Sunshine Slices: Exploring Florida’s Diverse and Delicious Pizza Scene

Florida Pizza

Florida, with its sunny beaches, bustling cities, and rich cultural diversity, offers more than just stunning views and endless sunshine—it’s also home to a vibrant and eclectic pizza scene. From Miami’s inventive fusion pizzas to the classic, family-owned pizzerias in Orlando, Tampa, and beyond, Florida’s pizza landscape reflects the state’s melting pot of flavors and cultures. Whether you’re a fan of New York-style thin crust, Chicago deep dish, or seeking a Florida twist with local ingredients, the Sunshine State has a pizza for everyone. Let’s explore the best pizzerias in Florida and discover why it’s a prime destination for pizza lovers.

Exploring Florida’s Pizza Scene

In Miami, Lucali stands out as one of the premier pizza spots in the state. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Lucali has brought its famous wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas to South Florida. Known for its minimalist menu and focus on fresh ingredients, the pizzeria has garnered a loyal following. The classic “Plain Pie” with fresh basil and house-made tomato sauce is a must-try for anyone seeking a perfectly balanced, traditional pizza.

In Tampa, Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza offers an authentic taste of New York right in the heart of Florida. Using water imported from New York to replicate the signature dough, Eddie & Sam’s serves up large, foldable slices that are reminiscent of the classic NYC street slice. Their “White Pizza,” topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, is a fan favorite.

Over in Orlando, Prato combines Italian tradition with modern twists. Located in Winter Park, this rustic pizzeria specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with inventive toppings. The “Fungi” pizza, featuring roasted mushrooms, fontina cheese, and arugula, is a local favorite and a perfect example of the pizzeria’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients.

In Fort Lauderdale, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has become a household name across Florida. Known for its signature coal-fired crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, Anthony’s has set the standard for a well-done pizza. Their “Paul & Young Ron” pizza, topped with sausage, meatballs, and ricotta, offers a deliciously hearty slice.

For a beachside experience, head to Bizzarro’s Famous New York Pizza in Melbourne Beach. Bizzarro’s serves up oversized slices with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a go-to spot for surfers and beachgoers. Their signature pepperoni pizza, with crispy edges and gooey cheese, is the perfect way to refuel after a day in the sun.

Need More?

Florida Foods

There’s much more to delve into when it comes to Florida’s pizza scene. From the rich diversity of its population to the influence of tourism, Florida’s pizza offerings reflect a melting pot of styles, flavors, and innovative twists. Here are more insights into Florida’s pizza culture:

Regional Diversity:

Florida’s vast geographic spread means that its pizza styles vary widely depending on where you are. In South Florida, particularly Miami, you’ll find an eclectic mix of Latin-inspired toppings, including chorizo, Cuban pork, and even plantains, reflecting the city’s multicultural influences. Meanwhile, in Central Florida, particularly around Orlando’s theme parks, pizzerias cater to a diverse and international clientele, offering a wide range of traditional and modern styles.

In the panhandle and Gulf Coast cities like Pensacola and Destin, you’ll find more Southern-inspired takes on pizza, with toppings like smoked meats, barbecue sauce, and even seafood, drawing from the region’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

The New York and Chicago Influence:

Florida is known for attracting transplants from the Northeast and Midwest, and this has significantly influenced the state’s pizza scene. Many of Florida’s top pizza spots, like Eddie & Sam’s in Tampa and Bizzarro’s in Melbourne Beach, boast strong New York-style pizza traditions. Meanwhile, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is also well-represented, with places like Windy City Pizza in Delray Beach offering authentic, deep-dish pies reminiscent of the Windy City.

Pizza and Craft Beer Pairings:

Florida has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and many pizzerias are capitalizing on this trend by offering curated beer menus to complement their pizzas. The Pizza Joint in Jacksonville, for example, is known for its extensive selection of local craft beers paired with innovative pizza flavors. In Tampa, home to the renowned Cigar City Brewing, pizzerias like The Independent combine delicious pizza with a wide selection of local brews, allowing diners to experience Florida’s craft beer and pizza scenes in perfect harmony.

Fusion and Innovation:

Florida’s food scene is known for its willingness to push boundaries, and this extends to pizza. In Miami, Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is famous for its star-shaped pizzas, where the crust is stuffed with ricotta and folded into points. In Tampa, Due Amici Pizza offers unique pizzas like their “Cuban Pizza,” which draws inspiration from Tampa’s iconic Cuban sandwich, featuring roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on a pizza crust.

Florida’s Pizza Festivals and Events:

Florida Breweries

Florida’s passion for pizza is celebrated at various pizza festivals and events throughout the state. The South Florida Pizza Festival, for example, brings together the best pizzerias from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach for a day of pizza tastings, live music, and family fun. The Orlando Pizza Festival is another popular event, featuring pizzerias from all over Central Florida, with live pizza-making demonstrations and competitions.

These festivals not only provide pizza enthusiasts with an opportunity to sample a wide variety of styles but also allow local pizzerias to showcase their skills and gain recognition in the community.

