Earlier this year, we set out to eat at as many pizzerias in the Syracuse area. At each stop of the CNY Pizza Tour, we let the owners or employees pick what they think is their best pizza. We judge its crust, the toppings, the value and the overall charisma. We also tell you a little bit about each restaurant.
Here’s a list, in alphabetical order, of the places we’ve visited so far. Open the link to see what we ate, and how it scored on our 20-point scale.
A.W. Wander: A craft beer bar in Manlius with pizza that’s literally fire
Amore Pizza: What the heck is a Bang Bang chicken pizza? That’s Amore
Angotti’s: At Angotti’s, sometimes the best pizza is the most simple of all
Antonio’s: Don’t overlook this lesser-known treasure flanked by two heavyweights
Bianchi’s: When a cheesy omelet meets Italian toast, morning pizza is born
Byrne Dairy: Byrne Dairy pizza is exactly what you’d expect from a gas station
Cardano’s: A North Side pizzeria that started with a snow plow
Casa Mia: This downtown Syracuse pizza is what Grandma used to make
Deli on Valley: This deli in a former Italian mainstay is an oasis in a pizza desert
Di Lauro’s Bakery: Bacon and eggs on a pizza? A real breakfast of champions
East of Chicago Pizza: Trying one of the very few Syracuse shops with Chicago deep dish pizza
Francesca’s: Francesca’s in Liverpool marries world-class steakhouse with irresistible pizza
Franco’s: You’ll get a decent pizza at Franco’s, but jeez, it’ll cost you
Gino & Joe’s: Gino & Joe’s will tailor a pizza specially for you
Il Limone: An Italian entree atop an NYC slice in a strip mall? You bet
JD at Danzer’s: A well-known German sandwich in Syracuse has become a pizza
Johnny Mac’s: We found the perfect crust at this western suburbs pizzeria
Kosta’s: My big, fat Greek pizza from Kosta’s in East Syracuse
Liberty Pizza: Eat here and get gas. Seriously!
Nibsy’s: A little bit of Southern cooking tops this Tipp Hill bar favorite
Nick’s: This remarkably fresh pizza celebrates our tomato season
Paladino’s: The only reason to visit ‘one of the worst strip malls’ is the pizza
Pavone’s: At Pavone’s, thankfully, it’s the same ol’ same ol’
Pies Guys: At Pies Guys, order this rogue chef’s off-the-menu pizza
Pizza Cutters: A Lyncourt pizzeria known for its wings lives up to its name
Robbie T’s: Is there a nicer guy in the pizza business than Robbie T?
Sal’s Pizza & Restaurant: Owner went from Italy to Jersey to B’ville to perfect this favorite pizza
Trappers II Pizza & Pub: The kids are alright at this slappin’ pizzeria
Valentine’s Delicatessen: Let Valentine’s prepare your lakeside menu for date night
The Varsity: Why Syracuse’s most famous pizzeria probably caused your Freshman 15
West End Kitchen & Catering: A phenomenal pizza in a West Side shop you’ve never heard of
Western Ranch Motor Inn: You’re going to wait for a tavern pizza at this roadside motel, but it’s worth it
The Wildcat: This suburban spot might be CNY’s biggest pizzeria
Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drinks and fun across Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. (AND he pays for what he and his guests eat and drink, just so you know.) You can also find him under @HoosierCuse on Twitter and on Instagram. Sign up for his free weekly Where Syracuse Eats newsletter here.