Look, I’ll be honest with you. I’ve lived in Indiana my whole life, and if there’s one thing we don’t get enough credit for, it’s our pizza. People always want to talk about Chicago or New York, and sure, those cities have their thing — but Hoosiers? We’ve been quietly building one of the most underrated pizza scenes in the entire Midwest, and it’s time somebody said it out loud.
I’ve driven across this state more times than I can count chasing a great slice, and I’m here to tell you: you don’t need to leave Indiana to find pizza worth writing home about. From wood-fired Neapolitan pies in the capital to century-old family recipes in the north, here are the Indiana cities that absolutely deliver when it comes to pizza.
1. Indianapolis — The Pizza Capital of the Hoosier State
Of course Indy makes the top of the list. It’s the biggest city in the state, and the pizza scene here has exploded over the past decade in the best possible way. Futuro in Indianapolis has been recognized as one of the best pizza restaurants in America, earning praise for its perfectly balanced crust — crispy on the edges yet soft and chewy inside — combined with high-quality, fresh ingredients and inventive topping combinations, with a wood-fired oven that imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. Craigslist If you haven’t been, fix that immediately.
But Futuro isn’t the only game in town. The Indianapolis pizza scene includes standouts like Bazbeaux Pizza, King Dough Indy, Brozinni Pizzeria, Greek’s Pizzeria, Diavola, and Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza Yelp — and every single one of them brings something different to the table.
Must-try spots:
Bazbeaux Pizza — This is one of those classic Indy institutions that never lets you down. Order the Quattro Formaggio with hot honey and thank me later. The vibe is exactly what a neighborhood pizza joint should feel like: a little loud, a little worn in, completely wonderful.
Diavola — For authentic Neapolitan pizza in Indianapolis, Diavola is a first-rate destination. Their perfectly charred, bubbling crusts are made with Caputo flour and topped with ingredients like truffle oil, creamy burrata, or Nonna’s meatballs. Enjoy Travel
Greek’s Pizzeria — Greek’s has earned its status as an Indy staple, with locations across the city and delivery available too. Go for a classic pepperoni or the Gourmet House, and don’t skip the breadsticks. Taste Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the kind of city where you could eat pizza every day for a month and never run out of great options. Honestly, some weeks I try.
2. Evansville — Southern Indiana’s Slice of Heaven
Here’s where I get a little emotional, because Evansville’s pizza scene holds a special place in my heart — and I think it’s criminally underrated by the rest of the state. Down in the southwest corner of Indiana, right along the Ohio River, this city has built a pizza identity that is entirely its own, and the crown jewel is undeniable.
Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery has been a local, family-owned institution for over five decades, and in 2024 they earned eight Community’s Choice Awards, including Best Pizza, Best Brewery, Best Business Lunch, and Best Romantic Restaurant. Turonis Eight awards. Let that sink in. Turoni’s signature pizzas are built on a freshly made crust that’s both crisp and light, serving as the perfect base for their secret sauce, generous portions of gooey mozzarella, and a variety of toppings. Their House Special — loaded with homemade pizza sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, pepperoncini, and tomatoes — is a must-try. ThreeBestRated.com
Must-try spots:
Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery — Multiple locations in Evansville and Newburgh, so there’s really no excuse not to go. The Forget-Me-Not Inn location on Weinbach Avenue is a personal favorite. Pair your pizza with one of their craft beers and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening in southern Indiana.
Azzip Pizza — Founded by Brad Niemeier after winning Purdue’s Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition, Azzip offers an exciting, personalized pizza experience with an extensive range of crust options including house-made dough, gluten-free, and low-carb cauliflower crusts. Their General Yum Yum pizza — with General Tso sauce, roasted chicken, broccoli, green onion, and yum yum sauce — is a fan favorite.
Lombardi’s New York Pizza and Wings — Consistently ranked among the top pizza spots in Evansville Yelp, Lombardi’s scratches that New York-style itch beautifully for those of us down south who want a big, foldable slice.
Evansville doesn’t always get the pizza respect it deserves from the northern part of the state. Consider this blog post my formal objection to that oversight.
