Somerville isn’t just Davis Square and Assembly Row’s polished corridors. It’s a vibrant Massachusetts hub where pizza reaches glorious heights. From crackly-thin Neapolitan crusts with bubbling mozzarella, to foldable New York slices dripping with garlic oil, plus inventive wood-fired pies and deep-dish corners that comfort the soul. The pizza landscape here dazzles. So—where do you grab that first perfect slice?
Avenue kitchen + bar
$$ | (617) 764-0879 | WEBSITE
There’s a special kind of pleasure in indulging in the crispy corners at Avenue Kitchen + Bar. The neighborhood pizza spot delivers satisfaction. Their Detroit-style pizza, although not artisanal, has no problem in making its presence known, while the broccoli rabe and sausage version has a savory depth that’s more than welcome as the evening settles in. Grab a takeout or join everyone in enjoying the friendly, professional service.
Beacon Street Pizza
$ | (617) 868-6100 | WEBSITE
A pizza joint tucked away in the most unassuming storefront in Somerville is teetering on the edge of forgettable, but Beacon Street Pizza is the kind of place we could see ourselves visiting regularly. There are tasty options like buffalo pizza and Italian subs, and the vegan choices with vegan cheese and sausage are a hit. Families stop in for a quick slice and friends settle in for a satisfying meal.
Sitting here with some ricotta and sausage pizza and a good beverage after work is the kind of comfort we all deserve.
ZaZa Pizzeria
$ | (617) 764-3409 | WEBSITE
Some pizzas unlock corners of your palate you didn’t even know existed. They interact with your senses in surprising ways and, in the case of ZaZa’s buffalo chicken pizza, in delightfully spicy ways. The Somerville pizzeria’s perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio is one of these experiences. It tops their crispy, crunchy crust—get the arancini too—and it’s the reason you’ll likely develop a new appreciation for cauliflower crust and late-night slices.
City Slicker Cafe
$ | (617) 625-0700 | WEBSITE
There’s always a crowd at City Slicker Cafe. The pizza spot has an infectious energy that attracts those looking for a hit of crispy crust, as well as locals chatting in the background of the bustling dining room. Make your order, take a seat, and wait. Yours will be almost ready when the aroma of caramelized dough fills the air and the server brings out your pie.
The crust here is crisped thinner than other pizzas, and pieces baked to a golden-brown char on the bottom are the kind we daydream about.
Caesar’s Pizza & Subs
$ | (617) 776-9942 | WEBSITE
There isn’t an official Little Italy or Little Sicily in Somerville, but Caesar’s Pizza & Subs is a contender. Here, the old-school neon sign glows like a beacon. Solo diners and families sit with classic pies that you would find in a neighborhood joint. Pizzas are bolstered with fresh ingredients, and subs come with generous portions which are devoured quickly.
Get the Sicilian: a standout square pie featuring a crisp, sturdy crust; a balanced cheese-to-sauce ratio with no flop; and a rich tomato sauce with a touch of nostalgia.
Union Square Pizza & Sub
$ | (617) 776-7617 | WEBSITE
Even if you’re the only person ordering from this unassuming spot in Union Square, you’ll have a satisfying meal. But if you bring a couple of friends, you’ll have an absolute feast. The aroma of garlic naan and simmering curries fills the simple space, and the friendly, efficient staff make sure your takeout is ready in minutes. It’s one big flavor celebration—you’ll find containers of the vibrant orange paneer tikka masala in every order, for good reason.
Mortadella Head
$ | (617) 996-6680 | WEBSITE
Boston isn’t lacking in pizza options, but it is when it comes to consistency and char. Mortadella Head has no problem with either. The little restaurant in Somerville makes a pizza full of flavor, crispness, and a welcome hit of smokiness. A slice of their Roman-style pizza will set you back a few bucks, while their round pizza is the thing to get. Their menu of Italian classics is all high-quality, from sandwiches to salads, and you can happily swing by alone.
Royal Pizza & Subs
$ | (617) 776-8415 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot to like about Royal Pizza & Subs, a pizza and sub spot in a bustling stretch of Somerville. The lunchtime rush means energy fills the place at midday, and hands reach for steaming chicken parm subs come noon. There’s some great cooking—like the Cuban sandwich, layered with savory meats, and gorgeously juicy steak and cheese. Just know it keeps things straightforward and reliably satisfying compared to some of Boston’s other pizza joints.
Gaya Pizzeria
$ | (617) 776-8000 | WEBSITE
Gaya Pizzeria’s excellent Italian Sub is something we’d go out of our way for. There’s an exciting pizza menu: perfectly seasoned chicken tenders, garlic knots with great flavor, and our favourite thing here: the highly customizable pizza options.
Our favourite place to sit is the clean, welcoming dining area: when you’re celebrating, there are few things more satisfying than tucking into their fresh salad and entrees on real China plates while appreciating the family establishment’s commitment to the community.
Hot Tomatoes
$ | (617) 718-0702 | WEBSITE
Hot Tomatoes is a Union Square spot that can feel like a cozy neighborhood joint or a bustling pizza destination depending on when you visit (go during peak hours for more energy). But their outstanding sandwiches and crispy-crust pizzas bring enough flavor to fill the entire dining space of this new addition.
