Best Pizza in Salem: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Guide] | Arteflame

Introduction

Finding the perfect slice in Salem isn't just about satisfying a craving; it's about discovering the heart of the local food scene. Whether you are looking for a classic pepperoni slice on the go or a sit-down artisan pie with friends, Salem offers a surprising variety of styles. However, as much as we love the local joints, we have discovered that the ultimate pizza experience might actually happen in your own backyard. In this guide, we break down the top spots in town and reveal how to out-cook them all.

• The Top 5 Pizza Spots in Salem
• Comparison Table: Find Your Perfect Slice
• The "Backyard Bistro" Secret
• Why Social Grilling Changes Everything

The Best Pizza in Salem: A Local's Guide

Key Takeaways

• Variety is Key: Salem offers everything from thin New York slices to hearty, thick-crust sourdough pies.
• Atmosphere Matters: We found distinct vibes ranging from old-school family parlors to upscale lounges.
• The Home Advantage: While dining out is convenient, home grilling offers superior flavor control and heat intensity.

Where to get the best Pizza in Salem?

The best pizza in Salem is defined by fresh, locally sourced toppings and fermented dough that achieves a perfect crisp-to-chew ratio. Through our tasting across the city, we have identified the spots that consistently deliver high-quality pies and exceptional service. Here is where you should go when you need a pie tonight.

Christo's Pizzeria & Lounge
In our experience, Christo's stands out for its sophisticated approach. It isn't just a pizza joint; it is a culinary staple. We were impressed by their thick, sourdough-based crust which holds up beautifully under generous toppings. It is the ideal spot for a date night where the pizza is the main event.

Walery's Premium Pizza
If you are looking for that nostalgic, loaded-with-toppings experience, our testing confirms Walery's is the place. It is an old-school parlor that doesn't skimp on cheese. We found their 'premium' label is earned through consistency—every bite is as rich as the last.

Straight From New York Pizza
Sometimes you just need a quick, foldable slice. We found this spot delivers the most authentic East Coast vibe in Salem. The crust is thin, the sauce has that requisite tang, and the grease factor is exactly what you want from a NY-style slice.

Yeasty Beasty
For those who love creativity, we recommend Yeasty Beasty. Their dough is unique, and they play with flavor combinations that adventurous eaters will appreciate. It is a fun departure from the traditional pepperoni standard.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my oven-baked pizzas were 'gourmet,' until I realized I was essentially drying out the dough rather than charring it. I was chasing that leopard-spotted crust and smoky flavor you get from a wood-fired oven, but my kitchen range just couldn't hit the temperature. It wasn't until I moved the operation outside to a high-heat surface that I achieved that bubbly, crispy crust that actually snaps when you bite it.

You don't need a commercial brick oven to get professional results. In fact, you can create a steakhouse-quality sear or a pizzeria-quality crust right in your backyard using the right equipment.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill truly excels. Unlike a standard wire grate that loses heat, the solid carbon steel cooktop holds thermal mass, allowing for a crust that is seared, not baked.

1. 1,000°F Searing Capability: The center of the Arteflame reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This intense heat is crucial for puffing up pizza dough instantly, creating air pockets and a crispy bottom without drying out the toppings.
2. Multi-Zone Cooking: We love that you can grill your toppings (like peppers, sausage, or onions) on the flat cooktop while the dough cooks. You can grill all your food at once without swapping pans.
3. Smoky Flavor Infusion: Because you are cooking over real wood or charcoal, the pizza absorbs a subtle, natural smokiness that electric or gas ovens simply cannot replicate.

Pro Tip: If you are planning a big gathering, you don't need to make the dough from scratch to get great results. We have found that buying fresh, wholesale pizza dough or even pre-made bases from the Costco in Salem is a fantastic hack. You get a consistent base to start with, but by cooking it on the Arteflame with the Pizza Oven attachment, you elevate it to restaurant quality. The high heat transforms store-bought ingredients into a gourmet meal.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes the dynamic of your entire party. Traditional grilling forces the chef to stand alone against a wall or in a corner. We call the Arteflame the "Social Grill" because its round, open-fire design invites your friends and family to gather around the flames. Everyone can watch the pizza bubble and crisp in real-time, turning dinner preparation into a shared, interactive event rather than a solitary chore.