Basil Pizza and Bar
A great place for pizza, beer and some music. Try the Spicy Sicilian: spicy marinara, spicy capicola, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, house cheese blend, feta, and fresh basil
1101 Dunston Ave, Crestline (205) 224-4465
Bettola
The much-loved Italian restaurant that has anchored fine dining at Pepper Place for many years, Bettola does a great pizza among its many other offerings. The classic pepperoni features artisan-cured pepperoni, mozzarella and red sauce.
2930 3rd Ave S., Pepper Place (205) 731-6499 • bettolabhm.com
Bottega Cafe
Frank Stitt’s casual Italian cafe has many extraordinary dishes, but its pizzas are justifiably famous. Try the Fennel Sausage, Pancetta, Mozzarella, Crushed Tomato pizza.
2242 Highland Avenue South, Southside (205) 939-1000 • bottegarestaurant.com
Brixx Wood Fired
Brixx combines creative pizza offerings with beer and wine. Try the Mexican: Black bean spread base with mozzarella and cheddar, wood-roasted chicken, roma tomatoes and sliced fresh jalapeños topped with sour cream.
Patton Creek, Hoover (205) 989-0091 • brixxpizza.com
Dave’s Pizza
A Homewood tradition. Try the Sweet Tang: white crust, sweet and tangy sauce mesquite grilled chicken, chopped bacon, red onion and finished with sharp cheddar cheese.
1819 29th Ave. S. Homewood (205) 871-3283 • davesontheweb.com
Davenport’s
Mountain Brook’s chosen pizza for decades, Davenport’s Pizza Palace remains a favorite, as it has been for half a century. Try Jim’s Special.
2837 Cahaba Rd., Mt. Brook Village (205) 879-8603 • davenportspizza.com
Devinci’s
Another Homewood tradition, DeVinci’s has been slicing pies since 1961. Try The Soprano (in honor of Tony): pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, ham, bacon and double cheese. Or for the especially artful, the Mona Lisa.
2707 18th St S., Homewood • (205) 879-1455
The Filling Station
Right in the heart of Crestwood, The Filling Station features a large patio as well as indoor dining, great pastas and pizzas. Try The Buffalo Shrimp: large Alabama gulf shrimp, crumbled Maytag blue cheese, and caramelized onions drizzled with house buffalo sauce, and served with a side of homemade ranch dressing.
5524 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham (205) 592-3455 • thefillingstationbham.com
La Fresca
A recent addition to Second Avenue dining, La Fresca was opened by Marco Butturini (a long-time employee at Stitt restauarants who struck out on his own with an authentic Italian concept). Try the Diavola: simple perfection with hot salami and chili flake.
2218 2nd Ave. N. Birmingham (205) 593-4241 • lefrescabhm.com
Pizzeria GM
The pizza restaurant from the family that brought you GianMarcos in the Edgewood section of Homewood. This pizza place adheres to the family tradition of great Italian food carefully and lovingly prepared. Try the Italian Sausage: roasted peppers, onion, mozzarella and fennel pollen.
600 Oak Grove Road, West Homewood (205) 905-3266 • pizzeriagm.com
Post Office Pies
This cool outpost for wood-fired pizzas and local craft beer is located in a historic post office, along 41st Street in Avondale (second location in Mt. Brook). Try the Chicken Pesto: pesto base, roasted chicken, aged mozzarella, and Parmesan.
209 41st Street South, Avondale; 270 Rele St., Mt. Brook (205) 599-9900 • postofficepies.com
Slice
Slice Pizza & Brew is as local as you can get, from the ingredients that go into every pizza to the beer on tap. Two locations in Lakeview and Vestavia. Try the Soul Pie: turnip greens, black eyed peas, Conecuh sausage, grilled red onions, bacon, pepper jack and cheddar cheese.
725 29th St. S., Lakeview (205) 557-5423 3104 Timberlake Drive, Vestavia (205) 557-5423 ext.2 • slicebirmingham.com
Tortuga
This pizza restaurant (with locations in Birmingham and Hoover) does a great Chicago deep dish pie. In homage to the Windy City, try the Wrigleyville : smoked sausage, Italian sausage, onions, green bell peppers.
1304 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham (205) 730-9249 • 2801 John Hawkins Pkwy., Hoover (205) 403-9800 • www.tortugaspizza.com
Trattoria Zaza
ZaZa gained popularity for its pizza al taglio, a light, flavorful, rectangular-shaped pizza originated and sold by the slice throughout Rome. Try the Spicy Swineapple: bacon, ham, Calabrian chilies, pineapple, charred onion, tomato, and chili oil.
207 20th Street North, Birmingham (205) 202-6207 • www.zazabham.com
Vecchia
Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato is an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria and market in the heart of the Preserve in Hoover. Try the Polpetta: San Marzano tomato sauce, house-made meatballs, ricotta cheese, oregano, pecorino romano and fior di latte mozzarella.
610 Preserve Pkwy, The Preserve, Hoover (205) 637-3036 • vecchiabirmingham.com
