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

Introduction

Tempe’s culinary scene has exploded over the last few years, evolving from standard college late-night bites into a sophisticated landscape of wood-fired authenticity and artisanal dough. Whether you are walking down Mill Avenue or exploring the quieter neighborhoods, finding the perfect slice is a serious pursuit here. In our quest for the ultimate crust, we tasted our way through the city to bring you the definitive guide for 2026. However, eating out isn't your only option. We also discovered that with the right tools, you can rival these local legends right in your own backyard.

• The Top 5 Tempe Spots Ranked
• Price & Style Comparison
• The "Wood-Fired" Home Fix
• Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

Best Pizza in Tempe: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026]

Key Takeaways

• Variety is Key: Tempe offers everything from authentic NY-style thin crust to hearty Chicago deep dish.
• Ingredient Quality: The top-ranked spots prioritize locally sourced toppings and 72-hour dough fermentation.
• Wait Times: Popular spots like Artichoke Basille often have lines; plan accordingly on weekends.
• DIY Option: You can replicate restaurant-quality sear at home using high-heat grilling techniques.

Where to get the best Pizza in Tempe?

1. Artichoke Basille's Pizza
In our testing, nothing quite matched the indulgence of their signature Artichoke slice. The cream sauce is rich, and the crust holds up surprisingly well under the weight. It is a must-visit for flavor chasers.

2. Venezia's New York Style Pizza
We found this to be the most authentic NY slice in the city. The grease-to-cheese ratio is mathematically perfect, and the "party pizzas" are a staple for a reason. If you want a classic fold, go here.

3. Spinato's Pizzeria
Spinato's brings a unique sweet sauce that we absolutely loved. Their Chicago-style influence is evident, but it doesn't feel heavy. The atmosphere is family-centric and the consistency is unmatched.

4. Otto Pizza & Pastry
We were impressed by the fusion of French culinary techniques with Italian classics here. The crust is lighter and airier than competitors, making it easy to finish a whole pie without feeling weighed down.

5. Ghost Ranch
While known for modern southwestern cuisine, their wood-fired pizzas are a hidden gem we uncovered. The Aztec pizza offers a heat profile you won't find at a traditional parlor.

Comparison: Which Slice is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my homemade pizza was decent, until I realized I was essentially baking bread with cheese on it rather than creating a true pizza. My standard kitchen oven topped out at 500°F, leaving the dough soft and the toppings steamed rather than seared.

You don't need a brick oven in Naples to get that leopard-spotted crust. We discovered that the secret lies in heat management. By utilizing an Arteflame grill, you can achieve the temperatures required to crisp the dough instantly while melting the cheese, replicating the exact environment of the top spots in Tempe.

The "Searing" Technique

Why does the Arteflame excel where standard grills fail? It comes down to the griddle design and heat retention.

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center grate reaches intense temperatures. This allows you to sear meats for toppings or flash-cook vegetables before they go on the pizza, ensuring nothing is soggy.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Dual-zone cooking capability. You can have the pizza crisping on the flat cooktop while simultaneously grilling wings, peppers, or sausages on the center grate.
3. Social Grilling: 360-degree access. Unlike a box pizza oven where you hide the food, the Arteflame allows you to cook in the open, turning pizza night into a performance.

Pro Tip: If you are hosting a large crowd and don't have time to make dough from scratch, visit the Costco on Elliott Rd in Tempe. Buying wholesale fresh pizzas from Costco provides an excellent base. Bring them home, add your own premium toppings like prosciutto or fresh basil, and finish them on the Arteflame to give them that wood-fired crispness that transforms a $10 pizza into a gourmet meal.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. In our experience, traditional grilling isolates the chef against a wall or in a corner. The Arteflame's round, open-fire design invites friends to stand around the fire with a drink, watching the pizza crust bubble and rise. It turns the act of cooking into the centerpiece of the party, rather than a chore performed in isolation.