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Best Pizza in Omaha? Find Out With the 2024 Omaha Pizza Madness Bracket!

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Welcome to Omaha Pizza Madness!

The largest ever competition between Omaha’s local Pizza restaurants!

Pizza often fuels the DriveHH team… so we thought it would be fun to do our own version of bracketology – Omaha’s Best Pizza!

Jump to:

🏆 Omaha’s Best 24 Pizzas – The Tournament Winner & final scores! 🏆

How it Works

First, we had to set the ground rules for who qualifies:

  • Places viewed as primarily “takeout” places. Not to say sit down restaurants aren’t amazing (looking at you Via Farina and Pitch) but this competition is centered around places who emphasize takeout.
  •  Local. Our area has a tremendous selection of both national and regional pie slingers, but we chose to limit the competition to local establishments who originated in the metro area. Also worth noting many local establishments have grown past one location. In most instances we tested and listed their original location.
  • Pizza places. Many local restaurants offer good pizza as a menu item, but we focused our efforts where pizza is their primary offering.
  • Ordering style. At any place with a “go-to” menu item we selected it as our pizza. For other pizzerias, or places popular with “build your own” we selected half pepperoni and half hamburger.
  • Scoring Method. To calculate our score, each member of our 8 person team rated each pie on a 1-10 scale with 10 being best. Then all ratings are averaged into our cumulative review score.

Second was curating the list.

The List of Best Omaha Pizza Competitors

While there may be a popular place or two missing, we did our best to curate the top 24 places who meet the above criteria. Here it is, listed alphabetically.

The Bracket

Lastly, we had to create the bracket.

Excluding secondary locations, Omaha’s best pizza restaurants naturally fall into two regions – an east and west split along 72nd Street. After deciding regions, we did our best to pair nearby pizzerias.

Curating a detailed contest from neighborhoods, to regions, to the entire metro.

The bracket and match dates are below! Check this page frequently to see the winners!


Round 1 (March 11th): Lighthouse Pizza vs Brick Oven Pizzeria

Lighthouse Pizza (Winner!)

Lighthouse Pizza

Pizza ordered: Half pepperoni, half hamburger.

The review team likened this to a “College Pizza” which is likely appropriate due to its proximity to University of Nebraska-Omaha. The thin, flavorful crust really helped Lighthouse stand out.

Overall Score: 6.6 / 10

Brick Oven Pizzeria

Brick Oven Pizzeria

Pizza ordered: Hand-tossed crust, pepperoni and hamburger.

There’s a bit of uniqueness to the Brick Oven sauce – being a bit tangier than others. The hand tossed crust had good flavor, and it’s evident they use high quality ingredients.

Overall Score: 5.5 / 10

Lighthouse Pizza advances!


Round 1 (March 13th): Johnny Sortino’s vs Don Carmelo’s

Johnny Sortino’s

Johnny Sortinos

Pizza ordered: Johnny Specialty

Johnny Sortinos stands out with its square slices, generously topped with hamburger and mushrooms on a thin, soft dough. The sweet sauce highlights the abundant toppings on this Midwest-style pizza.

Overall Score: 6.8 / 10

Don Carmelo’s (Winner!)

Don Carmelos

Pizza ordered: Combo

Don Carmelo’s delights with its standard-sized triangle slices featuring a crisp, thin, and dense dough that perfectly supports a tangy sauce and high-quality, fresh toppings. This pizzeria’s commitment to quality and flavor shines through, inviting patrons to explore more of their delicious offerings.

Overall Score: 6.9 / 10

Don Carmelo’s advances!


Round 1 (March 15th): Tasty Pizza vs Lansky’s

Tasty Pizza

Tasty Pizza

Pizza ordered: Half pepperoni, half hamburger.

Tasty Pizza serves up a solid combination of lightly sauced, flavorful toppings, including crisp, large cuts of the great-tasting pepperoni and a generous amount of ground beef. The soft, thin dough and crispy crust boast a distinctive buttery flavor that elevates the entire pizza experience.

Overall Score: 6.8 / 10

Lansky’s (Winner!)

Lanskys Best Omaha Pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Lansky’s delivers a unique Midwest-style pizza experience that packs a flavorful punch. The aroma of garlic sets the stage for a delightful blend of sauce with a rich tomato taste, complemented by an even layer of high-quality cheese. The addition of a subtle beer-ish flavor in the crust adds an unexpected twist, enhancing the overall great combination of flavors. With its good distribution of toppings, Lansky’s pizza is a hit for those craving a cheesy, flavorful treat.

Overall Score: 7.9 / 10

Lansky’s advances!


Round 1 (March 19th): Pizzeria Davlo vs Pizza Pie Guys

Pizzeria Davlo (Winner!)

