Where to Find the Best Pizza in Southwest Michigan
Ask ten different people for the best pizza toppings, and you’ll likely receive ten different answers.
While pizza is a nearly universally loved meal staple, fans have very different opinions on crust, cheese, and favorite pizza makers.
After 10,600+ votes for the best restaurants in Kalamazoo, we have the top picks for the best pizza in SWMI below.
Kalamazoo Pizza FAQs
Before we jump into the favorite pizza shops, we’ve tackled a few common pizza questions:
1 – What is Detroit-style pizza?
Detroit-style pizza is rectangular and has a thick, chewy crust. It is usually topped with tomato sauce and Wisconsin brick cheese.
Where to find it in SWMI: Buddy’s Pizza (Portage), Jet’s Pizza (Portage)
2 – What is New York-style pizza?
New York-style pizza has a thin crust that is crispy on the edges and softer in the center. Many prefer to fold the wide slices to eat them.
Where to find it in SWMI: Pizza Katerina (Oshtemo), Benny DiCarta’s (Kalamazoo)
3 – What is Chicago-style pizza?
Chicago-style pizza dates back to the 1940s and features a deep-dish style with cheese, toppings and sauce (in that order). Make sure to schedule some extra waiting time on these: Chicago-style pizzas often take close to an hour to bake.
Where to find it in SWMI: Paw Paw Country Market
4 – What is a “par bake” pizza? Does anyone in Kalamazoo offer it?
“Par bake” = “partially baked.” The restaurant partially bakes the pizza and you then take it home (frozen or refrigerated) and cook it the remainder of the way in your oven. This provides a convenient option for a hot meal at home on your schedule.
Where to find it in SWMI: Pizza Katerina (Oshtemo), Bimbo’s Pizza (Kalamazoo), Galesburg Pizza King
Who Has the Best Pizza in Kalamazoo?
Here are the top pizza restaurants in Kalamazoo, as voted by our readers:
1 – Kazoopy’s
2 – Erbelli’s
3 – Bimbo’s Pizza
4 – BC Pizza Kalamazoo
5 – Jaspare’s
Directory: Best Pizza Restaurants
5030 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Kazoopy's Pizza & Grinders
Kazoopy's delivers as advertised with both pizza and grinders. Beyond their pies and oven-baked subs, you'll also find wings, calzone, salads, wraps and desserts.
There is no shortage of signature pizzas here: chicken pesto, Palermo pineapple (pictured), cheeseburger deluxe, Philly steak, Tuscany and Mediterranean are just some of their offerings. You can also build your own creations. Gluten free options are available as well.
At their Gull Road shop, expand your menu options with Frosty Boy at the same location.
There is no shortage of signature pizzas here: chicken pesto, Palermo pineapple (pictured), cheeseburger deluxe, Philly steak, Tuscany and Mediterranean are just some of their offerings. You can also build your own creations. Gluten free options are available as well.
At their Gull Road shop, expand your menu options with Frosty Boy at the same location.
Where to Find Kazoopy's Pizza & Grinders
Kazoopy's has three locations in SWMI:
• Oshtemo: 8126 West Main Street (just west of Oshtemo Township Park)
• Westwood: 1908 West Main Street (West Main & Clarendon)
• East: 5030 Gull Road (between Nazareth and Sprinkle)- this location is shared with Frosty Boy
Kazoopy's has three locations in SWMI:
• Oshtemo: 8126 West Main Street (just west of Oshtemo Township Park)
• Westwood: 1908 West Main Street (West Main & Clarendon)
• East: 5030 Gull Road (between Nazareth and Sprinkle)- this location is shared with Frosty Boy
Erbelli's
Opened in 1995 in Portage, Erbelli's success led them to add a second location on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. Both restaurants serve as pizzerias, Italian bistros, and full-service pubs all rolled into one unique dining experience.
Over 25 gourmet pizzas are offered at Erbelli's in multiple crusts: original hand tossed, pan style, Chicago style and gluten free. Diners also have the option to build their own pizza masterpieces.