Late-Night Pizza Culture:

In Florida’s major cities, particularly Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, pizza has become a late-night staple for partygoers and night owls. Pizzerias like Pizza Bar in Miami Beach, known for its enormous slices, cater to the bustling nightlife scene, staying open late to feed hungry crowds. In college towns like Gainesville, where the University of Florida is located, places like Leonardo’s Pizza by the Slice are famous for serving massive slices to students looking for a late-night snack.

Pizza and Tourism:

Florida’s booming tourism industry has a significant impact on its pizza scene. Cities like Orlando and Miami cater to millions of tourists each year, which means pizzerias in these areas are often creative in their offerings, appealing to a wide variety of tastes. In places like Key West, pizza spots like Onlywood Pizzeria specialize in Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, catering to both tourists and locals alike with a combination of authentic and island-inspired flavors.

Florida’s Vegan and Health-Conscious Pizza Options:

With a growing health-conscious population, Florida’s pizzerias are increasingly offering vegan, gluten-free, and health-conscious pizza options. In Miami, Thrive Vegan Pizza serves up a fully plant-based menu, while in Tampa, pizzerias like Cappy’s offer gluten-free crusts and vegetarian-friendly toppings. These options cater to Florida’s health-conscious residents and visitors, providing more inclusivity for those with dietary restrictions.

Celebrity Pizza Spots:

Florida’s allure as a hotspot for celebrities has led to the rise of pizza spots that are frequented by A-listers. In Miami, Lucali has become a go-to spot for celebrities like LeBron James and Jay-Z. The restaurant’s focus on simplicity and quality has earned it a reputation as one of the best pizzerias in the state, and its laid-back, cozy atmosphere provides the perfect setting for spotting the occasional celebrity.

Pizza with a View:

Florida weddings

Florida’s coastline offers a perfect setting for enjoying pizza with stunning views. Pizzerias like Bizzarro’s Famous New York Pizza in Melbourne Beach or Mellow Mushroom in St. Augustine provide the perfect combination of good pizza and oceanfront dining. For those visiting the Keys, Roostica Wood-Fired Pizzeria in Key West offers a rustic, cozy atmosphere where diners can enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza just minutes from the waterfront.

Recognition and Awards:

Florida’s pizza scene has garnered national attention over the years. Lucali Miami has frequently been listed among the top pizzerias in the U.S., and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza has expanded across the state due to its popularity. These accolades highlight the state’s diverse pizza offerings and its commitment to quality.

Florida’s pizza culture is a reflection of the state’s diverse population, blending influences from all over the country and beyond. Whether you’re enjoying a slice at a classic New York-style pizzeria in Tampa, indulging in a unique fusion pizza in Miami, or savoring a coal-fired creation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s pizza scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Sunshine State’s pizza offerings are as varied and exciting as its landscapes.

Yes, Florida has some notable pizza stories that have shaped its reputation as a state with a diverse and interesting pizza scene. Here are some of the most famous pizza-related stories from Florida:

The Lucali Miami Story:

Lucali in Miami is a pizza spot that has gained legendary status in South Florida and beyond. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Lucali was founded by Mark Iacono and quickly became one of New York City’s most beloved pizzerias. In 2013, Iacono opened a second location in Miami’s South Beach, bringing his wood-fired, thin-crust pizza to the Sunshine State.

Lucali Miami has become a hotspot for both locals and celebrities, attracting the likes of Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and LeBron James. The pizzeria is known for its minimalist menu—just one pizza and one calzone with a variety of fresh toppings—and its dedication to high-quality ingredients. The simplicity and perfection of its pies have made Lucali Miami a destination for pizza aficionados from all over the world. The restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere, combined with its world-class pizza, has made it one of the most famous pizza spots in Florida, with diners often waiting in line for hours to snag a table.

The Birth of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza:

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, now a household name in Florida, started in 2002 when founder Anthony Bruno opened his first location in Fort Lauderdale. His goal was to create pizza with a unique twist—cooking it in a coal-fired oven to produce a signature, crispy crust. The concept was a hit, and Anthony’s quickly became famous for its well-done pizzas, wings, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza expanded rapidly across the state and beyond, with dozens of locations now operating. It also attracted attention from high-profile investors, including former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, who became a part of the Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza team and helped promote the brand. The restaurant is known for sticking to its roots, using high-quality ingredients and maintaining the original coal-fired cooking method that made it famous. Today, Anthony’s is a pizza icon in Florida and is often credited with popularizing the coal-fired pizza trend in the state.

Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza and the New York Water Controversy:

Florida Wineries

Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza in Tampa has a unique claim to fame: they import water from New York City to make their pizza dough. According to the owners, Eddie and Sam, the distinct minerals in New York water are what give NYC pizza its signature texture and flavor. So, to recreate the authenticity of a classic New York slice, they decided to bring the water to Tampa.