Pizzeria Davlo best Omaha Pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Pizzeria Davlo excels with its Chicago-style pizza, featuring a super thick, flaky crust that’s crisp yet soft inside, making it notably easy to eat. The standout tangy tomato sauce and the high-quality ingredients enhance the overall experience, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable meal. With its thick crust, excellent sauce and crust, Pizzeria Davlo deliverers a memorable Chicago style pizza in Omaha.

Overall Score: 7.4 / 10

Pizza Pie Guys

Pizza Pie Guys Best Omaha Pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Pizza Pie Guys impress and set a high standard with their thin, flaky, and buttery crust that perfectly complements the tangy, flavorful sauce. The balance of cheese to toppings is spot-on, with cheese generously layered over big pieces of pepperoni and flavorful hamburger, ensuring a saucy and satisfying bite. This combination makes Pizza Pie Guys a standout choice for those seeking a delicious, well-crafted New York style pizza.

Overall Score: 6.7 / 10

Pizzeria Davlo advances!


Round 1 (March 20th): Big Fred’s vs Mootz Pizza

Big Fred’s

Big Freds best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Combo.

Big Fred’s delivers a hearty pizza experience, perfect for meat lovers with its generous portions of ground beef. This pizza is piled high with plenty of cheese, all resting on a thin crust that manages to be both crispy and crunchy. The toppings could have been more flavorful. The substantial meat and cheese make it an ideal choice for big parties, offering good portion sizing. Big Fred’s stands out for those who appreciate a meaty, cheese-loaded midwest style pizza.

Overall Score: 4.9 / 10

Mootz Pizza (Winner!)

Mootz Pepperoni and Sausage best Omaha Pizza

Pizza ordered: 1 Pepperoni and 1 hamburger pizza.

Mootz Pizza impresses with its mastery of balance and flavor. The crust is a highlight, described as soft, floury, and slightly chewy texture that’s perfectly complemented by lightly charred areas. The use of fresh mozzarella adds a nice touch, while the tangy sauce, ample amounts of hamburger, and well-spiced pepperoni slices introduce a delightful zest. Its super fresh ingredients and flavorful profile make it a top choice for those seeking a local pizza with quality and taste.

Overall Score: 6.8 / 10

Mootz Pizza advances!


Round 1 (March 22nd): Dante vs Piezon’s Pizzeria

Dante (Winner!)

Dante best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Margherita.

Dante’s pizza offers an authentic experience with its soft crust, featuring a perfect blend of flour and a slight char that adds depth to each bite. The use of mozzarella cheese and a slightly tangy sauce, paired with good quality ingredients including fresh basil, creates a harmonious balance of great taste and flavors. The commitment to freshness is evident in both the cheese and dough, ensuring an authentic and fresh flavor profile. With no grease to detract from the experience, Dante’s pizza stands out for its clean, vibrant taste, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a genuine pizza experience in Omaha.

Overall Score: 8.0 / 10

Piezon’s Pizzeria

Piezons Pizzeria best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni.

Piezon’s Pizzeria offers a crowd-pleasing large pizza with satisfyingly large slices, perfect for big gatherings. The crust strikes a delightful balance, being both soft and thin yet finishing with a good crunch that complements the overall texture. The pepperoni brings a slight spice that’s well-measured, ensuring the spices are just right and not overwhelming. With generous meat portions, Piezon’s ensures every slice is hearty and fulfilling. The pizza stands out for its safe yet delicious flavor profile, achieving a good balance of texture and taste that makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a satisfying meal that will appeal to a wide audience.

Overall Score: 6.4 / 10

Dante advances!


Round 1 (March 25th): Mama’s Pizza vs Sgt. Peffers

Mama’s Pizza (Winner!)

Mamas Pizza best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Half pepperoni, half hamburger.

Mama’s Pizza offers a comforting Midwestern style experience, perfect for big families or gatherings. The pizza features a sauce that’s notably sweet with good flavor, complemented by generous amounts of cheese and meat. The home-made flavor brings a sense of warmth and heartiness to each bite, ensuring a satisfying meal. The hamburger is particularly flavorful, contributing to the overall good balance and robust taste of the pizza. With its hearty portions and well-rounded flavors, Mama’s Pizza stands out as a go-to option for those seeking a fulfilling and tasty option that feels like home.

Overall Score: 7.2 / 10

Sgt. Peffers

Sgt Peffers best omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Half pepperoni, half hamburger.

Sgt. Peffers serves up a pizza that surpasses expectations with its soft, chewy crust and a well-judged balance of cheese and light, tangy sauce. The flavor profile is described as safe, catering to a wide range of palates without venturing into overly spicy territories, as noted in the mild pepperoni. The sauce’s good flavor enhances the overall dining experience, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a classic pizza with a satisfying taste. Ideal for anyone looking for a reliably good pizza that sticks to the fundamentals and does them well.

