Pizza isn’t a one-size-fits all proposition. That’s proven by the sheer number of pizza joints you’ll find across the city of Milwaukee, as well as the diversity in styles.
These days you’ll find everything from classic “Milwaukee style” thin crust and Neapolitan style, pan and deep dish. Some are baked in convection ovens; others are fired at high heat in gas or wood-fired ovens. Some use dough enhanced with sourdough starter. Others rely on a long, cool fermentation process.
As a result, each has its own unique character, which is further enhanced by the flavor of its sauce and the character and combination of its toppings.
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You can learn a great deal about the different styles of pizza in our city (Milwaukee style, Neapolitan, wood-fired and more) by taking a look at our Knead to Know series which features descriptions of each style, videos of each style being made and (the best part) where you can find the pies in the greater Milwaukee area.
1. Deep dish pizza
When you ask for “deep dish” pizza, that’s a loaded question. Are you looking for pan-style pizza? Chicago-style deep dish? Stuffed pizza? Each one is different. Know why? [Read more]
2. Detroit style pizza
Pizzas come in all shapes and sizes. But few are more distinctive than Detroit style, a rectangular pan-style pizza with a distinctive crust and a very specific build. It also relies on a very specific (Wisconsin) cheese to make it work. [Read more]
3. Milwaukee style pizza
Folks have argued that, unlike other cities, Milwaukee doesn’t have its own style of pizza. But we disagree. In fact, thanks to a long and storied history, we’ve got one recipe that both introduced Milwaukeeans to the notion of pizza and made us wildly loyal to our hometown thin crust pies. [Read more]
4. Neapolitan style pizza
Neapolitan pizza, often referred to as the “original pizza”, has a history that dates back over 800 years. Created in Napoli (now known as Naples, Italy), the pizza has a few defining characteristics. It’s also made by VPN certified pizzerias, as well as other spots which emulate the style.. [Read more]
5. New York style pizza
Every pizza technically has roots in Italy. But New York style pizza is a closer relation: a cousin, if you will. But – unlike its cousin – it’s big, saucy and hand-tossed. And yes, there are a number of spots to find it in Milwaukee. [Read more]
6. Pizzas with a style all their own
As humans, we love to categorize things. It’s our brains’ way to simplify a complex world and it helps us to function in our everyday lives, especially when exposed to new experiences. But some pizzas don’t fit neatly into a particular category. [Read more]
7. Wood-fired pizza
Wood-fired ovens have been an integral tool in pizza making since the very first Italian pizzaiolos introduced pizza to the world in the 1700s. For that reason, there are purists who believe that a pizza isn’t “true pizza” unless it’s baked in a wood-fired oven. Suffice it to say, wood-fired pies are distinctive, hand-crafted works of edible art. [Read more]
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