Pizza dough is made fresh every morning at 8AM, using yeast from an Italian bakery and is stretched by hand.
In addition to their award-winning pizza, Erbelli's makes calzones, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and desserts baked in house.
Over 25 gourmet pizzas are offered at Erbelli's in multiple crusts: original hand tossed, pan style, Chicago style and gluten free. Diners also have the option to build their own pizza masterpieces.
Pizza dough is made fresh every morning at 8AM, using yeast from an Italian bakery and is stretched by hand.
In addition to their award-winning pizza, Erbelli's makes calzones, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and desserts baked in house.
Where to Find Erbelli's
The Portage Erbelli's location is located at 8342 Portage Road, just north of Zylman. They are just south of Presidential Brewing Company.
The Kalamazoo restaurant is east of 9th Street at 6214 Stadium Drive. Find them near the Speedway station.
The Portage Erbelli's location is located at 8342 Portage Road, just north of Zylman. They are just south of Presidential Brewing Company.
The Kalamazoo restaurant is east of 9th Street at 6214 Stadium Drive. Find them near the Speedway station.
Bimbo's Pizza
Bimbo's Pizza has been serving Kalamazoo since 1959. At this family owned & operated restaurant, hungry visitors will enjoy hand-tossed, thin pizza crust coupled with fast & friendly customer service.
Where to Find Bimbo's Pizza
Located a block from HopCat on East Michigan Avenue between Edwards & Pitcher Streets.
Located a block from HopCat on East Michigan Avenue between Edwards & Pitcher Streets.
BC Pizza Kalamazoo
Opened in the fall of 2023, Chris, April and the team at BC Pizza Kalamazoo have made a name for themselves in the SWMI pizza world with their top-notch service and pizza buffet.
Offering both lunch and dinner buffets (select days) at this location, diners will discover much more than pizza: cheesy bread, spi-rolls, bread stix, salads and even mac and cheese can be on this extended menu.
Offering both lunch and dinner buffets (select days) at this location, diners will discover much more than pizza: cheesy bread, spi-rolls, bread stix, salads and even mac and cheese can be on this extended menu.
Where to Find BC Pizza Kalamazoo
BC Pizza is located on West Main in Kalamazoo, near Arlington. Find them in the same plaza as Saffron.
BC Pizza is located on West Main in Kalamazoo, near Arlington. Find them in the same plaza as Saffron.
Jaspare's Pizza and Fine Italian Food
Open since 1977, Jaspare's offers multiple locations in SWMI for pizza and Italian food.
Over 20 gourmet pizzas are served here, including chicken primavera, pickle pizza, Philly steak and the Daddy Mac.
Pair your pie with some non-pizza options including calzone, salads, toasted subs and pasta dishes.
Over 20 gourmet pizzas are served here, including chicken primavera, pickle pizza, Philly steak and the Daddy Mac.
Pair your pie with some non-pizza options including calzone, salads, toasted subs and pasta dishes.
Where to Find Jaspare's Pizza and Fine Italian Food
Find Jaspare's in 4 locations nearby:
• Portage: 5965 South Sprinkle (just north of Milham)
• Gull Road: 5190 Gull Road (just west of Ten Ten)
• Vicksburg: 111 South Main Street (near Rise N Dine)
• Lawton: 156 North Main Street (at E 2nd Street)
If you're headed southeast of Kzoo, there is a 5th location in Mendon on North Nottowa Road.
Find Jaspare's in 4 locations nearby:
• Portage: 5965 South Sprinkle (just north of Milham)
• Gull Road: 5190 Gull Road (just west of Ten Ten)
• Vicksburg: 111 South Main Street (near Rise N Dine)
• Lawton: 156 North Main Street (at E 2nd Street)
If you're headed southeast of Kzoo, there is a 5th location in Mendon on North Nottowa Road.
Benny DiCarta's
Benny DiCarta’s menu is simple: three regular flavors (cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni) and two monthly specials are offered here in only one massive size: 28-inches.
If your car or stomach isn’t large enough for a 28-inch pizza, Benny’s also sells by the slice.
