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When searching for the perfect slice, it’s easy to get misled by the usual “Top 3 XYZ” lists you’ll find on larger sites. While I won’t say that my opinion is the end-all, be-all of pizza fact, I can say that you won’t find me highlighting massive chains. In fact, every joint on this list has something that sets it apart (hence being the best pizza in Carytown, Richmond) while keeping things local.
Whether you want something classic, like an old-fashioned New York slice, or something a bit more unique, there’s a spot here for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s break down the best pizza joints in Carytown, shall we?
Zorch Pizza is a hometown hero for lovers of a classic NY-style slice. It’s a no-frills joint that’s earned a name for friendly and quick service without being overwhelming or overly fast-paced. While New York pies are the name of the game here, there is a secret item that those in the know, well, know — the Grandma pie.
This mysterious pizza, mentioned as the inspiration for several joints around the country, takes the best parts of a NY pie’s crispy, airy crust and the structure of a Detroit-style pizza. In other words, it’s a square pie with slightly more cheese and sauce than a standard slice, topped with fresh basil, and baked to crunchy perfection.
While the Grandma is (arguably) Zorch’s claim to fame, their standard pies are equally tasty. A crisp, airy crust with a touch of chew is topped with the perfect amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings to allow the classic fold technique without flop or structural issues. In short, Zorch’s Pizza has found the perfect middle ground of flavor, technique, and quality that’s sure to earn your heart after one bite.
Fire & Hops Pizza Co. has doubled down on what is, arguably, the best combination known to man — a tasty craft brew and fantastic pizza. Their tap list is decently-sized, featuring over a dozen craft brews in just about every style one could imagine. While I’d love to continue about the brews, we’re here for one reason; we’re here for pizza!
Fire & Hops delivers on the pizza front (expectedly), serving up thick-crusted baddies with a combination of old-school classics and modern twists. From the peppery, silky prosciutto and arugula pie to their “Fig & Pig” with gorgonzola, balsamic drizzle, fig preserves, and prosciutto, there’s a pie for every palate at Fire & Hops.
Ultimately, this isn’t a joint for the modern aficionado any more than it is for those insistent on tradition; it’s a spot to unwind, relax with friends, and have a damn good slice in the process. They use fresh produce, their dough is top-notch, and the crust is more reminiscent of a classic West Coast pie, making for something a little different in good ol’ Carytown.
The last spot in our list of the best pizza in Carytown is Pupatella. They’re a spot that stands by tradition in a very serious way — proven by the fact that they’re one of a handful of spots in the state that’s certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) as true Neapolitan pizza. Those familiar with the name will know that they’ve grown recently, leading to them having six out of the state’s nine certifications.
While I generally try to avoid multi-location or chain joints, Pupatella deserves recognition for their dedication to the classic style that first earned my heart. Their pies are wood-fired to perfection, topped with only the best produce and dairy, and it shows with every bite. And if you wanted something other than a pie (crazy, but I’ll allow it this once), they have a small list of fried bites, or Friggatoria, straight from Naples.
All in all, whether you’re a white or red pie kinda person, Pupatella is the spot to go in Carytown for authentic Neapolitan pies. Keep in mind that their joint is relatively small, so plan accordingly — but the wait is certainly worth it.
Now, the top three spots in the running for the best pizza in Carytown aren’t the only joints in town. While each spot above has something special in its favor, the pizza shops I cover below aren’t slouches, either. As is tradition in my reviews, I pick two local joints (avoiding chains) to highlight spots that do things right.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the honorable mentions for Carytown, Richmond.
The Hop is another craft brew & pie joint with a damn fine menu that’s comprised of a combination of American and Sicilian-style pies. Whether you want a classic hand-tossed pie, their take on the Grandma pie, or a true-to-form Sicilian pie, The Hop is the place to be. And for the vegans in my audience, you’ll be pleased to know that every pie on the menu can be made entirely vegan with Udderless “cheese” from lil’ old Richmond itself.
In short, once the sun is out, there are few places that are better to be than sitting at The Hop with a beer and slice.
Piccola is reminiscent of many pizza joints I’ve entered throughout my life. A standard storefront and mom & pop interior, often with whatever game is currently up on the big screen, and little else. But what sets them apart is their style of pie — a decidedly New York-style pie with a bit of chew and enough structural integrity to stand up to a decent fold.
If you’re a wine person, Piccola has possibly the best list of wines on this list, serving genuine Italian wine in a handful of styles. All in all, Piccola is a solid choice for a quick slice and sit-down with the family.
