12 Margherita Pizzas in America That Nail the Classics

Margherita pizza is a timeless classic that embodies simplicity and elegance with just a few quality ingredients—fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a perfectly crisp crust. This iconic Italian dish has captured the hearts of pizza lovers worldwide, and America is no exception. Across the country, pizzerias are embracing the art of the Margherita, crafting versions that stay true to tradition while adding their own local flair.

In this post, we highlight 12 Margherita pizzas in America that nail the classics, showcasing spots where you can enjoy authentic, mouthwatering slices made with care and passion. Whether you’re a purist who loves the original flavors or a curious foodie eager to try some of the best Margherita pies stateside, this list celebrates the simple beauty and bold flavors that make this pizza an enduring favorite.

1. Pizzeria Bianco — Phoenix, Arizona

Pizzeria Bianco is widely regarded as one of the best spots for authentic Margherita pizza in the U.S. The crust is perfectly blistered and chewy, crafted with a blend of Italian-style flours and baked in a wood-fired oven. Their Margherita features fresh, creamy mozzarella, vibrant San Marzano tomato sauce, and fragrant basil leaves.

The balance of flavors is impeccable — the sweetness of the tomatoes complements the richness of the cheese, while the basil adds a fresh herbal note. Finished with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, this pizza is a simple yet profound tribute to the classic Italian recipe, drawing pizza lovers from across the country.

2. Roberta’s — Brooklyn, New York

Roberta’s has become a New York staple, known for their expertly crafted pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients. Their Margherita pizza honors the classic formula with a thin, slightly charred crust baked in a wood-fired oven. The sauce is made from ripe, flavorful tomatoes, balanced with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil picked daily.

The crust’s slight smokiness and crispness provide a delightful texture contrast to the soft cheese and bright tomato sauce. Roberta’s approach showcases how attention to ingredient quality and technique can elevate a humble Margherita into a memorable culinary experience.

3. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana — San Francisco, California

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is a revered name in the American pizza scene, especially for its dedication to authentic Neapolitan styles. Their Margherita pizza is a perfect homage to the original Italian classic, featuring hand-stretched dough baked in a 900-degree wood-fired oven. The sauce is made with fresh San Marzano tomatoes, offering a naturally sweet and tangy base.

Fresh mozzarella di bufala, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil complete the pie. The crust achieves an ideal balance between a tender interior and slightly charred, blistered edges. Every bite captures the essence of Naples, making it a must-try for Margherita enthusiasts.

4. Serafina — Miami, Florida

Serafina in Miami brings an Italian flair with its authentic Margherita pizza. Their thin, Neapolitan-style crust is light and airy, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven that produces those signature leopard spots on the edges. The pizza is topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil picked fresh daily.

A subtle hint of garlic and high-quality olive oil enhances the simple but bold flavors. Serafina’s Margherita offers a bright and fresh experience, perfect for those who appreciate a classic pizza done with care and respect for tradition, right in the heart of sunny Miami.

5. Mozza — Los Angeles, California

Mozza, co-owned by famed chefs Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali, is a top destination for pizza lovers. Their Margherita is celebrated for its balance and authenticity. The crust is thin, slightly chewy, and blistered to perfection in a wood-fired oven.

Using imported Italian San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, Mozza’s pizza delivers a harmonious blend of tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors. The addition of a drizzle of quality olive oil ties everything together. It’s a quintessential Margherita that respects tradition while reflecting the vibrant culinary scene of Los Angeles.

6. Motorino — New York City, New York

Motorino is a favorite among New Yorkers for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. Their Margherita pizza features a soft, chewy crust with perfectly blistered edges from their high-temperature wood-fired ovens. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, offering a rich yet fresh tomato flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy mozzarella di bufala.

Fresh basil adds the classic herbal note, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil finishes the pie. The balance of flavors and textures makes Motorino’s Margherita a must-try for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy in the city that never sleeps.

7. Pizzeria Mozza — Newport Beach, California

Pizzeria Mozza’s Newport Beach location is another hotspot for Margherita lovers. They serve a beautifully crafted pizza with a thin, slightly chewy crust that crisps nicely at the edges. The sauce is a vibrant San Marzano tomato blend, balanced with fresh, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil.

This Margherita is celebrated for its simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients, giving each slice a perfect balance of acidity, creaminess, and herbaceousness. The pizza is finished with a drizzle of fruity olive oil that adds richness without overpowering the fresh flavors.

8. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria — Chicago, Illinois

While Lou Malnati’s is famous for its deep-dish pizzas, their thin-crust Margherita deserves special mention. This pizza features a crisp yet tender crust, layered with a bright tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Unlike traditional Neapolitan styles, Lou Malnati’s version offers a slightly thicker crust that holds up well to the flavorful toppings.

The sauce is robust and flavorful, providing a nice balance to the creamy mozzarella. This Margherita pizza offers a Midwestern take on the classic that pizza lovers in Chicago swear by.

9. Antico Pizza Napoletana — Atlanta, Georgia

Antico Pizza Napoletana in Atlanta serves a Margherita pizza that stays true to the Neapolitan tradition. The dough is fermented for over 24 hours, resulting in a light, airy crust with a slight chew and beautifully charred spots. The sauce is made from hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, creating a bright, fresh flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella di bufala.

Fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil complete the pie, giving it a fragrant and rich finish. Antico’s dedication to authentic ingredients and preparation methods makes their Margherita a standout in the Southern pizza scene.

10. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana — New Haven, Connecticut

Frank Pepe’s is a legendary pizzeria known for its coal-fired pies, and their Margherita pizza is a prime example of simple, classic perfection. The crust is thin and crispy, baked in a coal-fired oven that imparts a unique smoky flavor. The sauce is made from fresh, sweet tomatoes, layered with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.

The balance of smoky crust, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese creates a complex yet approachable flavor profile. Frank Pepe’s Margherita is beloved by pizza purists who appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind every slice.

11. Santa Lucia Pizza — Washington, D.C.

Santa Lucia Pizza in Washington, D.C. crafts a Margherita pizza that highlights traditional Italian flavors. Their crust is thin, slightly chewy, and charred in a wood-fired oven to perfection. The sauce uses imported Italian tomatoes, giving it a bright, natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil.

A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Santa Lucia’s Margherita is a favorite among locals who crave authentic Italian pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

12. Bufalina — Los Angeles, California

Bufalina in Los Angeles is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, and their Margherita is no exception. Made with dough that is fermented for 24 hours, the crust develops a tender yet crisp texture with beautifully blistered edges. The sauce is made from imported San Marzano tomatoes, providing a bright and sweet foundation.

Fresh mozzarella di bufala and basil top the pizza, finished with a drizzle of rich olive oil. Bufalina’s Margherita is celebrated for its balance, simplicity, and devotion to classic Italian pizza traditions, making it a standout choice for pizza aficionados in L.A.

Bottom Line

The Margherita pizza’s beauty lies in its simplicity, and the 12 pizzas featured here prove that less truly is more. Crafted with fresh ingredients and skillful techniques, these classic Margherita pizzas deliver perfectly balanced flavors that honor the Italian tradition. Whether from a renowned pizzeria or a local hidden gem, each slice offers a crispy crust, creamy mozzarella, vibrant tomato, and fragrant basil that come together in harmony. If you appreciate the essence of classic pizza, these Margherita pies across America are definitely worth a try.

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