Spectacular Wood Fired Pizza Spot to Try in Tucson, AZ

By Jeremy Schwegmann
ArizonaBest PizzaBlogDestinationsNewsRestaurants

Tucson’s pizza scene has a rising star! 🍕 Penelope Pizza began as a pandemic project when owner Jared Schwartz started experimenting with dough in 2020.

What started as a humble food truck evolved into an award-winning sensation now boasting two locations in the Old Pueblo.

This wood-fired wonder has earned spots on both the prestigious 50 Top Pizza USA list and Yelp’s 100 Best Restaurants of 2025.

Food Highlights

  • Spicy Jim: This fiery favorite combines a 50/50 base with fresh mozzarella, Ezzo pepperoni, and oregano, then kicks things up with chili flakes, parmesan, and basil. The buffalo ranch drizzle finishes this masterpiece with creamy heat.
Spicy Jim with buffalo ranch drizzle Taric
  • Nina: A classic-with-a-twist featuring house red sauce, mozzarella, Ezzo pepperoni, and house sausage. Sweet bell peppers and red onion add fresh crunch while parmesan and oregano bring savory depth. A consistent crowd-pleaser!
  • Tony Bologna: 🤤 Gourmet indulgence starts with garlic oil base and smoked mozzarella blend topped with mortadella. The magic happens with house pistachio pesto, creamy burrata, lemon parm, and chili pistachio dust for extraordinary flavor complexity.
John
  • Figgy Piggy: Sweet meets savory with fig jam spread, fresh mozzarella, and thin-sliced prosciutto. Lemon parm adds brightness while garlic oil-dressed arugula and balsamic drizzle create the perfect finishing touch.
  • Sgt Pepper: Heat-seekers rejoice! Garlic oil base and smoked cheese blend support roasted Anaheim chiles and house sausage. Desert Provisions Hatch green chili salt and Mike’s Hot Honey drizzle deliver sweet-heat perfection.

Atmosphere

Step into Penelope’s beautifully remodeled east side space or cozy downtown location and you’ll find plants galore and open, airy vibes. 🌿

The team operates with unique efficiency – everyone pitches in to ensure excellent service.

Beth

Watch skilled pizzaiolos toss dough into their impressive wood-fired oven while sipping something from their full bar.

The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between casual and special occasion, with music at conversation-friendly levels.

RELATED: 2 Fun & Fantastic Hidden Gems to Check out in Tucson, AZ

Bottom Line

Penelope proves that passion translates to flavor. 🏆 What began as a pandemic project has blossomed into one of America’s most celebrated pizzerias.

Their perfect crust – light, crisp, and chewy – provides the foundation for innovative flavor combinations that keep locals coming back.

Whether you’re a pizza purist or flavor adventurer, Penelope deserves a spot on your Tucson itinerary.

Address: 800 N Kolb Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710 (East side location)
đź“ž (520) 633-5571
🕔 Open Wed-Sun, 3 PM–9 PM (closed Mon-Tue)

Also at: 210 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701 (Downtown inside Cartel Coffee)

  1. https://www.penelopepizza.com
  2. https://www.restaurant.com/locations/penelope-tucson-210-e-broadway-blvd
  3. https://www.mapquest.com/us/arizona/penelope-pizza-659531376
  4. https://thisistucson.com/eat/now-open-this-pizza-truck-just-opened-inside-a-popular-downtown-coffee-shop/article_cbf4d818-1ff9-11ed-844e-9795a611519c.html
  5. https://www.penelopepizza.com/menu
  6. https://www.penelopepizza.com/product/spicy-jim/18
  7. https://www.penelopepizza.com/product/nina/16?si=true
  8. https://www.penelopepizza.com/product/tony-bologna/141
  9. https://www.penelopepizza.com/product/sgt-pepper/