9 best pizza places in Edinburgh for New York-style slices and charred Neapolitan creations

If 36 years of loving something qualifies you as an expert, then let it be known that I know a thing or two about pizza. Hot, cold, delivered or dine-in, I’ll have it any way it comes, but preferably it’s fresh from a wood-fired oven, and the cheese pull is so long you have to twirl it round a little to force a break – but I’m really not fussy.

Edinburgh might not be where you’d instinctively head for big old pizza pies, but Scotland’s capital city is doing a pretty stellar job at coming up with the goods. It’s a city full of great food, with its best restaurants a mix of independent fine diners and more casual spots ideal for weeknight dinners, and the pizzeria scene is no different to the wider set. I’ve been eating out in Edinburgh since I was a child, being taken as a treat by my parents when I was wee and slowly transitioning to treating myself as I made my way into adulthood. Now it’s a city I enjoy the spoils of weekly, wandering its streets in search of the very best bites. Below are my picks of tried and tested best pizza in Edinburgh I return to time after time when I find myself in need of a good slice.

The best pizza in Edinburgh

Razzo

Ask most Edinburgh dwellers their favourite pizza spots, and I’m willing to bet nine times out of ten they’re going to say Razzo. This tiny spot on Leith Walk is perennially popular thanks to its molten, Neapolitan-style pizzas, which it fires out at speed to keep its constant stream of hungry diners well fed. I’m a firm believer in getting the basics right, and Razzo nails just that, combining hand-stretched dough with quality ingredients. The Marinara is an absolute classic, but if you prefer a more heavily loaded option then the mortadella combination, made with yellow tomatoes and burrata from Puglia is pretty special (as is the fried mozzarella sandwich as a starter, FYI). Razzo is a takeaway first and foremost, but there are a couple of tables you can book too.

Address: Leith Street, Edinburgh EH1 3AU
Website: razzopizza.co.uk

Dough

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully puffed-up, slightly charred crust on a pizza, and Dough excels at just that. These gorgeous creations are stone-baked for that authentic flavour, a light base and a crisp bottom, and come topped with all kinds of ingredients sourced from Italian suppliers, from San Marzano tomatoes to olives from Abruzzo. There are a couple of white base options, with my favourite coming topped with mini roast potatoes and smoked cheese for something that tastes like a midpoint between tartiflette and a carbonara. For any plant-based pals, there is also a whole vegan menu which doesn’t just give you the regular veggie options with the cheese removed, but instead offers thoughtful combinations, including a truffle mushroom number with vegan cheese.

Address: 172 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BA
Website: doughrosestreet.square.site

Matto

If you value authenticity when it comes to your pizza, Matto does it best. The slowly fermented dough has a slight edge to it, and pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven for that signature smoky hum, which helped earn it the title of the best pizza in Scotland in 2024 at the Deliveroo Awards no less. While the technique might strictly adhere to age-old practices, the toppings are fun and ever-changing with the seasons, seen in combinations like a pumpkin cream base topped with mozzarella, friarielli, gorgonzola, fresh chilli and crispy fried leeks. Starters, salads and sides are all on tap too, if you fancy making a fuller feast of it, and there’s even a dessert pizza dripping with Nutella and pistachio creme for a pudding that will do its best to ignite some childhood joy in you.

Address: 29-33 Newington Road, Edinburgh EH9 1QR
Website: instagram.com/matto.pizza

Civerino's

There’s nothing quite like the experience of getting a Civerino's takeaway and sitting on the beach at Portobello looking out towards the sea, taking in the scene of families playing on the beach, owners walking their dogs and people mad enough to swim in the water, whatever the weather. This is a more American-style offering, with a thinly stretched base and toppings that go as close to the edge of possible, with a structure that is satisfyingly foldable. The team here also takes its quantities of cheese very seriously, which I appreciate, covering the crust in finely grated Parmesan for an extra flavour hit. For deep-pan lovers there’s also a Detroit option, with crisp edges and a doughy centre. The New York-style pizza toppings span classics like ham and mushrooms to twists on bold flavours like chicken schnitzel.

