The more things change, the more things stay the same. And that, my friends, is how we all feel about pizza. Every year, Google releases data about pizza trends, including the best-reviewed, top-searched and most beloved pizza chains by state. While the data may occasionally differ based on what Americans are ordering each year, the one thing we can count on is that our fine nation loves pizza. In fact, according to Google, pizza was the most-searched dish on Google Maps during every single month of 2021. That’s a LOT of pizza searches.
Pizza Trends
Gleaning further insights from GoogleTrends, here are some quick facts, stats and information on the crust we trust.
Domino’s Pizza remains the top-searched pizza spot in the U.S., making this its second first-place win in a row.
We may think the title of the most pizza-obsessed state belongs to New York, but as of 2022 it is actually Connecticut who has the most pizzerias per capita of any state. We see you, New Haven! In second place, we have the Garden State of New Jersey.
Our friends in New York, specifically the metropolitan area, have a hankering for plant-based pizza options.They searched for “vegan pizza” on Google Maps more than any other U.S. city.
Meanwhile, our friends in Chicago search for “deep dish” on Google Maps more than any other U.S. city. The Chicago search for “deep dish” was nearly four times higher than that of Los Angeles, which came in second place on the deep-dish search.
Out of the top 10 most searched local pizza restaurants in Google Maps, nine are located in either New York or Chicago, with the exception of ROCCO’s in Seattle, Washington.
The Top Pizza Chains in Each State
GoogleTrends put together a map of the most searched pizza chains by state in the United States as of 2021, and boy is it a doozy.
Unsurprisingly, it’s Domino’s Pizza that is the most popular and widespread of all the pizza chains, ranking as the resident-favorite in 21 states from the West Coast to New England, including California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Florida.
The second most popular pizza chain in 11 states was Casey’s General Store, with a sweet spot for the Midwest including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois and Indiana.
Pizza Hut ranked as the third most popular pizza chain, sweeping states all over the map including Montana, Arizona, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina.
Aside from Little Caesars Pizza, who caught the attention of Michigan and West Virginia, all other states had their own personal favorite chain.
In New England states that didn’t favor Domino’s as their national pizza chain, there was more nuance. Connecticut’s top searched chain was Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, while Vermont’s was American Flatbread and Maine’s was Pat’s Pizza.
Other favorite pizza chains by state included California Pizza Kitchen in Hawaii, Fazoli’s in Kentucky, Great Alaska Pizza Co. in Alaska, Grotto Pizza in Delaware, Ledo Pizza in Maryland, Mellow Mushroom in Georgia, MOD Pizza in Washington state, Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake Pizza in Oregon and &Pizza in Washington, D.C.
American Flatbread.
Vermont
California Pizza Kitchen.
Hawaii
Casey’s General Store.
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Arkansas
Illinois
Indiana
Domino’s Pizza.
California
Nevada
Idaho
Wyoming
Utah
Colorado
New Mexico
Texas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Wisconsin
Ohio
Pennsylvania
New York
New Jersey
Virginia
North Carolina
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Florida
Fazoli’s.
Kentucky
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.
Connecticut
Great Alaska Pizza Co.
Alaska
Grotto Pizza.
Delaware
Ledo Pizza.
Maryland
Little Caesars Pizza.
Michigan
West Virginia
Mellow Mushroom.
Georgia
MOD Pizza.
Washington
Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake Pizza.
Oregon
Pat’s Pizza.
Maine
Pizza Hut.
Montana
Arizona
Tennessee
Alabama
South Carolina
&Pizza.
Washington, D.C.
The 10 Most-Searched Pizzerias
A title as one of the most-searched pizzerias in the country is a massive accomplishment, and these 10 stunners take top billing, according to a Google Maps search.
1. Carnegie Pizza (New York, NY).
Time Square is home to many forgettable dining establishments, but Carnegie Pizza isn’t one of them. This pizza restaurant may be tiny and humble, but it is an absolute standout in the pizza category.
2. Enzo Bruni la pizza gourmet (New York, NY).
Enzo Bruni la pizza gourmet, located in Lower Manhattan, knows a thing or two about contemporary Neapolitan-style pizza, with personal pies that will tingle your taste buds.
3. Rubirosa Pizza & Ristorante (New York, NY).
Located in the heart of Nolita, Rubirosa Pizza & Ristorante is exactly what you want from an old-school Italian joint – dim lighting, a lovely crowd and to-die-for Italian-American classics and pizzas.
4. ROCCO’S (Seattle, WA).
As the only non-New York or Chicago pizza restaurant on this list, ROCCO’S in Seattle makes a big impression. This hip, brick-lined spot is known for their speciality pies and is open late into the night for your pizza fix.
