Merseyside's pizza scene has flourished in recent years, with dozens of great venues offering seemingly endless variations on the Italian classic.
Whether you enjoy traditional Neapolitan or something different like Detroit-style pizza, you're not short of options. But while having lots of choice is great, it can be tricky to work out where's best to head for the perfect slice.
The good news is, we've got you covered. Whether it's flawless authenticity or a late-night feast you're after, our recommendations cover everything from high-end offerings to takeaways open through the night.
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We're also keen to hear from you - let us know your own favourites in the comments below.
Here are some of the best pizzas across Merseyside:
Little Furnace, Smithdown Road - Liam Thorp
Many of the best stories start with a drunken stumble and that’s exactly where the story of Little Furnace began. When friends Ryan and Peter happened upon a Palermo pizzeria serving Neapolitan-style delights, their lives changed forever.
Excited by what they described as a ‘rustic, soft cloudy disc of wonderment’, the friends set out on a mission to bring this style of pizza to their native Liverpool.
Starting with a small wood-fired oven, selling pizzas at festivals and events, the lads’ dream soon catapulted them towards a stall at the Baltic Market food hall and eventually, their very own restaurant in Smithdown Road.
Little Furnace is now a staple of the improving Smithdown food scene, and with very good reason too.
With delicious, almost impossibly light double-zero dough made on site in their ‘Papa Gambosa’ oven, Little Furnace, in this correspondent’s view, is now offering the most authentic classic pizzas in Liverpool. With a huge range of tongue-tingling toppings from Goats Cheese and Chutney to the intriguingly titled Sicilian Deathwish - there is something for everyone’s tastes in this little corner of Naples on Smithdown Road.
Pitfire, Aigburth Vale - Paddy Edrich
In recent months Pitfire on Aigburth Vale has become my go-to for pizza if I’m ordering. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to good neapolitan pizza when it comes to the L17 postcode, with Naples just doors down. But I’ve always found myself returning to Pitfire when you want something good and fresh on a Sunday afternoon.
When it comes to Italian food - and neapolitan pizza in general - the most important thing is can they do the basics right, and with Pitfire, the answer is undoubtedly yes. It’s a small menu, which is always a sign of quality, but covers all the classics of Italian pizza. When I order I tend to either go for a classic margherita - topped with fior di latte mozzarella, sea salt, olive oil and fresh basil - or a Piccante loaded with chillies, aloe peppers and chilli oil. Always add garlic bread, and, of course we also top that with cheese. Make sure you save room for pudding and order the tiramisu or the torta mars.
Elephant Lounge, Parkgate - Cheryl Mullin
If you like a stunning view with your pizza, there's no better spot than Elephant Lounge.
Set on The Parade in Parkgate, if you're lucky enough to get a window seat you can look out across the marsh to the North Wales coast - especially stunning as the sun goes down.
By day Elephant Lounge is a coffee shop serving delicious toasties, sandwiches and homemade cakes. But after 4pm it's a pizzeria and bar, serving some of the best pizza I've tasted.
The menu boasts 15 different New York style pizzas, in a choice of 12inch and 18inch.
There's the staples you'd expect to find like a margherita, a Holy Pepperoni, a Mahalo Hawaii and a Tex Mex.
Then there's more unusual offerings, like the Facemelter - a cheese and tomato base with chorizo, cherry tomatoes, dried chilli flakes, pepperoni and jalapenos, or the Big Marc - a classic base with ground beef, cherry tomatoes, gherkins and burger sauce.
My personal favourite is the Get Him To The Greek - tomato, mozzarella, spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes. The base is super thin and not too crispy, perfectly complimenting the topping of which the crumbly, decidedly salty feta is the absolute star.
Paired with a side order of smokey bbq rub fries and a garlic mayo dip, it's a delicious treat after a busy week.
If you don't fancy sitting in, you can order the pizza to take away, or even have it delivered if you live close enough.