The menu reads like it was made for satisfying cravings: the Cuban sandwich and chicken salad are tempting, but the Bomba Pizza—featuring a thinner, crispy crust—is the must-order, alongside their famous garlic knots.
Hot Box Pizza & Roast Beef
$ | (617) 284-9600 | WEBSITE
A tucked-away Somerville spot just off the street, Hot Box Pizza & Roast Beef specializes in quick and deeply satisfying pizza. The toppings—think pepperoni, buffalo chicken, and standout street corn—are great, but it’s the pizza itself that really makes this place a must-try. They cook each pie fresh for every order, and it’s delightfully crispy and chewy. If there’s a wait, it’s worth it. If you’re really feeling bold, you can fight it out for one of their few courtyard tables.
Veggie Crust – Somerville
$ | (617) 764-4605 | WEBSITE
At this unassuming pizza spot in Somerville, conventional toppings are abandoned in place of kissing chutney off your own knuckle. With colorful Bollywood posters lining the walls and a staff team we want to share a bottle of Kingfisher with, Veggie Crust is one of our favourite places for pies. The inventive numbers—Pav Bhaji, paneer makhani, Manchurian—are deliriously flavorful. The channa masala is also mandatory.
Davis Square Pizza
$ | (617) 625-2255 | WEBSITE
Davis Square Pizza isn’t your average Somerville pizza joint, although you could be mistaken for thinking so from the outside. This unassuming storefront with its basic decor and limited seating will surprise you with its incredible food even on the most ordinary Somerville day. It’s got a welcoming staff serving delicious pepperoni pineapple pizza and perfectly fried onion rings at amazingly great-value prices.
It’s perfect for a late-night slice, but you’ll probably want to call ahead for large orders because this place is no hidden gem.
American Flatbread
$ | (617) 776-0552 | WEBSITE
This Somerville pizza spot has two big wood-fired ovens on the go at all times, but American Flatbread’s menu is split between classic, specialty, and vegetarian options. The margherita is fantastic, bubbling with fresh mozzarella and basil. The veggie flatbread is also excellent. The salads are crisp and fresh, and come with house-made lemonade and dipping sauces. A bowling alley only adds to its appeal as an excellent family dinner spot.
Josephine
$$ | (617) 764-3035 | WEBSITE
At Josephine, you work your way through the brunch menu, and, because nearly everything here is delicious, it’s hard to go wrong. The eggs Benedict are fantastic, especially with the perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise, while the hash browns and pancakes are reliably satisfying classics as well. Make sure you stop by for dinner for the juicy burger—flavorful beef, crisp lettuce, melted cheese, toasted bun—too.
Ciao Somerville
$$ | (617) 764-1108 | WEBSITE
Ciao Somerville is that rare thing in Somerville: a Neapolitan-style pizza spot that actually serves pies with a phenomenal crust that lives up to the hype. It’ll make you feel like you’ve discovered the city’s best-kept secret for woodfired perfection. Well, that’s what it did for us. Hit it for a slice of the Funghi with its rich truffle cream and stay until you’ve tried the vibrant margherita. Or save room for their sweet ending, the tiramisu.
Posto
$$ | (617) 625-0600 | WEBSITE
We usually expect to find a cozy neighborhood trattoria in Somerville, not one of the best meatballs in the city and excellent pizza. From its warm, rustic dining room on Somerville’s bustling streets, chef and kitchen staff serve a menu of pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. The lively bar area isn’t for quiet seekers but the restaurant is inviting. The mushroom and eggplant pizza is a standout, but it’s the tiramisu, with sweet, creamy mascarpone, that we think about long after we leave.
Sacco’s Bowl Haven
$$ | (617) 776-0552 | WEBSITE
While Sacco’s Bowl Haven doesn’t exactly require a secret password, there’s still something pleasingly local-favorite-feeling about this casual pizza-and-bowling spot in a converted alley. With the glow of candlepin lanes, the scent of wood-fired dough, and the general aura of good times, it’s a lively hangout where groups kick back and devour pretty much every pizza going. Nobody cares about the paper scoring sheets when the warm flatbread and the lemon blueberry whoopie pie are this good.
june bug restaurant
$$$ | (617) 718-0569 | WEBSITE
Humankind’s relationship with pizza goes back a long way. Humankind’s relationship with cozy, warmly lit restaurants that are perfect for feeling like a sophisticated adult is arguably slightly shorter, but just as important. June Bug Restaurant brings the two together, with fantastic unique pizza flavors. We’re talking bluefin tuna crudo, shrimp toast, even garlic-loaded pizza with—whisper it—dylly ranch dip.
White Sport Pizza
$ | (617) 776-0790 | WEBSITE
White Sport Pizza is a spot in Boston, and it leans more neighborhood joint than fancy restaurant. Once you see a family happily sharing a cheese-drenched pizza at a booth, you’ll understand why. It’s all classic, reliable, American comfort food—think steak bomb subs piled high, chicken wings with a crispy bite. As the name suggests, there’s a solid and soda-filled drink selection, as well as one of the area’s best calzones for under fifteen bucks.