If your car or stomach isn’t large enough for a 28-inch pizza, Benny’s also sells by the slice.
Where to Find Benny DiCarta's
Benny DiCarta's is located on East Michigan Avenue downtown, next door to Saugatuck Brewing.
Benny DiCarta's is located on East Michigan Avenue downtown, next door to Saugatuck Brewing.
Bilbo's Pizza
Local gem Bilbo's Pizza is a staple of Kalamazoo, well known for its pizza, breadsticks and dill dip. Located on Stadium Drive, it also a regular favorite of Western Michigan college students.
Where to Find Bilbo's Pizza
Located just east of Sweetwaters on Stadium Drive.
Located just east of Sweetwaters on Stadium Drive.
Doster Country Store
We love a good hidden gem, and Doster Country Store fits the bill. This little shop in Plainwell sells groceries, gasoline and makes their own pizza.
It does not currently have a website or official Facebook page for us to link, but locals are big fans.
They do offer online ordering through Toast (linked as their website), where you'll find nachos, wings, assorted groceries, and pizza.
It does not currently have a website or official Facebook page for us to link, but locals are big fans.
They do offer online ordering through Toast (linked as their website), where you'll find nachos, wings, assorted groceries, and pizza.
Where to Find Doster Country Store
Doster Country Store is located in Plainwell, at the corner of 106th Avenue and Doster Road.
Doster Country Store is located in Plainwell, at the corner of 106th Avenue and Doster Road.
Franco's Italian Pizzeria
Franco's brings the tradition of old-world Sicilian-style pizza and authentic Italian cuisine to Southwest Michigan with pizza, pasta, subs, salads and calzones.
Full pizzas available in sizes 10-20 inches. Available by the slice during weekday lunch hours. All dough and pizza sauces are made daily, in house.
Gluten free pizza is also available.
Full pizzas available in sizes 10-20 inches. Available by the slice during weekday lunch hours. All dough and pizza sauces are made daily, in house.
Gluten free pizza is also available.
Where to Find Franco's Italian Pizzeria
Franco's is on South Westnedge, just south of Centre Avenue (across from Portage Central HS).
Franco's is on South Westnedge, just south of Centre Avenue (across from Portage Central HS).
Galesburg Pizza King
Family owned and operated since 1983, Galesburg Pizza King's pizza is available in four crusts: traditional, extra thin, double crust and pan. Choose your crust, cheese (three varieties), sauce (7 varieties) and toppings to create your pizza. Take and bake is also an option here.
Beyond pizza, find calzones, subs, salads, sides, desserts and some Mexican dishes.
Beyond pizza, find calzones, subs, salads, sides, desserts and some Mexican dishes.
Where to Find Galesburg Pizza King
Find Pizza King at the corner of West Michigan Avenue and North Church Street in downtown Galesburg, just west of Hardings.
Find Pizza King at the corner of West Michigan Avenue and North Church Street in downtown Galesburg, just west of Hardings.
Jac's
JAC's (Cekola's Pizza) is all about food, drinks and watching the game. With a variety of menu options, including savory pizza and a fresh salad bar, there's something for everyone at JAC's.
When Michigan weather permits, be sure to try out their patio space outside.
When Michigan weather permits, be sure to try out their patio space outside.
Where to Find Jac's
2 options for Jac's in SWMI:
• Oshtemo: Located just off Stadium Drive on 9th Street
• Portage: Tucked into the same plaza as Chocolatea on Westnedge
2 options for Jac's in SWMI:
• Oshtemo: Located just off Stadium Drive on 9th Street
• Portage: Tucked into the same plaza as Chocolatea on Westnedge
Louie's Trophy House/Corner Bar
As the oldest bar in Kalamazoo, Louie's Trophy House opened its doors in 1918. The pizza here is thin crust style, with options for lunch and dinner ordering, plus special breakfast pizzas during weekend brunches.
Their second location, Louie's Corner Bar, opened in 2020 in Texas Corners.
Their second location, Louie's Corner Bar, opened in 2020 in Texas Corners.
