Columbus takes pizza seriously. Square-cut, edge-to-edge toppings, a cracker-thin crust—it’s a regional identity. October is officially National Pizza Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Ohio’s capital.
Now’s the time to map out your pizza agenda, check in with old favorites, and earn rewards along the way on the Columbus-Style Pizza Trail. It doesn’t matter if you’re a purist who sticks to cheese or a fan of overloaded toppings. October in Columbus is the perfect excuse to dig in and enjoy.
Source: Donatos Pizza
What Makes Columbus-Style Pizza Different?
If you’ve never had Columbus-style pizza, think of it as the opposite of a New York slice. Instead of a wide, foldable wedge with a chewy crust and minimal toppings, Columbus pies are cut into small squares (also known as “party cut”), built on an ultra-thin, cracker-like base, and topped edge-to-edge with tomato sauce, plenty of cheese, and finely chopped toppings. It’s a pizza designed for sharing.
During the 20th century, these traditions were passed down across generations, refined, and reinterpreted in mom-and-pop shops across the city. Thankfully, many of these old-school joints continue to operate today, keeping Columbus-style pizza alive and thriving!
Traits of Columbus-Style Pizza Dough: 101
-
Thin, Cracker-like Crust: The dough is rolled very thin, often with a rolling pin, rather than by hand-tossing. This gives it a uniformly thin, crisp texture, especially on the edges!
-
No Dough Rise: Unlike other styles, Columbus pizza dough generally goes straight from mixing to rolling and into the oven, which contributes to its dense, almost biscuit-like texture.
-
Cornmeal or Flour Dusting: Some spots use a dusting of cornmeal or semolina to give the base extra crunch, though this varies shop to shop.
-
Neutral and Savory Dough: Columbus pizza dough is clean and simple, meant to carry the cheese and toppings without competing with them. Expect flavors to be mild and savory.
Celebrate the Columbus Pizza Trail All October Long!
To make the most of National Pizza Month, sign up for the Columbus-Style Pizza Trail digital pass, which rewards you for checking in at participating pizzerias across the city and suburbs. After visiting five locations, you’ll get a free Pizza Trail T-shirt. Hit all 20+ spots? There’s a full reward pack with even more merch and bragging rights.
Beyond eating your way across the city, the trail is also its unique excuse to explore Columbus’s different neighborhoods and districts, one slice at a time!
Rubino's Pizza in Bexley. Source: Stewart Blake for Experience Columbus.
Must-Try Columbus-Style Pizzerias
There’s no right or wrong way to work your way through the pizza trail, but here are a few starting points if you want to make the most of October (some on the trail, others just classic spots worth digging into):
-
Donatos Pizza: A Columbus original since 1963, Donatos is known for its signature edge-to-edge toppings and thin, crispy crust. You’ll find locations citywide, but the original spot on Thurman Ave still holds the most charm.
-
TAT Ristorante di Famiglia: Family-owned since 1929, TAT is one of the oldest continuously operating pizzerias in Columbus. Their square-cut pies come loaded with nostalgia and heritage, and offer a taste of what the first versions of Columbus-style ‘za looked like generations ago!
-
Rubino’s Pizza: Operating out of a modest storefront in Bexley since 1954, Rubino’s is a must for lovers of ultra-thin crust and no-frills tradition. In keeping with its old-school vibes, it’s cash-only but worth every penny.
-
Tommy’s Pizza: A campus-area favorite since 1952, Tommy’s delivers crisp crusts, edge-to-edge toppings, and a textbook example of Columbus-style done right.
-
Gatto’s Pizza: A West Side pizzeria with a loyal following. Their sausage and mushroom is probably the most well-known, and definitely does this classic combo plenty of justice.
Source: Yellow Brick Pizza
Beyond the Trail: Deep Dish, Detroit, and More
While October puts Columbus-style in the spotlight, the city’s pizza scene is far from one-sided. If you’re looking to mix things up, Columbus pizzerias have plenty to offer beyond the city’s famous party-cut pies.
Yellow Brick Pizza in Olde Towne East (and Franklinton) serves up Detroit-style deep dish alongside creative toppings like roasted corn or vegan pepperoni. Pizza Cottage, a central Ohio institution, offers hearty pies with thicker crusts, perfect for family outings. Paulie Gee’s Short North elevates the art of Neapolitan-style pies with their perfectly fermented dough cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Make It a Full Month of Pizza in Columbus!
With cooler nights and fewer crowds, October is also one of the best times to explore Columbus, whether you’re walking through the Short North, biking along the Scioto Mile, or browsing local art at the Wexner Center. The Columbus-Style Pizza Trail makes for a perfect companion to your weekend plans.
Pair your slice with a local beer at Sexton’s Pizza inside Parsons North Brewing, or try a pint at Land-Grant or Seventh Son before heading to dinner nearby. On the North Side, grab a square-cut pie from Terita’s, then walk next door for a scoop at Cream & Sugar.
Get Started Now
Ready to earn rewards, support local spots, and taste your way through one of Columbus’s proudest food traditions? Join the Pizza Trail here. With so many different styles across Columbus, finding your favorite might take a few tries (or slices), but it’s well worth the challenge!
