Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Cola’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 20+ places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Local legends
Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub, Columbia
Enjoy stone-fired pizza made with in-house prepared dough. Pro tip: For the best pie, the restaurant recommends no more than four toppings.
Boho Pizza and Brew, Lexington
Customers rave about the atmosphere, and you can’t go wrong with a crunchy crust, a cheesy, steamy pie, and a cold beer.
Dano’s Pizza, Columbia
While waiting for your local ‘za from this longtime Rosewood favorite, munch on garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, or garlic knots.
LaBrasca’s Pizza, Columbia
Established in 1966, LaBrasca’s Pizza is owned and operated by locals Brett Wilson and Milly Knuckley Wilson. Fun fact: You can order a piece of LaBrasca’s Pizza at the SC State Fair.
Madrigal Cafe, Columbia
Try the Madrigal’s Special Pepperoni, a blend of light, thin crust, creamy San Marzano sauce, topped with pepperoni, juicy mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella for a classic yet unforgettable pizza experience.
Mellow Mushroom, Columbia
The Atlanta-based franchise is a Vista staple, known for its psychedelic decor and stone-baked pizzas. Born from a 1974 dream, this spot upholds a tradition of fresh, high-quality pizzas, and a culture and state of mind that’s distinctively mellow.
Pizza Palace, Columbia
A local favorite on Leesburg Road, this spot serves up classic pies, hot subs, and Greek specialties in a classic, cozy setting. Pro tip: Try it supreme style with the house special pizza.
Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant, Columbia
Fun fact: Villa Tronco is arguably the oldest restaurant in Columbia and “Mama Tronco’’ introduced pizza to the city and gave it away for free when feeding northern soldiers in WWII who were stationed at Fort Jackson + missing tastes of home.
Tony’s Pizzalicious, Cayce
Tony’s Pizzalicious has been around since 1967, and all of its pizzas are made with hand-tossed dough, fresh homemade sauce, and its “special” four-cheese blend.
COLA-style
Cucinella’s Pizzeria & Italian Ice, West Columbia
Cucinella’s offers New York-style crust with a variety of specialty pies along with calzones, strombolis, knots, and more. Pro tip: Try the homemade and hand-scooped Italian ice and gelato for dessert. Can’t decide on a flavor? Try its scoop flight — a mix between four flavors of any Italian Ice or Gelato.
Nick’s House of Pizza Restaurant, West Columbia
The story of Nick’s House of Pizza starts in Greece, where owner Nick Gabriel learned to cook traditional Greek cuisine. In 1998, Nick and his son Andrew brought their love for Greek food to Columbia, opening the original Nick’s House of Pizza, a family-owned and operated restaurant. Read through its story and then order some ‘zas.
Slice of Columbia, Columbia
Choose from several specialty pizzas including the Gamecock Pizza, made with grilled chicken, red onions, jalapeno mozzarella, and barbecue sauce, or the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, made with 100% USDA Ribeye, sautéed onions and peppers, mozzarella, and a cheddar blend.
Village Idiot Pizza, Five Points + Whaley’s Mill
Village Idiot Pizza has been a Five Points staple for over 30 years, founded by a trio of college friends from New Jersey. Current owners Kelly and Brian Glynn, who met at the restaurant, expanded it to two locations and announced plans to franchise.
Fancier fare
DeLucca’s Italian Grill, West Columbia
DeLucca’s is a go-to spot for both pizza lovers and those who prefer other options. If you want pizza, order anything from specialty pizzas, strombolis, and calzones.. Pro tip: No matter what you order, it has a wine to be paired with your meal. Order by the glass or bottle.
Il Giorgione, Columbia
A Devine Street favorite since 2012, Il Giorgione is known for its high-quality ingredients and Italian classics. Known for its focus on quality ingredients and a menu featuring pasta, pizza, and more, it’s a go-to spot for both romantic evenings and family gatherings.
If you can’t take the wheat (gluten-free)
Il Bucato, Columbia
All pizzas at Il Bucato are 16-inch hand-tossed and made with house-made dough. Fun fact: All sauces and toppings are made fresh in-house. Pro tip: Gluten free cauliflower crust is available for all pizzas.
It’s delivery
Blue Pizza SC, Columbia
Known for bringing real New Jersey pizza to Cola, Blue Pizza stands out at night with its bright blue lighting. Pro tip: Feeling munchy at night, but don’t feel like eating an entire ‘za? You can order pizza by the slice + have it delivered.
Eddie’s Calzones, Columbia
Eddie’s Calzones, founded by a New York native, offers fresh, customizable calzones with delivery. It offers over 60 calzone choices + a build-your-own option, making it a great late-night food alternative.
Stoner’s Pizza Joint, Columbia
Nestled in the Arcade Mall, this downtown spot offers handcrafted pizzas, wings, and desserts, making it a go-to spot for those late-night cravings.
Cross-country crusts
Very’s Great Philly Food, Columbia
With its motto “We really Philly” — this Columbia restaurant, established in 1988, offers casual dining with a focus on Philadelphia-style cuisine. The shop pride itself on high-quality ingredients, including rolls and steak meat imported from Philadelphia. Its menu highlights lasagna, pizza, cheesesteak sandwiches, and homemade Italian ice.
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom, The Vista
Can’t wait for your specialty pizza? Dine on Sicilian Pepperoni Pizza Rolls — Chicago Pizza’s signature dough with pepperoni, fresh green onions, and cheese. They’re baked and served with pizza sauce.
Brick oven pizza
By The Fire Pizza, Columbia
Originally a food truck, By The Fire Pizza opened a brick-and-mortar on St. Andrews Road. Try its house-made, slow-cooked sauce, and locally sourced ingredients on its brick oven pizzas. Pro tip: its menu caters to various dietary preferences, including meat lovers and vegans.
Il Focolare Pizzeria, Columbia
Owned by City Grit Hospitality Group and a James Beard Award nominee, Il Focolare Pizzeria makes 13-inch, made-to-order pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Pro tip: If you want something a bit different, order the Potato and Rosemary Pizza, made with white base, whole milk mozzarella, roasted potatoes, and rosemary.
Luca’s Wood Fire Pizza & Restaurant, Northeast Columbia
Luca’s Wood Fire Pizza has been serving up handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas since 1974, offering a cozy spot for classic Italian flavors, fresh ingredients, and a menu featuring everything from specialty pies to pasta and desserts.
Tazza, Columbia
Located in Trenholm Plaza, Tazza’s wood-fired oven ensures a crispy crust. Try the freestyle pizza and choose your favorite three toppings for a personalized experience.
Terra, West Columbia
This popular date night spot serves four elevated wood-fired pizzas, including duck confit and the playful Pimento Cheeseburger pizza, an ode to the local favorite spread.
Za’s on Devine, Columbia
Specializing in wood-fired pizza, Italian-inspired classics, and fresh, hearty salads, Za’s on Devine prides itself on the use of free-range organic chicken and house-made ingredients. Originally established in 1999, the restaurant was revamped under new ownership in 2015.
This is just a slice of what Columbia has to offer. If we missed your favorite pizza spot, let us know so we can highlight it next time.