3. Fort Wayne — Northeast Indiana’s Hidden Pizza Gem
Fort Wayne is Indiana’s second-largest city, and if you’ve been sleeping on its pizza scene, wake up. When it comes to pizza, Fort Wayne rises to the occasion, with more pizza joints than you can shake a stick at. Visit Fort Wayne The city has a fantastic mix of longtime family-run spots and newer creative joints that have been quietly winning over Hoosiers for years.
Must-try spots:
Lexy’s Pizza — Lexy’s is something of a legend in Fort Wayne, owned by the same family for more than 60 years. They do thin crust pies with fresh mozzarella or cheddar, as well as a hefty deep-dish pan pizza. Enjoy Travel When a place has been doing this for six decades and is still packed on weekends, you know they’re doing something right.
Raimondo’s Pizza — Consistently ranked among the very best pizza in Fort Wayne Yelp, Raimondo’s on West State Blvd is the kind of spot where the line is out the door on Saturday night — and people wait anyway, because it’s worth it.
Big Apple Pizza — A longtime local favorite, Big Apple Pizza offers true New York style by the slice or a full 24-inch pie. The garlic knots come highly recommended. Visit Fort Wayne A 24-inch pie, people. Indiana knows how to do things big.
Fort Wayne flies under the radar in a lot of food conversations, but locals know what’s up. The pizza scene here is deep, diverse, and deeply satisfying.
4. South Bend — Notre Dame Country Knows Its Pies
Down in northern Indiana, South Bend carries a lot of identity — Notre Dame football, Studebaker history, the St. Joseph River. But for my money, one of the best things about South Bend is that it has been building a world-class pizza legacy since before most of us were born.
Must-try spots:
Rocco’s Restaurant — Rocco’s is a South Bend icon, serving the community delicious Italian pies since 1951. The classically Italian cooking style and family recipes make it stand out, and it’s a popular spot for post-football game feeds — but really, this place is busy all the time. Enjoy TravelJenlillie Over 70 years in business. That’s not a pizza joint, that’s a landmark.
JC’s Coal Oven Pizza — One of the top-rated pizza spots in South Bend according to Yelp Yelp, JC’s brings the kind of coal-fired crust that’s hard to find anywhere else in Indiana. The char on that crust is something special.
Bruno’s Pizza — Bruno’s has been serving up favorites in South Bend and Granger since 1975, offering hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, and fresh salads out of a locally owned family restaurant. Bruno’s Pizza This is your classic, no-frills, everybody-loves-it Indiana pizza experience. There’s a reason it’s been around for 50 years.
On a game day in South Bend, pizza is practically a religious experience. The city takes it seriously, and the restaurants live up to the moment.
5. Bloomington — College Town, Surprisingly Serious Pizza
Okay, I know what you’re thinking — a college town? But hear me out. Bloomington has one of the most eclectic, creative food scenes in Indiana, and that energy absolutely flows into the pizza world. IU students and longtime residents alike have cultivated a pizza culture that punches way above its weight class.
Must-try spots:
Aver’s Pizza — This Bloomington staple has been a local favorite for years, known for its creative specialty pies with unexpected topping combinations that you just don’t find anywhere else in Indiana. The menu changes and evolves, and regulars love the adventure of it.
Lennie’s Restaurant & Brewpub — A Bloomington institution that combines great craft beer with solid, satisfying pizza in a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The kind of place where you sit down planning to stay an hour and leave three hours later, full and happy.
Mother Bear’s Pizza — If you talk to any IU alum, there’s a good chance Mother Bear’s comes up within the first five minutes. Deep dish, loaded with toppings, and dripping with nostalgia for anyone who spent time in Bloomington. It’s become a rite of passage.
Bloomington’s pizza scene benefits from having a constant flow of young, adventurous eaters and a city that genuinely takes its food seriously. Don’t underestimate it.
The Bottom Line
Indiana doesn’t get enough credit for a lot of things — our sunsets, our state parks, our basketball, and yes, our pizza. But if you live here, you already know. From the nationally recognized craft pies coming out of Indianapolis to Turoni’s legendary brews-and-slices experience in Evansville, from Rocco’s 70-year South Bend legacy to Lexy’s deep Fort Wayne roots, this state is full of pizza worth driving across county lines for.
So next time someone tells you to go to Chicago for a great pie, just smile politely and hand them this blog post. We’ve got everything we need right here in Indiana.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go eat some pizza. Research purposes, obviously.
The Indiana Traveler 
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