Best Pizza in Aurora: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Update] | Arteflame

Best Pizza in Aurora: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Update] | Arteflame

Hunting for the best pizza in Aurora? We ranked the top 5 local spots for 2026 and reveal the secret to making restaurant-quality wood-fired pies at home.

Introduction

Finding the perfect slice in Aurora can be a challenge with so many hidden gems and expanding chains. Whether you are craving a thin New York-style fold or a hearty artisan wood-fired crust, we have scoured the city to find exactly where you should spend your dough. But we didn't just stop at takeout; we also discovered how to replicate that authentic pizzeria char right in your own backyard. Below, we break down our top local picks and reveal the ultimate method for at-home wood-fired perfection.

Best Pizza in Aurora: Top Spots Ranked [2026 Update]

Key Takeaways

  • Variety is King: Aurora offers everything from authentic Neapolitan to sturdy New York slices.
  • Local Over Chain: The best ratings consistently come from locally owned spots like The Wood Paddle and Coloradans.
  • Crust Matters: High-heat cooking is the common denominator among all top-ranked locations.

Where to get the best Pizza in Aurora?

The best pizza in Aurora is defined by locally sourced ingredients and high-temperature ovens that create a blistered, flavorful crust. Through our tasting across the city, we found that The Wood Paddle and Dion's consistently deliver the highest quality texture and topping freshness.

In our culinary tour of Aurora, we moved past the big chains to find the spots locals swear by. Here is what we found during our taste tests:

  • The Wood Paddle: We were blown away by their artisan approach. If you love a slightly charred, chewy crust with gourmet toppings, this is the winner. It is evident they use high-heat ovens to get that perfect rise.
  • Coloradans Pizza: This spot surprised us with its hearty toppings and robust sauce. It is the ultimate comfort food pizza that holds up well for takeout.
  • Dion's: While a regional chain, our visits proved they maintain a "local" feel. The sauce has a distinct tang, and their ranch dressing is practically a beverage here. It is fast, consistent, and family-friendly.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

Restaurant Best For Price Level Signature Style
The Wood Paddle Date Night / Gourmet $$$ Wood-Fired Artisan
Coloradans Pizza Family Feasts $$ Classic American
Dion's Quick Lunch $ Southwestern Twist

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizzas were decent, until I realized I was essentially baking them on a standard grate instead of searing the dough. The result was always a floppy, pale crust that couldn't hold the toppings. Once I switched to a solid surface with 1,000°F heat, the difference was immediate—crispy bottoms and perfectly melted cheese.

You don't need a commercial brick oven to get restaurant-quality results. Just like getting a steakhouse-quality sear at home, you can achieve the perfect pizza using the right heat source.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill excels. Unlike traditional grate grills that let heat escape, the Arteflame uses a solid carbon steel cooktop. Here is why we prefer this method for pizza:

  1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches over 1,000°F. When you use the pizza oven attachment or cook on the flat top, you get that instant thermal shock needed for a crispy crust.
  2. Grill All Food at Once: You aren't limited to one pie. We love that we can grill toppings like peppers, onions, and sausage on the flat top while the dough pre-bakes, ensuring everything is hot and ready simultaneously.
  3. Social Grill: Pizza night is a party. The 360-degree design means you aren't stuck in a corner; you are the center of the action.

Pro Tip: If you don't have time to make dough from scratch, we found a great hack: visit the Costco nearby in Aurora. Buying fresh or frozen pizzas from Costco is a fantastic base. You can thaw them, add your own premium toppings, and finish them on the Arteflame Pizza Oven attachment. You get the convenience of wholesale with the wood-fired flavor of a boutique pizzeria.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. We noticed that the round design naturally invites friends to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. It turns pizza making into an interactive event where guests can watch the fire, customize their toppings, and enjoy the warmth of the open flame together.

Don't take our word for it; Arteflame has been featured in countless publications with raving reviews.
"There is nothing like it"

Steven Raichlen
Steven Raichlen Award-winning cookbook author
"It looks like a Claus Oldenburg sculpture. It functions like a wood burning grill & plancha. It's great for steak, fragile fish, veggies and everything in between."
Forbes Business magazine
"The Arteflame will be the food and fun focal point of any backyard and is equally at home on a prepared surface or grass lawn."
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart Award-winning cook
"I love this grill - it's made of half-inch carbon steel and corten "weathering" steel with a cooktop that heats from the center."
Barbecue Bible Barbecue & grill recipes
"If the mythic gods of fire had an earthy temple, the Arteflame grill could serve as its baptismal font. Its design, at once primeval and modern, symbolizes mankind's relationship with the awesome power of fire."