The world of pizza is vast, ranging from international giants known for speedy delivery to local favorites focused on unique crusts and flavors.
Whether you are a beginner exploring options or an advanced pizza enthusiast seeking specific qualities, understanding what each major chain offers can help you find your perfect slice.
Drawing on customer insights and company histories, this detailed guide highlights 12 top contenders, celebrated for everything from their unique menus and pricing to their deep-dish specialties and speedy service.
1. Pizza Hut
Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1958 by Dan and Frank Carney, Pizza Hut is an established American restaurant chain and international franchise.
Known globally for its distinct pizza, pasta, and various side dishes, the company operates thousands of locations worldwide as a subsidiary of Yum! Brands.
Many enthusiasts consider Pizza Hut superior to competing pizza places, especially praising recent menu enhancements such as new crust flavors.
The deep-dish and pan pizzas are highlighted as particularly delicious offerings. Beyond pizza, Pizza Hut also receives high praise for its hot wings, noted as “off the charts” quality for a pizza establishment.
Furthermore, loyalty is strong, with one consumer enthusiastically stating, “No one out pizzas the Hut,” and expressing love for their salsa, cheese, and crust.
Although some international fans must default to Pizza Hut when other favorites are unavailable, its quality and range of offerings make it a reliable choice.
2. Papa John’s Pizza
For those seeking a genuine taste of Italy in their pizza experience outside of the country itself, Papa John’s is highly recommended.
The intense loyalty of its fans is demonstrated by the claim that once someone tries Papa John’s, they will never return to Pizza Hut—a statement framed as a genuine challenge.
One individual, who frequently travels to Italy for business in the leather industry and consumes Italian pizza regularly, found Papa John’s to be exceptional during a visit to Dubai Festival City.
This specific experience was cherished as one of the best times of their life, solidifying Papa John’s as their preferred pizza shop.
Unfortunately, despite its popularity, the chain is not available everywhere, such as in Bangladesh, which leaves Pizza Hut as the only local option for some enthusiasts.
For those in central Alabama, however, Papa John’s is a key competitor alongside other major chains.
3. Domino’s Pizza
Established in 1960, Domino’s Pizza, Inc. is a major American pizza restaurant chain headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
By February 2018, the company had cemented its status as the world’s largest pizza seller, based on global retail sales within the United States and internationally.
Many customers feel Domino’s excels in nearly every aspect, pointing to the highly “addicting crust,” the great cheese, and the use of all-natural toppings.
Their menu extends beyond pizza to include highly praised items like rocking chicken, chocolate cake, and cinnamon sticks.
The company has also made significant improvements, especially concerning its crust, impressing those who may have previously disliked their offerings.
Coupled with amazing deals and a large selection of available toppings, Domino’s encourages customers to choose them for a satisfying experience.
4. Little Caesars
Little Caesars is a well-known international fast-food chain specializing in pizza, having been founded in 1959.
The company is celebrated for its commitment to providing quick and highly affordable meal options, most notably through its “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas.
This focus on immediate availability means customers can approach the counter and receive their pizza ready on the spot, without being told to return in several minutes.
This convenience and speed are seen as major advantages over competitors. Furthermore, the pricing structure is incredibly attractive, with pizza, hot wings, and breadsticks often priced at just $5 each.
Despite some consumers finding the chain “sketchy” compared to favorites like Pizza Hut, its consistent low prices and immediate service are viewed by many as unbeatable, leading some to believe Little Caesars should be the most popular chain.
5. Marco’s Pizza
Marco’s Pizza is gaining traction and is predicted by some patrons to become the fastest-growing pizza chain across North America.
For residents in Tennessee, Marco’s is frequently cited as the top choice, praised for its incredible speed and efficiency.
Customers report that orders, even unique configurations requested via phone, are typically ready for pickup just five minutes after hanging up.
The quality of service is consistently rated highly, and their prices are described as attractive. In central Alabama, where chains like Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Little Caesars compete, Marco’s is considered “far and beyond the best pizza around”.
They also maintain excellent delivery speeds, often getting pizza to customers in 40 minutes or less, even during high-volume periods like busy weekend nights, providing service that rivals deep-dish Chicago pizza.
6. Hungry Howie’s
Hungry Howie’s is famous for having so many different crusts, making it a favorite for those who value variety in their meal. If you live in proximity to one of their locations, the unanimous advice is to go there, as satisfaction is practically guaranteed.
The enthusiasm surrounding this chain stems from the wide selection of great-tasting crusts that set it apart. For many, the experience is described as amazing and highly rewarding, even leading to memorable first tastes.
