[eat] Wichita’s Best Pizza
You might say I’m a bit of a pizza connoisseur. In search of a good culinary challenge last summer, I experimented with different pizza dough recipes, making my own marinara sauce and trying different topping combinations. At this point, I make a pretty mean pie.
Of course, making your own pizza might not be entirely feasible or practical. But that doesn’t mean Pizza Hut or Dominos are your only options. In fact, if you forgo the pizza joints on the list below for either of those, well… I weep for you.
- Knolla’s Pizza (locations citywide) – Knolla’s boasts both New York and Chicago-style pizza, but I don’t think the deep dish is deep enough or the thin crust thin enough to claim either region. So maybe Knolla’s serves up a unique Wichita style of pie instead. Regardless, Knolla’s Pizza is some of the best in the city. I’m partial to the slightly sweet sauce and the fresh toppings. Try the cheesy breadsticks while you’re at it. They’re sinfully good.
- Bartelli’s Pizzeria (10330 W Central Ave) – This is as close to authentic New York pizza as it gets in Wichita, with huge slices that can be folded in half and crust that is simultaneously crunchy and chewy. The ingredients are high quality and the blend of cheeses is a standout. This westside-only restaurant also serves pizza by the slice. If you’re an eastsider, it’s worth the drive.
- AJ’s Sports Grill (3232 N. Rock Road) - Located at the Northrock Lanes bowling alley, this sports bar serves the largest pizza in town – the 29 inch “Superdome.” If you thought bowling alley food only consisted of greasy corn dogs and light beer drafts, think again- AJ’s pizza is surprisingly light and flavorful. You can dine in, order while you’re bowling, or take out. But if you take out the 29 inch pizza, bring a truck. Seriously.
- Il Vicino (College Hill & Bradley Fair) – This small chain offers a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas. Nothing beats sitting on the patio of the College Hill location, people watching while sipping mango iced tea and dining on a perfectly cooked pizza. I’m partial to the Pizza al Pesto (pesto, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts and mozarella). The calzones are also fantastic and enormous.
- River City Brewery (150 N. Mosely St) In the heart of Old Town, this restaurant serves hand-crafted ales and typical American fare, but their pizzas are a highlight. The Formaggio Pizza (homemade white sauce with three cheeses) is a verb [ICT] staff favorite. The Kansan features ground Kansan buffalo, a twist on the typical meat lover’s pizza. Stay for the live music upstairs at Loft 151.
Did your favorite pizza joint make the list? Sound off in the comments.
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I LOVE Knollas! I was really disappointed when Toris went out of business! They had a great pizza pie!
I would have to say that to find the best Pizza crust in wichita, you would need to drive south to Marchello’s. Despite it’s mediocre atmosphere and cafeteriaesk layout, the food at Marchello’s beats Olive Garden by a long shot in authenticity. Marchello’s is a hidden treasure to Wichita on south Broadway. Pizza at this joint has rich, hardy ingredients with a soft chewy dough, along with the most flavorful tomato sauce this side of the Mississippi. Take some time, and visit this wonderful restaurant and don’t forget to tip the waitress.
Oh, Savute’s has AMAZING pizza, and you can’t beat the atmosphere.
There is a new pizza place @ 37th and Rock called California Pizza. It’s really good!
I might go back to River City Brewery now that I know their pizza is good. And trying the pizza at Marchello’s gives me a reason to go back there. Glad you included Bartelli’s.
DeFazio’s is good as a sit down restaurant.
Bar pizza AJ’s is the best!
The best pizza in the area is at The Scheme in Salina.
In Wichita, I’d have to go with Bartelli’s, and don’t forget Talliano’s
Homer! I am from Salina… there’s no place like the Scheme!!!!
I knew Bartelli’s was but I never expected it to be on this list. That’s awesome! I haven’t tried any of the other places but now I have a good list. Thanks!
Knollas is great – they have a cheeseburger pizza and a chili cheese coney pizza for crying out loud. But DeFazio’s pizza not making the list is a travesty of justice.
I’ve enjoyed all my interactions at Pacific Coast Pizza (also at 37th & Rock). They do a good job with creative combos.
Just had pizza at River City today. The Greek. To die for….
In spite of the fact that I worked at the Genesis rock wall with a guy who worked at Knolla’s, I’ve never had their pizza. I like Bartelli’s, but they use canned mushrooms instead of fresh. So skip the mushrooms. Bonus on the location. Love Il Vicino, too.
Shea, how ’bout you open a pizza place?
Funny I keep mentioning Derby on my comments to stuff but Pizza John’s in Derby is great. John himself even works the register from time to time. If you like thin crust pizza, go down south! 208 S. Baltimore!
AJs is the best! And the same pizza is served at The Alley/Back Alley. THE BEST.
This post is SO spot on… Great work
Thanks guys for all of your great suggestions. I’ve added several new spots to my “to try” list. And Jamie, I just may open up a pizza joint next. Who knows? ;)
Only problem with Bartelli’s by the slice is trying to eat it. They take their cheese pizza, add your toppings and heat. Pick it up to eat and all the toppings fall off. My husband usually just order a whole pizza and take the leftovers home. They’re worth it.
AJ’s is great!!!!! And I LOVE Il Vincino pizza but don’t try the pasta . . . it’s TERRIBLE!!!! And yes, I realize this is a article on pizza.
Pacific Coast pizza at 37th/Rock is way up on the list. Better than Knolla’s. AJ’s has to be tops thus far for me, however. Pacific Coast doesn’t have a “veggie lovers” pizza, although they have numerous vegetables options. Making your own at $2/topping is extremely pricey. Therefore, I’ve yet to return.
I LOVE Knolla’s and if we ever order pizza, this is who we call. Wouldn’t even consider the other guys! Knolla’s is a Wichita institution.
I used to work at Piztros, so I love funky flavors on my pizza. Pacific Coast has a thai pizza with peanuts and chicken that is pretty good, but the service there is horrid. If you have a couple of their bloody marys though, you might just be satisfied. Nom nom nom.
Il Vincino’s Bianca — with spicy oil, mushrooms, onions, feta, etc — is killer. OMG I’m getting hungry!
Wasn’t impressed with Knolla’s. RIver City was only so-so last time. They make the best mac-n-chz in town though.
AJ’s is always a CROWD pleaser. Hint: for a crowd. Lots of cheese. Maybe not for sauce lovers.
I’m gonna hunt down these other places… be warned! :)
Savutes #1
Defazios #2
Pacific Coast Pizza tops my list for sure. The Venice Beach is a carnivore’s delight. They also have an excellent veggie pizza called the Los Angeles which is scrumptious.
Knolla’s is our go-to pizza place and has been for an eternity. They’re easy to work with if you’re picky like me (they even did a vegan pizza for me once), relatively cheap and the ingredients are fresh, never greasy.
My husband has a work lunch once a week at River City – JUST for the pizza!
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