Buffalo's pizza scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From nationally ranked Neapolitan pies in Kenmore to classic Buffalo style cup and char in South Buffalo, there is a perfect pie waiting in almost every corner of Western New York. Whether you are looking for a fancy date night spot or a no-frills slice joint, here is where to find the best pizza, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Key Takeaways
- Jay's Artisan Pizza in Kenmore was ranked the number 7 best pizzeria in the United States by 50 Top Pizza, an Italy based ranking organization.
- Pizzeria Florian in East Aurora climbed from number 44 to number 39 on the same national list.
- Buffalo style pizza is characterized by a thick, chewy crust, sweet sauce, and cup and char pepperoni.
- Imperial Pizza in South Buffalo has been a Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 to 2024.
- Bflo Pizza Bistro on the West Side serves a unique Detroit Sicilian hybrid style with a focaccia like, chewy crust.
- Franco's Pizza has over 12,000 reviews and a 4.1 star rating, with locals calling it the best in Western New York.
Kenmore: Home of a National Champion
Kenmore might be a quiet village just north of Buffalo, but it is home to one of the best pizzerias in the country. Jay's Artisan Pizza at 2872 Delaware Avenue has been ranked among the nation's top pizzerias since 2022, landing at number 7 in the United States in 2026. Owner Joe Powers says the award reflects "years of dedication and a commitment to authentic Neapolitan style pizza." They serve traditional thin crust wood fired pizza alongside square Sicilian style pies.
North Buffalo and Hertel Avenue: Sophisticated Sibling
North Buffalo is a melting pot of trendy bistros and long standing institutions. Bob and John's La Hacienda at 1545 Hertel Avenue is a family owned staple on Hertel Avenue serving Buffalo style pizza, wings, subs, and full Italian dinners. Moons Pizzeria at 1460 Hertel Avenue offers a diverse menu beyond traditional pizza with a clean, modern dining room.
Elmwood Village: NYC Style Slice
Elmwood Village has some strong contenders for New York style pizza. Gino's NY Pizza at 1009 Elmwood Avenue serves authentic New York style pizza with a thin, perfectly cooked crust. One reviewer called it "hands down best pizza in Buffalo." Mister Pizza at 1065 Elmwood Avenue reopened under new management in May 2026 with what some call "the best dough and crust in the City of Buffalo."
Allentown: Vegan Friendly and Wood Fired
Allentown's pizza scene has variety and character. Allentown Pizza at 94 Elmwood Avenue is known as the best pizza for vegans in Buffalo, with creative options like BBQ seitan and pineapple pizza. Hearth and Press at 665 Main Street in downtown Buffalo offers wood fired pizzas in a stylish setting.
South Buffalo: The Heart of Buffalo Style
South Buffalo is where classic Buffalo style pizza thrives. Imperial Pizza at 1035 Abbott Road is a true hidden gem with a loyal following. Fans love the sweet sauce, generous toppings, fresh ingredients, and hand tossed crust. It has been a Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 to 2024.
Mineo's South Pizzeria at 2154 South Park Avenue is known as the best pizza place in South Buffalo, offering affordable prices and a crispy bottom pizza that locals swear by.
West Side: Something Different
The West Side offers unique styles you will not find elsewhere. Bflo Pizza Bistro at 388 Porter Avenue is an intimate, husband and wife owned spot specializing in scratch made Detroit and Sicilian hybrid pizzas with a focaccia like yet chewy crust. Their menu features five staple pies including Vodka Pesto, Pepperoni Hot Honey, and Margherita with whipped ricotta.
La Nova at 371 West Ferry Street is a classic and iconic Buffalo pizzeria. Locals recommend getting cheese and pepperoni with garlic sesame crust.
Williamsville: Suburban Standouts
Williamsville has a packed pizza scene. Muscarella's Pizza at 5526 Main Street is one of the most popular in the area. One reviewer called it "legit the best pizza I've ever had." D'Avolio Kitchen at 5409 Main Street boasts an impressive rating with wonderful cheese and great red sauce. La Nova Pizzeria at 5151 Main Street is also a local favorite.
East Aurora: Wood Fired Excellence
East Aurora punches above its weight in the pizza department. Pizzeria Florian at 650 East Main Street was ranked number 39 in the United States by 50 Top Pizza. Elm Street Bakery at 72 Elm Street serves wood fired pizza, seasonal pies, and sourdough in a rustic chic cafe setting. Pizza Del Aureo's at 615 Oakwood Avenue has a 4.7 star rating with 596 reviews.
Amherst: Variety and Consistency
Amherst offers plenty of solid options. Franco's Pizza at 1924 Eggert Road has earned a devoted following for reliably excellent thick style pizzas and standout wings.
Orchard Park: Local Favorites
Anjon's Pizzeria at 5427 South Abbott Road has a 4.7 star rating with reviewers calling it the "best pizza I have ever had". Leo's Pizzeria at 2220 Southwestern Boulevard is another neighborhood to go to.
Cheektowaga: Hidden Gems
Tony's Pizzeria at 3680 Harlem Road has been serving the Cheektowaga and surrounding communities since 1967. Carbone's Pizza and Subs has multiple locations in Buffalo, including 1126 East Lovejoy Street and 568 South Park Avenue.
Niagara Falls: Falls Area Favorites
Buck's Pizzeria at 1890 Pierce Avenue is considered the best pizza in Niagara Falls by locals.
FAQ
Q: What makes Buffalo style pizza different?
A: Buffalo style pizza typically features a thick, chewy crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a slightly sweet sauce, and cup and char pepperoni, pepperoni that curls up and gets crispy edges when baked. It is the style you will find at classics like Imperial Pizza, Bob and John's, and Artone's.
Q: Where is the best pizza in Buffalo?
A: That depends on what you are looking for. For nationally recognized artisanal pizza, Jay's Artisan Pizza in Kenmore is the answer, ranked number 7 in the United States. For classic Buffalo style, Imperial Pizza in South Buffalo is a local legend. For something unique, Bflo Pizza Bistro on the West Side serves a Detroit Sicilian hybrid you will not find anywhere else.
Q: Where can I get New York style pizza in Buffalo?
A: Gino's NY Pizza in Elmwood Village serves authentic New York style pizza with a thin, perfectly cooked crust. One reviewer said it "could compete with any of the best pizza shops in NYC any day of the week."
Q: Where can I get vegan pizza in Buffalo?
A: Allentown Pizza is known as the best pizza for vegans in Buffalo, with creative options like BBQ seitan and pineapple pizza.
Q: What are the best pizza places in the suburbs?
A: Williamsville has Muscarella's Pizza and D'Avolio Kitchen. East Aurora has Pizzeria Florian, ranked number 39 in the United States, and Elm Street Bakery. Orchard Park has Anjon's Pizzeria.
Q: Is there a pizza place with national recognition in Western New York?
A: Yes, two of them. Jay's Artisan Pizza in Kenmore was ranked number 7 in the United States in 2026, and Pizzeria Florian in East Aurora was ranked number 39.
Q: What is the best pizza for a date night?
A: Bflo Pizza Bistro on the West Side is an intimate, husband and wife owned European style bistro with a cozy atmosphere inspired by the couple's European honeymoon travels. Elm Street Bakery in East Aurora offers wood fired pizza in a rustic chic setting.
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