Best Boston Pizza Spots for National Pizza Day
The best nearby spots to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods
Grab a Slice on National Pizza Day
The best nearby spots to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods
There are few comfort foods more popular than pizza. This Italian import has been a staple in American cuisine for over 100 years. It’s been estimated that over 80,000 restaurants in the United States are pizzerias.
Those who think Boston doesn’t have good pizza—after all, we’re not Chicago or New York or Detroit—stand corrected: Food & Wine magazine recently ranked the Bay State number 8 on their list of top-10 states with the best pizza.
In honor of National Pizza Day, today, February 9, we put together a list of the best spots around the city to grab a quick slice or savor a whole pie.
1
A favorite destination for many Bostonians, this cozy South End spot is led by star chef Ken Oringer. The wood-fired pizzas, with melted fresh mozzarella, are perfectly browned and have a light fluffy crust. The soppressata is their specialty, topped with spicy dry-aged salami, mozzarella, garlic, and chilies. For fans of simplicity, the margherita pizza is one of the best in the city. Try one of the many spritzes that come with or without booze to pair with your meal.
Coppa is open Monday to Saturday from 5 to 10 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
2
Picco’s name is actually an acronym for pizza and ice cream co.—and they do both exceedingly well. All pies are well-done so the puffy crust shows a nice amount of char. If you appreciate other European influences, try the Alsatian, their version of France’s tarte flambée, with sautéed onions, shallots, garlic, crème fraîche, bacon, and Gruyère. Finish it off with an ice cream cone or take a pint to go.
Picco is open daily for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm; dinner hours vary, see them here.
3
The Portland, Maine–based chain will have been faithfully serving Terriers for 12 years this August. Making pies with toppings that include butternut squash, Buffalo cauliflower, pulled pork, and caramelized pear, WGBH has crowned the chain the best gourmet pizza spot in Boston. Vegetarians and vegans will find many friendly options, including the eggplant, ricotta, and basil pizza; vegan cheese is also available. Stop by to see their daily specials, and takeout is available.
OTTO is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm.
4
No list of the best pizza in Boston would be complete without Regina. The North End spot opened in 1926, the first restaurant in what is now a popular regional chain. Tucked on a side street two blocks from busy Hanover Street, the original location has a flashy neon sign you can’t miss at night. Meat lovers will enjoy the Giambotta, a pie covered in pepperoni, Regina sausage, salami, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. They also serve a Napoletana pizza based on traditional old-world style: a cheese pizza with anchovies and capers. Regina’s also has Boston locations in Faneuil Hall, South Station, and Fenway.
Regina Pizzeria is open Sunday to Wednesday, 11 am to 9 pm, and Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm.
5
Another North End locale to make our list is Ernesto’s, a casual counter-service spot that has been serving pizza for over 30 years. Fresh-baked specialty pies all come in a large 18-inch size. The Buffalo chicken pie is loaded with mozzarella and Buffalo chicken that packs a mild kick. Pizza purists will love the old-school pie, with the fresh tomato sauce on top of the cheese. For those unafraid of controversy, the Hawaiian pie is generously topped with sweet pineapple and chunks of Canadian ham.
Ernesto’s is open Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm.
7
This Kendall Square establishment made headlines a few years back when President Obama visited it for a fundraiser. What did #44 eat? He chose the mushroom and fontina pizza, bringing extensive publicity to an already well-respected restaurant. Pies come out looking picture-perfect, with a heavily blistered crust that benefits from a 30-plus-hour ferment and a sourdough starter. Try the carnivore pizza, topped with big spicy pieces of soppressata, sausage, and bacon—a pizza President Obama tried, too. Area Four has another location at One Kendall Square.
Area Four is open daily, 11 am to 10 pm.
Did we fail to include your favorite spot on this list? Add it in the Comment section below.
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