Arizona is home to two of the top 50 pizza parlors in the United States, according to a recent list published by 50 Top Pizzas.
Scottsdale’s Craft 64 ranked 29th on the list, while Penelope Pizza in Tucson clocked in at No. 41 on 50TP’s list of 54 pizza joints (four placements have two options tied).
The top choice on the list was Una Pizza Napoletana in New York. The state famed for its pizza culture boasts three of the top 10 choices on the list.
Why are Craft 64, Penelope Pizza among the top pizza parlors in Arizona?
Craft 64 has a Chandler location, but 50TP noted it’s the Scottsdale location near Indian School Road and Goldwater Boulevard that takes their cake.
The eatery is known for its wood-fired pie combined with craft brewery services. It fell a few spots on the list after coming in at 26th in 2025.
As for the pizza, 50TP writes:
The pizza is thin, hearty, cooked in a wood-fired oven and designed to hold up generous toppings without losing balance. The dough pairs well with local ingredients and homemade mozzarella, one of the project’s identity elements.
Penelope Pizza strives to encapsulate local flavors while staying true to the traditions of the Italian craft. Four of the five pizzas listed as a house favorite on its menu include jalapeños or hot honey drizzle to keep the heat on.
Its friendly and inviting environment make the option special, as 50TP notes:
The two visible ovens, separated from the dining room by a glass partition, allow guests to watch the pizza-making process and enhance the transparency of the project. The service is one of the strong points: friendly, knowledgeable, engaging, with staff who are well-versed in the history of the establishment since its pop-up years.
Among the pizzas, the Bubba stands out for its balance of garlic oil, pickled green onions, artichokes, mozzarella, arugula, ricotta and lemon cheese. The OTC is more indulgent, with red sauce, Ezzo cup & char pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, hot honey and ricotta. The dough has good flavor, a soft crumb and a pleasant crispiness.
