Top Creative Pizza Spots In Philadelphia

Pizza preferences are a matter of taste, and there is no such thing as one pizza fits all. But within the last decade, there has been a growth spurt of creative and artistic gourmet pizza choices, as well as in the variety of brick versus wood-fired versus gas or electric ovens cooking up pies. Read on for some of the most creative pizza joints in Philly and bite into something truly special.

Pizza Brain
2311-2313 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, Pa.
(215) 291-2965
www.pizzabrain.org

It's a pizzeria and the nation's only pizza museum. In our opinion, it doesn't get any more creative thank Fishtown's Pizza Brain. Opened by Brian Dwyer and crew back in September 2012, this pizza mecca boasts pizza-themed comics, toys and art, as well as some pretty creative pies. For a really out there treat, try the "Frankford Avenue Taco," a slice of pizza topped with three small scoops of Little Baby's (which coincidentally shares a storefront) pizza-flavored ice cream. Bonus: Pizza Brain delivers day or night (but it's cash only!).

Pizzeria Stella
420 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 320-8000
www.pizzeriastella.net

A casual atmosphere and excellent menu make Stephen Starr's Headhouse Square Pizzeria Stella a neighborhood favorite. The menu of wood-oven pizzas includes piccante with capicola, aged provolone, tomato sauces and crushed red pepper and quattro formaggi, featuring provolone, scamorza, mozzarella and parmesan with tomato sauce. Other choices include zucchini, mushroom, pistachio, San Daniele, porchetta, clam and more.

Related: Top Bars For Foodies In Philadelphia

13th Street Gourmet Pizza
209 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-4453
www.13streetpizza.comPasta, wings, subs, salads and pizza are some of the items on the menu at 13th Street Gourmet Pizza, and the shop provides delivery and online services. Create a Neopolitan pizza, made with hand-tossed thin crust, your choice of cheese and various toppings. Or try a cheese rosemary focaccia pizza, with thick square crust, cheese and your choice of toppings. Other options include char-crusted buffalo pizza, margherita pizza, bacon cheddar pizza, char-crusted barbecue pizza and many more.

Zavino Wine Bar Pizzeria
112 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-2400
www.zavino.comLocated in Midtown Village, Zavino Wine Bar Pizzeria is truly an experience in pizza. With windows stretching from floor to ceiling, the beauty of the building is only surpassed by the beauty of its cuisine. All pizzas are made to order and carefully constructed, then cooked at 850-plus degrees Fahrenheit to ensure crunchy crusts and properly melted cheese. Some of the pizza selections include the Joey, Kennett, Diavolo, and rock shrimp. Don't forget to check out the wine list, either.

Birra
1700 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 324-3127
www.birraphilly.comHandmade with fresh ingredients, a pizza at Birra is part genius and part art. Aside from its excellent selection of craft beers, the restaurant offers a full menu featuring pasta, salads, small plates and panini, but the star of the show is the pizza. All of the pies are about one-foot across and are made with new world, two-day thin crust. Choose from red pizzas, such as the Gabagol, Three Little Pigs or Puttanesca; or try white pizza, such as the roasted duck with truffle, pear and gruyere and porchetta.

Penny's Pizza
68 W. Ridge Pike
Limerick, PA 19468
(610) 489-3636
www.gotcornmeal.comEven if pizza was illegal, this "pizza speakeasy" known for its cornmeal-dusted crust would still be an area favorite. As with speakeasies of the past, customers must enter the restaurant through a hidden back door. And while the restaurant features calzones, stromboli, lasagna, spinach rolls and more, its menu puts the spotlight on pizza with white, Hawaiian, meat and veggie pies. Featuring sweet-tart red sauce and a white sauce made with ricotta tucked under a layer of mozzarella, Penny's pizzas were named among Philly's Favorite 50 by Philadelphia Magazine.Related: Top Sunday Nightlife Events In Philadelphia

 Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.