Top Pizza In St. Louis

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 17, 2014 7:00 am EST

Whether your favorite is deep dish, thin and crispy, hand-tossed or what St. Louis natives call, "The square beyond compare," everyone has their favorite pizza. Like St. Louis, some cities are even known for a specific kind of pizza. Ask some, and they will say that local pizza is described as a thin pizza covered in the "Goo from the Lou," also known as melted Provel cheese. Ask others, and they will tell you that nothing compares to a deep dish. Whether the place is family owned or a local franchise that started right here in your own hometown, pizza is on the menu. Discover the very best pizza in St. Louis at these top pizza restaurant favorites.

Elicia's Pizza
6656 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 351-6111
www.elicias.com

Serving the St. Louis area for more than 30 years, this small yellow-awning storefront is the place where delicious pizza is crafted. This family-owned pizza restaurant strives to keep the ingredients fresh and makes its own dough and sauces daily. Every pizza is made to order from a small nine-inch cheese to a chicken cordon bleu or a pro or anti-vegi extra large,16-inch delight. Stop in for pick up, or have it delivered.

Stefanina's Pizzeria and Restaurant
8645 Veterans Memorial Parkway
O'Fallon, MO 63366
(636) 272-3499
www.facebook.com/Stefaninas-Pizzeria

Enjoy St. Louis-style pizza made with Provel cheese inside the restaurant or as a carry out. Ask for Stef's special which is topped with onion, bacon, pepperoni, mushroom, black olive, green peppers, hamburger and sausage. Or, satisfy your appetite with a BBQ chicken, bacon cheeseburger, taco or no-meat vegetable pizza. Feast on enough to share with the entire family when you order an extra large, 20-inch pizza.

Fortel's Pizza Den
7932 Mackenzie Road
St. Louis, MO 63123
(314) 353-2360
www.fortelspizzaden.com

Now in the third generation of mom and pop pizzeria ownership, this place is a hometown favorite. Choose from the classics, or build your own pizza with your choice of pesto, southwest, BBQ, white, gravy or traditional pizza sauce. Select more of a local favorite by ordering a meatball sandwich or toasted ravioli on the side. Enjoy an 80-seat dining room, take-out or carry-out along with the choice of gluten-free pizza at this Affton location.

Imo's Pizza
904 S. 4th St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 221-4667
www.imospizza.com

Started by a husband and wife who opened their first store in the Shaw neighborhood simply because they just wanted someone to deliver a pizza to their door, this hometown pizzeria has become a huge favorite. St. Louis locals know that "The Square Beyond Compare" is talking about a flat-bread, thin-style pizza topped with melted Provel cheese, also known as "The Goo from the Lou." The pizzas are still round, but they are cut in squares instead of triangles. Whether you choose to dine in or call for delivery, either way, be sure to order a side of toasted ravioli just to make the St. Louis treat complete.

Racanelli's
12 S. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-7866
www.racanellis.com

John Racanelli brought the taste of his family's childhood New York pizzeria to St. Louis where he opened his very first area restaurant in University City. He and his staff, which he considers to be like family, serve the freshest brick-oven pizzas to hungry customers. Try a meatball parmigiana pizza, choose a healthy veggie deluxe or go all out with the Bronx bomber that includes 11 ingredients covered with mozzarella cheese. Whichever toppings you decide on, choose from pizzas that go all the way up to 18 inches in diameter to share with friends and family.

Tere Scott is a freelance writer and author of e-books and two educational blogs. She loves to research information to share. She currently resides in St. Louis. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.