The 11 best pizza restaurants in Johannesburg

Grew up loving Italian cuisine? Or perhaps keen to learn the about the classic, old-school Italian food culture? Consider stopping by Lucio's Pizzeria.

Voted as one of the Best Italian Restaurants in Gauteng, Lucio’s Pizzeria has been serving up slices of nostalgia and Neapolitan perfection for 38 years, making it a true Italian experience in Joburg.

Founded in 1987 by the late Claudio Merlo, the restaurant was later taken over by his wife, Bimba, who left her corporate career to continue the family legacy. You will not just indulge in a good pizza, but you will be transported to the classic look and feel of an Italian kitchen and bar.

A definite must-try.

Address: 231 Beyers Naude Drive, Cnr Mountainview Drive, Randburg

The best thin-based pizza in Joburg hails from Trabella, with a location in Illovo and another in Parkview. The pizzas are renowned, crisped to perfection in wood-burning ovens, resulting in repeat clientele.

Tracy (the owner) has crafted a gorgeous menu with a variety of options, including signature offerings like brie and cranberry and the famous Trabella special. While some restaurants serve their pizza with a hint of the toppings you ordered, pizzas from Trabella are absolutely loaded.

Join the regulars, grab some friends, pull up a chair on the patio and choose a few pizzas to share. If you’re not feeling sociable, order in to enjoy at home. It’s spectacular reheated for breakfast too, so don’t be afraid to order extra.

Piza ē Vino brings an artisanal touch to Neapolitan-style pizzas, offering a perfect balance of crispy crust and fresh ingredients. Their menu is diverse, with standout options like the Diavola and Gorgonzola & Fig. 

Neapolitan-style pizza is synonymous with simplicity, the basic ingredients are fresh basil and mozzarella, olive oil, tomatoes and a simple wheat dough. In addition, they offer a variety of toppings to curate your pizza. 

The atmosphere is open and modern stylistic, making it a perfect place for dining with friends. Each location has a unique decor style, from the stylish Rosebank branch to Melrose Arch.

It's all about simplicity and quality when it comes to Ottimo, offering some of the best thin-crust pizzas in town. Their menu includes traditional favorites like Margherita and Napoletana, along with creative specials that change regularly.

The space is simple and inviting, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed meal. 

Their pizza dough is light and crispy, with a slightly charred edge that adds an authentic Italian touch. If you’re after a no-fuss pizzeria that focuses on great flavours, Ottimo is an excellent choice.  

For those with dietary preferences, the spot offers a gluten-free alternative, ensuring that more people can enjoy their delicious pizzas. You can also customise your pizza with a variety of toppings, including unique choices like boiled eggs, anchovies, prawns and shrimp - perfect for seafood lovers looking for something different. 

However, a visit does come with a unique etiquette: no splitting bills and a clear disclaimer that this is not a fast-food joint, take that into consideration.

Address: 13 Nicol Road, Corner Angus Rd, Bedfordview

Grappino is a cozy, unpretentious Italian bistro serving delicious, traditional pizzas and food in large family-sized portions. It’s the kind of place where the chef might just come to your table to check on your meal. 

Their menu features classics like Quattro Stagioni and Capricciosa, which are made with authentic Italian ingredients.

The atmosphere is intimate, with dim lighting and a welcoming, family-style setting. The pizzas are well-balanced, with generous toppings and a perfect thin crust. While simple, we suggest you try their regina.

Address: Waverley, Johannesburg

Now, here’s the perfect spot to escape Joburg’s hustle and bustle – Coalition Pizza.

Located in Blairgowrie, the area is surrounded by trendy eateries. What sets this pizza spot apart is the vibrant, fresh ingredients used; with seasonal menus – some leaning more towards plant-based options (if you’re vegetarian or vegan – you're in good hands).

Their Neapolitan-style pizzas (with a rich and tangy tomato base), paired with fine Italian wines promise a flavourful experience. The ambiance is charming – presenting different vibes depending on the time of day you choose to

So, if you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back place to chill and enjoy good pizza, you know where to go!

