For residents of Columbus and central Ohio, the thin-crust, square-cut pizza is simply known as pizza. While it may not enjoy the same fame as its counterparts from Chicago or New York, this unique style, often referred to as "Columbus-style," has garnered a devoted fan base. Regularly featured in national rankings, Columbus pizza offers visitors the chance to explore a vibrant citywide pizza trail, showcasing a rich culinary heritage.
What sets Columbus pizza apart? Local artisans roll out thin dough and use a roller docker to create small holes, preventing bubbling during baking. The pizzas are often dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking in stone deck ovens, which are essential for achieving a perfectly crisp crust. Topped with a sweet sauce and a generous layer of provolone cheese, these pies are typically adorned with pepperoni and served in squares or rectangles.
Affordability is another appealing aspect of Columbus-style pizza, with pies averaging around $20, making it accessible for the city's enthusiastic student sports fans. The local culture is deeply intertwined with pizza, as Jim Ellison, author of Columbus Pizza: A Slice of History, notes that discussions about pizza are as common as those about the weather or Ohio State football.
This beloved style is gaining traction beyond Ohio, with Columbus-style pizza appearing on menus throughout the Midwest. Its origins trace back to Italian immigrants, with the first pizzeria, Tat Ristorante Di Famiglia, opening in 1929. Over the decades, local pioneers like Jimmy Massey and Romeo Sirij established the groundwork for Columbus's pizzerias, inspired by Chicago's square-cut traditions.
While Chicago offers a variety of pizza styles, Columbus has remained steadfast in its dedication to thin crust. This preference is evident in establishments like Terita's Pizzeria, which has maintained its classic recipe since 1959. The shape of the pizza, often referred to as a tavern cut or party slice, is integral to its identity, while toppings like provolone cheese and generous pepperoni slices define its flavor.
Family-run businesses are the backbone of this pizza culture. Many local pizzerias, including Donatos, which has expanded to over 170 locations, started as family ventures. Founded by Jim Grote, Donatos became synonymous with edge-to-edge toppings and consistency, even leading to a notable copyright dispute with Pizza Hut.
As the pizza scene evolves, new pizzerias are emerging, introducing global flavors to traditional recipes. Unique offerings like paneer tikka masala and chicken shawarma pizzas reflect Columbus's diverse culinary landscape. The future of Columbus-style pizza looks promising, as these innovative establishments may shape the next generation of pizza lovers.
