Florida’s Best Pizza Regional Styles: Don’t Miss Out On Tasting Perfection!

Welcome to a delicious exploration of Florida’s unique pizza styles. Known for more than just sunny beaches and thrilling amusement parks, Florida also serves up some seriously tasty spins on one of the most beloved foods around – pizza. 

From the satisfyingly thick crust of Chicago Deep-Dish and the timeless elegance of Neapolitan to California’s creative flair and the zesty flavor of Cuban Pizza, Florida has a pizza style to satisfy every craving. Ready to dive into a world of cheesy, saucy goodness? 

Keep reading to discover the best pizzas this vibrant state has to offer.

The Influence of New York Style Pizza in Florida

Florida’s pizza scene is a melting pot of styles, and one that has left a significant imprint is the classic New York style. This thin, crispy, foldable slice has found a home away from home in the Sunshine State, with several pizzerias serving up their take on this Big Apple favorite.

New York’s Impact on Florida’s Pizza Scene

As reported by Food and Wine, New York-style pizza has undeniably influenced Florida’s pizza culture. This influence is evident in several ways:

• The Crust: Many pizzerias in Florida have adopted the thin, crispy yet foldable crust that’s characteristic of New York-style pizza. According to a Reddit discussion, there is even a pizza shop in Florida that goes as far as shipping down water from New York to achieve the distinctive dough texture.
• The Toppings: The simple yet flavorful toppings of a New York slice – typically just tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese – are now a common sight in Florida pizzerias.
• The Size: New York-style pizzas are typically large, and often sold by the slice. This size and style have become a popular option in many Florida pizza joints, adding a touch of the Big Apple to the Sunshine State.

These elements combine to create a pizza experience that’s distinctively New York, yet with a Floridian twist. Whether it’s the crust, the toppings, or the size, the impact of New York pizza on the Florida food scene is undeniable and continues to shape the way Floridians enjoy this universally loved dish.

Where to Find the Best New York Style Pizza in Florida

If you’re craving an authentic New York-style pizza in Florida, you’re in luck. According to Tripadvisor, here are a few places that are known for serving up some of the best:

• Steve’s Pizza in North Miami is often touted as having some of the best New York-style pizza in the state. Their pies are large, with a perfectly thin yet sturdy crust, just like you’d find in the Big Apple.
• Big Louie’s Pizzeria in Fort Lauderdale is another favorite among locals and tourists alike. They’ve been serving up delicious New York-style pizzas since 1986.
• Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in Tampa, while originally from Brooklyn, New York, has successfully brought their coal-fired, brick-oven pizza to Florida.

These are just a handful of the many places where you can get a taste of New York-style pizza in Florida. So whether you’re a Florida native or just visiting, be sure to check out these spots for a slice of New York in the Sunshine State.

The Charm of Chicago Deep-Dish in the Sunshine State

Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant lifestyle, is now also becoming a haven for lovers of Chicago-style pizza. According to an article on Yahoo News, South Florida has become a melting pot of different pizza styles, with the unique, casserole-like deep-dish pizza from Chicago making a significant impact.

The Rise of Chicago-Style Pizza in Florida

Chicago-style pizza, famous for its thick, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and heaps of cheese, is making waves in the Florida food scene. Tallahassee.com highlighted Munchies Pizza as one establishment that has innovated with the Chicago-style pie, capable of producing about 70 deep-dish pies a day. This rise in popularity indicates Floridians’ growing love for this hearty style of pizza.

Top-Rated Places to Eat Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza in Florida

If you’re in Florida and craving a taste of the Windy City, there are several top-rated places where you can sink your teeth into an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza:

• Giordano’s: Located in Kissimmee, Giordano’s serves up the classic deep-dish stuffed pizza. According to their website, they offer both dine-in and delivery options.
• Rosati’s Pizza: As reported by WSVN, Rosati’s Pizza has brought Chicago-style pies to Coral Springs, offering something unique in the local pizza scene.
• Agrigento Pizzeria Caffe: This pizzeria is highly rated on Yelp for its Chicago-style pizza. It’s located in Bradenton, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers in the area.

These establishments are just a few examples of where you can enjoy a delicious slice of Chicago in Florida, further illustrating the growing influence of Chicago-style pizza in the Sunshine State.

Neapolitan Pizza in Florida: A Taste of Italy

Florida’s culinary scene is astounding in its diversity, and one of the highlights is certainly Neapolitan pizza. This classic Italian pizza style, known for its thin yet soft dough and simple but high-quality ingredients, has made a significant mark on Florida’s pizza landscape. As reported by Enjoy Travel, from classic Neapolitan-style pizzerias to takeaway joints, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State.

The Influence of Naples on Florida’s Pizza Culture

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, has had a profound influence on Florida’s pizza culture. The Neapolitan pizza, with its distinctive charred crust, fresh mozzarella, and basil toppings, has been embraced by Floridians with open arms. 