Address: 49 Hillcrest Ave, Blairgowrie, Randburg

Prepare to go completely off your diet and follow a pizza cult. No Jokes. One bite will get you hooked. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Rooted in the iconic Akhalwayas food culture dating back to the 1950s in Fordsburg is a legendary fusion of bold Indian flavours, inspired by Italian and Western fast-food takeaway restaurants.

The most popular ‘Wonder Why Pizza’, which is the first recommendation when ordering from the counter, is unapologetically loaded with slap chips, polony, steak, chicken, a mixture of sauces, viennas and lots and lots of cheese (we swear we’re not making this up). For a bit of heat, they throw in a peri-peri dip to complement the meal.

With many other pizzas to choose from, Akhalz’s pizza will blow your mind! If you haven’t had it yet, make sure you add it to your foodie bucket list.

Address: 100 Church St, Mayfair, Johannesburg

Saint is an institution. A walk through the Italian-inspired restaurant with a central lighting illusion, moving colourful graphics behind the bar area, a mesmerising mix of white hanging lights and a half crystal ball at the centre of the room, it’s no wonder one can say it’s an orchestrated set up for a for the perfect ambiance to influence your experience (positively, of course).

Now let’s talk about the pizza. A 10 out of 10 is an understatement. With a reputation as one of the finest pizzas in Sandton, popular favourites to try out include Pepperoni, Spicey Bacon and the Mince and Jalapeno. The pizzas are kneaded and crafted as per order.

When it comes to entertainment, you’re in for a treat. The restaurant’s lineup has top-tier SA artists and the finest DJs in town.

Address: The Marc, Corner Rivonia and Maude Street, Sandton

Café 28 opened in 2016 and it’s frankly alarming how many Joburgers haven’t heard of it. Andrea Giromini is a born-and-bred Italian who knows exactly what he’s doing. Diners are faced with the near-impossible task of choosing from classic pizza toppings, as well as unusual options like stracciatella, figs and nduja salami. However, first-timers should opt for the bufalina with fior di latte and buffalo mozzarella.

The tomato base is fresh and light with the dough crisped to lightly salted perfection. Café 28 is often booked out with those in the know relaxing al fresco with an Aperol Spritz or sipping Italian-imported beers. Stellar service, unforgettable food and views across the Inanda Greens make for a Sunday lunch you’ll make a point of repeating.

Address: 54 Wierda Rd E, Wierda Valley, Sandton

The most authentic Neapolitan Pizza you will find in Johannesburg is an Italian treasure named, Settebello. This restaurant produces deliciously rich, smoky flavoured and airy pizzas and while their Margherita is a classic, their Prosciutto Cotto e Funghi and the Crudo e Rucola pizzas offer a different level of taste that is incomparable.

The pizzas at Settebello are almost too beautiful to eat – you might want to snap a pic before indulging in pure, cheesy bliss.

Settebello, meaning “The Beautiful Seven”, has a warm, homely feel as you enter. Co-founders, Pino and Miro, believe that food is at its finest when shared with loved ones and friends, making it the perfect spot to hang out in large groups (not leaving out the solo riders, of course).

Address: 7 Marais Road, Bedfordview

What happens when you combine New York City's energy with Jozi’s street culture and put it in a box? Drum roll, please… Smack Pizza Co.!

The casual and retro interior sets you up for a variety of options to choose from. A fav for the regulars is the ‘Wall Street’ - a classic pizza with garlic, red onion, peppadews, pepperoni, bacon and steak.

Crafted from scratch using locally sourced ingredients and New York pizzaiola techniques, this pizzeria delivers on its authentic taste with a twist.

The establishment’s journey of sampling the best pizza spots in New York and bringing the store concept to Joburg has been a blessing to pizza lovers. The bold graffiti on the walls, games on display and cool specials make the experience even more exceptional. They have branches across Joburg so find one close to you for good pizza and a great experience.