Louisville may not have its own definitive pizza style, but local restaurants have lots to offer when it comes to different kinds of pie. Whether you’re into the thin crusts of Neapolitan-style ‘za or the deep-dish gooiness of Chicago pizza, Derby City’s got you covered. Here are five of our favorite spots to snag a slice or two.
bar Vetti
727 E. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 883-3331
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This NuLu restaurant has a lot to offer, like housemade pasta dishes crafted with local veggies and meat, unique brunch options, and Italian-style desserts. But don’t sleep on the pizza options! Seven choices are available, including a vegetarian Margherita and Fancy Pepperoni, made with pepperoni from Louisville’s own Red Hog.
We’ve been longtime fans of the Mushroom pizza, made with mascarpone, caramelized onions, kale, taleggio, Calabrian chili, and parmesan. But we especially love bar Vetti’s newest pizza offering: the Bacon and Brussels pie, made with Broadbent bacon, Brussels sprouts, fermented Fresno chili sauce, mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan. Don’t forget to order a side of spicy Calabrian aioli for dipping.
Bar Vetti serves up several pizza options, including fan favorites like the Fancy Pepperoni. Image: Facebook
Jake & Elwood’s
2230 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY 40206 • (502) 690-2167
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; closed Monday
Neighborhood sports bar and pizza joint Jake & Elwood’s brings a taste of Louisville to Chicago by way of “sammiches,” dogs, and of course, Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas. Guests can build their pie by choosing from more than two dozen toppings for a small pizza serving up to four people or a large one accommodating five to eight.
There are also eight pre-set flavor combos, including two vegetarian options. We like The Stockyards. Made with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ground beef; it’s a meat lover’s dream. For a veggie option, try The MAG Mile, which boasts fresh mozzarella, basil, roasted tomatoes, grated parmesan, pesto, and a balsamic glaze. Just don’t call it ‘plant-based,’ as owner John Thurston ensures his chef doesn’t skimp on the cheese. He says the 14-inch pies are filled with two-and-a-half pounds of gooey goodness.
Jake & Elwood’s brings a taste of Chicago to Louisville. Image: Jake & Elwood’s
MozzaPi
12102 La Grange Rd., Louisville KY 40223 • (502) 890-4832
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Multiple Louisville eateries are serving up wood-fired pies, but MozzaPi is the only place in town that mills its own flour for pizza dough. Owner Tom Edwards is both a pizza maker and woodworker, and guests can experience his craftsmanship in more ways than one at his Anchorage restaurant. He built the space himself, and the finished-wood interior (which features salvaged maple, cherry, and walnut timber) enhances the pizza-eating experience.
If you’re craving something a bit more traditional, we suggest the Famous Spicy Giardiniera, made with red sauce, shredded mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, pickled red peppers, onions, serrano peppers, and celery. For a fun flavor twist, try the Thai pizza. Crafted with Mongolian fire oil, shredded mozzarella, Monterrey jack cheese, and Tom’s Thai chicken marinade, this unique pizza is finished with bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, shredded carrot, chopped cashews, and sweet chili sauce.
SB Tip: You can also get your hands on MozzPi pizza at TEN 20 Craft Brewery in the Highlands and Butchertown — just keep in mind that available pies vary by location.
The MozzaPi menu features a variety of wood-fired pies, including the Thai pizza made with sweet chili sauce. Image: Facebook
Noble Hearth Craft Pizza
922 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY 40203 • (502) 755-2739
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 to 8 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
On the right-hand side of Noble Funk Brewing Company’s 27,000-square-foot space sits Noble Hearth Craft Pizza, the brewery’s craft pizza concept that offers pies, salads, and appetizers. Owned by husband-and-wife team Jonathan and Dominique Shrader, Noble Hearth offers a variety of pizzas that all boast the same base: a housemade dough and four-cheese blend of mozzarella, provolone, asiago, and Romano. Each pie is then created to pair perfectly with a Noble Funk brew.
Build your own pizza with one sauce, one cheese, and up to four toppings, opt for a classic cheese, pepperoni, or sausage pie, or try one of five signature pizzas. The Date Night (made with dates, spinach, bacon, red onions, and a sriracha aioli drizzle) is an especially popular pick.
The Beef Stroganoff pie at Noble Hearth Craft Pizza boasts a mushroom gravy base, a four-cheese blend, beef, mushrooms, red onions, and a green onion garnish. Image: Noble Funk Brewing Company
Pizza Lupo
1540 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, KY, 40206 • (502) 409-8440
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Created by the members of the indie rock band Murder by Death, Butchertown restaurant Pizza Lupo serves handmade pasta and natural wines. But the eatery is best known for having the best pizza in town — some have even compared it to those found in Italy! Lupo specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan pies that boast puffy crusts and are topped with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Menu offerings change based on seasonally available produce, but there are typically a dozen or so pies available at any given time, including vegetarian and vegan options. A fan favorite is the Sting Like a Bee, named for Derby City’s own Muhammad Ali. The pie features Detroit-style pepperoni cups, milled organic San Marzano tomatoes, house hot honey, fresh or aged mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
The Pizza Lupo crew serves wood-fired Neapolitan sourdough pizza seven days a week. Image: Facebook
Bon appétit, Louisville!
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