21 Best Pizza Restaurants in Iowa City

“Had a great experience at Graze! The food was excellent, but Anna really made the experience stand out. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was taken care of throughout the meal. Great service and a great atmosphere overall. I’ll definitely be back!“

“Pagliai’s Pizza is the kind of place that reminds you why the best dining experiences are often the simplest. Tucked away in Iowa City, this unassuming neighborhood institution feels like a hidden treasure — and after our first visit, the only disappointment was realizing it took us four years, and the eve of graduation, to finally discover it. What makes Pagliai’s even more remarkable is its history. Serving Iowa City since 1957, the restaurant has spent decades perfecting the art of traditional pizza-making, and that experience is evident in every detail. In an era where restaurants constantly chase trends, Pagliai’s has endured by staying true to what it does best. From the moment you walk in, Pagliai’s embraces an old-school charm that feels increasingly rare. The dining room is cozy and inviting, filled with classic booths and intimate tables that create the perfect atmosphere for an authentic pizza night. There’s no unnecessary flash here — just a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and executes it beautifully. The menu follows the same philosophy of simplicity done right. Beer, wine, and soda accompany what is unquestionably the star of the show: the pizza. Offered in both original crust and double dough, the pies arrive perfectly crafted and unapologetically delicious. We ordered two large original crust pizzas, and every slice passed the ultimate “flop test” with flying colors — crisp enough to hold its shape, yet still perfectly tender with each bite. What makes Pagliai’s so memorable is its confidence in tradition. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are balanced, and the experience feels refreshingly genuine. Add in prices that are remarkably reasonable, and it becomes clear why this Iowa City staple has thrived for nearly seven decades. Whether you’re a longtime Iowa City resident or simply passing through, Pagliai’s Pizza is a must-visit destination — a timeless pizza parlor that quietly delivers one of the best meals in town.“

“We tried this Restaurant out for the first time this last Saturday. We did call and get reservation earlier that week though due to UofI graduations. We ordered seven different items off their menu. I have to tell you, they were all great. The farmhouse salad, the Burrata, the pizzas and my favorite, the Seven-Layer Lasagna Bolognese! Well done Maggie’s! A+++++“

“their chicken bacon ranch pizza is fantastic!“

“Ate here for the first time before attending an Iowa basketball game nearby. There were good choices on the menu. I had the spicey Italian meatball grinder with fries. It was good and very filling. Prices seemed reasonable. The place was noisy so it was hard to socialize with my friends. Otherwise, a good place to eat and would go there again if in town.“

“Always great pizza, every time. Long time customer (decades by now) !“

“What a way to have a tasty pizza! Pick your ingredients, choose your crust and there you go, exactly like you want it, If you warm up the oven before you leave, your pizza will be ready in about 10 minutes. Perfect. We like to order the large size so we can get several meals out one.“

“***UPDATE***
The garden pasta with fettuccine noodles instead of spaghetti noodles is amazing!
Also, it was finally comfy enough to sit outside for supper this evening!
Can't give higher than the 5 🌟 but if I could, I certainly would!
This restaurant never fails to get it right!
Butternut Squash Ravioli -- MUST HAVE! I tried it on my first visit to Iowa City in 2019 and was hooked. Went back for the first time since, ordered it again, and they knocked it out of the park! It is so good, so creamy and nutty, with just the right amount of mushroom ratio!“

“Rachel is amazing. Entire place is great vibes.“

“I came in today. I ordered a burger. it was the tap tap to be exact. I wanted to add bacon on it but there wasn't an option for the bartender to add that when she placed my order. Instead, she went back to the kitchen to check with the cooks to see if it could be an option and they made it happen. such a great way of going above and beyond.“

“we love the chicago pizza alfredo and the Tuscany chicken bread“

“I dined with Gumby's for years until I left Iowa City and you can't beat them- we miss them a lot!“

“I wish I found this place earlier in my stay in Iowa city. this place is a great value! will definitely be trying more when in the area.“

“10000% recommend picking up the food. Always have problems when delivered. Unfortunately they are now blacklisted by me. But i enjoy the food but cant go pick it up. I’ve been a customer for about 10+ years and highly recommend the Ben’s Other pizza. Very good! Very balanced for price, quality, and value. Just Do not get delivery. In my opinion, obviously.“

“The pizza was delicious! Generous toppings, great flavor crust and sauce, although the crust was a little tough. The small indoor seating area is just a courtesy as carryout is their main business, but it was a lovely afternoon, so we sat at their little outdoor seating area. Very friendly, speed-o-light service too.

Vegetarian options: The veggie pizza includes a diverse and generous selection of toppings.“

“Tammy and Lisa were exceptional. Lisa was very helpful and made our pizza. She was fantastic and very courteous. Lisa was exceptionally helpful and kind as well. Food and service was fantastic. This has always been my go to pizza ranch for many many years as well as when I was on the job. Shout out to Lisa and Tammy.“

“Never disappointed! Consistently great pizza!!“

“we ate here for the first time on Tuesday and the service was phenomenal! your server, Kate, needs a raise or promotion because she was outstanding! very friendly and engaged. we will definitely be back!“

“Overall I'm always a big fan of Domino's service and quality. This location had my number to text updates but I still didn't know when my pizza was ready. I checked and it was sitting there for 11 minutes. The quality was fine. I would return if I'm ever in the area again.“

“There pepperoni pizza is delicious“

“They usually get everything right. I'd give 5 stars, but I got charged twice for one order.“