Pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a universal comfort food that sparks intense loyalty, friendly debates, and passionate preferences. Whether you’re a thin-crust purist or a deep-dish devotee, finding the best pizza in your town is both an art and a delicious journey. Here’s how to uncover the top spots for pizza near you and what to look for when evaluating the contenders.
1. Start with Online Reviews—But Read Between the Slices
The internet is a goldmine for food reviews, but it’s essential to approach sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor with a critical eye. Look for recurring patterns in customer feedback: is the crust consistently praised? Do multiple reviewers rave about a particular sauce or topping?
Avoid placing too much weight on a single bad or glowing review. Instead, focus on themes. If dozens of people say the pepperoni pizza is crispy and full of flavor, there’s a good chance it’s worth trying.
2. Check Social Media Buzz
Instagram and Facebook are great platforms to visually scout potential pizza gems. Local food bloggers and influencers often post mouthwatering photos and recommendations. Look at geotags and hashtags like #BestPizzaLebanon or #LebanonEats to find places generating local buzz.
Video reviews on TikTok or YouTube also offer more dynamic insight—watching someone take a bite and react in real time can tell you more than a dozen written reviews.
3. Ask the Locals
Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools. Ask coworkers, neighbors, or people in local Facebook groups where they get their favorite slice. Many small-town pizza joints don’t focus on marketing—they rely on loyal customers to spread the word. The best spot in town may not even have a website, but it might have a line out the door every Friday night.
4. Try a Variety of Styles
The “best” pizza is subjective, and personal preference plays a big role. Do you love a chewy New York-style crust? A cheesy, stuffed-crust Chicago deep dish? Maybe a coal-fired artisan pie with gourmet toppings?
Don’t limit your search to one style. Part of the fun is trying a variety of crusts, sauces, and topping combinations. Keep notes or create a pizza ranking system to track your favorites.
5. Look for Fresh, Quality Ingredients
One of the hallmarks of a great pizza shop is the quality of its ingredients. A tangy homemade tomato sauce, fresh basil, hand-stretched dough, and locally sourced toppings all signal a serious commitment to flavor.
Many top-tier pizzerias proudly display their ingredient sources. If a shop boasts using mozzarella from a local creamery or tomatoes grown just outside town, that’s a great sign.
6. Visit at Different Times
The quality of pizza can vary depending on when you visit. A lunchtime rush may yield a different experience than a relaxed weekday dinner or a late-night slice. Visiting a few times gives you a more well-rounded view of consistency.
Also consider wait times, delivery speed (if applicable), and whether the service matches the quality of the food.
7. Explore Hidden Gems
The best pizza in town isn’t always found in a trendy downtown location. Sometimes it’s tucked into a gas station corner, hidden in a strip mall, or run out of a family’s converted garage.
These hidden gems often have incredible food and loyal followings. Don’t judge by appearance alone—if the locals are lining up, you might have found a winner.
8. Test the Simplicity
A great way to evaluate a pizza joint is by ordering a basic cheese pizza or Margherita. Without distractions from bold toppings or sauces, you can judge the crust, cheese, and sauce quality on their own merits.
If a place can impress you with simplicity, it’s a good indicator that their more elaborate creations are worth exploring.
9. Don’t Forget Takeout and Delivery
While dine-in experience adds ambiance, pizza is also about convenience. Evaluate how well a pizza joint handles delivery or takeout. Does the pizza arrive hot and fresh? Is the box soggy or crisp?
A great pizza place should travel well and still deliver an enjoyable experience in the comfort of your home.
10. Join Local Food Events
Many towns have local food festivals, pizza competitions, or community tasting events. These gatherings give you the chance to sample slices from multiple vendors in one place.
It’s also a fun way to support local businesses and maybe even discover an up-and-coming pizza maker who’s just starting to make waves.
11. Make It a Journey
Finding the best pizza in town is a delicious adventure. Involve your friends or family, create a weekly “Pizza Night” challenge, and rank the pizzas together. Share your reviews online, support your favorites, and encourage others to do the same.
Whether your ideal pizza Lebanon comes from a wood-fired oven, a brick-lined hole-in-the-wall, or a sleek modern bistro, there’s no better reward than finding that perfect slice in your own town.