Where to Find Louie's Trophy House/Corner Bar
Louie's currently operates two locations, with a third in the works:
• Texas Corners: Louie's Corner Bar is on West Q Avenue, in the same plaza as Hunan Gardens
• Downtown Kzoo: Louie's Trophy House is at 629 Walbridge Street (corner of E North Street & Walbridge)
Louie's announced a third location opening in Portage in 2024.
Louie's currently operates two locations, with a third in the works:
• Texas Corners: Louie's Corner Bar is on West Q Avenue, in the same plaza as Hunan Gardens
• Downtown Kzoo: Louie's Trophy House is at 629 Walbridge Street (corner of E North Street & Walbridge)
Louie's announced a third location opening in Portage in 2024.
Maestro's Pizza
Open since 2011, family-owned Maestro's takes pride in making their food fresh from scratch, daily.
Build your own varieties range from 9-16 inches; kids 12 and under have the option of a 4-inch personal pizza. For gluten-sensitive customers, the cauliflower pizza crust is a local favorite.
Add some wings, pretzel sticks or house-made hummus and pita chips to your pizza order.
Build your own varieties range from 9-16 inches; kids 12 and under have the option of a 4-inch personal pizza. For gluten-sensitive customers, the cauliflower pizza crust is a local favorite.
Add some wings, pretzel sticks or house-made hummus and pita chips to your pizza order.
Where to Find Maestro's Pizza
Maestro's is located on 12th Street in Texas Township, near the 12th/Milham traffic circle (across the street from Wedel's).
Maestro's is located on 12th Street in Texas Township, near the 12th/Milham traffic circle (across the street from Wedel's).
Mancino's Pizza & Grinders
Locally owned and operated for 40 years, Mancino's bakes their artisan bread daily in small batches for their grinders.
After you've grabbed your grinders and pizza, head next door to Bella Creamery for ice cream (also owned by the same family).
After you've grabbed your grinders and pizza, head next door to Bella Creamery for ice cream (also owned by the same family).
Where to Find Mancino's Pizza & Grinders
Find Mancino's on Shaver Road in Portage, at Beethoven (next door to Bella Creamery).
Find Mancino's on Shaver Road in Portage, at Beethoven (next door to Bella Creamery).
Martini's
Martini’s is family owned and operated since 1988. On top of each of Martini’s unique pizzas, guests will enjoy fresh ingredients from local suppliers and Michigan farmers.
Where to Find Martini's
Martini's is located a few doors south of Crows Nest on S. Westnedge & Village Street.
Martini's is located a few doors south of Crows Nest on S. Westnedge & Village Street.
Monelli's Italian Grill & Sports Bar
Monelli's provides a sports bar and Italian grill all in one, with a big menu and televisions to watch your favorite teams.
Find signature pizzas here (alfredo, meat lovers, and island pizza among others) or build your own.
If pizza is not in your plans, try their burgers, pasta, stromboli, appetizers, salads or signature entrees (try the chicken marsala).
Find signature pizzas here (alfredo, meat lovers, and island pizza among others) or build your own.
If pizza is not in your plans, try their burgers, pasta, stromboli, appetizers, salads or signature entrees (try the chicken marsala).
Where to Find Monelli's Italian Grill & Sports Bar
Monelli's is located at 7141 South Westnedge in Portage, just south of Sam's Club.
Monelli's is located at 7141 South Westnedge in Portage, just south of Sam's Club.
One Well Brewing
One Well Brewing is known for many things: pinball machines, picnic tables, beer, nachos and funny names on their menu items.
Their pizza has gained its own fan base in SWMI, and the flavors are just as fun to say as they are to eat: Where's Hidden Valley?, Holy Moly Pepperoni and Out of the Woods pizza are among their signature items.
For younger diners, the Gee Whiz! Kid Pizza is the most popular item on the kids' menu (available with pepperoni or plain cheese).
Their pizza has gained its own fan base in SWMI, and the flavors are just as fun to say as they are to eat: Where's Hidden Valley?, Holy Moly Pepperoni and Out of the Woods pizza are among their signature items.
