Steven Larson, better known as the Wizard of Za, knows his way around Arizona’s pizza scene. The local pizza connoisseur has built a social media following of more than 23,000 by spotlighting restaurants, standout slices, and other food finds across the state. He has even turned his love of pizza into his own hot sauce brand, Wizards. Here, Larson shares his 10 favorite pizza spots in Arizona.
Il Bosco Pizza
Phoenix/Scottsdale
“Il Bosco has been one of my longtime Arizona favorites, and I may be a little biased because I even have my own pizza on the menu: The Za. Having a Wizard of Za-inspired pie on the menu makes this one especially personal, but Il Bosco’s creative wood-fired pizzas are what keep me coming back.”
Via Della Slice Shop
Downtown Phoenix
“Via Della is everything I want from a downtown slice shop: huge New York-style slices, a great crust, and enough personality to make you want to work through the entire menu. The Phoenix Pie, with spicy sopressata, peppers and house-made hot honey, is about as fitting a signature pizza for this city as you’ll find.”
Old County Inn
Pine
“Old County Inn is one of my favorite pizza stops in Arizona, and if you know what to ask for, there’s even a Wizard of Za secret-menu pizza. Order the Wizard’s Way: wood-fired roasted pork, Serrano peppers and pineapple—a sweet, spicy and savory combination that’s absolutely worth the drive to Pine.”
Goat and Ram
Mesa…