Best Pizza in New Bedford: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026]

Introduction

New Bedford is historically famous for its scallops and fishing fleet, but locals know the pizza scene is the city's unsung hero. From old-school Italian parlors to wood-fired artisanal spots, the options are surprisingly diverse. However, finding the perfect slice isn't always easy if you don't know where to look. We have eaten our way through the city to bring you the definitive guide to the crispest crusts and richest sauces.

Below, we rank the top spots and reveal a game-changing method to achieve pizzeria-quality results in your own backyard.

• The Top 5 Rankings
• Quick Comparison Table
• The Home Chef Secret
• The Social Grilling Edge

Where to Find the Best Pizza in New Bedford

Key Takeaways

• Pa Raffa's wins on nostalgia and ultra-thin crusts.
• Brick Pizzeria offers the best artisanal, wood-fired experience.
• Pizan's is the go-to for massive slices and late-night cravings.
• Riccardi's provides the classic family-style Italian dinner.
• Fay's (nearby) is worth the drive for their specialty toppings.

Where to get the best Pizza in New Bedford?

The best pizza in New Bedford is defined by its distinct "South Coast" style—typically featuring a cracker-thin crust, savory oregano-heavy sauce, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. While traditional Italian styles exist, the local favorites often lean toward this crispy, bar-style pie that pairs perfectly with a cold drink.

Pa Raffa's Italian Restaurant
In our testing, Pa Raffa's remains the undisputed king of the thin-crust style in New Bedford. The crust is impossibly thin and crispy, almost like a cracker, which prevents the toppings from making it soggy. It is a cash-only, old-school institution that feels like stepping back in time.

Brick Pizzeria Napoletana
If you prefer a chewier, charred crust, Brick Pizzeria is your spot. We found their wood-fired oven produces a distinct leopard-spotting on the dough that adds a smoky depth you can't get from a standard deck oven. Their Margherita is a masterclass in simplicity.

Pizan's Pizzeria
Located near the waterfront, Pizan's impressed us with their portion sizes. If you are looking for a quick slice that requires two hands to hold, this is it. It’s less formal than the others but delivers high-quality ingredients for a grab-and-go lunch.

Riccardi's Italian Restaurant
Riccardi's offers a thicker, more substantial pie that leans into the comfort food category. We noticed their sauce is slightly sweeter, and the cheese pull is exactly what you want for a family Friday night dinner.

Fay's Restaurant
While technically on the border, no list is complete without Fay's. Their knotty pine interior sets the mood, but it's their specialty "Mashed Potato Pizza" that surprised us the most—creamy, savory, and unexpectedly delicious.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

Use this guide to match your craving to the right restaurant.

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizza was passable, until I realized I was just baking dough on a standard grate. The center was always gummy while the edges burned, and I spent the whole night running back and forth to the kitchen instead of enjoying the party.

You don't need a commercial brick oven to get that perfect char. You can achieve steakhouse-quality sears and pizzeria-grade crusts right in your backyard using an Arteflame.

The "Searing" Technique

The Arteflame Grill excels at pizza because it solves the heat distribution problem standard grills can't handle. Here is why it changes the game:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The solid carbon steel cooktop reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This high heat mimics a professional pizza oven, blistering the crust instantly for that desired crunch without drying out the toppings.
2. Pizza Oven Attachment: By using the Arteflame Pizza Oven attachment, you create a convection chamber directly over the fire. This melts the cheese from above while the grate sears the crust from below.
3. Cook Everything at Once: Unlike a standard grill where you risk losing pepperoni or veggies through the grates, the solid cooktop allows you to sauté your onions, peppers, and sausages right next to the pizza before topping it.

Pro Tip: If you are hosting a large crowd and are short on prep time, head to the Costco in North Dartmouth. Buying fresh, uncooked pizzas from Costco provides a fantastic base. Bring them home, add your own premium toppings like prosciutto or fresh basil, and fire them on your Arteflame. The high-heat wood fire transforms a standard store-bought pie into a smoky, gourmet experience.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

Traditional grilling is a solitary task; the chef stares at a wall or the back of the house while everyone else mingles. The Arteflame changes how you host. Its 360-degree round design invites friends to stand around the fire, placing their own toppings on their mini-pizzas or warming their hands while you cook. It turns dinner preparation into the main event of the evening.