Best Pizza in Lexington KY

Pizza is one of those foods where everyone has strong opinions, and Lexington KY is no exception. The best pizza in Lexington KY ranges from New York style slices you can fold in half to wood-fired Neapolitan pies to deep dish options you need a fork for. I have eaten a concerning amount of pizza in this town, and here are the places that consistently deliver.

Goodfellas Pizzeria

Goodfellas started in Lexington and has become a legitimate success story. The original location in the Distillery District on Manchester Street is still the best. Massive New York style slices, available by the slice or whole pie, with creative daily specials that rotate constantly. The Goodfellas slice is big, foldable, and exactly what you want at 11 PM after a night downtown.

They have expanded to multiple locations including one on South Limestone near UK's campus and spots in other cities, but the Distillery District location has the best atmosphere. Grab a slice, sit outside on the patio, and enjoy the vibe of that neighborhood. It is one of the coolest spots in Lexington.

Rolling Oven

Rolling Oven is a wood-fired pizza operation that started as a food truck and earned enough of a following to open a brick-and-mortar location on National Avenue. Their pizzas are Neapolitan style with a puffy, charred crust and simple, high-quality toppings. The Margherita is outstanding. The seasonal specials are creative and consistently good.

The food truck still operates at events and markets around town, including often at the Lexington Farmers Market. If you see it parked somewhere, stop. It is worth it every time.

Old World Pizza

Old World Pizza on Industry Road has been doing things the same way for decades and that is a compliment. The crust is thin, the sauce is tangy, and the pepperoni cups up when it bakes. It is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter kind of place and the pizza is excellent. This is not the spot for trendy toppings or Instagram-friendly presentation. It is the spot for pizza that tastes like pizza should taste.

The lunch special is one of the better deals in Lexington. Two slices and a drink for a very reasonable price. It fills up at lunchtime, so get there before the noon rush.

Puccini's Smiling Teeth

Puccini's has multiple locations around Lexington and each one is a neighborhood staple. The pizza is good, but what sets Puccini's apart is the overall experience. The pasta is solid, the salads are generous, and the breadsticks are addictive. It is a family-friendly place that does everything competently.

The Tates Creek and Chevy Chase locations are the ones I visit most. If you are looking for a reliable dinner spot in the Chevy Chase neighborhood, Puccini's is always a safe bet.

Other Spots Worth Trying

Pizza Hut on Southland Drive and no, I am not kidding. The local franchisee runs a tight operation and sometimes you just want Pan Pizza. No shame.

Pies and Pints at the Summit at Fritz Farm does interesting specialty pizzas with creative topping combinations. The Grape and Gorgonzola is one of those things that sounds strange and works beautifully.

Bluegrass Pizza and Pub on Woodland Avenue near UK is a solid campus-area option with a big menu and late hours.

Pazzo's Pizza Pub on South Limestone is a UK area institution that does good pizza and stays open late on weekends. It is a game day staple.

Pizza by the Slice

If you just want a quick slice, Goodfellas is the clear winner. Their locations are spread around town and the slices are large enough to count as a meal. For a full sit-down pizza dinner, Rolling Oven is my top pick. For a nostalgic, old-school experience, Old World Pizza every time.

Check out our restaurant rankings for more dining options across Lexington. The Lexington Herald-Leader also reviews new pizza spots as they open.

My Take

Lexington's pizza scene is strong and getting stronger. The city does not have the deep pizza culture of a Chicago or New Haven, but it does not need to. We have our own thing going on. Goodfellas is as Lexington as it gets, Rolling Oven would hold up in any city, and Old World is the kind of neighborhood shop that every city needs. Get out there and eat some pizza.