Rudy’s, Liverpool city centre locations - Ryan Paton
Liverpudlians have taken Rudy’s to their hearts since its first Merseyside pizzeria opened in 2018 as it has rapidly expanded to three restaurants across the city centre. Rudy’s has conquered town for a reason as it serves up the most incredible pizza I have tasted outside of Italy.
The restaurant offers a true Neapolitan interpretation of pizza with fresh dough made daily on site. The menu comprises traditional recipes done well with toppings staying relatively uncomplicated in comparison to other restaurants that throw everything onto their pizzas to create a gimmicky offering. Rudy’s has no need to go for novelty as its pizza stands out purely because of the amazing flavours.
The Carni is my personal favourite but it's always worth keeping an eye on the monthly specials which give you the chance to sample exciting new combinations.
Rudy’s now has 27 sites across the country and I would normally opt against a large chain in these round ups, but the pizza served up here is just too good to ignore. The hype is justified.
Pizza Parlour, Smithdown Road - Maria Breslin
It’s the original south Liverpool takeaway pizzeria and seemed the absolute height of sophistication when I first stepped through the door many moons ago. Sipping a glass of Pinot while waiting for my 12’’ Pepperoni was a total game changer. And those distant memories mean I still have a soft spot for Smithdown Road’s Pizza Parlour despite the very many new kids on the block.
The restaurant first opened in 1977 and underwent an extensive revamp in 2021 with the owners installing a wood-fired pizza oven. The dough is freshly made on the premises each day and there’s a decent wine and beer menu which sets it apart from the competition. But really it’s all about the pizza which has remained consistently top-class over the years. It’s fair to say I’m still partial to a Pepperoni although the Rucola, fior di latte mozzarella, rocket salad, goats cheese and baby tomatoes, also packs a punch while the Super Meat is my go-to if I’m in a particularly meaty mood. The dough is super-soft, the sauce flavoursome and the toppings fresh. And if for some strange reason you’re not in the mood for pizza there are eight pasta dishes to choose from.
Nightcrawler Pizza, Slater Street, Liverpool city centre - Conaill Corner
If a recent trip to Napoli taught me one thing, it’s that no-one does pizza quite like the Italians. And while I’ve yet to see those levels of perfection reached anywhere in this country, there’s still some superb pies up for grabs if you know where to look. Nightcrawler on Slater Street is always a solid choice, especially if you’ve had a few. Offering its pizza either whole or by the slice, they can get a little greasy - but that’s all part of its charm. With a range of different pizzas available, all tasting fantastic, there's something to suit all palates. Pop into The Merchant for a slice and grab a bevvy to wash it down.
Naples, Aigburth Vale - Dan Haygarth
It’s a bold move to name yourself after the home of pizza, but Aigburth Vale’s Naples pulls it off.
Almost overnight, it felt like the L17 street had become a hotbed for great pizza, with Naples and Pitfire setting up shop at the same time. It was a very welcome change, giving Aigburth plenty of strength in depth when it comes to takeaways.
I must disclose that Little Furnace, Nightcrawler or American Pizza Slice would usually be my top choices for pizza, but as colleagues had already claimed them, I’m more than happy to fly the flag for Napoli.
Its menu isn’t massive but offers more than enough choice. Crucially, as its name suggests, this is proper Neapolitan pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and a healthily puffed-up crust. In terms of personal favourites, the Calabrian Nduja is excellent, as is the Sweet Heat, which utilises its chillies and hot honey beautifully. Its specials, particularly the Napolitana signature and Burrata signature, are also well worth trying.
If you’re in South Liverpool, you’ll do well to beat it.
Ranchers, Walton Vale - Courtney Eales
Our What's On editor, Ellen Kirwin, recently described Ranchers chicken and pizza takeaways as ''better than KFC'' and I have to agree with this high praise. While my usual order is not chicken, I have ordered their pizza more times than I care to admit and whether sober or drunk it tastes amazing every time.
