By: Pizza; such a gem of a food to so many. From college kids cooped up in the dorms to the snobbiest of old-age food critics, pizza’s got a universal appeal matched by very few other foods.
Lucky for us Tampa folk, there is no shortage when it comes to finding a great slice of pie in the bay area. Here’s five of our favorites.
Babe’s is a Brandon institution. Anyone who’s lived there can tell you they’ve eaten there or, at least, seen the big red building it’s housed in right off of Highway 60. Famous for their double-decker pizza – two thin crusts nestled between two layers of cheesy, saucy goodness – Babe’s is a Brandon landmark serving up hot, fresh pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and more everyday.
Opened in 1999, Gourmet Pizza Company’s been featured in a number of publications including Southwest Airline’s in-flight magazine as one of the top pizzerias in the country. That ain’t an easy feat, my friends. This small Hyde Park pizzeria serves up all local-ingredient pizzas including vegan and gluten-free pizzas. chicken smoked gouda, steak gorganzola, and thai chicken pizzas are all must-trys.
Mellow Mushroom Brandon and North Tampa
If not for the pizza, at least go to Mellow Mushroom for the experience. A psychedelic-themed eatery hearkening back to the days of free peace and love, the Mushroom knows how to put on a concept and make some really great pizza while they’re at it. Their crust alone is the stuff of legend and pies like the Mighty Meat, Magical Mystery Tour, and Buffalo Chicken make the trip absolutely worth it.
San’s has been reigning supreme in the Westchase pizza scene for over 3 years now, and rightfully so. Slinging hand-tossed, made to order pizzas with only the freshest ingredients, San’s knows what separates the good pizzas from the great. From chicken parmasean to philly cheese steak, San’s can get creative with their pies or just serve up a simple cheese or pepperoni if that’s more your style. Either way, it’s bound to be good.
If you’re craving New York style pizza in Tampa a.) you’ve probably lived there and b.) you probably want it done right. Luckily, Pizza Mania in Wesley Chapel can oblige. Native Italians by way of New Jersey, owners, the Parascandolas – Anthony, Roy and Giuseppe – serve up pizza from real margherita to stuffed pizza and definitely know their way around this beloved pie.
