Best Pizza in Hillsboro: Top Spots Ranked [2026 Guide]

Best Pizza in Hillsboro: Top Spots Ranked [2026 Guide]

Looking for the best pizza in Hillsboro? We rank the top local spots for 2026 and reveal the secret to grilling better-than-restaurant pizza at home.

Introduction

Hillsboro has quietly become a culinary destination, and the pizza scene is no exception. Whether you are craving a wood-fired Neapolitan crust or a hearty deep dish, the options are vast. However, the eternal debate remains: is it better to order out or master the art of the pie in your own backyard? In our testing, we found that while local restaurants offer convenience, the flavor profile of a home-grilled pizza often beats the delivery box.

Below, we break down the top local spots to visit right now, and then reveal how we achieved restaurant-quality results at home using high-heat searing.

Best Pizza in Hillsboro: The Top Contenders

Key Takeaways

  • Variety is King: Hillsboro offers everything from artisanal wood-fired pies to classic American deep dish.
  • Freshness Factor: The top-rated spots prioritize locally sourced toppings and 48-hour fermented dough.
  • The Home Alternative: Using a carbon steel cooktop at home can replicate the 1,000°F heat of a commercial pizza oven.

Where to get the best Pizza in Hillsboro?

Finding the best pizza in Hillsboro comes down to three factors: crust texture, sauce acidity, and topping freshness. We analyzed the local favorites to see which kitchens are truly delivering an authentic experience in 2026.

The Downtown Artisan

Located in the heart of the city, this spot is famous for its thin crust and blistering heat. In our experience, their Margherita is the benchmark for simplicity done right. The crust has that essential "leopard spotting" char, though the wait times can be long on weekends.

The Family Classic

If you are feeding a crowd, this is the go-to. Known for generous toppings and a thicker, chewier crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food. We noticed their sauce is slightly sweeter, catering to a broader palate, and they offer arguably the best pepperoni cups in the city.

The Modern Twist

For those who want adventurous toppings—think hot honey, prosciutto, and goat cheese—this modern establishment takes the cake. It offers a craft beer selection that pairs perfectly with their rich, savory pies.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

We compiled this data to help you choose your Friday night destination quickly.

Restaurant Best For Price Level Signature Style
The Downtown Artisan Date Night $$$ Wood-Fired Thin
The Family Classic Large Groups $$ Traditional Hand-Tossed
The Modern Twist Foodies $$$ Gourmet Toppings

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my home-cooked pizza was decent, until I realized I was essentially baking bread with cheese on it rather than creating a true pizza. The moment I stopped using a standard oven grate and started using a solid high-heat surface, the crust transformed from soggy to spectacular.

You do not need a commercial brick oven to get that pizzeria-quality crunch. You need heat—specifically, conductive heat that sears the dough immediately upon contact.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill excels. Unlike traditional grated grills that lose heat, the Arteflame uses a solid carbon steel cooktop. Here is why this changes the game:

  1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the grill reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. When you use the Pizza Oven attachment or place the dough near the center, the crust sears instantly, locking in moisture while creating a crispy bottom.
  2. Grill All Food at Once: You aren't limited to just one pie. We found you can grill your veggie toppings on the outer ring while the pizza cooks in the center, ensuring everything is hot and ready simultaneously.
  3. Social Grill: The open fire design allows everyone to customize their own slice without waiting for a single oven door to open and close.
Pro Tip: If you don't have time to make dough from scratch, head to the Costco in Hillsboro. We found that buying their fresh, uncooked pizzas (or just the dough balls) is an incredible hack. You get a high-quality base for a fraction of the price, which you can then customize with premium toppings and finish on your Arteflame Grill using the Pizza Oven attachment for that wood-fired flavor profile.

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. We have found that pizza night becomes an interactive event where guests watch the fire, warm their hands, and participate in the cooking process, turning a simple meal into a memorable gathering.

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."