Top 10 Best Pizza Restaurants in New Orleans

Sofia in the Warehouse District brings upscale Italian dining to the pizza game, with an extensive menu that goes well beyond pies but never loses sight of pizza perfection. The quattro formaggi pizza with four imported Italian cheeses is a study in textural complexity—creamy, tangy, sharp, and mild notes playing off each other bite after bite. The polished, contemporary dining room with an open kitchen attracts business lunches and sophisticated diners who appreciate craft without pretension. Their carefully curated wine list pairs exceptionally well with any pizza choice, making it ideal for wine lovers exploring the Arts District.

Royal's Woodfire Pizza is the Bywater's best-kept secret, a tiny operation that's quickly building a devoted following through word-of-mouth and Instagram posts. Their wood-fired oven imparts a distinctive smokiness to every pie, with the sausage and hot honey pizza emerging as the breakout star—sweet, spicy, and utterly crave-worthy. The intimate space seats maybe 20 people, creating an almost communal dining experience where conversations flow between tables. Get there early or prepare to wait; with only 68 reviews, this place is still flying under the radar, but not for long.

Magazine Pizza has anchored the Lower Garden District's dining scene for years, serving straightforward, honest pies that prioritize flavor over flash. Their white pizza with ricotta, garlic, and spinach showcases how a few quality ingredients can create something greater than the sum of its parts—creamy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying. The spacious interior with multiple dining rooms makes it perfect for large groups and families, though service can slow down during peak hours. Regulars know to call ahead for takeout, especially on Saints game days when the place becomes a neighborhood gathering spot.

Margot's on Frenchmen Street seamlessly blends the worlds of craft cocktails and artisan pizza in a space that pulses with live music energy. While technically a bar, their wood-fired pizzas hold their own against dedicated pizzerias, with the prosciutto and arugula pizza being the standout—a perfect post-show snack with a balanced bitterness from the arugula cutting through rich prosciutto. The intimate, moody lighting and frequent live performances make it ideal for music lovers and couples seeking that authentic New Orleans nightlife experience. This is where locals come when they want pizza without sacrificing the city's legendary bar scene.

Vieux Carre Pizza on St. Louis Street is the late-night savior of the French Quarter, serving enormous slices to hungry revelers until the early morning hours. The pepperoni cup-and-char pizza features those crispy, curled pepperoni edges that form little grease cups of pure joy—exactly what you need after a night on Bourbon Street. The casual, counter-service setup moves crowds quickly, but the quality remains surprisingly high for a spot open until 3 AM. Locals swear by the garlic knots as the perfect accompaniment to any slice.

Strategically positioned in the French Market, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen capitalizes on its prime location with consistent quality that justifies the steady stream of tourists and locals alike. Their Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Pizza transforms the iconic New Orleans dish into pizza form, with buttery, spicy shrimp piled high on a perfectly charred crust. The open-air seating and view of the Mississippi make it ideal for families and groups exploring the French Quarter. While it's definitely in the tourist zone, the quality never wavers—a rarity in such high-traffic areas.

Forbidden Pizza lives up to its mysterious name with a menu that pushes boundaries while maintaining impeccable execution. The truffle mushroom pizza featuring local mushrooms and real truffle oil has achieved near-mythical status among New Orleans foodies, striking that rare balance between decadent and balanced. The sleek, modern space with industrial touches attracts a younger crowd and couples looking for something beyond the typical tourist traps. Their rotating seasonal specials often incorporate ingredients from nearby farms, making each visit a new adventure.

Pizza Delicious in the Bywater is the real deal—a cash-only, no-frills operation that's been slinging authentic New York slices since 2012. The Sicilian square slice is legendary, with a pillowy yet crispy crust that rivals anything you'd find in Brooklyn, and at budget-friendly prices that won't break the bank. This is the kind of place where you'll find tattooed artists rubbing elbows with construction workers at communal tables, all united by their love of a perfect slice. Pro tip: grab a whole pie to take to nearby Crescent Park for an impromptu picnic with killer river views.

Located in the heart of downtown on Baronne Street, Pizza Luna serves up creative pies with a local twist that keeps both tourists and locals coming back. Their crawfish and andouille pizza is the perfect marriage of New Orleans flavors and Italian tradition—spicy, savory, and utterly addictive. The modern, dimly-lit interior with exposed brick creates a date-night atmosphere, though the generous portions make it equally great for sharing with friends. Don't sleep on their house-made ranch dressing; it's become something of a cult favorite.

Tucked away in the Garden District, Zee's Pizzeria has become the gold standard for New York-style pizza in New Orleans, earning its stellar 4.8 rating through perfectly charred crusts and top-tier ingredients. The margherita pizza here is a masterclass in simplicity—San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil that tastes like it was just plucked from the garden. The casual, neighborhood vibe makes it perfect for families and groups, though you'll often find solo diners at the counter savoring every bite. Insiders know to come early on weekends—this place fills up fast.