According to Naples Florida Travel Guide, many pizzerias in Naples, Florida, even offer their own take on this classic Italian dish, further cementing its place in Florida’s food scene.

The Best Neapolitan Pizzerias in Florida

If you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza in Florida, here are some top-rated places:

• Nona Street Pizza: Located in Orlando, Nona Street Pizza is highly recommended on Yelp for its Neapolitan pizza.
• Napoli 1800 Cucina and Pizzeria: This Miami-based pizzeria is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, as mentioned on Yelp.
• Bavaro’s Pizza: Bavaro’s is Florida’s first traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria, as stated on their website. They have locations in both Sarasota and Tampa.
• Testa Rossa Authentic Neapolitan Pizza: Located in Stuart, Testa Rossa has received rave reviews on their Facebook page.
• 900 Degrees Woodfired Pizza: This Tampa-based pizzeria is touted as the most authentic Neapolitan pizza place in Florida, according to reviews on Tripadvisor.

Whether you’re a Florida local or just visiting, these pizzerias promise a slice of Naples right here in the Sunshine State.

The Californian Twist: Gourmet Pizzas in Florida

California’s influence on the culinary scene is widespread, and Florida is no exception to this. The concept of gourmet pizza, with its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations, has been popularized in part by California-style eateries. As reported by Enjoy Travel, these gourmet pizzas are now a beloved part of Florida’s diverse food culture.

How California Gourmet Pizzas Made Their Mark in Florida

California gourmet pizzas have made their mark in Florida through a combination of innovative toppings and a focus on quality ingredients. This style of pizza often features non-traditional toppings like avocado, artichoke hearts, and specialty cheeses, reflecting California’s agricultural bounty and culinary creativity. 

Places like California Pizza Kitchen, with a location in Fort Lauderdale as listed on TripAdvisor, have helped popularize this style of pizza in Florida.

Where to Get the Best Gourmet Pizzas in Florida

If you’re looking for top-notch gourmet pizzas in Florida, here are some highly recommended places:

• California Pizza Kitchen: With multiple locations across Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, as mentioned on the Simon Mall website, this eatery is known for its innovative pizza offerings.
• Gourmet Pizza Company: Located in Tampa, this pizzeria is praised for its California Pizza Chicken on Yelp.
• Vito’s Gourmet Pizza: Situated in Coral Springs, Vito’s offers a fantastic selection of gourmet pizzas, as per their online ordering menu.

These places showcase the best of California gourmet pizza, offering Floridians and visitors alike a taste of the Golden State’s unique pizza style right here in the Sunshine State.

Florida’s Own – The Cuban Pizza

Among Florida’s diverse pizza offerings, one style that stands out is the Cuban pizza. This unique fusion of Cuban and Italian cuisine has a rich history and an equally rich flavor profile. As reported by the Miami New Times, the story of Cuban pizza is intertwined with the exile story of many Cuban families in Miami.

The History and Uniqueness of Cuban Pizza in Florida

The exact origin of Cuban pizza is uncertain, but it is believed to have been invented in Havana and perfected at Varadero Beach in Cuba before making its way to Miami (Taste Atlas). The pizza is known for its distinctive crust, which is thicker and chewier than traditional Italian pizza, and its generous use of mozzarella cheese. 

In Florida, Cuban pizza toppings can include local specialties like fried Florida lobster tails and sweet plantains (News-Press).

The Must-Visit Spots for Cuban Pizza in Florida

If you’re looking for authentic Cuban pizza in Florida, here are some top-rated places:

• Rey’s Pizza: Rey’s Pizza is a family-owned eatery in Miami known for its Cuban pizza. Their story and influence on Miami’s food scene are well-documented in the Miami New Times.
• Polo Norte: With several locations across South Florida, Polo Norte is a family-owned Cuban restaurant that also serves Cuban pizza. Their story is featured on CBS News.
• Cubaitalia Pizzeria: Located in Cape Coral, Cubaitalia Pizzeria offers a range of Cuban pizzas, as mentioned by the News-Press.

Whether you’re a local Floridian or just visiting, these pizzerias offer a unique taste of Cuba’s culinary influence in Florida.

A Culinary Journey Through Florida’s Diverse Pizza Landscape

From the classic Neapolitan pizza to the unique Cuban variety, Florida’s pizza landscape offers something for everyone. Whether it’s a slice of Naples or a taste of Cuba, you’re sure to find something delicious in the Sunshine State. So don’t miss out on your chance to embark on a culinary journey through Florida’s diverse pizza culture – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! 

What are you waiting for? Start your pizza journey and experience all the flavors that Florida’s best pizzerias have to offer. There’s something for everyone – so don’t miss out on tasting perfection!