Overall Score: 6.5 / 10

Mama’s Pizza advances!


Round 1 (March 27th): Caniglia’s A Mano vs Copps Pizza

Caniglia’s A Mano (Winner!)

Caniglias best omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Caniglia’s A Mano impresses with its great flavor, combining a tasty, crunchy thin crust with high-quality ingredients for a truly delightful experience. The pizza boasts a good mix of lots of toppings and the perfect amount of cheese, all seasoned with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. The savory sauce, rich with Italian taste, ties everything together beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. It’s the kind of place you’d proudly introduce to friends and family visiting Omaha, promising an enjoyable dining experience that showcases a well-balanced, flavorful pizza.

Overall Score: 8.4 / 10

Copps Pizza

Copps Pizza best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Copps Pizza offers a delightful experience with its crispy crust and a harmonious blend of spice from the pepperoni, hamburger, and sauce, perfectly complemented by plenty of cheese. It’s an excellent choice for families open to a bit of spice, promising a meal that’s both enjoyable and satisfying. With its well-balanced flavors, there’s nothing not to like about Copps Pizza, making it a standout option for those seeking a pizza with some kick and character.

Overall Score: 5.5 / 10

Caniglia’s A Mano advances!


Round 1 (March 29th): Virtuoso Pizzeria vs Noli’s Pizzeria

Virtuoso Pizzeria

Virtuoso Pizzeria best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni.

Virtuoso Pizzeria nails the New York style pizza with its deliciously doughy crust that’s seasoned to perfection, offering a delightful base for the generous toppings. The pepperoni is notably flavorful, with a slight spice that adds an extra layer of taste, complemented by the “cup n char” style that’s a hit among enthusiasts. The crust is perfectly cooked, striking the right balance between soft and crispy, while the light sauce ensures the toppings remain the stars of the show. This pizzeria is a must-visit for anyone craving a well-seasoned, New York style pizza with just the right kick.

Overall Score: 8.0 / 10

Noli’s Pizzeria (Winner!)

Nolis Pizzeria best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Cheese.

Noli’s Pizzeria delivers an authentic New York style pizza experience, featuring a harmonious blend of high-quality cheese and a doughy yet slightly crunchy crust that’s seasoned to enhance every bite. The cheese is notable for its rich flavor, perfectly complementing the crust’s delightful taste and texture. The sauce stands out for its freshness and abundance, offering a tangy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile. With its light and airy crust, Noli’s Pizzeria masters the balance of fresh flavors and great tasting sauce, making it a go-to spot for anyone in search of a genuine, deliciously crafted pizza.

Overall Score: 8.1 / 10

Noli’s Pizzeria advances!


Round 1 (April 2nd): Orsi’s Pizzeria vs Zio’s Pizzeria

This matchup featured South Omaha mainstay Orsi’s vs Franks – and we were looking forward to it as both pies were new to the review team. 

That said, after dozens of calls to both Frank’s locations, we only received a voicemail stating ”Thank you for calling Frank’s pizzeria in downtown Omaha capital District we are currently closed. Please watch social media for updates. Thank you“.

Disappointing, but we all felt Zio’s deserved a spot in the bracket so we were happy fill their place! As far as Franks goes… No score for you!

Orsi’s Pizzeria (Winner)

Orsis best omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Orsi’s Pizzeria offers a delightful take on Midwest style pizza, distinguishing itself with a thicker crust than New York style, and features savory Italian flavors. The hamburger is well-seasoned, contributing to the overall homemade taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. The pizza strikes the perfect balance with the right amount of ingredients, including a thick, tangy sauce. The subtle spice and the discernible presence of seasonings and herbs atop the pizza enhance the flavor profile, making each bite a testament to Orsi’s commitment to quality and taste.

Overall Score: 7.1 / 10

Zio’s Pizzeria

Zios best omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Zio’s Pizzeria captivates with its unique blend of a tangy sauce and a soft, buttery crust that boasts crisp crackery edges. This traditional pizza comes loaded with ingredients. Patrons will appreciate the thoughtful touch of re-heating directions on the box cover, ensuring leftovers are just as enjoyable. Perfectly situated for a post-Old Market adventure, Zio’s serves up large slices of pizza, densely layered with cheese and toppings, making every bite a rich and satisfying experience.

Overall Score: 6.3 / 10

Orsi’s Pizzeria advances!


Round 1 (April 4th): Lyle’s Pizzeria vs La Casa Pizzeria

Lyle’s Pizzeria (Winner)

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Pizza ordered: Pepperoni.

