12 pizza places to try if you hate Orlando pizza

Pizza always solicits a lot of online discourse and opinions, some annoying, some valid, and some that have led me astray big time when trying hyped spots around Orlando. You wouldn’t think dough, sauce, and cheese would cause such a commotion and die-hard allegiances, but they have, and they continue to, as many proclaim we have no good pizza. I even saw a TikTok series that claimed this as fact: Orlando has NO good pizza. We DO have good pizza. After a pizza-focused trip to NYC and New Haven, Connecticut, last fall, it reaffirmed that we have great pies, and not all good pizza lives solely up North. However, personal preference and proximity are everything. The aforementioned TikTok series visited a place that served me slices of dough that were insanely tight. Frankly, they tasted like day-olds, so hard I couldn’t chew them easily, and their opinion was that it was a good spot. SO everyone out here is having different versions of pizza reality, so there really isn’t any point in getting heated over each other’s opinions.

I’ve created my own list of pizza spots that have been good to ME, but you always need to go and taste for yourself. There will surely be a spot on this list you hate.

Seby’s Pizza - NY Style

Seby’s Pizza is at the end of a strip center at 436 and Howell Branch Road in Winter Park. It is currently my favorite pizza anywhere in Central Florida. The owner is so kind and welcoming, he remembers his regulars and takes excellent care of all his customers. On my last visit, a topping was mixed up on a pie someone ordered. He came out with slices of the “mistake pie” for them on the house while a new one was made, and then he offered us slices from it as well. Outside of stellar customer service, he is a Pizza perfectionist. He’s a formally trained pizza chef, and he is meticulous with his method regarding the dough's fermentation process and the reverse-osmosis water filtration system he uses. For those unfamiliar with what that means, he describes it as his effort to emulate the taste of New York water. The water system filters 99.9% of contaminants and bacteria to produce clean, pristine, great-tasting water. He cares so much about each guest and his product, and it’s a cozy, feel-good place to eat a pie.

1555 SR 436, STE 1321 Winter Park, FL 32792

Black Magic Pizza - Neopolitan

Black Magic started as a pop-up and is now a pizza window in the Milk District. Their Neopolitan slices are often praised as crowd favorites among locals, but their wings and mozzarella sticks are also not to be missed. I like their Dr. Pepperoni pie, which has been a staple on the menu from the beginning, but also the Hornest Nest if you want a hot honey drizzle. There is no seating here, so take it to-go, or bring it inside Whiskey Lou’s Lounge.

121 N Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Ziggie’s - Thin Crust New Haven Style

If thin-crust pizzas are your preference, Ziggies is a place you will want to seek out. They used to work out of the Thirsty Topher space, but now have taken over that spot completely, so you can dine in, walk your pie down to the park, or take it to-go. Some of my favorites include the Killa Beez and the Gabagool. As far as size goes, each one is a 12-inch personal thin-crust style pizza. I can finish a whole one if I’m ravenous, or at least get down to stowing away at least 80% and having a little leftover for lunch the next day.

On WEDNESDAYS ONLY, their B.Y.O.P. (Build Your Own Pizza) starts at $9, compared to the regular $12 price!

603 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Antica - Neopolitan

Hidden in an Altamonte shopping center, you’ll find an Italian cafe serving up a lot of authentic dishes, including Neapolitan pizza. If it’s quiet, you can hear them speaking Italian in the kitchen, which I find quite soothing. I’ve enjoyed their pizzas in the past, even something as simple as a Margherita, but save room for dessert if you like tiramisu. They also now have a location inside the Great Southern Box in College Park.

49 W State Road 436, Altamonte Springs

Lil Vinny's Pizza & Pasta

I don’t know why I rarely see people mention or post about Lil Vinny’s in Winter Springs. Their Grandma pie is incredible. Pan-cooked pizza with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and pesto. They also have some excellent garlic knots that deserve more attention.

2200 Winter Springs Blvd, Oviedo, FL 32765

SoDough Pizza - Detroit-style

SoDough is for the Detroit-style thick deep dish lovers. I have to be in the mood to indulge here because there is SO much dough, but it’s worth it when you sink your teeth into the pillowy square with a nice crispy edge. The Detroit Rob City has red sauce, sausage, pepperoni, whipped ricotta, hot honey, and fresh basil. It’s usually my go-to, but I 86 the sausage.

They have three Central Florida locations.

Brad’s Underground - Tavern Style

For a while, Brad’s Underground lived up to its name, feeling like the hardest pie in town to get your hands on. They operate out of a Ghost Kitchen on Curry Ford, so now all you have to do is order online and pick it up. I picked up a crispy-thin-crust Pepperoni pizza and ate several slices in my car. I think their Tavern Style is really solid in my opinion, but I have not experienced their Deep Dish yet.

4400a Curry Ford Rd. Orlando

AJ’s Pizza Joint- NY Style + Detroit Style

Located in Downtown Winter Garden, AJ’s is the newest food addition to the scene. Long time entrepenuer, Winter Garden local, and owner of The Whole Enchilada and Harrell’s opened up his third concep AJ’s Pizza to much fanfare and praise of locals. The space is bright and fun (take a look at the floors and the bathroom when you go) and the pies they are serving up are solid. I opted for NY Style on my visit and was pleased with the crust! Seen below is the Hot Honey Pie - Red sauce, cupped pepperoni, chili flakes, Mike Famous Extra Hot Mike's Hot Honey. There are other options on the menu beyond pizza, but note they also have gluten free and vegan options for pies, and you can grab by the slice.

42 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Tratto - Detroit Style + Thin Crust

Tratto is an Italian restaurant in Avalon Park with gut-busting Detroit-style pizza. On my visit, we got two pies, and after two thick, meaty slices, I threw in the towel. The flavors were great, the crust had crispy edges you could cut yourself on, the cheese was piled heavily for a gorgeous cheese pull. It’s so decadent that if you can put away more than two slices, you are my hero. You will most likely have leftovers, so I’m here to tell you they crisp up really nicely in an air fryer.

425 Avalon Park S Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32828

John & Johns - NY Style

Over in the SODO district, John & John’s specializes in classic NY-style slices. The slices are thin, but mine were almost too sturdy to fold in half, yet they were definitley crispy and not floppy. I really liked the flavors on their Alla Vodka slice. You can grab classic slices or pies, or try something different like their Mediterranean Blue, which is topped with gyro meat, feta, and tzatziki, or their Philly pie.

435 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806

Pigzza - Sourdough Crust

I've had Pigzza pizza a handful of times, and I personally haven't had a bad experience. I really like some of the flavor profiles on these pies, like the "Meat Me" at Floyd's, which has smoked brisket, grape jelly BBQ, and pickled onions. If I'm not sticking with a classic pepperoni, I want flavor bombs, and this pie has always delivered for me. I've also always enjoyed their crust. Make your own mind up, and if maybe you don't want a pizza, grab a Caesar salad and the Cacio e Pepe fries.

1050 North Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803

Mangia & Bevi Pizzeria Napoletana - Neopolitan

This is NOT in Orlando, but if you find yourself over on the Space Coast, it’s worth a visit. Mangia e Bevi serves up some great Neapolitan pies. Think blistered crusts, San Marzano tomatoes, imported mozzarella. They’ve always been a crowd pleaser when on that side of town.

218 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

I still have some spots I’ve heard positive rumblings about that I need to try like Pizzatwist in Sanford and Grand Central Pizza Station in Ocoee, so the hunt for great pizza will continue!

All food mentioned in the post was paid for personally. No business that is featured asked to be included. These are personal preferences. All photos belong to LemonHearted Creative. Support your local restaurants.