Thick, crispy, cheesy, and unmistakably Detroit. 

The city’s signature square pizza is a true local classic that has earned its place alongside New York’s foldable pies and Chicago’s deep-dish slabs. With its pillowy crust, and gooey cheese (typically Wisconsin brick) topped with dollops of savory sauce, Detroit-style pizza is comfort food at its finest. 

The style traces its roots back to 1946, when Gus Guerra, an Italian immigrant, created the first square pizza at Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria on the city’s east side. Inspired by Sicilian recipes, Guerra used blue steel pans borrowed from the auto industry to make a pie with a soft interior, a crispy bottom crust, and thick cheese that caramelizes into golden edges.

By the mid-2010s, pizzerias across the country started featuring Detroit-style pizza on their menus. Even Pizza Hut joined in the trend with its version in 2021.

But nothing compares to the real thing, so I set out in search of the best local Detroit-style pizzas. For the past half-year, I tried 25 pies from cozy neighborhood bars, downtown hotspots, hip restaurants, and even a convenience store, scattered across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. From old-school staples like Buddy’s and Loui’s to rising stars such as Michigan & Trumbull and Grandma Bob’s, the metro area has no shortage of delicious Detroit-style options. 

Ranking something as subjective as pizza was a tricky task, and this is by no means anything more than a list of my favorite pies. 

Without further ado, let’s dig in.

