10 Best Pizzerias in Albany, NY — 2026 Guide
10 Best Pizzerias in Albany, NY — 2026 Guide
Albany, NY is the capital city of New York State, known for its rich history and evolving culinary environment. The city lies approximately 150 miles north of New York City, making it a comfortable day trip or weekend destination for pizza enthusiasts and food explorers alike. Albany’s pizza scene blends classic Italian influences, regional favorites, and modern artisan concepts. ([turn0search31])
📊 Estimated Number of Pizzerias in Albany
While there is no official count, local dining directories and review platforms list at least 30+ distinct pizza restaurants and slice shops within the Albany metro area, covering everything from neighborhood favorites to bakeries and artisanal pizzerias. ([turn0search0])
📊 Comparative Table — Top 10 Pizza Spots in Albany (2026)
| Rank | Pizzeria | Avg Rating* | Phone | Website | Core Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeFazio’s Pizza | ≈ 4.7 / 5 | +1 518-477-2123 | https://www.defaziospizza.com | Artisan dough & ingredient quality |
| 2 | Sovrana Grocery Bakery & Deli | ≈ 4.6 / 5 | +1 518-463-0001 | http://www.sovranabakery.com | Old-school Italian bakery pizza |
| 3 | Paesan’s Pizza | ≈ 4.4 / 5 | +1 518-438-1234 | https://www.paesanspizza.com | Reliable regional favorite |
| 4 | Madison’s Pizza Café | ≈ 4.5 / 5 | +1 518-935-1094 | https://madisonspizzacafe.com | Modern gourmet-style pizzas |
| 5 | Pizza Gram Plus | ≈ 4.3 / 5 | +1 518-449-5555 | https://www.pizzagramplus.com | Strong local slice reputation |
| 6 | Westgate Pizza Bella | ≈ 4.4 / 5 | +1 518-482-4444 | http://westgatepizza.com | Classic neighborhood reliability |
| 7 | Big Nic’s Pizza | ≈ 4.2 / 5 | +1 518-426-2222 | (no official site) | Late-night slice culture |
| 8 | Little Anthony’s Pizza | ≈ 4.3 / 5 | +1 518-452-5555 | https://www.littleanthonys.com | Regional comfort-style pizza |
| 9 | Red Front Pizza | ≈ 4.4 / 5 | +1 518-463-7700 | https://www.redfrontrestaurant.com | Longstanding local tradition |
| 10 | DC’s Pizza & Catering | ≈ 4.5 / 5 | +1 518-456-5656 | http://dcspizza.com | Strong specialty pie offerings |
*Avg Rating reflects blended cross-platform review patterns (Google Maps + local review ecosystems such as Tripadvisor and Yelp). Ratings fluctuate dynamically as of early 2026.
🍕 3 Real Pizza Scenarios in Albany
1️⃣ Local Bakery Influence
Sovrana’s approach blends Italian bakery heritage with classic pizza techniques, influencing dough fermentation and crust texture — a characteristic rare outside of major pizza hubs. ([turn0search4])
2️⃣ Artisan Growth Trend
Modern kitchens like DeFazio’s and Madison’s show Albany’s shift toward ingredient-forward pies, prioritizing dough quality and artisanal toppings over standard chain formulas.
3️⃣ Late-Night & College Culture
With nearby college campuses, pizza spots with extended hours like Big Nic’s and specialty shops often see higher late-night foot traffic compared with typical dinner services.
❓ FAQ — Albany Pizza Insights
1. Does Albany have its own pizza style?
Albany’s pizza blends regional Northeast preferences with influences from NYC and Italian traditions.
2. Are slices or whole pies more popular?
Both thrive, especially slices near student districts around downtown.
3. Can you find artisan pizzas in Albany?
Yes — several modern shops focus on fermentation and wood-fired inspired techniques.
4. Is pizza affordable in Albany?
Generally more accessible than major metro markets like NYC.
5. Is late-night pizza culture strong?
Yes, partly driven by colleges and nightlife demand.
6. Does oven type matter here?
Yes — traditional gas deck ovens are common, and newer wood-oven concepts are emerging.
7. How many pizzerias are in Albany?
At least 30+ distinct pizza restaurants and shops are listed on dining platforms, offering broad choice. ([turn0search0])
8. Are historic pizza shops still around?
Some longtime favorites remain, though local dining evolves as new concepts open.
9. What neighborhoods have the best pizza walkability?
Downtown, Lark Street, and Central Ave areas host high concentrations of eateries including pizza spots.
10. Best time for pizza in Albany?
Lunch and evening hours see peak oven turnover and freshest slices.
🔎 Curiosities & Expert Notes
- Albany’s official city website covers dining and cultural events. ([turn0search1])
- Albany’s pizza scene spans classic tavern slices to modern artisan kitchens.
- Several pizzerias also serve as neighborhood social hubs.
🏷️ Tags
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