main drag in Delaware might as well be a portal to somewhere that looks an awful lot like a classic American pizza joint (there’s even a signature pie called the Hot Honey Pepperoni). The medium-sized restaurant seats about 50 people, inside and out, and it’s full of red-checkered tablecloths, warm lighting, and the smell of baking dough giving the whole place a welcoming, cozy feeling.
The pizzas clearly watched a lot of cooking shows growing up, from the perfectly cooked crust to the generous toppings that are always on point. Grab a slice to go or settle in at a booth when the staff—friendly and funny as described—makes you feel right at home. If the side lot is full, try the front. Otherwise, plan to return for more.
Gabby’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (740) 417-9901 | WEBSITE
Delaware may not have asked for a cozy Italian spot with a gravel parking lot, but here it is—and now we’re regulars. This place feels especially appropriate for a small-town Ohio setting. Just look for the wood ramp and hope it’s not the back entrance to another restaurant next door.
Inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting space with a patio that feels like an extension of the dining room and dishes that follow the theme with standouts like the tender meatballs, cheesy garlic bread, or margherita pizza with balsamic glaze. Fresh dough breadsticks and homemade bread make the place seem like it was plucked off the streets of an Italian neighborhood.
Del-Co Pizza & Drive Thru
$ | (740) 363-0033 | WEBSITE
Check out Del-Co Pizza & Drive Thru’s menu online, and you’ll see a straightforward list of pizza options and sides. The drive-thru convenience is just the surface, obviously (how many pizza places still offer hot pizza through a window?), because once you actually get your order, you’ll find yourself with a seriously satisfying meal.
There’s a generous layer of toppings on every pie, fresh vegetable sticks that crunch perfectly, and that homemade ranch dressing that makes the whole experience feel like a comfort-food celebration. The pizza is delicious, with things like the four-cheese blend described as ‘insanely good.’ The prices run slightly higher than average—if you’re ordering, know you’re paying for quality ingredients and abundant toppings, or just ask about their party specials when you call.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (740) 369-7272 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a family-friendly strip mall in Delaware, Papa John’s Pizza feels like you’re walking into the neighborhood spot everyone knows. Once you step through the glass doors, follow the bright menu boards to the counter. Inside are a bunch of booths and tables centered around the open kitchen area. There’s a blend of classic pizzas and specialty pies, but we’ve found the staff is also pretty good at helping customize your order on the spot.
You don’t need a reservation, but we’d recommend calling ahead if you’re coming on a weekend night—it can get about as busy as a Little League pizza party after the big game.