When it comes to good pizza, you probably don't think of Miami as a city that feeds the carb-and-cheese-obsessed masses. But in recent years, the Magic City’s pizza scene has grown, with fresh-out-the-coal-oven pies and creative takes on America's adopted comfort food. Here are seven standout pizzerias to grab a slice (and spot celebrities).
Bigger is Better: Pizza Bar
Touting a motto about how size does matter, this South Beach pizza joint boasts the largest pies in all of Miami. Measuring up to 30 inches wide, the pies come in 30 signature styles like the Florentine + the Machine, served with bacon, ham, tomato, basil, and ricotta. The rock 'n' roll-inspired bar is open late and delivers until 2am—which Madonna reportedly took advantage of when she picked up eight pies for her dance crew on a recent stop in Miami. Tip: A second location will open soon on West Avenue. 1627 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-672-6880
The Mac Daddy of Miami Pizza: Frankie’s Pizza
Frankie’s Pizza celebrated its 60th anniversary in February (the shop opened on Valentine’s Day 1955), making it one of Miami’s longest running family-owned pizza joints. Known for its square pies, Frankie’s prides itself on its half-baked, half-cooked pizzas that give customers the chance to get that straight-out-of-the-oven taste in their own kitchens. The pizzeria ships its pies worldwide, but for those loyal customers that have been coming in since the early days, there’s always a special treat with the purchase of a large pie: a complimentary slice "for the ride home." Owner and founder Frank Pasquarella started the tradition and it continues to hit the spot. 9118 Bird Road, Miami, 305-221-0221
Brooklyn Meets Miami: Lucali
If it’s good enough for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, it’s good enough for pizza-hungry Miamians. Since the Brooklyn outpost opened in Sunset Harbour in 2013, Mark Iacono’s Lucali has been equally successful in generating a pizza-worthy buzz that keeps the restaurant jam-packed seven days a week. You can’t go wrong with any pizza selection, but the classic Margherita with homemade dough, imported cheese, and red sauce is a must-try. 1930 Bay Road, Miami Beach, 305-695-4441
It’s All in the Famiglia: Spris Artisan Pizza
What’s better than a family pizzeria? One with happy hour. Visit Spris from 5:30-7pm to get the Beat the Clock special, when your arrival time determines the price you pay for the Margherita, Diavola, and Genovese pies (which also come gluten-free or whole wheat) and beer and wine are available at exclusive prices. Simon Cowell and Cameron Diaz are said to frequent Spris, so keep your eyes open while you chow down. 721 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-673-2020; 200 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-400-6667; 3201 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-576-0999
Straight Off the Boat: Visa-O1
Tucked away in an undisclosed office building off Lincoln Road, Visa-O1—named by chef and owner Renato Viola after a special working visa given to individuals who possess extraordinary qualities in fields like art, business, and science—is a hidden gem that has built an impressive following just by word-of-mouth alone. This authentic yet modern pizzeria has everyone talking about its Star Luca Pizza, a star-shaped pie filled with ricotta cheese, pepperoni, and San Marzano sauce. 1680 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach, 305-397-8189
Keep It Classic: Steve’s Pizza
In 1974, New Yorker Alan Valinsky moved his family to Florida and opened a pizzeria that’s been serving up NYC-style pies for more than 40 years. The restaurant's draw is simple: Keep the customers happy with ready-to-serve slices baked in a top-secret sweet sauce; it's what keeps locals and celebrities like Katherine Heigl and Enrique Iglesias coming back for more. 12101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-891-0202
Pizza for Breakfast: Macchialina Taverna Rustica
When Macchialina came to the neighborhood in 2012, it was chef Michael Pirolo’s goal to offer a hip and laid-back establishment where diners can opt for a fancy evening of Italian proportions or a casual night out with friends to nosh on pizza. But come brunch on Sundays, guests can get their hands on a breakfast pizza loaded with potatoes, fontina, pancetta, and sunny-side-up eggs—it's no wonder celebs like Christian Slater, Calvin Klein, and Chris Bosh have come by. 820 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305-534-2124
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FACEBOOK.COM/FRANKIESPIZZAMIAMIFLORIDA; FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/LUCALI-MIAMI-BEACH; FACEBOOK.COM/SPRISPIZZA; FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/VISA-O1