Not only is Wichita the birthplace of Pizza Hut and home to The Original Pizza Hut Museum, housed in the national chain’s first location, but it’s also the spot to find unique pies. You can find customized pizzas loaded with all your favorite ingredients, topped with authentic flavors and cheeses baked to a golden-brown goodness. Then pair it with an ice-cold beer or other drink of choice.
Even though Wichita is in the middle of the United States, it is home to several pizza shops and pizzerias with inspiration straight from Italy. Here are just a few of the possibilities and delicious dishes being served up at seven unique pizza parlors in the Heart of the Country.
Angelo's Italian Restaurant
For pizza (and other signature dishes made from scratch) that has been served in Wichita since 1959, visit Angelo’s Italian Restaurant. To get a true taste of what this family-owned restaurant has to offer, order the Angelo’s Truly Deluxe Pizza. It comes with homemade Italian sausage, spiced ground beef, thick slices of pepperoni, sauteed mushrooms, green peppers and onions topped with mozzarella.
Angelo’s is also known for their traditional Italian dinners, such as manicotti, cannelloni, eggplant parmigiana (with or without sausage) and lasagna. Each dinner is served with salad and fresh-baked garlic bread. Don’t sleep on the submarine sandwiches either! Whether you choose Italian cold cuts, meatballs or their homemade sausage, your taste buds will thank you.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Grimaldi's Pizzeria brings a taste of Brooklyn to Wichita. Take in the unique ambiance of wine bottle chandeliers, classic brick walls and rustic tin ceilings in the dining room or opt to sit in the scenic, enclosed patio gazing upon The Waterfront, a beautiful shopping and dining area overlooking a calming body of water in east Wichita.
For unique flavor, try one of their Chef's Selections, such as the Garden Pesto Pizza, which has artichokes, red onions and ricotta cheese drizzled with their basil pesto sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
JJ Beard's Pub & Pizza
Is dining at local pubs your jam? If so, you’ll love the pizza, the atmosphere and local beer selection at JJ Beard’s Pub & Pizza. The guitarist and bass player from Wichita metal band, Kingshifter, opened the pub in August 2024. One of the owners formerly managed Pizza Shuttle in Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, where fans of the pies love the fresh dough and perfectly sized pizzas. JJ Beard’s pizzas are 10 inches, similar to the style Pizza Shuttle offers. The pub offers all the standard toppings, and also a specialty Reuben pizza.
In addition to pizza, the menu at JJ Beard’s also includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, bar-friendly appetizers like wings and Buffalo chicken wontons.
Oak & Pie
Oak & Pie specializes in wine and pizza. The pies feature artisan imported cheese, hand-cut specialty meats and homemade crust, all baked in the signature nickel-covered wood oven. They have a variety of creative pizzas including BBQ Chicken, Jimmy the Greek and a favorite among staff members, the Soprano Italiano. It comes loaded with pepperoni, spicy sausage, mozzarella cheese, roasted garlic and pepperoncini.
Not only are their pizza flavors unique, they also have signature sandwiches. Try their Gangster Panini, a mouthwatering mix of hard salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, hot peppers, provolone and arugula drizzled with white balsamic vinaigrette.
Piatto Neopolitan Pizzeria
You can have a taste of Italy without leaving Kansas when you stop in to Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria in the Douglas Design District. Piatto’s owner studied in Naples, Italy, under master Pizzaiolo, Enzo Coccia, bringing an authentic experience to Wichita.
The tradition spans 300 years; each crust sits through three days of fermentation as the process builds the most incredible texture and taste unique to Piatto dishes. With organic ingredients shipped from California to natural cheeses cut fresh daily, you’ll love how the flavors dance on your tongue with each bite.
Piatto pizza is cooked in a 6,000-lb., 900-degree brick oven built in Italy. The high temperature and pre-preparation of the dough and ingredients lead to a quick turnover in the oven, and result in a soft crust with an airy texture.
Customers can try a variety of pizzas, such as the “Francesca,” made with crushed pistachios, rosemary, red onion, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano Reggiano and olio, or the “Diavola,” made with spicy Borsellino salami, fresh mozzarella, garlic, smoked sea salt and olio. Try both red and white-sauce pizzas, appetizers like the “Saltimbocca” (breadsticks stuffed with salami and mozzarella) or locally made tiramisu.
Pumphouse
Originally established in Wichita in 1931 as a downtown filling and service station, Pumphouse is now a popular bar and grill in the city’s entertainment district, Old Town. Surrounded by brick-lined streets, this restaurant has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. No matter where you decide to grab a table, you’ll be able to catch live sports via nearly 100 TVs or one of their 10 projectors.
