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

Introduction

Finding the perfect slice in Columbus is more than just a meal; it's a culinary adventure through a city that has quietly become a pizza capital. Whether you are craving a thin, cracker-like crust or a deep-dish wonder, the local scene offers something for every palate. In this guide, we cut through the noise to bring you the absolute best spots locals love, and later, we share the secret to recreating that wood-fired magic in your own backyard.

• The Top 5 Rankings
• Compare the Slices
• The DIY Pizza Hack
• Why Use Arteflame?

Best Pizza in Columbus [2026 Guide]

Key Takeaways

• Diversity is Key: Columbus offers a mix of New York style, Neapolitan, and the famous 'Columbus Style' thin crust.
• Local Ingredients: The top-ranked spots prioritize locally sourced toppings and house-made dough.
• Experience Matters: We evaluated these spots not just on taste, but on atmosphere and consistency.

Where to get the best Pizza in Columbus?

The best pizza in Columbus is defined by a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a mastery of heat, resulting in a crust that perfectly balances texture with flavor—whether that be the signature edge-to-edge topping style or a traditional wood-fired char.

In our search for the ultimate pie, we visited the most acclaimed kitchens in the city. Here is where you need to eat right now:

1. Harvest Pizzeria
Known for their dedication to local sourcing, Harvest delivers a freshness you can taste in every bite. Their wood-fired ovens create a crust that is light, airy, and perfectly charred. We found their spicy Yuma pizza to be a standout blend of heat and savory notes.

2. Rubino's Pizza
A staple in Bexley since the 1950s, Rubino's defines the classic cracker-thin crust. It is a no-frills experience that focuses entirely on the flavor. If you want to understand the history of pizza in this city, this is your starting point.

3. Mikey’s Late Night Slice
For those late-night cravings, Mikey's is an institution. Famous for their massive slices and unique 'Slut Sauce,' this is the go-to spot for a fun, casual, and incredibly satisfying meal after a night out.

4. Borgata Pizza Cafe
Borgata brings an authentic New York vibe to the city. Their house-made dough and sweet, tangy sauce create a fold-able slice that rivals anything on the East Coast. We were particularly impressed by the generous cheese ratios.

5. Paulie Gee's Short North
Located in the vibrant Short North district, Paulie Gee's serves up wood-fired masterpieces. Their use of hot honey on pizza was a game-changer for our team, offering a sweet and spicy kick that elevates the savory toppings.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my home-baked pizza was top-tier, until I realized I was essentially baking bread with cheese on it in a standard oven, rather than fire-roasting a true pizza. The missing ingredient wasn't the dough or the sauce; it was the intense, open-fire heat that you just cannot replicate indoors. Once I switched to grilling my pizzas, the difference in crust texture and flavor depth was immediate.

You can absolutely achieve steakhouse-quality searing and pizzeria-quality crusts at home using the right equipment.

The "Searing" Technique

Using an Arteflame Grill transforms backyard cooking into a professional experience. Here is why it excels for pizza lovers:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center cooktop reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. When you use the Arteflame Pizza Oven attachment, this heat is channeled to create that perfect, blistered crust in minutes—something a 500°F kitchen oven simply cannot do.
2. Cook Everything at Once: The flat steel griddle allows you to roast your toppings—peppers, onions, mushrooms, and sausages—while the pizza cooks in the oven attachment. You get perfectly caramelized toppings every time.
3. Smoky Flavor Infusion: Because you are cooking over real wood or charcoal, your pizza absorbs a subtle, natural smokiness that mimics the best wood-fired ovens in Columbus.

Pro Tip: If you are hosting a large gathering and don't have time to make dough from scratch, head to your local Costco. Buying fresh, unbaked pizzas from Costco provides an excellent base. Take them home, add your own premium toppings, and fire them in the Arteflame Pizza Oven. The high heat transforms a store-bought base into a gourmet experience that will fool your guests.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. Its round design invites friends to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. It turns the act of making pizza into a communal event where everyone can customize their own slice and watch it bubble to perfection right in front of them.