#25 Amar Pizza (12197 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck; amarpizza.com): Amar Pizza in Hamtramck is known for making one hell of a pie. Praised for creative pizzas featuring Bangladeshi ingredients, Amar was even named one of the best pizzerias in the U.S. by The New York Times last year. But its take on Detroit-style pizza is underwhelming. Other than its rectangular shape, the pizza missed the key elements of Detroit style. It’s cut into 12 pieces, leaving only four corner slices. The dough is more spongy than airy, and the cheese and sauce are sparse and bland. What little there is on this pizza doesn’t have much flavor. That said, Amar’s strength lies in its more unique offerings. If you go, skip the Detroit-style and try some of their other pizzas — like ghost pepper, dry fish, or Mediterranean — for a more unconventional experience.
#24 Belle Isle Pizza (7869 E. Jefferson, Detroit; belleislepizza.com): Belle Isle Pizza has been serving pies from a small, no-frills spot near Belle Isle since 2015. Under new ownership since 2023, their Detroit-style pizza is straightforward but falls short of the city’s best. The crust is thinner than most Detroit-style pies, and while the edges have a satisfying crunch, the overall structure lacks heft. The tangy sauce leans acidic, which overpowers the cheese instead of balancing it. The flavor is there, but the execution felt a bit off. Still, it was a decent, satisfying pizza, but in a city with so many good options, this one doesn’t quite measure up.
#23 Crispelli’s Pizzeria (Multiple locations; crispellis.com): Known for its fresh, thin-crust pies, Crispelli’s falls short when it comes to Detroit-style pizza. The crispy edges and abundance of cheese are satisfying, but there’s a serious lack of sauce. The result is a pie that feels unbalanced, leaving you wanting more flavor. Credit: Steve Neavling
#22 Detroit Pizza Bar (7316 W. McNichols, Detroit; thedetroitpizzabar.com): This vibrant spot has a menu that includes 17 different pizzas, some with names of local icons, like the Supremes, the Temptations, and the Coleman Young (a seafood-heavy pie with shrimp, crab, lobster, and alfredo sauce). The dough is big, fluffy, and topped with delicious cheese and a sauce that leans sweet, though it lacks much of a crust, and it isn’t as crispy as most of the pizzas I tried. What really stands out here is the atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and some of the patrons encouraged me to stay for the Michigan-Michigan State football game. I wish I had taken them up on it, but I’m sure I’ll be back for some of those other pizzas. Credit: Steve Neavling
#21 PizzaPapalis (Multiple locations; pizzapapalis.com): Known for its Chicago-style deep dish, PizzaPapalis introduced its take on Detroit-style pizza in 2020. It comes in one size, with eight large slices. Their version sticks to the basics — a thick, rectangular pie with a crispy-edged crust and a classic cheese-and-sauce layering. The dough is surprisingly airy for a deep-dish style, giving each bit a nice contrast between the soft interior and the caramelized edges. The flavor of the cheese and sauce is solid, but the portions are light, leaving some bites feeling dry. Credit: Steve Neavling
#20 Jet’s Pizza (Multiple locations; jetspizza.com): Jet’s might not win over the Detroit-style purists, but it delivers a consistently tasty pizza straight to your doorstep — and that’s tough to top. With over 400 locations nationwide, Jet’s is the largest chain specializing in Detroit-style pizza, and when it comes to quality, it far outshines other Michigan-based giants like Little Caesars, Domino’s, and Hungry Howie’s. The brand takes creative liberties — placing sauce beneath the cheese and skipping traditional Wisconsin brick — but while that’s a turnoff for some, it’s still a flavorful, no-fuss option that beats most major delivery chains by a mile. Jet’s doesn’t skimp on cheese either. Its mozzarella-Muenster mix melts into gooey perfection with caramelized edges. The sauce is slightly sweet and light, the pepperoni crisps into classic cups, and the crust strikes a satisfying balance between soft and crisp without going soggy. Credit: Steve Neavling
#19 The Original Buscemi’s (Multiple locations; originalbuscemis.com): Serving pizza out of party stores for more than 60 years, this local chain is a unique and convenient fixture in metro Detroit. It brought back its original Detroit-style pizza in 2016, and at just $13.99 for an eight-piece pizza, the price is hard to beat. A single slice is only $2.19. The pizza is surprisingly good. The crust is thick, and they absolutely nail the crunch. Both the bottom and edges are perfectly crispy. The cheese is average, and there isn’t much sauce, but the overall experience is solid, especially considering this came from a convenience store. Credit: Steve Neavling
#18 Frank’s Family Pizzeria (3144 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; frankspizza1952.com): A downriver staple since 1952, Frank’s is a quaint, casual spot with a local loyal following. Each pie is baked in a classic blue steel pan that creates beautifully crisp edges. The dough is light and perfectly crispy. The eight-corner pizza is topped with small, crunchy pepperonis and two generous dollops of sauce down the middle. However, the sauce is on the sweeter side and the cheese is a bit sparse and not particularly memorable. Still, the overall structure of the pizza is solid, with great texture and balance. It may not be flashy, but it’s a well-built pizza. Credit: Steve Neavling
#17 Detroit Style Pizza Company (28630 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores; detroitstylepizza.com): Founded in 2012 by World Champion Pizza Maker Shawn Randazzo, who made it his mission to perfect and celebrate Detroit-style pizza, this place even sells steel pans and ships its pizzas across the country. Although Randazzo passed away in 2020, his passion and expertise live on through his significant contribution to the tradition. The pizza is good, but not without flaws. The bread is the highlight, soft and airy on the inside with a nice crisp on the outside. The large dollops of sauce are a nice touch, though the sauce itself is a bit underwhelming, and some parts of the pizza feel over-seasoned. It’s not as thick as other Detroit-style pies, but overall, it’s a solid, well-executed pizza. Credit: Steve Neavling
