Built on Dough: Buffalo’s Local Pizza Scene
Why Pizza is a Big Deal in Buffalo
Pizza in Buffalo isn’t just something people eat – it’s something people argue about, grow up with, and stay loyal to. Ask ten different people where to get the best pizza, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. From late-night slice counters in the city to long-established suburban pizzerias, Buffalo’s pizza scene is deep, diverse, and heavily rooted in local tradition. Many shops have been family-owned for decades, and almost every neighborhood has a spot its residents swear by.
With so many pizza places across Buffalo and Western New York, knowing where to start isn’t always easy, especially if you’re looking for your perfect slice. This guide was created to make navigating the local pizza landscape simpler. Whether you want a classic slice, a thick Sicilian pie, or a longtime local favorite, Buffalo has them all and more
Notable Buffalo Pizza Shops
Below are some well-known, frequently talked about pizza shops across Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs. These spots are known for their reputation and presence in the local pizza conversation.
- La Nova- Williamsville: Classic Buffalo-style/NY-influenced pizza. They are a long-standing local institution with social media recognition by creators such as Dave Portnoy
- Picasso’s- Multiple locations across Buffalo and its suburbs: NY-style/Specialty pies. They are a popular local chain with a strong brand recognition. Another shop that has been featured on social media by Pizza reviewer, Dave Portnoy
- Bocce Club- Amherst: Classic Buffalo-style. If you’re looking for classic Buffalo pizza, look no further than the Bocce Club. They offer a great variety of pizza toppings while using high-quality ingredients
- Broadway Pizza- Niagara Falls: Traditional NY-style. They are known for their thick, doughy crust, which they often pair with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. They also offer a dine-in experience, which their customers often enjoy
- BFLO Pizza Bistro- Buffalo: Detroit/Sicilian-style deep dish pan pizza. A newer Buffalo pizzeria, gaining attention for its thick-crust, pan-style pies, rotating specialty pizzas, and homemade Italian desserts — offering a distinct contrast to traditional Buffalo-style slices.
Buffalo Pizza Beyond the City
While much of Buffalo’s pizza identity is tied to city neighborhoods, some of the region’s most popular and long-running pizza shops are located just outside the city limits. Suburbs like Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, and Williamsville play a major role in shaping Western New York’s pizza culture, with shops that generations of locals have grown up ordering from.
In many cases, these suburban pizza shops serve as neighborhood anchors — places people return to often, bring out-of-town visitors to, or compare every other pizza shop against. Some focus on classic Buffalo-style pies, while others lean into thicker crusts, deep dish pies, or specialty pizzas that differ from what’s typically found downtown.
Taken together, the Buffalo pizza scene works as a regional ecosystem as opposed to one that just resides in downtown. Exploring pizza shops beyond the city gives a fuller picture of how pizza fits into everyday life across Western New York, and why loyalty to “your spot” often extends past Buffalo’s borders.
Supporting Local Pizza in Buffalo
Buffalo’s pizza shops are overwhelmingly locally owned and independently operated, with many serving the same neighborhoods for decades. These businesses often become community fixtures, relied on for weeknight dinners, post-game meals, and family traditions. Choosing local pizza helps support small business owners, local employees, and the neighborhoods they serve.
Whether you’re sticking with a longtime favorite or trying a new spot for the first time, ordering from local pizza shops helps preserve the diversity and character that define Buffalo’s pizza scene.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo’s pizza scene is shaped by neighborhood loyalty, long-running local businesses, and a wide range of styles spread across the city and surrounding suburbs. With so many options, finding the right spot often comes down to preference, location, and tradition. This guide is designed to make exploring Buffalo’s pizza landscape easier — whether you’re narrowing in on a familiar favorite or branching out to discover something new.
If you own or manage a pizza shop in the Buffalo area and would like your business listed, feel free to reach out.
