12 Massachusetts Pizza Joints Locals Love More Than The Chains

Massachusetts is home to some seriously amazing pizza that puts the big chains to shame.

These beloved spots offer everything from thin-crust classics to creative specialty pies that keep locals coming back for generations.

1. Regina Pizzeria: Boston’s Brick Oven Legend

Since 1926, this North End institution has been firing up some of Boston’s most celebrated pies. The brick ovens give each pizza that perfect charred crust that crunches then yields to a chewy interior.

Locals brave the inevitable lines for their famous brick oven masterpieces topped with Regina’s signature slightly spicy sauce. The Giambotta, loaded with everything but the kitchen sink, remains a crowd favorite.

2. Santarpio’s Pizza: East Boston’s No-Frills Favorite

Cash-only and attitude-rich, Santarpio’s doesn’t bother with fancy frills – just phenomenal pizza since 1903. The smoky, charcoal-grilled lamb skewers make a perfect appetizer while waiting for your pie.

Famous for their slightly chewy, cornmeal-dusted crust and tangy sauce, this East Boston landmark keeps it beautifully simple.

Don’t expect fancy toppings or artisanal ingredients – just honest, working-class pizza perfection that has locals returning for generations.

3. Galleria Umberto: North End Sicilian Slice Heaven

Lunch-only and gone-when-it’s-gone, this cash-only North End institution serves thick Sicilian squares that inspire cult-like devotion. The James Beard Award-winning spot often sells out before 2pm, so arrive early!

Gloriously simple and ridiculously affordable, their signature squares feature a focaccia-like crust topped with tangy tomato sauce and just enough cheese.

No substitutions, no fancy toppings – just pizza perfection that hasn’t changed in decades.

4. Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca: Beacon Hill’s Hidden Gem

Tucked away on Cambridge Street, Florina crafts thin-crust pies that have Beacon Hill residents keeping this spot to themselves.

Try their signature Florina pizza, topped with prosciutto, arugula and shaved parmesan – a perfect balance of salty, peppery, and rich flavors.

What makes this spot special is the care put into every ingredient, from the hand-stretched dough to the freshly torn herbs.

5. Tony’s Pizza Restaurant: Sutton’s Family-Run Treasure

For over 50 years, this Central Massachusetts institution has been serving up Greek-style pizzas that inspire multi-generational loyalty.

The slightly thick, oil-infused crust gets wonderfully crispy along the edges of their well-seasoned pans.

The same family recipes have been delighting locals for decades. Their special house combination, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers, remains the top seller.

6. Pleasant Cafe: Roslindale’s Time Capsule Pizzeria

Walking into Pleasant Cafe feels like stepping back to 1937 – when this Roslindale institution first opened. The vintage neon sign, wood-paneled walls, and retro booths set the scene for seriously old-school pizza.

The surprisingly affordable prices and stiff cocktails add to the charm. Multi-generational families pack the place nightly, proving great pizza transcends time.

7. Lynwood Cafe: Randolph’s Bar Pizza Institution

No frills, no website, no problem – Lynwood Cafe lets their legendary bar pizzas do the talking.

Cash only and packed with regulars, this South Shore institution serves perfectly crispy-edged personal pies that define the regional style.

Order like a local and get “laced” edges – where the cheese intentionally bubbles over to create a lacy, caramelized crust.

8. Antonio’s Pizza By The Slice: Amherst’s Creative Slice Paradise

College students line up late into the night at this Amherst institution famous for wildly creative topping combinations.

Where else can you find black bean avocado, spicy chicken quesadilla, or tortellini pesto pizza by the slice?

Each massive slice comes on perfectly chewy New York-style crust that somehow supports the mountain of toppings.

9. Rosie’s Pizzeria: Braintree’s Family-Friendly Favorite

Don’t let the strip mall location fool you – Rosie’s has been serving up some of the South Shore’s most beloved pies for decades.

The slightly sweet sauce and generous cheese-to-crust ratio keep families coming back week after week.

Their signature Rosie’s Special with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions has fueled countless Little League celebrations and family gatherings. The garlic knots alone are worth the trip!

10. Halftime King of Pizza: Dorchester’s Slice Royalty

Generations of Dorchester residents have grown up on Halftime’s massive, foldable slices. This neighborhood institution serves up New York-style pizza with Boston attitude – big, bold, and no nonsense.

The perfectly thin crust somehow supports mountains of toppings without getting soggy – a technical achievement that keeps locals loyal.

Their buffalo chicken pizza deserves its legendary status, with just the right balance of spice and tang. Late hours and affordable prices make this spot a community cornerstone.

11. Tripoli Bakery: Lawrence’s Legendary Beach Pizza

North Shore natives will fight anyone who disrespects their beloved beach pizza, and Tripoli’s version reigns supreme.

These distinctive square slices with barely-there sauce and a light sprinkle of cheese have fueled summers at Salisbury Beach since 1944.

Served room temperature and wrapped in wax paper, these squares might confuse outsiders, but locals know – summer isn’t complete without Tripoli pizza.