Although availability can sometimes be an issue for people living in remote areas, the quality is undeniable. Searching for a nearby location is highly recommended if you wish to enjoy a guaranteed positive dining experience.
7. Jet’s Pizza
While many enthusiasts argue that the true “best pizza” is found at local, independent “Mom and Pop” shops across the U.S., Jet’s Pizza is often cited as the superior choice among national chains.
A significant draw for Jet’s is its incredible deep-dish pizza, which many fans find irresistible and regard as the best option by far.
Despite its high quality and strong following, Jet’s Pizza does not rely on extensive marketing campaigns like some competitors.
However, it maintains a loyal customer base who enjoy the pizza despite the lack of heavy advertisement.
Some critics argue that the most popular chains are “absolutely crap” and suggest that Jet’s represents a higher standard for large-scale pizza operations. The deep-dish offering, in particular, stands out as a must-try for chain pizza aficionados.
8. Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s operates under a “take and bake” model, which means customers purchase the pizza ready to be cooked at home.
While this concept leads some individuals to feel they miss the traditional “pizza restaurant vibes”, others view this preparation style as an advantage, focusing on the quality of the ingredients. Papa Murphy’s is highly favored by many, being considered a top-tier restaurant.
It holds fond memories for customers who would frequently enjoy it during overnight stays with friends. The chain is regarded as being fantastic, comparable in quality to establishments like Pizza Hut and Papa John’s.
A helpful suggestion for optimizing the flavor profile of the pizza is to request extra sauce upon ordering, as this enhancement significantly improves the taste.
Ultimately, for many devoted fans, the 100% fresh and homemade quality of Papa Murphy’s offerings ensures that nothing can surpass it.
9. Round Table Pizza
Round Table Pizza is highly praised for its exceptional quality, often suggested as deserving the number one spot among all pizza places.
Customers specifically appreciate that the sauce genuinely tastes like tomato sauce, avoiding the flavor profile of “cardboard or ketchup” sometimes found elsewhere.
The toppings selection is described as amazing, and the cheese is noted for being satisfyingly good and melting properly.
Crust lovers especially recommend Round Table, as the crust is deemed excellent, and the slices are generously sized.
A bonus for patrons is the ability to watch football games on television while enjoying their meal. They are known for loading their pizzas with tons of “good stuff,” contributing to the overall very tasty product.
Round Table offers a superior product that consistently receives glowing endorsements from its consumer base.
10. CiCi’s Pizza
CiCi’s Pizza is celebrated not just for its pizza but also for its extensive and appealing buffet options. Patrons find the pizza to be the best, but the experience is amplified by the selection available on the amazing buffet.
This buffet often includes tempting side items such as delicious salads, delightful cakes, and highly popular cinnamon rolls.
Everything offered at the buffet is consistently described as delicious by customers. The chain has a devoted following, leading customers to ask, “Who doesn’t like CiCi’s?” due to the high quality of their pizza and the superlative cinnamon rolls.
Specifically, the location in Albuquerque, NM, has been cited as the best CiCi’s establishment within the United States. The combination of good pizza and an abundant array of sides makes CiCi’s a unique and favored dining experience.
11. Sbarro
Sbarro is acknowledged for its speed and convenience in serving customers. One of its key strengths is the ability to quickly provide a scrumptious slice of pizza, often within just a few minutes of ordering.
This makes Sbarro a practical choice for individuals seeking a high-quality, fast meal. Although the brand may not be a standard “household name” in the same way as the dominant national chains, it is highly regarded by those who have experienced its offerings.
The pizza itself is described as being very addictive, proving its quality despite perhaps less widespread advertising.
In addition to the efficient pizza service, Sbarro’s selection of side options is noted for complementing the pizza well, rounding out the quick and satisfying meal.
Patrons suggest that this establishment truly deserves greater recognition within the pizza market.
12. Godfather’s Pizza
Godfather’s Pizza is often recalled fondly by patrons, many of whom lament the fact that many of its locations have closed down over time.
This closure is deemed a “real shame” because many believe that Godfather’s product is significantly superior to that of the other major pizza chains.
The chain is especially appreciated for its unique offerings, including the delicious combo pizza and the highly-rated taco pizza, both cited as favorites.
Furthermore, customers consistently express love for both the flavor of the crust and the sauce used by Godfather’s.
The strong preference for this pizza suggests that despite its diminishing footprint, the quality of its recipes and ingredients left a lasting and positive impression on the consumer base.
Declan Kelly