The 6 Best Pizza Places in Wauwatosa

There are lots of options when it comes to pizza, but these are our favorites in Wauwatosa.

We don’t know about you, but this colder weather has us craving comfort food. One of our favorite ways to indulge is by trying out different pizza restaurants. Wauwatosa has many delicious pizza places to choose from and something to suit every taste, dietary restriction, and budget. 

We had a blast touring Wauwatosa’s best ice cream shops last summer, so we thought we’d try it again with pizza! This tasty tour will take you from east ‘Tosa to west ‘Tosa, with a couple of stops in the Village. Hope you’re hungry…let’s get going. 

6-stop pizza shop tour list…

Pizza Places We Love

  1. Balistreri’s Ristorante
  2. MOD Pizza
  3. Pizzeria Piccola

4. Lalli’s Pizza
5. Rocky Rococco Pizza and Pasta
6. Pizza Man

1st Stop: Balistreri’s Italian-American Ristorante

812 N 68th St, Wauwatosa
(414) 475-1414
Balistreris.com

If you are looking for a classic Italian restaurant experience, look no further than Balistreri’s Italian-American Ristorante. Located just off Wells street on North 68th, Balistreri’s has been serving authentic Italian pizza, pasta, and desserts to hungry Tosa residents since 1968. Choose from classic pizza topping combos like sausage, fresh mozzarella, onions, olives, and mushrooms (“The Special”) or go a little wild with additions like anchovies, pepperoni, veggies, and more. Gluten-free crust is available in the “junior” size and their build-your-own pizza option makes this delicious pizza accessible for vegetarians. We suggest rounding off your meal with an espresso and a slice of delicious Simma’s cheesecake, located conveniently across the street. 

2nd Stop: MOD Pizza

7470 W State St, Wauwatosa
(414) 257-2577
Modpizza.com

MOD Pizza may just be our new favorite fast-casual restaurant. Located in the Tosa Village, MOD is a great choice for families who can’t agree on pizza toppings or for folks with dietary restrictions. Their secret? Build-your-own individual pies! Choose from a “Mini” (6’), “Mod” (11’) or “Mega Dough” (11” thick) crust (gluten-free and cauliflower crust also available), then choose from 30+ sauce, topping, meat, and cheese options. Looking for something a little lighter? You can choose instead to build your own salad. MOD Tosa Village is a great stop for an easy weeknight dinner out or for a fun family meal on a weekend. They’re also quite inexpensive! 

3rd Stop: Pizzeria Piccola

7606 W State St, Wauwatosa
(414) 443-0800
Bartolottas.com

Another fantastic Tosa Village stop! Pizzeria Piccola, part of the Bartolotta family of restaurants, features Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas baked in a traditional wood-burning oven. Choose from classics like a Margherita or spicy Italian sausage. Feeling more adventurous? A daily rotating specialty pizza features everything from unique veggies to duck sausage. Gluten-free crust and vegetarian/vegan options are available daily, alongside a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts. From handmade dough to the freshest ingredients, Pizzeria Piccola will satisfy even the most fervent pizza purest. And during summer months, they have a great outdoor space to dine, drink, listen to live music, and enjoy busy State Street in the heart of the Tosa Village.

4th Stop: Lalli’s Pizza

8826 W North Ave, Wauwatosa
(414) 774-9838
Lallispizza.com

You haven’t had a true Tosa pizza experience until you’ve had Lalli’s. A local favorite and mainstay on North Avenue long before the likes of Thainamite and Bel Air Tacos moved to town, Lalli’s offers delicious pizza and Italian food in a quaint and cozy setting – or even in the comfort of your own home, if you prefer carry-out. If you’re a fan of a hand-tossed crust with delicious, traditional ingredient options, you’ll love Lalli’s. Beyond pizza, choose from classic Italian dishes like lasagna or stuffed shells, sandwiches, and a variety of yummy appetizers. We are getting hungry just thinking about it! 

  • Best Pizza in Wauwatosa

5th stop: Rocky Rococco Pizza and Pasta

11319 W Bluemound Rd, Wauwatosa
(414) 456-9556
Rockyrococo.com

When we think “comfort food” we think of Rocky Rococco’s. If you are looking for piping hot pizza-by-the-slice, Rocky’s is the place. They keep it simple: tasty ingredients on delicious hand-tossed crust tucked into their signature square takeaway box. If you’re looking to feed a family, order a whole pie (we love the “Motherlode” with mozzarella baked into the crust) or customize by choosing from a variety of toppings. And by the way, the toppings, like the Italian sausage, are huge! Rocky’s also offers salad and veggie pizzas, a variety of pasta dishes, and don’t forget to order some of their famous breadsticks! They also just remodeled their restaurant, so if you haven’t stopped by in a while, be sure to check it out. 

6th stop: Pizza Man

11500 W Burleigh St, Wauwatosa
(414) 249-2000
Pizzamanwi.com

A longtime East Side Milwaukee favorite, Pizza Man recently debuted a new location in west Wauwatosa at the Mayfair Collection. If you consider yourself a “foodie,” you’ll love Pizza Man’s variety of unique creations including the Spicy Meatball, which brilliantly pairs brussels sprouts with spicy giardiniera, cream cheese, and – naturally – meatballs, all served on a delicious, crispy thin crust. Vegetarian? Another favorite is the indulgent White Pizza, boasting mushrooms, truffle oil, and lots of peppery arugula. A delicious array of appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes rounds out the menu. Pizza Man’s high-quality ingredients come with a slightly higher price tag, but head over for their weekday lunch special: half a medium pie with salad or pasta and a fountain drink for only $13. The building itself is also quite expansive and a fun setting to enjoy a lunch or dinner out. 

Well, we are certainly feeling full! We hope you enjoyed our pizza tour, and you get out and enjoy these awesome local pizza parlors.   (And while it’s fun to indulge a little, good health is about balance. In addition to a healthy diet, with a slice of pizza here and there, exercise, and getting enough sleep, regular chiropractic adjustments can help you feel your best. So eat well, and take care of yourself.)

By:

Dr. Corinne Kennedy
Kennedy Chiropractic
Wauwatosa
www.drckennedychiro.com