Address: 47-49 Figgate Lane, Edinburgh EH15 1HJ
Website: civerinos.com

Pizza Posto

For those who like their pizza Neapolitan-style, Pizza Posto is a reliable choice in the city centre. The dough is made with a blend of cereals and left to rise slowly for 24-48 hours before being cooked at high heat in clay ovens, giving the bases a soft, light texture and a good crust. The menu covers the classics, from a simple marinara to a margherita, alongside more substantial combinations for when you fancy something a little more indulgent. The Grande Italia, topped with Parma ham, burrata and rocket, is one for those who like their pizza piled high with good things. There are also white-based pizzas, calzones and dessert options, making this a good shout for a casual lunch or an easy-going dinner with a group.

Address: 16 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DH
Website: pizzaposto.co.uk

Pala

If you’re after something a little different from the usual Neapolitan round, Pala is well worth seeking out. Specialising in Roman-style pizza al taglio, this Leith spot from the people behind Twelve Triangles (one of Edinburgh’s best bakeries) serves pizza by the slice, baked until crisp and cut to order. The format makes it ideal for a quick bite, or for picking up a couple of different slices if you can’t settle on just one topping. The menu includes combinations such as potato, pecorino and sun-dried tomato pesto, alongside courgette, feta and roasted cherry tomato for a veggie-friendly option. There are meatier choices, too, including salame piccante with friarielli and ricotta. Add a slice of tiramisu to finish, and you’ve got a rather lovely little pizza stop. It’s worth checking the opening hours before heading over, as the shop operates on selected days of the week.

Address: 7 Jane Street, Edinburgh EH6 5HE
Website: palapizza.co.uk

San Ciro’s

Leith has no shortage of good pizza (or good restaurants, as demonstrated here), and San Ciro’s is another name to have on your radar. This neighbourhood pizzeria on Leith Walk welcomes diners for a relaxed Italian meal, with pizza at the heart of the offering. It’s a good option if you’re looking to make an evening of it rather than simply grabbing a takeaway, with a menu that also includes drinks and other Italian favourites. The restaurant has a laid-back feel that suits a catch-up with friends or a casual midweek dinner, and its location makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring Leith on foot.

Address: 148–150 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5DT
Website: sanciros.com

Sear’s

Sometimes, what you really want is a big old slice of New York-style pizza, and that’s where Sear’s comes in. With its American-inspired approach, this is a good alternative to the city’s many Neapolitan pizzerias, particularly if you’re in the mood for a larger pizza to share or a generous solo slice with plenty of toppings. Sear’s offers 18-inch pizzas for pre-order and collection, making it a handy option for a night in, but its bread and butter lies in its single serves which are heated up on request for diners looking for a quick bite. There are a few high stools gathered around the edges of this trendy joint, but most people choose to take away their spoils on paper plates and enjoy their feed sitting outside the shop or on the grass in The Meadows nearby. A tomato slice starts at £2, while you can get any slice and a soda for £5.50. Not bad in this economy.

Address: 27A Marchmont Road, Edinburgh EH9 1HY
Website: searspizza.com

Pizzeria 1926

For a taste of Naples without leaving Edinburgh, Pizzeria 1926 is a strong contender. The restaurant has been serving Neapolitan pizza in the city since 2016, and its traditional approach puts the focus firmly on quality ingredients and that unmistakable soft, chewy crust. It’s also a member of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organisation dedicated to preserving the traditions of authentic Neapolitan pizza. The atmosphere is laid-back, making it a good choice for a relaxed sit-down meal. It’s also just a short walk from Haymarket station, which makes it easy to reach if you’re coming from out of town. Top picks include a four cheese with honey and hazelnuts and a loaded meat-lover's dream made with salami, meatballs and sausage.

Address: 85 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2AA
Website: pizzeria1926.co.uk