#16 Como’s (22812 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; comosrestaurant.com): A Ferndale staple since the 1960s, Como’s underwent a significant transformation when new owners revived it in 2019, offering a fresh look, an updated menu, and a focus on Detroit-style pizza. The pizzas here are both solid and satisfying. Each eight-piece order is divided into two smaller pies, ensuring every slice features a coveted corner. The crust is perfectly crispy along the edges, the cheese is flavorful, and the sauce delivers a garlicky kick. Overall, Como’s Detroit-style pizza is a hearty, well-executed option that stands out in the local scene. Credit: Steve Neavling
#15 Guido’s Premium Pizza (Multiple locations; guidospizza.com): Known as “The Savory Sauce Boss,” Guido’s has been serving pies across metro Detroit since 1993. With 11 locations in the area, the chain has built a loyal following. Guido’s version is thinner than most Detroit-style pizzas, from the crust to the cheese and sauce, leaving you wanting more. The crust provides a satisfying crunch despite its thin base. It’s not as hearty as some other Detroit-style pies, but it’s still a solid, satisfying option. Credit: Steve Neavling
#14 Palazzo Di Pizza (1220 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak; palazzodipizza.com): Opened in 2019 by World Champion Pizza Maker Shawn Randazzo and his cousin Greg Cummings, Palazzo specializes in classic Detroit-style pies with a focus on quality ingredients and perfectly crisped edges. It’s a solid pie; the crust has great texture, and it’s got a well-balanced ratio of cheese-to-sauce. The sauce, however, didn’t quite hit the mark for me, reminding me more of a spaghetti sauce. Still, the pizza is well-cooked, filling, and satisfying. If you go, don’t miss the gelato. The strawberry cheesecake and pistachio flavors were worth the trip on their own. Credit: Steve Neavling
#13 Shield’s Pizza (Multiple locations; shieldspizza.com): Shield’s is one of the original Detroit-style pizza spots, with roots tracing back to 1937, when it first opened as a bar at the corner of Davison and Shields streets in Detroit. Louis Tourtois, a former chef at Buddy’s, later brought Detroit-style pizza to Shield’s. Unfortunately, the pizza I had at the Midtown location fell short of its reputation. The crust lacked the crispiness of a Detroit-style pie, and the edges were dry. The dough was very soft throughout. Neither the sauce nor the cheese stood out. Despite its shortcomings, it still managed to be a damn good pizza. Credit: Steve Neavling
#12 Pie Sci Pizza (5163 Trumbull, Detroit | 8150 W. Nine Mile Rd., Oak Park | piescipizza.com): Pie Sci has grown from a pop-up location inside Woodbridge Pub in Detroit on Sundays to two full-fledged pizza destinations. The first brick-and-mortar opened in 2015 next to Woodbridge Pub in Detroit, and in early 2024, Pie Sci opened a second location in Oak Park. It has developed a cult following for its fresh, imaginative, and unconventional pizzas with weekly specials, like Artichoke Garfunkel: The Sound of Spinach. The Detroit-style pizza is solid. It was cooked perfectly, with a great texture and nice crunch. Of all the pizzas I’ve tried, this one had the most pepperonis, which added some punch. The flavor reminded me a bit of French bread pizza, but more refined and well-cooked. It’s a decent option, especially for its inventive toppings. Credit: Steve Neavling
#11 Green Lantern Pizza (Multiple locations; greenlanternpizza.com): This local favorite traces its roots back to 1955 in an old farmhouse bar in Madison Heights., its name coming from the green lanterns that were used to signal alcohol sales during Prohibition. Known for its laid-back vibe and longstanding reputation, Green Lantern gained a burst of attention recently when food critic Rashad Mooreman, aka Mr. ChimeTime, declared it the best Detroit-style pizza. But here’s the catch: while its menu includes square pizza, you have to make a special request for Detroit-style. It’s a decent pie, with crispy edges, a soft interior, and thin strips of sauce on top. Plus, it’s filling and satisfying, leaving me full after three slices. Credit: Steve Neavling
#10 Sicily’s Pizzeria (3554 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit; sicilysdetroit.com): This Southwest Detroit fixture has been serving up pies since 1998. Owner Ali Beydoun took over in 1999 and transformed the modest delivery spot into a true destination known for its naturally fermented sourdough crust. Sicily’s doesn’t use sugar, vegetable oil, commercial yeast, or bleached flour, and as a result, the pizza is light, airy, and full of flavor. Indeed, the sourdough crust is the standout. It’s perfectly airy with a crispy, golden edge that gives every bite a satisfying crunch. Served in fresh dollops, the sauce is bright and flavorful without being overpowering. The pepperoni curls into crispy, salty cups. While the cheese didn’t blow me away, the crust and sauce made up for it. This is a very good pizza. It’s simple, well-executed, and all about the dough. Credit: Steve Neavling
#9 Union Assembly (2131 Woodward Ave., Detroit; unionassembly.com): What sets this spot apart is its lineup of five different Detroit-style pizzas, including The Coney, a playful twist on the Motor City staple with chopped hot dog, chili, cheese, white onion, and yellow mustard. The pepperoni Detroit-style pizza is also very good and hits the spot. The crust is perfectly caramelized, with crispy, cheesy edges. It’s a bit thinner than most, and while there isn’t quite enough sauce, the flavor still stands out. But be warned: This is a heavy, greasy pizza. But despite the grease, it’s one of the best Detroit-style pizzas I tried. Credit: Steve Neavling
