1. Alphonso’s The Original
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
My friends and I would sprint straight through heavy traffic just to get a slice of Alphonso’s “Cutlass Supreme” pizza. I’m exaggerating, of course – I don’t have friends – but damn, I really do enjoy Alphonso’s pizza. Just the right crust to topping ratio, lots of flavor, etc. Our dining critic, Ann Christenson, wrote about enjoying their dill pickle pizza recently. Any other place, I would never even think about trying that, but considering how well Alphonso’s does everything else, I might have to give it a shot.
2. Fixture Pizza Pub
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
When I moved into my apartment building in Walker’s Point, my partner and I asked a random guy in our elevator where he likes to get pizza in the area. He said Fixture was by far the best. I was hesitant – because I had never heard of it and honestly I usually at least hear of places around town – but it was actually fabulous and has become our go-to. It has a lot of sauce and really packs the toppings on the thin cracker crust.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. San Giorgio
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
Milwaukee has no shortage of great pizza. For wood-oven, Neapolitan-style pizza, my favorite is San Giorgio on Old World Third Street. I recommend the prosciutto and arugula option, but they are all good.
4. Maria’s (Again, Hopefully)
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would have answered – without hesitation – Maria’s Pizza on Forest Home. Sadly, the beloved local joint, serving up the finest slices this side of Tallahassee in a dining room replete with paintings of Jesus and other religious decoration, has been closed for a year-and-a-half now. But, the new owner has said he’s planning to reopen Maria’s this year, and I plan to be there as soon as I can. My hopes are high that once again I can enjoy my favorite pizza in Milwaukee.
5. Santino’s Little Italy
SOPHIE YUFA, JUNIOR DESIGNER
Santino’s Little Italy is the best authentic Italian pizza I’ve had in Milwaukee, and they have a great wine selection too. If you’re wondering where to take your date, Santino’s is a great one!
6. Ian’s Pizza
SOFÍA CORTÉS, EDITORIAL INTERN
I love Ian’s unique flavors – my personal favorite being their Mac and Cheese and Ravioli pizza. They give you the option to order a salad, too. Their slices are well-priced, and they’re open late so that you can get your pizza whatever time of night.
LISA BAKER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Love the creativity of Ian’s. Also love that they have by-the-slice, so everybody can get their fave.
ABBY YEMM, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
I’m still searching high and low for cupped pepperoni pizza in Milwaukee or “roni cups” but until then, my fave is Ian’s. I LOVE the mac n’cheese pizza and bbq chicken pineapple. Dreamy and over-the-top indulgent.
7. Zaffiro’s
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
For classic Milwaukee-style pizza, it’s Zaffiro’s, of course! I sit at the bar and order a small “special” – cheese, sausage, mushrooms and onions – and bliss out.
8. Balistreri’s
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Editing Ann Christenson’s food writing is one of the best parts of my job – I have gone down so many internet rabbit holes sparked by a term in one of her reviews, most recently chapulines – and perhaps my favorite edit so far was her 2021 pizza roundup. I wanted to eat EVERY ONE of those pies – and most of them, I have. Ann turned me on to Zaffiro’s as probably my overall favorite here, but living in Tosa, Balistreri’s is my go-to and a close second. Great sauce, great thin, cracker-y crust, and – Abby! Their pepperonis cup up!
RELATED: YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING THE BEST PIZZA IN MILWAUKEE
9. Transfer Pizzeria
KATIE WILLIAMS, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Transfer Pizzeria’s garlic cream sauce is truly *chef’s kiss* – you hardly need toppings with that sauce!
10. Filippo’s
JENN HINTZ, ADVERTISING SERVICES SPECIALIST
Growing up in West Allis, I have to recommend Filippo’s on 69th and Lincoln. We spent many occasions here, even traveling back after we moved out of the area. It has an old-world, throwback vibe, and the pizza features a chewy Neapolitan-style crust with generous toppings.
11. Classic Slice
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
My search for the perfect pizza in Milwaukee is in its infancy, but so far, my favorite is Classic Slice. You can’t go wrong with a pizza slice as big as your face.
12. Lalli’s
CHELSEA MAMEROW, ART DIRECTOR
For my family, pizza is the quick meal that everyone will eat without complaints. So a big factor in defining the best pizza has to be convenience: delicious, close to home and delivery available. For us, the winner is Lalli’s pizza on North Avenue in Wauwatosa. The crust is thin but also chewy, sturdy enough to hold up to any toppings you throw on. The sauce isn’t too sweet, the pepperoni generously portioned and perfectly spiced, the cheese leaning toward excessive.
14. Marco’s “World Famous” Pizza
MELISA MACKEVICIUS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
I still consider myself new to Milwaukee and exploring the pizza scene. So far, an easy local choice for us is Marco’s “World Famous” Pizza on Lisbon. We like to order an “extra crispy” crust for their hand tossed pizzas and they get it right every time. Their sauce is sweet, but not too sweet. They have lots of specialty pizzas, but we are more traditional with half sausage, mushroom and onion, and half pepperoni (kiddo will only eat pepperoni!). And, if you have an hankering for a bucket of fried chicken to go – they are your guys!