My usual order is a 9'' pizza meal deal with a choice of 3 toppings, fries and a drink which I find is just the perfect portion size. The takeaway serves a variety of food from burgers to wraps and even desserts but their pizza menu is impressive and they even offer customers a baked bean special pizza. The takeaway is located on Walton Vale but they do deliver.
Fletchers Sports Bar, Allerton Manor, Allerton Road - Jamie Greer
Located in the beautiful grounds of Allerton Manor Golf Club, Fletcher’s Sports bar and its huge beer garden specifically has been a game changer since it opened a few years ago. It’s ideal on a summer day, with loads of tables, plenty of space and a big screen for live sports.
You can also order food there, and when you’re there in the heat with a few friends and family, there’s nothing better than sharing a pizza or two. Its offering has all the classics you’d expect, including Margarita and Pepperoni. But there’s a few unique offerings there too.
My favourite is a uniquely Scouse creation of a salt and pepper chicken pizza, which is far from traditional but always hits the spot. Furthermore, if you’re there from Monday to Friday, you can enjoy any full pizza plus a pint for £15.
Tank Bar, Burscough Street, Ormskirk - Gary Stewart
Stepping slightly outside the boundary of Merseyside, this relatively new arrival to Ormskirk’s food and drink scene has won me over with its dedication to decent New York-style pizza and friendly atmosphere. Bar owner Paul has a fridge full of cold craft ales and some nice draft including O’Hara’s stout and Holsten Pils for any refugees from the 1980s.
It’s a bar rather than a restaurant or cafe but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t on point. The first thing I always ask when I arrive is if they have any dough left. Pizzas come in 12ins and 16ins sizes.
Cooked low and slow, they are lot more crispy than the Neapolitan pizzas that have been trendy for the last few years and I personally prefer them. They can take more toppings without collapsing in your hand. I like a classic marg with basil but had a Tank Sizzler (£10 for a 12ins) there the other day - shredded mozzarella, cubed chorizo, nduja sausage, bbq jerk chicken, onions, jalapenos and hot honey. It was a spicy boy and I loved it. They also do wings, fries and other greasy treats with an array of dips.
I would definitely recommend Tank if you ever find yourself at the far end of the Northern Line. They also have a sister bar in St Helens but I don’t know if they do pizzas.
Lemon and Lime, Dale Street - Paul McAuley
One thing about getting a Lemon & Lime pizza is that you are made to work for it - and in my experience, it's worth all blood, sweat, tears, and of course pennies, you have.
After making your way through the jungle of drunken people on a Saturday night, there is no better smell than the one that fills the Dale Street venue as the pizza oven opens.
It’s a smell and taste so inviting that I’ve been known to leave the club - Irish goodbye style - and be found with a smile on my face patiently waiting for my order. My go-to is the Cajun Delight pizza (£9.49) but I’ve never declined a slice of my flatmate’s Sizzler pizza either.
American Pizza Slice, Bold Street - Kate McMullin
If you are in a rush, midway through a night out and the hunger has set in, or are just craving pizza, there is no better place for ease than American Pizza Slice.
Their pizzas, available on Bold Street and Whitechapel will not disappoint.
I may be in the minority, but sometimes a full pizza can be a bit daunting to tackle, so this venue is the perfect way of getting your pizza fill, or if you can't make your mind up, trying different flavours in the same sitting.
When I visited on a Friday night, it was clear to see many others had the same idea as the restaurant, was buzzing inside. I ordered a New York Hawaiian pizza (yes I like pineapple on my pizza) and for £2.95 a slice it was just amazing.
It was a big slice, freshly made, hot and had just the right amount of crisp on the crust.
If I'd closed my eyes while eating it, I literally could have been on the street in New York. You can sit down inside or outside, order online for collection or you can have it delivered to your door - perfect!
I would definitely recommend!
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