5. Quartino Ristorante (Chicago, IL).
Quartino Ristorante is a bustling restaurant and bar in downtown Chicago that’s made quite the name for themselves in a place where pizza competition is fierce. Enjoy their Neapolitan pizza with a carafe of wine and live your very best life.
6. Prince St. Pizza (New York, NY).
No list in the history of pizza lists would be complete without Prince Street Pizza. There is always a line out the door, and with good reason. One, the space is TINY. Two, these square pies are FAMOUS. Get a cut of pepperoni with no regrets, here.
7. 99 Cent Fresh Pizza (New York, NY).
99 Cent Fresh Pizza is located across Manhattan, including down the street from Carnegie Hall. This no-frills, no-fuss, counter-service pizza joint serves thin-crust slices at a fair price. One dollar for a cheese slice? We’ll take it.
8. Bleecker Street Pizza (New York, NY).
A busy late-night street corner makes Bleecker Street Pizza in Greenwich Village a destination in and of itself. It may seem like a basic pizza shop, but their slices are anything but. For award-winning thin crust pizza with clever toppings, stop at Bleecker.
9. Bar Siena (Chicago, IL).
Bar Siena is the end-all, be-all of Italian food in the heart of downtown on Restaurant Row. At two stories and over 8,000 square feet, this restaurant can accomodate the whole pizza-eating crew with its patio and buzzy bar.
10. Joe’s Pizza on 8th Ave (New York, NY).
For an authentic New York street-slice, Joe’s Pizza is the place to be. While it may be popular with visitors and tourists, Joe’s is the place native New Yorkers go when they want a pizza pie done right. *Chef’s kiss*
The 10 Best-Reviewed Pizza Restaurants
Google has done us a really solid favor here by pulling the very best-reviewed pizza restaurants around the country. These top 10 pizza spots are truly all over the map, from Florida and Oregon to New York and Michigan, and in first place, we have a pizzeria in… Georgia? Let’s dive in.
1. Varasano’s Pizzeria – Buckhead (Atlanta, GA).
Located in Atlanta, this pizza place landed at the top of the list. Varasano’s Pizzeria specializes in traditional sourdough thin-crust pizzas using only all-natural ingredients in their pizza pies.
2. Olli Olive Pizza (Lauderhill, FL).
Olli Olive Pizza is a women-owned pizza restaurant near Fort Lauderdale. Each item is made-to-order and uses scratch-made dough that is prepared each day, ensuring an extra fresh pizza.
3. Tommie’s Pizza (Saint Paul, MN).
While Tommie’s Pizza may be based in Minnesota, their menu features New York-style pizza, with inspiration and recipes pulled straight from the Empire State.
4. PanezaNellie Breadstick Shoppe (Sublimity, OR).
If you’ve never had breadstick-style pizza, PanezaNellie Breadstick Shoppe in Oregon is THE place to try it. Trust all those five-star reviews and follow up your meal with some sweet-treat baked goods.
5. KC’s Family Kitchen (Lockport, IL).
Outside of Chicago, KC’s Family Kitchen is a family-owned pizzeria with pie sizes ranging from personal to shareable, including large cheese pizzas and more.
6. Raceway (Yonkers, NY).
Located in New York, Raceway pizzeria is a Yonkers’ staple. Stop by for a classic slice and a low-key atmosphere. I mean, they don’t even have a website, which tells you all you need to know about this hidden gem.
7. Nolita Pizza (New York, NY).
Nolita Pizza in New York City is one of the absolute best, making a name for itself amongst the hundreds of pizza restaurants in Lower Manhattan. A gluten-free pie with
with homemade marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese is our favorite, and you can take it to-go to eat in the many parks in the area!
8. Zeneli Pizzeria e cucina Napoletana (New Haven, CT).
While Connecticut may be known for the most pizzerias per capita, and Frank Pepe’s may be the most searched, Zeneli Pizzeria e cucina Napoletana is actually the state’s best-kept secret. Well, not anymore!
9. Michigan & Trumbull (Detroit, MI).
Detroit-style pizza is the name of the game here at Michigan & Trumbull, and these Detroit natives know what they’re doing. Try fan-favorites like the white pizza and other tomato sauce alternatives for a unique experience.
10. Goodfella’s Pizzeria of Sunnyside (Queens, NY).
If you’re looking for a no-fuss slice joint that makes killer cheese or pepperoni slices and nothing fancy, Goodfella’s Pizzeria of Sunnyside in Queens is your ticket.
Conclusion
Pizza road trip, anyone?