This story has garnered media attention over the years, as it taps into a long-held belief that New York water is what makes New York pizza stand out from the rest. Eddie & Sam’s has become a popular spot for Tampa residents and New Yorkers craving a taste of home. Their dedication to authenticity, including using New York water for their dough, has helped make Eddie & Sam’s one of the most famous pizzerias in Florida.

Miami’s Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza’s International Success:

Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is one of Miami’s most celebrated pizzerias, thanks in part to its innovative, star-shaped pizza crust. Founded by Italian-born chef Renato Viola, the restaurant opened its doors in Miami in 2014 under the radar but quickly grew in popularity. Mister O1 is known for its “star pizza,” where the edges of the crust are folded and stuffed with ricotta, creating a unique look and taste.

The story of Mister O1’s success is tied to Viola’s journey to the U.S. After arriving in Miami on an O-1 visa (granted to individuals with “extraordinary ability or achievement”), Viola brought his creativity and passion for pizza to the city’s food scene. His pizzas became an instant hit, and soon after, Mister O1 expanded to several locations across Florida and even opened outposts internationally. Viola’s pizzas, such as the star-shaped pie and innovative toppings like honey and figs, have become Instagram sensations, helping Mister O1 achieve widespread fame.

The Pizza ATM in Miami:

In 2020, Florida made headlines when Florida International University (FIU) in Miami introduced a “Pizza ATM” on campus. The machine, which operates 24/7, allows students and staff to order freshly made pizzas that are cooked in a special oven inside the vending machine and dispensed within a few minutes. The concept, originally developed in Europe, brought a new level of convenience to pizza-loving college students.

The introduction of the Pizza ATM at FIU garnered significant media attention and curiosity, as it was one of the first machines of its kind in the U.S. The pizzas, which are made fresh daily by FIU’s dining services, are stored in the machine and baked to order. The Pizza ATM has since become a popular campus feature, providing an innovative solution to late-night cravings and adding a quirky chapter to Florida’s pizza story.

Florida’s Pizza Conspiracy at a Dolphins Game:

In 1990, one of the more bizarre pizza stories in Florida involved a Miami Dolphins fan suing Domino’s Pizza after claiming that an undercooked pizza led to his bout of food poisoning, causing him to miss the second half of a Dolphins game. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but it sparked a strange but memorable moment in Florida’s pizza history, with many sports commentators and fans jokingly referring to it as the “Pizza Conspiracy.” The story highlighted just how passionate Florida sports fans are—not only about football but also about their pizza!

The Mellow Mushroom Expansion in Florida:

Mellow Mushroom, a popular pizza chain known for its eclectic atmosphere and wide range of toppings, has a strong presence in Florida, especially in tourist destinations like Orlando, Tampa, and St. Augustine. The chain first opened in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia, but quickly found a devoted following in Florida, particularly in beach towns where its quirky vibe fits right in with the laid-back lifestyle. Mellow Mushroom’s rise to fame in Florida is tied to its fun and funky atmosphere, which resonates with both tourists and locals. The chain’s customizable pizzas, vegan and gluten-free options, and creative combinations (like pizza with tempeh or tofu) have helped it stand out in a crowded pizza market.

Pizza for a Cause: Supporting Communities in Crisis:

Throughout the years, various Florida pizzerias have stepped up to support communities during times of crisis. For instance, during Hurricane Irma in 2017, several pizzerias across Florida, including Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and local pizzerias like Pizza Bruno in Orlando, organized fundraisers to help residents impacted by the storm. They donated proceeds to relief efforts and provided free meals to first responders and displaced families. These stories showcase how Florida’s pizza community not only feeds its residents but also steps up during challenging times to help those in need.

“The Florida Man Pizza” at Due Amici Pizza:

Due Amici Pizza in Ybor City, Tampa, made headlines for its cheeky “Florida Man” pizza, inspired by the viral “Florida Man” meme. The pizza, which featured a mix of bizarre yet tasty toppings like fried gator, jalapeños, and pineapple, was created as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the state’s reputation for strange news stories. The pizza gained local fame for its playful take on Florida’s eccentricities and became a popular item on Due Amici’s menu.

These stories show how Florida’s pizza scene has been shaped by creativity, innovation, and a passion for delivering exceptional pies. Whether through celebrity hotspots, quirky creations, or community involvement, Florida’s pizzerias have made their mark on both the state’s culinary landscape and beyond.

Florida Pizza

Florida’s pizza scene is as diverse as the state itself, offering something for every taste and style. Whether you’re indulging in a wood-fired masterpiece in Miami, a New York-style slice in Tampa, or a coal-fired creation in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find that Florida’s pizzerias showcase the state’s culinary creativity and passion for great food. As you explore the Sunshine State, be sure to sample the local pizza offerings—you may just discover a new favorite slice that captures the essence of Florida’s vibrant food culture.

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Exploring these pizzerias not only satisfies your pizza cravings but also offers a unique taste of Florida’s culinary diversity. From the beaches to the big cities, Florida’s pizza scene is a must-experience for any foodie visiting the state.