Lyle’s Pizzeria offers a Neapolitan-style experience that stands out for its use of high-quality ingredients and notably spicy pepperoni, catering to those who appreciate a kick in their slice. The doughy crust, kissed with just the right amount of char, provides a perfect foundation for the flavorful sauce and fresh dough, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last. While the pepperoni’s spice level may not suit everyone’s palate, it adds a bold dimension to the pizza that spice lovers will surely celebrate. Lyle’s commitment to quality and taste makes it a must-visit for aficionados seeking an authentic, flavorful pizza experience.

Overall Score: 7.3/ 10

La Casa Pizzeria

La Casa best Omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Half Pepperoni, half hamburger.

La Casa Pizzeria presents a unique Midwestern/Omaha style pizza that divides opinions, making it a polarizing choice where patrons either love it or not. Those in favor are treated to a pizza with a generous amount of hamburger atop a thin, crispy crust that boasts a delightful slight char. The crust’s crunchy, flaky texture pairs wonderfully with the robust meat flavor, while the cheese adds a layer of richness, highlighted by a distinct sharp Romano taste. This distinctive combination of flavors and textures makes La Casa Pizzeria a standout, offering an experience that’s memorable for its bold, unique character.

Overall Score: 5.8 / 10

Lyle’s Pizzeria advances!


Round 1 (April 6th): Mangia Italiana vs Villagio Pizzeria

Mangia Italiana (Winner)

mangia best omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: Pepperoni and hamburger.

Mangia Italiana impresses with its well-seasoned pizzas, leveraging high-quality ingredients that bring a delightful spice to every bite. The balance of ingredients is spot-on, featuring plenty of cheese and sauce, both of which are rich in flavor. The seasoned cheese, alongside a medley of spices, enhances the overall taste profile, while the crust provides a satisfying foundation to each slice. The sauce is particularly noteworthy, contributing to the authentic Italian flavor that permeates every bit of the pizza. Mangia Italiana stands out for its commitment to delivering a truly delicious and flavorful Italian dining experience.

Overall Score: 7.9/ 10

Villagio Pizzeria

villagio pizzeria best omaha pizza

Pizza ordered: 1 Pepperoni and 1 hamburger pizza.

Villagio Pizzeria offers a versatile pizza experience, catering to varied tastes with both thin and thicker crust options. While the thin crust is satisfactory and crunchy, the thicker crust steals the show with its unique braided edge, adding a delightful texture and flavor. The absence of spice makes it a safe choice for those with milder palates, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings with friends. The pepperoni on top is notably pretty good, contributing to the overall quality of the pizza. Villagio Pizzeria is the go-to spot for those seeking a comfortable, enjoyable meal that’s both familiar and satisfying.

Overall Score: 6.1 / 10

Mangia Italiana advances!


Omaha’s Best 24 Pizzas – The Winner & Final Scores!

Like any bracket, the winning team is based on their matchups and may not necessarily reflect the final rankings, so here’s a list of how each place was ranked. 

A few things to add:

  • The ranking method was an average score of our 8-person review team on a 10 point scale. 
  • We understand some places offer specialty pizzas but to be fair to all parties we did our best to place a comparable order at each restaurant. 
  • There were some polarizing pies. Half the team explicitly disliked romano cheese, the other half loved it. 

We know we missed a few local places on this list. We tried to be as comprehensive as possible, however Omaha has LOTS of great local pizza. 

Lastly – every restaurant we tried was good. There’s no pizza we wouldn’t happily order again!

What did we get right? What did we miss? Did we try the right thing? Comment on our Facebook page and let us know!

Final Scores:

  • 24th) Big Fred’s – 5.0
  • 23rd) Brick Oven Pizza – 5.48
  • 22nd) Copps Pizza Company – 5.5
  • 21st) La Casa – 5.75
  • 20th) Zio’s Pizzeria – 5.88
  • 19th) Villagio Pizzeria – 6.06
  • 18th) Piezon’s Pizzeria – 6.51
  • 17th) Sgt. Peffer’s – 6.6
  • 16th) Lighthouse Pizza – 6.6
  • 15th) Pizza Pie Guys – 6.7
  • 14th) Don Carmelo’s – 6.76
  • 13th) Tasty Pizza – 6.79
  • 12th) Mootz Pizza – 6.8
  • 11th) Johnny Sortino’s – 6.85
  • 10th) Orsi’s Pizzeria – 7.06
  • 9th) Mama’s Pizza – 7.14
  • 8th) Lyle’s Pizza – 7.3
  • 7th) Pizzeria Davlo – 7.44
  • 6th) Lansky’s – 7.87
  • 5th) Mangia Italiana – 7.88
  • 4th) Virtuoso – 7.95
  • 3rd) Dante – 7.97
  • 2nd) Noli’s Pizzeria – 8.08

🏆 Canigila’s A Mano with a score of 8.39 is the 2024 Pizza Madness Champion! 🏆