Best Pizza in Tucson: Top 7 Spots Ranked [2026 List] | Arteflame

Discovering Tucson's Best Slices

Tucson’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, and while the city is famous for its Sonoran heritage, the pizza game here is surprisingly fierce. From the historic Fourth Avenue to the foothills, we have spent weeks tasting our way through the desert to find the perfect crust. Whether you are hunting for a blistered Neapolitan pie or a hearty deep dish that requires a fork and knife, this city delivers. In this guide, we reveal the locals' favorites and share a secret technique for achieving that wood-fired flavor in your own backyard.

• The Quick Summary
• Where to Eat: Top Picks
• Compare: Prices & Styles
• Make Better Pizza at Home
• The Social Grilling Experience

The Best Pizza in Tucson

Key Takeaways

• Diversity is Key: Tucson offers everything from authentic Chicago deep-dish to modern artisan wood-fired pies.
• Local Ingredients: The best spots in town, like Falora, utilize local desert grains and produce.
• Wait Times: Popular spots like Rocco's often have a wait on weekends; plan accordingly.
• DIY Option: You can replicate restaurant-quality sear at home using high-heat grilling methods.

Where to get the best Pizza in Tucson?

Tucson is home to a vibrant mix of pizzerias, with the highest-rated spots focusing on slow-fermented dough and high-temperature ovens to create a complex, flavorful crust that stands out from fast-food chains.

Empire Pizza
Located in the heart of downtown, we found Empire to be the definitive spot for an authentic New York slice. The crust is thin, foldable, and has that requisite snap. It's the perfect grab-and-go lunch, but their whole pies are worth sitting down for.

Rocco’s Little Chicago
If you crave depth, this is it. In our testing, Rocco's consistently delivered the best deep-dish experience in the city. The buttery cornmeal crust holds up an impressive amount of cheese and chunky tomato sauce without getting soggy.

Falora
For the artisan crowd, Falora is unmatched. We were impressed by their wood-fired oven technique and the use of unrefined flours. The char on these pies is exceptional, offering a smoky flavor profile that pairs perfectly with their curated wine list.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizza nights were a success, until I realized I was essentially baking bread with toppings on a standard grate rather than achieving that professional, blistered sear that makes pizzeria pies so addictive.

The truth is, you can absolutely rival the top spots in Tucson without leaving your house. The secret isn't just the dough; it's the heat management.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill changes the game. Unlike traditional wire-grate grills that lose heat rapidly, the solid steel cooktop acts like a professional plancha. Here is why it excels for pizza:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches over 1,000°F. This mimics the intense heat of a commercial pizza oven, instantly searing the bottom of your crust for that coveted crunch.
2. Grill All Food at Once: While your pizza cooks using the Pizza Oven attachment, the flat cooktop allows you to grill appetizers, veggies, or meats simultaneously.
3. Social Grill: The design allows everyone to cook their own toppings, turning dinner into an interactive party.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for a quick wholesale option, we suggest visiting the Costco on Grant Road or the Marketplace. Buying a fresh take-and-bake pizza from Costco is a fantastic base to start with. However, you can significantly improve it by customizing the toppings and grilling it on your Arteflame using the Pizza Oven attachment for that wood-fired flavor profile.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just a cooking appliance; it fundamentally changes how you host. In our experience, traditional grilling isolates the chef against a wall while guests mingle elsewhere. The Arteflame’s round, open-fire design invites friends and family to stand around the fire, drink in hand, watching the action. It turns the act of cooking pizza into a shared, warm, and engaging event.