Beyond Pepperoni: Dig into these Unique Pizzas in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is home to an exhilarating pizza scene unbound by regional expectations and enriched by our diverse community, which has brought flavors from around the world to our shared Minnesota table. This diversity and lack of culinary dogma breed an atmosphere of pizza creativity that’s unmatched. No matter what type of pizza you’re in the mood for—classic or wild—Minneapolis has a wide range of options to suit every palate. From wood-fired to vegan to dessert slices covered in Nutella, the best pizza in Minneapolis is the one that satisfies YOU. But in case you’re Jonesing for something new, here are some of the best and most unique offerings at pizza places in Minneapolis.
The Korean BBQ Pizza at Pizzeria Lola
Offering some of the best pizza in South Minneapolis, Pizzeria Lola is a neighborhood pizza joint with a twist—Korean flavors topping seasonal pies from James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim. The Korean BBQ pizza with gochujang-marinated short ribs, mozzarella, sesame seeds, scallions, and a soy-chili vinaigrette is a standout favorite.
Perfect Pickle Pie at Young Joni
You can also find delicious and unique pizzas at another Ann Kim Minneapolis pizza place, Young Joni. The menu at this Northeast Minneapolis pizza spot continually evolves but always includes a selection of classic creative wood-fired pizzas. A recent oddball favorite is the Perfect Pickle Pie, topped with fermented pickles, mozzarella, fontina, smoked onions, chili, ranch dressing, potato chips, and dill.
The Paul Bunyan at Galactic Pizza
A Minneapolis pizza place with a world-saving vision, Galactic Pizza is known for delivering with 100% eclectic vehicles, donating proceeds to local food bank Second Harvest, printing the menu on hemp paper, and making pies with organic and local ingredients. Many pies can be made vegan, including the Paul Bunyan, a pizza made with toppings native to Minnesota—morel mushrooms, wild rice, and free-range bison sausage. (The bison can be subbed for one of five vegan meat options!)
Persian Beef, Tomato, Feta, and Harissa Pizza at Black Sheep Pizza
While wood-fired pizza is pretty standard in Minneapolis, coal was the fuel of choice for the first pizza ovens in the United States. With locations in North Loop and Eat Street, Minneapolis’s Black Sheep Coal-Fired Pizza pays homage to this culinary tradition as the first coal-burning pizza restaurant in Minnesota. Indulge in a classic cheese and sauce pie, or take your tastebuds on a journey with the Persian beef, tomato, feta, and harissa pizza featuring fiery North African chile paste.
The Pioneer Hitchhiker at Surly Brewing
Surly Beer is another great spot in Minneapolis to find unique and delicious pizzas with wild toppings. Head upstairs from the beer hall for charred New Haven-style pizza featuring crust made with Surly brewers yeast harvested after fermentation (making this the ultimate pizza to pair with a pint). Try the Pioneer Hitchhiker white pizza with clams, garlic, cream, oregano, and lemon.
Carl the Cuban Pizza at Red Wagon Pizza
Red Wagon is an excellent choice for a wood-fired pizza in South Minneapolis. Beginning as a mobile pizza oven at a local farmers market, Red Wagon now has a permanent spot for their Minneapolis brick oven pizzas (that are still made with locally sourced ingredients). Their Carl the Cuban pizza was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2020 and features Cuban citrus pork, shaved ham, house cheese blend, dill pickles, and French’s mayo.
Baked Potato Pizza at Pizza Luce
Pizza Luce is a Minneapolis institution known for its innovative and diverse menu of delicious, unique pizzas. Along with a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan pizza in Minneapolis, they’ve also got loads of unique options. Try the Baked Potato Pizza with garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, fresh diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped bacon. (It’s also available vegetarian with Minneapolis-made Herbivorous Butcher vegan bacon.)
Animal Lover Pizza at Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery
Looking for vegan pizza in Minneapolis? Head to this buzzy cocktail bar and pizzeria for floor-to-ceiling live plant displays, cozy wicker chairs, a wide variety of boozy cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks on draft, and a surprisingly delicious vegan pizza—the Animal Lover, made with sweet potato, red onion, masala, and tamarind jus.
Nutella Pizza at Pizza Shark
Serving up wood-fired pizza in Minneapolis’s Uptown neighborhood, Pizza Shark is noted for bringing together international flavors and unique toppings—think middle eastern zaatar, Mexican chicken tinga, and Korean pork with pineapple. The only dessert pizza on this list, Pizza Shark’s Nutella Pizza, features the famous chocolate hazelnut spread along with strawberries, bananas, sliced almonds, and powdered sugar.
Elote Pizza at Wrecktangle Pizza
This new Minneapolis pizza spot offers a vibrant menu of creative signature Detroit-style (read: rectangular) pies with loads of vegetarian and vegan options and a real community vibe. Try the Mexican-inspired Elote pie with tajin aioli, fresh corn, queso fresco, pickled red onion, lime, and cilantro.
Brasilia at Ouro Pizzaria
Ouro Pizzaria has brought the first Brazillian pizza joint to Minneapolis. The new project from Ben Spangler and Gabriella Grant-Spangler—the owners of Bebe Zito Ice Cream & Burgers—has opened at the new food hall Eat Street Crossing. The Brasilia includes fire roasted chicken, tomato romesco, cilantro, onion, oregano, and Catupiry cheese. All their pizzas include elaborate toppings, both traditional and non-traditional. Also for some decadent dessert pizzas with chocolate, fresh fruit, and doce de leite.
