Ohio’s pizza scene is a hidden treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Beyond the chain restaurants that dot the landscape, there’s a world of family-owned pizzerias serving unique pies that have locals lining up for decades. These spots might not make the tourist brochures, but they hold the authentic flavors and traditions that make Ohio pizza special.
1. Rubino’s Pizza: Bexley’s Thin-Crust Legend
Step into a time capsule at Rubino’s, where cash-only transactions and no-delivery policies have remained unchanged since 1954. Their paper-thin crust cracks with each bite, supporting a perfect ratio of tangy sauce and melted provolone.
Locals don’t mind the no-frills atmosphere or the wait – they’re here for the rectangular-cut pizzas that define Columbus style. The tiny dining room fills quickly with regulars who’ve been ordering the same specialty pies for generations.
Fun fact: Rubino’s hasn’t changed their original pizza oven since opening, believing it holds the secret to their distinctive crust.
2. Terita’s Pizza: A Columbus Institution Since 1959
Hidden in a residential neighborhood, Terita’s welcomes pizza lovers with the aroma of decades-old recipes. The modest exterior belies the magic happening inside, where pizzas emerge with perfectly caramelized cheese edges and a crust that strikes the ideal balance between crisp and chewy…