10 Best Pizza Spots In New Orleans, According To A Local

Why It Matters

The roundup showcases New Orleans as a burgeoning pizza destination, boosting food‑tourism appeal and offering investors insight into a diversifying local restaurant market.

Key Takeaways

• Pizza Delicious ranked #31 on 50 Top Pizza 2025 list.
• Theo's offers five locations with thick, chewy crust and vegan options.
• Forbidden Pizza ferments dough 36 hours using five Italian flours, no garlic.
• Zee's Pizzeria grew from home‑based sales during pandemic to brick‑and‑mortar.
• St. Pizza named best U.S. pizzeria by NY Times 2024.

Pulse Analysis

New Orleans has long been celebrated for its Creole and Cajun fare, but its pizza landscape is rapidly gaining national attention. Restaurants like Pizza Delicious and St. Pizza have earned spots on prestigious rankings, signaling that the city’s chefs can master both classic and innovative styles. This recognition fuels culinary tourism, drawing visitors who seek authentic local experiences beyond gumbo and beignets, and it encourages other entrepreneurs to experiment with regional ingredients in their pies.

The diversity of concepts—from Theo's family‑run, multi‑location model to Forbidden Pizza’s artisanal, garlic‑free approach—illustrates how New Orleans pizzerias are catering to a broad palate. Fermentation techniques, imported Italian flours, and wood‑fired ovens elevate the craft, while menu flexibility, such as vegan cheeses at Zee's and seasonal specials at Theo's, meets evolving consumer preferences. These trends reflect a broader shift in the U.S. market toward quality, provenance, and niche offerings.

For investors and city planners, the burgeoning pizza sector represents a growth engine within the hospitality industry. High‑visibility accolades translate into higher foot traffic, increased spend per visitor, and opportunities for cross‑promotion with the city’s vibrant nightlife and tourism infrastructure. As New Orleans continues to blend tradition with innovation, its pizza establishments are poised to become key contributors to the city’s economic resilience and cultural cachet.