Some things are worth the journey, and when it comes to pizza in Texas, few places inspire the kind of devotion that has folks mapping routes from neighboring counties just to taste what all the fuss is about.
Roma Italian Bistro in Lufkin has become that kind of destination—the spot where authentic Italian pizza near Italian dining meets small-town charm, and where every bite tells a story worth repeating.
The Pizza That Started It All 🍕
Deep in the heart of East Texas, something magical happens when dough meets flame.
The pizza at this local spot isn’t just food—it’s an experience cooked in wood fired oven that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
That pizza with wood fired crust delivers a smokiness and char that no conventional oven can replicate.
The high heat creates those signature leopard spots on the bottom, while the interior stays tender and airy. One bite, and you’ll taste why this has become the benchmark for pizza at local spots across the region.
What Makes This Pizza Different 🔥
The mozzarella is always fresh, melting into creamy pools that stretch when you pull apart a slice.
The rich tomato sauce brings just the right tang to balance the cheese, while pizza topped with fresh basil gets added at the perfect moment.
This isn’t assembly-line production.
Every pizza gets individual attention, creating flavorful pizza served in casual setting that somehow tastes better than places charging twice as much. Customers rave about that “oh my GOSH that crust!!!!!” moment when taking their first bite.
The gluten-free option actually tastes like real pizza, not cardboard masquerading as Italian food.
Beyond the Obvious Choices 🎯
The Meat Lovers brings pepperoni, Canadian bacon, hamburger, and sausage in glorious harmony—the kind of pizza perfect for travel foodie types who want maximum flavor.
The BBQ Chicken offers sweet and tangy goodness with red onion cutting through the richness.
Vegetarians aren’t afterthoughts here.’
The spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes combo creates something even carnivores find themselves ordering.
The Philly Steak stuffed pizza loaded with mixed peppers, onions, and mushrooms is basically a sandwich and a pie having a delicious baby.
Build-your-own options let you play chef with an impressive array of toppings.
Want authentic Italian pizza in Texas with that pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil combination?
Go for it.
Food Highlights
- Build Your Own Pizza – Giant 18″: The canvas for your dreams, available in both regular and gluten-free crusts. This crowd-pleaser is the #1 most-liked item—customize it exactly how you want it.
- Margherita Pizza: Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil come together in this timeless classic. The flavors shine without competing, letting each ingredient’s quality speak for itself.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Tender chicken and red onion in tangy BBQ sauce create a sweet-savory combination that converts skeptics into believers.
- Stuffed Pizza Philly Steak: Mixed peppers, onions, and mushrooms join forces with Philly steak in this hearty stuffed creation. Part pizza, part cheesesteak, all delicious.
- Meat Lovers Pizza: Pepperoni, Canadian bacon, hamburger, and sausage unite for carnivores who believe more is absolutely more.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Canadian bacon and pineapple executed so well that even haters reconsider their stance. The sweet-salty balance just works.
The Complete Italian Experience 🍝
Pizza might be the star, but the pasta dishes showcase that same commitment to quality.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo arrives with grilled chicken over perfectly cooked fettuccine swimming in alfredo sauce so good you might need a spoon for every drop.
Lasagna comes out bubbling hot, layered with beef, ricotta, and mozzarella in generous portions.
The Tour of Italy lets indecisive diners sample classics with half orders of lasagna, cheese ravioli alfredo, and tortellini alla panna.
The Chicken Parmigiana delivers generous portions topped with mozzarella and served over spaghetti.
Eggplant Parmesan proves vegetables can absolutely be the main event with thin layers baked with mozzarella.
The Chicken Murphy brings heat with mushrooms, onions, and jalapeños in vodka sauce that keeps people coming back.
Starting Strong 🥖
Those complimentary bread rolls arrive warm, lightly brushed with butter and garlic—the kind of freebie that sets the tone for everything that follows.
The Cheese Sticks make an excellent appetizer, stretchy and golden with marinara for dunking.
Fried Calamari gets praise for its batter and generous black pepper. Stuffed Mushrooms earn their reputation as excellent appetizer options.
Salads range from simple House options to the Greek version with feta, olives, and red onions.
Atmosphere đźŽ
Walk through the doors, and you’re immediately embraced by warm, inviting vibes that balance casual comfort with just enough elegance to feel special.
The bar area brings energy with its selection of craft cocktails—that smoked old fashioned earns particular praise from cocktail enthusiasts.
Sports fans can catch games while enjoying their meal, making it equally suitable for date nights and casual hangouts with friends.
The patio offers lovely outdoor seating when weather permits, adding another dimension to the experience.
Service consistently gets mentioned in reviews, with servers providing attentive care that makes groups of 14 feel as valued as couples on their first date.
The Road Trip Worthy Factor đźš—
People don’t accidentally end up at Roma Italian Bistro in Lufkin—they seek it out.
One reviewer mentioned specifically going off their route after a Google search and being thankful for that choice.
The comparison to San Diego’s Little Italy isn’t hyperbole—it’s from someone who vacations on the west coast and still ranks this Lufkin spot higher.
It’s about the complete package: quality ingredients, skilled preparation, generous portions, reasonable prices, and service that makes you feel genuinely welcome.
This is pizza in Texas done right.
Value That Makes Sense đź’°
Roma Italian Bistro delivers quality food at fair prices without compromise.
The portions justify the cost—multiple reviews mention having leftovers or portions large enough to share.
Pasta entrees arrive in sizes that constitute a full meal.
The kids’ menu offers real food, not just chicken fingers, with pizzas described as “big” by appreciative parents.
Bottom Line
Why You Should Visit:
- ✨ Wood-fired pizza with fresh ingredients that rivals big-city Italian restaurants
- ✨ Generous portions at reasonable prices that actually deliver value
- ✨ Warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for dates, families, or solo dining
- ✨ Extensive menu beyond pizza featuring authentic pasta and seafood dishes
- ✨ Consistently excellent service that makes every guest feel valued
For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Address: 918 S John Redditt Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904
đź“ž (936) 899-5153
🕔 Open Tue-Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–9 PM (Closed Mon)