PIZZA PARTY
What do Miamians love more than partying? Pizza. But not just any pizza—pies topped with oxtail, Nutella calzones, and cashew ricotta vegan substitutes.
Celeb Favorite: ANTICO
There’s a reason why celebrities like Chris Rock, Will Ferrell, and Gabrielle Union swear by Giovanny Di Palma’s Atlanta transplant. And that’s its inimitable and slightly charred dough, crowned with ingredients straight from Italia. Do try the lasagna “pizze.” 1058 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-216-7908; centrostorico.it
Homegrown: HARRY’S PIZZERIA
Michael Schwartz’s foray into pizza led him to install his own pizza oven at home. While you probably won’t be invited for dinner, you can visit his Design District and Coconut Grove pizzerias, named after his son Harry, and taste what USA Today dubbed “the pizza to eat in Miami.” We think that accolade has something to do with the short rib, Gruyère, and caramelized onion or homemade ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino pie. 3918 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-2754963; harryspizzeria.com
NYC Transplant: LUCALI
Jay Z and Beyoncé skipped the 2012 Grammys for their favorite slice (they are regulars at Lucali’s Brooklyn flagship), which should be enough to convince you to wait in line for what
Miamians argue is the best pie in the 305. Pro tip: Shallots, onions, hot pepper, basil, and garlic is the way to go, along with the Nutella and ricotta calzone. 1930 Bay Road, Miami Beach, 305-695-4441; lucali.com
Written in the Stars: MISTER O1 Chances are you know this not-so-secret South Beach pizzeria as Visa O1. But even with a name change, a Brickell outpost, and a Wynwood spot in the works, its star-shaped creations with ricotta-stuffed crust or hot and cold pies topped with burrata stracciatella remain inimitable. 1680 Michigan Ave., #101, Miami Beach, 305-3978189; mistero1.com
Biscayne’s Baby: PAULIE GEE’S
Hot honey on your pizza? Only at Paulie Gee’s, where the Hellboy pie has everything you want: fresh mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, Berkshire hot soppressata, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Mike’s Hot Honey for a pie as sweet as it is savory. Plus: octopus, Cuban pork, or vegan (made with cashew ricotta) alternatives. 8001 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-5588315; pauliegee.com
Eye on the Pie: PROOF
What happens when Michael Mina and Daniel Boulud’s protégé goes solo? A casual neighborhood pizza and pasta joint, flipping wood-fired crispy pies topped with oxtail, black garlic, thyme, caramelized onion, and mozzarella. 3328 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-5369562; proofpizza.com
Back to Basics: SIR PIZZA
A Miami pizza institution since 1969, Sir Pizza is still the best for non-fancy, but straightforward and easy-to-love, thin-crust (and square-cut) pies and cloudlike blankets. The secret is in the tomato sauce and side of ranch for dipping delight. 712 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-3615701; sirpizzakeybiscayne.com
100 Percent Verified: STANZIONE 87
If you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza—the kind that adheres to strict rules set forth by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (a nonprofit organization founded in Naples to protect true Neapolitan pizza)—head to Stanzione 87 and order the new Angry Spinach, named for its garlicky and Calabrian chili kick. 87 SW Eighth St., Miami, 786-360-1852; stanzione87.com