Featured photo by @bambolinasalem on Instagram
When I say Salem, Massachusetts, I can guarantee you think of one thing, and one thing alone:
Halloween.
That’s right, each year, millions of people travel Massachusetts north shore to visit the small city and explore its rich (and albeit dark) history.
It’s not too often you get to explore somewhere that actively participated in witch trials!
Even if you took away all of the ghost stories and apparent hauntings, Salem is just one of the coolest cities in New England in general. The whole town is on the ocean, and there’s plenty of activities going on year round. Not to mention, the people watching is as good as it gets.
But there’s one thing in particular that keeps me coming back to Salem, year after year:
The food.
There’s just so many different places to eat, different style cuisines to try, and many delicious meals to be consumed.
Here, you’ve got burger joints (Boston Burger Company never disappoints), sandwich shops (the lobster rolls in Salem are KILLER), wonderful Asian restaurants, and more.
But there’s one thing in Salem that just continues to rock my world each and every time that I come here:
Pizza.
I’m not sure if someone cast some type of spell on the pizza places around here, but they’re all just incredible. The pies that come out of some of the places in Salem continue to be featured in popular Boston area magazines year after year, and I can’t say I’m surprised at all.
They’re just that good.
And the best part is, these places are open year round—so you can even get a slice if the autumn crowds aren’t your thing and you find yourself with the most intense pizza craving.
Without further ado, here are all of the best places to get pizza in Salem, MA.
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
Lappin Park, Salem, MA 01970
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Undoubtedly, this is the closest to authentic NY-style pizza I’ve had in New England.
Right in the heart of Salem, Flying Saucer Pizza Company has been making their dough fresh in-house for years.
They have a wildly creative eye, combining things like buffalo chicken and mac and cheese on one pizza, and also offer traditional pizzas for the less adventurous. This is the best place to visit if you have a food allergy, as they’re also extremely allergen friendly; making gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese. So everyone can eat here!
Bambolina
288 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
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The neo-Neapolitan style pizza that these guys serve is so close to authentic, you’d think you were right in Naples.
Bambolina crafts their dough using only four ingredients – fine milled flour, salt, water, and yeast. Their pizzas are topped lightly, with pecorino Romano, mozzarella cheese, and sauce made from san Marzano tomatoes, in order to bring out the true flavors of Italy.
Each pizza here is made to order, and is so fresh, that you would never guess you were in Salem, MA.
So if you’ve been searching far and wide for a pizza that’s close to the one you had on your Italy trip from a few years ago, look no further. Bambolina just may have what you’ve been looking for.
Longboards
72 Wharf St, Salem, MA 01970
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While the pizza here isn’t necessarily NY or Neapolitan style, it’s in a form that’s near and dear to my heart – flatbread style.
The thin crust flatbreads at Longboards are like no other. They take great pride in their unique flatbreads, and best of all, true to the brand, they come served on longboards.
Currently, their seasonal menu features the “Essex” pizza, which features fresh lobster mix, gorgonzola, bacon, fig reduction, and scallion. Talk about the ultimate autumn pizza!
Amazing Pizza and More
273 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915
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Although this pizza restaurant has moved from Salem to Beverly, I’m keeping it on this list, because it’s one of the best pizza places around, and a Salem, MA tradition.
Amazing Pizza and More is an artisan pizza joint that only uses the freshest and highest quality natural local ingredients. Every ingredient in their kitchen is as fresh as they can get, and they never use any preservatives, GMOs, etc.
One of my favorite pizzas they offer is the Steak Bomb Pizza, which has all of the best flavors of the classic steak bomb, except instead of being served on a sub roll, they’re served on top of a fresh housemade pizza. It’s delicious!
Essex’s NY Pizza and Deli
2 E India Square Mall, Salem, MA 01970
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Essex’s is the epitome of casual and delicious dining, all in the heart of Salem.
Known for their delicious slices and funky playlists, Essex’s NY Pizza and Deli is widely known for the wide variety of specialty pizzas they sell on a daily basis. They make the most delicious cheeseburger pizza you’ll ever eat, as well as some other unique and well known creations.
The staff is always cheerful and enjoying themselves, and best of all, these guys deliver to Salem and Beverly!
American Flatbread
311 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
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The former Goodyear Tire shop had the glow-up of the century when someone turned it into American Flatbread.
Featuring bowling and a full bar alongside its iconic wood-fired pizza, American Flatbread’s Salem location combines the best of the best pizza making with classic Vermont charm.
Personally, my favorite pizza here is the Maine Potato & Chive. This flatbread features oven roasted potatoes, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic oil, a herb blend, and chopped chives. My mouth is watering just typing this out.
Engine House Restaurant
71 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970
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Founded by the children of a Revere fire captain, this family-friendly local favorite spot has been serving the local Salem community since 1978.
Here, you can find all sorts of delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas with a variety of toppings to choose from, as well as many other kinds of delicious food.
The dough is as fluffy as ever, and toppings are always as fresh as can be. My personal favorite topping to put on their pizza is their buffalo chicken wings; they are cooked to perfection and taste absolutely delicious every time.
Mandee’s Pizza
408 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
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Hand tossed Italian style pizza? Sign me up!
Mandee’s has been cooking up some of Salem’s most delicious pizza since 1962. This award-winning pizza joint is known around the area for its unbelievable pies. They offer many classic and creative styles, including a Mexican sizzler pizza; complete with salsa and all of the best taco toppings you could ask for.
In addition to their regular pies, Mandee’s is one of the few pizza joints in the area that offers Sicilian-style pizza. And it’s pretty damn good pizza. Go and try it for yourself, your taste buds will thank you!
Christina’s Pizza
239 Lafayette St #7, Salem, MA 01970
If you’re looking for a pizza place that does it right, then look no further: Christina’s Pizza has you covered.
The owner, Peter, puts love into his Greek-style pizza and is cherished by the members of the local community for all of the hard work he puts into his craft.
There are many different selections of pizza and calzones at Christina’s, as well as salads with housemade dressing, but I would recommend trying out a Sicilian style pizza as well. Being one of the few places in the area that sells this style of pizza, Peter has mastered this down to a science. It’s a must try!
Renzo at the Willows
177 Fort Ave, Salem, MA 01970
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If you were looking for the most picture perfect pizza, this is the place to find it.
I’m talking about thick, delicious crust. Perfectly melted cheese. Beautiful natural pepperoni pizza, the kind that bubbles up once you put it in the oven.
Renzo at the Willows, a straightforward pizza joint, has everything you need to satisfy your deep pizza cravings. The menu is nothing fancy, with simple, straightforward options, but it gives you an opportunity to take the most perfect-looking cheese pizza base and let your imagination run wild. Between their many toppings, the possibilities are endless!
Know of anywhere that I missed? Have a wonderful new hidden gem for me to try? Let me know in the comments section!
