Ok, everyone knows there are hundreds of great pizza spots all across Alabama, but, three standouts redefine what a pie can be.
Let’s have a look at three of the best in Alabama.
Capella Pizzeria
Birmingham’s Capella Pizzeria fires up more than just pizza—it delivers a slice of Italy with every bite.
Wood-fired at 800 degrees in ovens imported from Naples, their pies boast thin, airy crusts with just the right char.
Fresh ingredients, from San Marzano tomatoes to buffalo mozzarella, make each creation a flavor bomb.
Add a lively atmosphere with soccer on TV and gelato for dessert, and you’ve got a spot that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Food Highlights
- Margherita: A classic with tangy San Marzano sauce, fresh basil, and creamy buffalo mozzarella. A minimalist masterpiece.
- Siena: Pepperoni meets fresh garlic and basil on this crowd-pleaser. Reviewers call it “the best pepperoni they’ve ever had.”
- Diavola: Spicy salami and Calabrian peppers bring the heat. Perfect for thrill-seekers craving a fiery kick.
- Cortona: Sweet red peppers, ham, and artichokes create a savory-sweet balance. Topped with truffle oil for extra luxury.
- Meat Busters: Sausage, pepperoni, and ham unite in this meat-lover’s dream. “Generous toppings” keep fans coming back.
- Marinara: Vegan-friendly with garlic and basil. Proof that simplicity shines.
Atmosphere
Long communal tables, Italian pop hits, and the crackle of the wood-fired oven set the scene.
No frills, just flavor—though the aroma of fresh dough and imported cheeses feels plenty fancy.
Why It’s One of the Best in Alabama
Capella nails authentic Neapolitan pizza without pretension. Ingredients hail straight from Italy, and the ovens?
Shipped from Naples itself. Regulars rave about the “crispy yet soft” crusts and friendly staff. With a new location in Birmingham’s Uptown district, even Forbes is paying attention.
Address: 4700 US-280 Ste 13, Birmingham, AL 35242
Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar slings award-winning pies with a side of New York swagger in Madison, Alabama.
Owned by world-champion pizzaiolo Joe Carlucci, this spot blends bold flavors, inventive combinations, and dough crafted through a slow-fermentation process.
Diners rave about its cozy, family-friendly vibe and patio seating perfect for Alabama evenings.
Food Highlights
- The Godfather: A carnivore’s dream piled with soppressata, two types of Italian sausage, charred pepperoni, bacon, and meatballs on a red sauce base. Meat lovers call it a flavor explosion.
- The Valentina: Sweet sauce, caramelized onions, peppadew peppers, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil create a bright, tangy masterpiece for lighter appetites.
- 5 Boroughs: Fried goat cheese balls and peppadew peppers atop arugula, served with house-made hot honey. Sweet, spicy, and crispy—this appetizer flies off the menu.
- Burrata & Prosciutto di Parma: Creamy burrata from Naples paired with delicate prosciutto. A luxurious starter that’s Instagram gold.
- The New Yorker: A dessert calzone stuffed with Nutella, chocolate cake, and cannoli cream. Sugar rush guaranteed.
Atmosphere
The restaurant feels like a lively Italian family home, with red-checkered accents, a well-stocked wine bar, and murals celebrating Carlucci’s pizza legacy.
Outdoor seating features string lights, games, and occasional live music.
Why It’s One of the Best in Alabama
Valentina’s boasts Guinness World Records, international pizza titles, and a menu that balances creativity with tradition.
From Detroit-style crusts to gluten-free options, there’s something for every palate. It’s a destination for foodies and casual diners alike.
Address: 25783 Huntsville Brownsferry Rd, Madison, AL 35756
The Ravenite Pizzeria
Fairhope’s pizza scene crackles with energy at The Ravenite Pizzeria, where hand-tossed crusts meet Alabama charm.
This hotspot serves New York-style pies alongside creative Italian-American fare, all crafted with dough made fresh daily and sauces simmered from scratch.
With live music weekends and a full bar boasting craft beers, it’s equal parts dinner destination and late-night hangout.
Food Highlights
- Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Spicy shredded chicken meets melted cheese in a golden pouch, praised for its balance of heat and comfort.
- Stromboli: A rolled masterpiece stuffed with pepperoni, sausage, and veggies – a crowd favorite for its crispy edges and gooey center.
- Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza: Crisp crust loaded with zesty sauce and premium toppings, proving dietary restrictions don’t mean flavor compromises.
- Fried Mushrooms: Beer-battered and golden, these crunchy bites come with ranch dipping sauce for addictive snacking.
- Muffuletta Pizza: A New Orleans-inspired twist featuring olive salad and cured meats atop their signature crust.
Atmosphere
The industrial-chic space buzzs with chatter and clinking glasses, its exposed brick walls adorned with local art.
Families dig into shared pies early evenings, while weekend nights transform the dining room into a 21+ live music venue with bands covering rock and Top 40 hits.
Pro tip: Grab a Boom Boom Pale Ale from their rotating tap list to complete the experience.
Why It’s One of the Best in Alabama
The Ravenite masters both tradition and innovation, offering gluten-free and vegan options without sacrificing indulgence.
Their commitment to fresh ingredients – like hand-shredded cheeses and house-blended sauces – elevates every dish.
From heaping pasta plates to wings glazed in signature sauces, this spot delivers something for every craving while maintaining a welcoming, unpretentious vibe.
Address: 102 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532