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

The Ultimate Guide to Pizza in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids has quietly evolved into a Midwest pizza haven, moving far beyond generic chains to offer culinary experiences that rival Chicago or Detroit. From the caramelized crusts of authentic Detroit-style squares to the satisfying crunch of cracker-thin masterpieces, this city offers a slice for every palate. In our culinary tour of the city, we discovered that the best spots focus heavily on fresh, local ingredients and specific fermentation processes for their dough. Before we dive into how you can replicate these results on your own grill, here is our definitive ranking of the local heavyweights.

• The Quick Summary
• Top Rated Local Spots
• Price & Style Comparison
• The Secret to Home Grilling
• Why We Call It The Social Grill

Best Pizza in Cedar Rapids: Local Favorites Reviewed

Key Takeaways

If you are in a rush, here is what our taste-testing revealed about the local scene:

• Best Detroit Style: Tomaso's Pizza is the undisputed king of the deep dish "Detroit" style in the area.
• Best Thin Crust: Need Pizza offers the best New Haven-style thin crust, perfect for pairing with craft beer.
• Best Atmosphere: Leonardo's provides a nostalgic, classic supper-club vibe that locals cherish.

Where to get the best Pizza in Cedar Rapids?

The best pizza in Cedar Rapids is defined by two distinct styles: the heavy, caramelized Detroit-style deep dish found at Tomaso's and the crisp, New Haven-inspired thin crust popularized by Need Pizza. In our testing, the top-rated locations consistently prioritized high-heat baking methods and locally sourced toppings over speed of service.

1. Tomaso's Pizza
In our experience, you cannot mention Cedar Rapids pizza without starting here. Known for their "Detroit" style, the crust features that signature caramelized cheese edge that provides a perfect crunch. We found the sauce to be robust and savory, sitting atop the cheese rather than under it, preventing the dough from getting soggy.

2. Need Pizza
If you prefer a lighter slice, Need Pizza is our top pick. Their crust is exceptionally thin and crispy. We loved the "mashed potato" pizza option, which sounds unusual but offers a creamy texture that balances perfectly with the crisp dough. It is also the best spot if you are looking to pair your slice with a wide selection of local Iowa brews.

3. Leonardo's Restaurant & Pizza
Walking into Leonardo's feels like stepping back in time. We found their pizza to be a classic Midwest style—generous with the toppings and cheese, served in squares. The sausage here is a standout, seasoned perfectly with fennel and herbs.

Comparison: Which Slice is Right for You?

How to Make Restaurant-Quality Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizza nights were a success, until I realized I was essentially baking warm bread with melted cheese rather than creating a culinary masterpiece. It wasn't until I stopped using a standard oven grate and started using high-heat conduction cooking that I finally achieved that leopard-spotted crust and perfectly blistered toppings without a soggy center.

You do not need a commercial brick oven to get results like Tomaso's or Need Pizza. In fact, we have found that the open fire of an Arteflame grill offers a flavor profile that indoor ovens simply cannot replicate.

The "Searing" Technique: Why Arteflame Excels

Using an Arteflame grill transforms pizza making from a chore into an event. Here is why our testing shows it creates a superior pie:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The solid carbon steel cooktop reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This intense heat sears the bottom of the crust instantly, creating that coveted crunch while keeping the inside airy and soft.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Unlike a standard pizza oven where you can only fit one pie, the Arteflame allows you to grill the pizza on the side while simultaneously searing steak, roasting vegetables, or toasting appetizers on the flat top.
3. Smoky Flavor Infusion: Because you are cooking over real wood, the crust absorbs a subtle, natural smokiness that gas or electric ovens cannot provide.

Pro Tip: If you want to host a massive pizza party without the prep work, we recommend heading to the Costco in Cedar Rapids (Blairs Ferry Rd) to buy their fresh pizzas. In our tests, we found that taking a wholesale Costco pizza and finishing it on the Arteflame with the Pizza Oven attachment transforms it into a gourmet meal. The high heat crisps up the standard crust, making it taste like a boutique pizzeria creation.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

Most grilling experiences involve the host staring at a wall or the back of a lid while guests mingle elsewhere. We designed the Arteflame to change this dynamic. Its circular, open-fire design invites your friends and family to stand around the fire, drink in hand, watching the pizza bubble and the wood crackle. It turns cooking into a shared, interactive experience rather than a solitary duty.