In addition to build your own options, they offer many specialty pizzas like the “Beer, Pig & Cheese,” which comes with garlic and chive cream cheese, beer-sautéed onions, smoked bacon, mozzarella and garnished with diced tomatoes and fresh parsley. The Rocky will knock you out with Alfredo sauce, thinly sliced cheesesteak meat, green onions and beer-sautéed onions.
All of Pumphouse’s pizzas are served on a soft, not-too-thin and not-too-thick crust. Visit at lunch and enjoy the perfectly portioned two-topping pizza and salad. They also serve soups, sandwiches, burgers and a variety of pasta dishes.
River City Brewing Co.
This flagship restaurant, also in Wichita’s Old Town District, is Wichita’s original brew pub founded in 1993. They offer 16 handcrafted beers on tap and a menu with Kansas’ heritage on full display with dishes featuring Kansas beef and a variety of pastas, seafood, salads and unique pizza.
Everything at River City Brewing Co. is made from scratch for a fresh, homemade taste, including their pizza dough. Stick with traditional flavors and order “The Kansan,” made with ground beef, bacon, Italian sausage, pepperoni and melted cheese, or the “Margherita,” a flavorful classic with homemade red sauce, baby mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and fresh basil with a balsamic reduction.
Get more adventurous with one of their popular specialty pizzas, the “Buffalo Chicken.” This pizza is made fresh-to-order with a special house sauce, mozzarella cheese and buffalo chicken, topped with blue cheese crumbles and green onion. Looking for a healthier option? Each of their pizzas can be made with cauliflower dough.
Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria
Pizza and beer are a common staple in America and Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria has you covered with both. From handcrafted beers to delicious pie, take your taste buds to this hometown favorite. Founded in 2011, WBC’s owners offer authentic brews like the WuShock Wheat and Tallgrass 8-Bit Pale Ale. Plus, both brewpub locations (east and west) have nearly 20 different beers on tap that are alternated regularly. The company’s wood-fired pizzas are just as incredible and are the perfect companion to an ale or IPA.
When visiting Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria, be sure to start your journey with the wood-fired jalapenos or beer queso and pretzels. For dinner, try favorites like “The ITIS,” a double-layered pizza with cream cheese and American cheese, Italian sausage and spicy Capicola, red sauce, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella and a double portion of wood-fired, sweet pepper bacon. Vegetarian? Try the “WBC Veggie,” made with onions, mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, diced tomatoes and black olives. Put the finishing touches on your delicious meal with the Peanut Butter S’more Pizza or Irish Cream Cheesecake.
Ziggy's Pizza
With four locations in Wichita, Ziggy’s Pizza (Auburn Hills, Clifton Square, Northeast and West) is a Wichita favorite offering pie and sandwiches. With a casual dining atmosphere, the restaurant is perfect to take any group for pizza and beer. With a full bar and televisions for entertainment at each location, Ziggy’s is a perfect hangout spot.
Each homemade pizza is made with passion and a collection of fresh ingredients prepared daily. Start your Ziggy’s experience with some “Ziggy Bites,” cheesy garlic bread or a salad and follow it up with your favorite kind of specialty pizza.
Be sure to try the “Mamacita Taco Pizza,” made with refried beans, taco sauce, ground beef or chicken, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and crushed Doritos. It is served with a side of sour cream and salsa. Another off-the-wall option, the “White Delight,” is made with grilled chicken, onion, mozzarella and cheddar, topped with tangy barbecue sauce.
The Depot
With four locations in Wichita, Ziggy’s Pizza (Auburn Hills, Clifton Square, Northeast and West) is a Wichita favorite offering pie and sandwiches. With a casual dining atmosphere, the restaurant is perfect to take any group for pizza and beer. With a full bar and televisions for entertainment at each location, Ziggy’s is a perfect hangout spot.
Each homemade pizza is made with passion and a collection of fresh ingredients prepared daily. Start your Ziggy’s experience with some “Ziggy Bites,” cheesy garlic bread or a salad and follow it up with your favorite kind of specialty pizza.
Be sure to try the “Mamacita Taco Pizza,” made with refried beans, taco sauce, ground beef or chicken, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and crushed Doritos. It is served with a side of sour cream and salsa. Another off-the-wall option, the “White Delight,” is made with grilled chicken, onion, mozzarella and cheddar, topped with tangy barbecue sauce.
Still hungry?
Indulge in even more pizza goodness at Avivo Brick Oven Pizzeria, Deano's Grill & Tapworks, Picasso's Pizzeria, Pizza Ranch and Knolla's Pizza. Still hungry? Browse our full dining guide.