#8 Niki’s Pizza (735 Beaubien Blvd., Detroit; nikispizzadetroit.com): Tucked in the heart of Greektown, Niki’s has been serving Detroit-style pizza for decades, along with Greek specialties like flaming saganaki. (The restaurant is named after Nikoletta Kefallinos, whose son opened the first location in her honor during one of her visits from Greece.) It’s all about balance here: The dough is light and airy, with a buttery, soft texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy edges. Dollops of tangy sauce add just the right amount of zest, and all the ingredients come together for an evenly layered taste. The pizza is surprisingly light, without grease or heavy ingredients, so you can enjoy it without a dreaded post-pizza coma. Credit: Steve Neavling
#7 Grandma Bob’s (2135 Michigan Ave., Detroit; grandmabobs.com): When it comes to Detroit-style pizza, Grandma Bob’s doesn’t overcomplicate things, and it works. The crust strikes an ideal balance with crunch, caramelized edges, and an airy interior. The pie is topped with a thin layer of cheese, dolloped tomato sauce, and small, cupped, perfectly crispy pepperonis. All the ingredients tie everything together for a balanced, tasty pie. It’s simple, well-made, and really freaking good. Credit: Steve Neavling
#6 Z’s Villa (42 Piquette St., Detroit; zsvilla.com): Housed in a charming 1890s Victorian home in Milwaukee Junction, Z’s Villa has been a neighborhood fixture for years. The environment is cozy and unpretentious, with a lively atmosphere, a patio with games and a volleyball court, and a menu featuring everything from “the world’s best corned beef” to creamy, homemade cole slaw. Their Detroit-style pizza is lighter and thinner than most, with an airy dough that’s crispy on the edges and the bottom. The fresh sauce is perfectly balanced, and there’s just enough of it. The real highlight is the delicious three-cheese blend, which gives the pizza a rich, savory flavor without making it overly heavy. This is the kind of pizza that satisfies you without feeling stuffed. It’s a solid, well-executed pizza that’s worth a visit. Credit: Steve Neavling
#5 Elephant and Co. (456 Charlotte St., Detroit | 330 E. Lincoln Ave., Royal Oak | elephantand.com): Elephant & Co. makes one hell of a Detroit-style pizza. Its self-serve taproom opened its Detroit location in the Cass Corridor in July 2024, expanding from its original spot in Royal Oak. I ordered the pizza on the first day that the Detroit location opened, and they ran out of large pies, so I ate their small version, which is four pieces and perfect for one person. Each pizza is made with Wunderboi bread dough, layered Wisconsin brick cheese, crispy pepperonis, and a red sauce with garlic and herbs. The edges are crunchy, and the sauce is fresh, giving each slice a bold flavor. The crust is thick and satisfying and not as airy as some, but still substantial without being heavy. The Wisconsin brick cheese really stands out, bringing a rich, buttery depth that brings it all together. Credit: Steve Neavling
#4 Buddy’s Pizza (Multiple locations; buddyspizza.com): Considering Buddy’s is the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza, it’s no surprise its pies rank among the best. This pizza is exactly what Detroit-style pizza should be. Each eight-corner pie is loaded with gooey, flavorful cheese that caramelizes into crispy perfection along the edges. The dough is light and airy, providing a perfect base for the dollops of fresh, tangy sauce. If you’re looking for the original Detroit-style experience, Buddy’s is a must. Start with the flagship location at 17125 Conant St. for a true slice of history. Credit: Steve Neavling
#3 Cloverleaf Pizza (Multiple locations; cloverleaf-pizza.com): Dubbed the “Original Motor City Square,” it was founded by Gus Guerra after he sold Buddy’s in the 1950s and brought his Sicilian-style square pizza to Eastpointe, where his family continues to run the flagship Cloverleaf Bar and Restaurant. Their signature offering is the Clover 8, which is two small, four-piece pizzas served together so every slice is a corner. The sauce is the standout, with a subtle herbal kick that blends perfectly with the generous, gooey cheese. The sauce-to-cheese ratio is just right, and the edges of the pizza are crispy and caramelized. Even the bottom has a light, satisfying crisp without being greasy. Don’t skip dessert. Their thick, fluffy cheesecake, made in-house and served with strawberry sauce for just $5, is a sweet surprise. Credit: Steve Neavling
#2 Michigan & Trumbull (1331 Holden St., Detroit; michigantrumbullpizza.com): First opened in early 2020 at its namesake crossroads in Corktown, the small pizzeria moved in 2023 to a renovated industrial building. Known for its creative take on Detroit-style pizza, Michigan & Trumbull’s pies are baked in 8-by-10-inch pans and cut into six square slices. This pizza stands out because of its sauce. And it’s airy dough. And its crispy, caramelized edges. It’s one of the best pizzas I’ve ever eaten. Credit: Steve Neavling
#1 Loui’s Pizza (23141 Dequindre Rd., Hazel Park; louispizza.store): When it comes to Detroit-style pizza, Loui’s stands in a league of its own. Established in 1977 by pizza legend Louis Tourtois, a veteran of Buddy’s and Shield’s, Loui’s has earned a reputation for serving some of the finest pizza in the area. This iconic pizzeria delivers everything you crave in a Detroit-style pie: tangy sauce, crispy caramelized edges, and an abundance of cheese that exceeds many other local spots. The sauce, bold and tangy, is generously ladled over the pizza, creating the perfect balance in every bite. Unlike some heavier versions, Loui’s offers a crust that’s thick yet not overwhelming, with the ideal mix of crunch and fluff. The atmosphere at Loui’s is just as inviting as its pizza, featuring a no-frills vibe with hanging wine bottles, red-checkered tablecloths, and a cozy, homey ambiance. It’s no wonder that Loui’s is often hailed as one of the best pizza spots in the region. For any true Detroit pizza lover, Loui’s is a must-try, offering an unforgettable experience that stands above the rest. Credit: Steve Neavling

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Steve Neavling is an award-winning investigative journalist who operated Motor City Muckraker, an online news site devoted to exposing abuses of power and holding public officials accountable. Neavling...