For younger diners, the Gee Whiz! Kid Pizza is the most popular item on the kids' menu (available with pepperoni or plain cheese).
Where to Find One Well Brewing
One Well is located at 4213 Portage Street in Kalamazoo. Find them just north of El Ranchero and Rocket Comics.
One Well is located at 4213 Portage Street in Kalamazoo. Find them just north of El Ranchero and Rocket Comics.
Paw Paw Country Market
Find a taste of Chicago in the Paw Paw Country Store: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago dogs are all here.
You'll also find pierogies, house-made cake and a butcher shop inside.
You'll also find pierogies, house-made cake and a butcher shop inside.
Where to Find Paw Paw Country Market
Paw Paw Country Market is located on East Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw, just east of GG Sweets Bakery.
Paw Paw Country Market is located on East Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw, just east of GG Sweets Bakery.
Pizza Katerina
Taking over ownership of Pizza Katerina in 2020, Melodie (Mel) and Jimmy kept the name Pizza Katerina in honor of its previous owner, Kathleen. This shop makes New York-style pizzas from scratch, in addition to garlic knots and fresh focaccia sticks.
Known for its unique pizzas: Thai (pictured), New York White, Sweet Heat and The David (named after a customer's favorite) among others, Pizza Katerina also caters to dietary needs with both vegan and gluten free options.
If you can't make it into the Oshtemo shop, you can find par bake pizzas in select grocery stores and farmers markets.
Known for its unique pizzas: Thai (pictured), New York White, Sweet Heat and The David (named after a customer's favorite) among others, Pizza Katerina also caters to dietary needs with both vegan and gluten free options.
If you can't make it into the Oshtemo shop, you can find par bake pizzas in select grocery stores and farmers markets.
Where to Find Pizza Katerina
Pizza Katerina is located in Oshtemo, on 9th Street (near Walmart).
Pizza Katerina is located in Oshtemo, on 9th Street (near Walmart).
Portage Pizza King
Enjoy hand tossed pizza from Portage Pizza King, open since 1967. Pizza comes in three sizes (12, 14 and 16 inches) with over a dozen different toppings.
This shop is delivery or carry out only and does not accept cards (cash only).
This shop is delivery or carry out only and does not accept cards (cash only).
Where to Find Portage Pizza King
Pizza King is located on Portage Road, across from the airport (next door to Turbo Chicken).
Pizza King is located on Portage Road, across from the airport (next door to Turbo Chicken).
Roma's Pizza
Find pizza in all sizes at Roma's, who offers pizzas from mini (just 8 inches) to party sized (20 inches) and multiple options in between.
Many specialty pizza options here, plus wraps, calzone, pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
Many specialty pizza options here, plus wraps, calzone, pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
Where to Find Roma's Pizza
Roma's is on Drake Road, just south of KL Avenue (next door to Shawarma King on Drake).
Roma's is on Drake Road, just south of KL Avenue (next door to Shawarma King on Drake).
Shakespeare's Pub
Shakespeare's Pub is the perfect spot to grab a pizza alongside one of their 44 draft beers and watch the game.
Where to Find Shakespeare's Pub
Shakespeare's Pub is located at 241 East Kalamazoo Avenue, just west of Bell's.
Shakespeare's Pub is located at 241 East Kalamazoo Avenue, just west of Bell's.
The Local
A favorite in Richland (and beyond), The Local serves up over a dozen favorite pizzas including hot chicken, loaded baked potato (pictured) and seafood pizza.
Pastas, wraps, subs, appetizers and salads round out the menu.
The restaurant is open 7 days per week and offers delivery and online ordering.
Pastas, wraps, subs, appetizers and salads round out the menu.
The restaurant is open 7 days per week and offers delivery and online ordering.
Where to Find The Local
The Local is on M-89 in Richland, just west of Richland Lanes.
The Local is on M-89 in Richland, just west of Richland Lanes.
Did We Miss Your Favorite Pizza in Kalamazoo?
If we’ve missed a favorite locally-owned spot in SWMI, email our editor to have it added or please leave us a comment with your top picks for best pizza.
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