Best Pizza Places in Santa Fe
If you are craving a delicious slice, Santa Fe has plenty of great pizza places to explore. From classic New York-style slices and crispy wood-fired pies to creative pizzas topped with local green chile, the city offers something for every pizza lover. Popular spots such as Back Road Pizza, Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza – Santa Fe, Pizza Centro, and Upper Crust Pizza Downtown continue to attract both locals and visitors.
Whether you want a casual family meal, a quick slice, or a flavorful wood-fired pizza, Santa Fe has options for every mood. Many local pizzerias also bring a Southwestern touch to their menus, making the city’s pizza scene different from what you may find elsewhere. In this guide, we explore some of the best pizza places in Santa Fe and what makes each one worth trying.
What Makes Santa Fe Pizza Different?
Santa Fe pizza stands out by mixing classic pizza styles with New Mexican flavors. Ingredients like Hatch green chile, red chile, piñon, chorizo, and fresh local produce add a unique Southwestern touch. This blend of traditional pizza and local ingredients gives Santa Fe its own flavorful pizza identity.
Many local pizzerias also experiment with wood-fired ovens, house-made dough, seasonal toppings, and creative sauces. The result is a pizza experience that feels familiar but still reflects Santa Fe’s rich food culture. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pie or a pizza with spicy green chile and local ingredients, there is plenty to explore.

Best Pizza Places in Santa Fe
1. Bruno’s Pizzeria: Fifth-Generation New York-Style Pizza
Located in Santa Fe’s Railyard District, Bruno’s Pizzeria brings a strong New York pizza tradition to New Mexico. The family behind the restaurant calls themselves fifth-generation Italian “Pie Slingers”, with their pizza-making skills passed down through generations. Their goal is simple: serve authentic New York-style pizza with the flavor and character of a family recipe.
A Family Story Behind Every Pie
The story goes back to their Nonno, Giordano Bruno, an Italian immigrant from Milano, Lombardia, who became a pizzaiolo after moving to New York. He originally made pizza in a coal-burning oven in Little Italy. When he later moved to Colorado, he adjusted his dough recipe to recreate the taste and texture of the New York crust he had made for years.
Pizza became an important part of the family’s Sunday gatherings. Over food, wine, and pizza making, Nonno passed his techniques to the next generations. That tradition eventually led to the opening of Bruno’s Pizzeria in 2015, created in his honor. The family continues to describe pizza as more than food, it is part of their culture and family heritage.
House-Made Nonno’s Dough
The dough is one of the biggest parts of the Pieslingers experience. Their house-made dough is prepared fresh daily, hand-tossed, and made without animal products, hydrogenated oils, or fillers. The family says the process was perfected over generations and remains at the heart of its New York-style pizza.
The pizzas are cooked in an Italian-made wood-fired brick oven, where high heat helps create a crisp, smoky crust. Their house-made sauces, dough, and wood-fired cooking come together to give the pies their signature New York-style character.
The Famous Full Moon Pizza
One of the restaurant’s most memorable specialties is the Full Moon XXL 20-inch New York-style pizza. It can be ordered in different slice sizes or cross-cut, making it a fun option for sharing. Bruno’s also serves giant Full Moon slices in Santa Fe.
The Full Moon is available at both Bruno’s in the Santa Fe Railyard District and Punchy’Z in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho area. Bruno’s also features Full Moon Fridays, with a special offer listed on the restaurant’s website.
More Than Pizza
Bruno’s menu goes beyond traditional pies. Guests can find calzones, stromboli, hot heroes, salads, granita, and Nonno’s Famous Cannoli. The restaurant’s cannoli cream is made in-house with fresh ricotta, with traditional and seasonal flavors available.
For dessert, Nonno’s Famous Cannoli comes in a large six-inch shell and can be ordered individually, by half-dozen, by dozen, or as a platter. Traditional and chocolate-dipped options are also offered.
Punchy’Z Pizza
The same family pizza tradition continues at Punchy’Z Pizza, the family’s partner location serving the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho area. Punchy’Z brings the same Nonno’s New York-style pies to local breweries, distilleries, and special events. Both businesses remain family owned and operated.

A Santa Fe Pizza Experience Worth Trying
For anyone searching for pizza places in Santa Fe, Bruno’s Pizzeria stands out for its combination of family history, house-made dough, wood-fired cooking, and classic New York-style pizza. From a regular pie to the enormous Full Moon, the menu offers plenty of choices for pizza lovers. The family’s Italian heritage and generations of pizza-making experience also give the restaurant a story that goes beyond the plate.
Bruno’s Pizzeria
Santa Fe Railyard District
1512 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: 505-690-0966
2. Upper Crust Pizza
Upper Crust Pizza is one of Santa Fe’s long-standing pizza favorites. The restaurant first opened in 1979, starting in an old jewelry store when founders Bill and Dean saw an opportunity to bring better pizza to the city. Over the years, the menu grew while keeping a focus on fresh ingredients, handmade dough, and carefully prepared pizzas.
Today, Upper Crust offers much more than traditional pizza. Its menu includes classic pizzas, specialty pies, build-your-own pizzas, calzones, salads, sandwiches, wings, garlic bread, desserts, beer, and wine. Guests can choose from traditional hand-tossed dough, whole-wheat crust, or a gluten-free crust.
Popular Pizza Choices
The menu has several specialty options worth trying. The New Mex combines red chile tortilla flats with cheddar, onion, tomato, and chorizo, giving the pizza a distinct Southwestern flavor. Other choices include Sunny Chicken Pesto, made with pesto, marinated chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, along with the Margarita, Grecian Gourmet, Combo, Meat Treat, Veggie, and BBQ Chicken pizzas.
For those who prefer to create their own pie, Upper Crust offers a wide range of toppings such as green chile, chorizo, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, jalapeños, spinach, artichokes, fresh mozzarella, pesto, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes. This makes it easy to build a pizza around your favorite flavors.
Calzones, Salads & More
The calzone selection includes Italian Calzone, Sausage Roll Calzone, Stromboli Calzone, Whole Wheat Calzone, and a Build-A-Zone option. The restaurant also serves Greek, Caesar, Chef, Spinach, Smoked Salmon, and Tossed salads. Sandwiches are available on French, sourdough, or whole-wheat rolls, with Italian, turkey, meatball, chicken breast, ham, and vegetarian choices.
For a quick weekday lunch, Upper Crust also offers lunch specials with a one-topping slice, salad, and drink. Wings, garlic bread, cheesecake, and brownies round out the menu, while the beer and wine selection includes local, domestic, and imported options.
Award-Winning Pizza
Upper Crust has built a strong reputation in Santa Fe over the years. The restaurant says it was consistently voted Best Pizza in Santa Fe by the Santa Fe Reporter from 1995 through 2009, along with several Best of Santa Fe awards.
Two Santa Fe Locations
Upper Crust Pizza has two Santa Fe locations. The Downtown restaurant is at 329 Old Santa Fe Trail, while the Eldorado location is at 5 Colina Drive. The Downtown location offers online ordering and delivery, while the Eldorado location offers online ordering and a drive-through.
Upper Crust Pizza Downtown is especially convenient if you are exploring central Santa Fe and want a relaxed pizza meal. The restaurant also highlights a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, patio seating, and live music, making it suitable for both casual lunches and family pizza nights.
Why visit?
Upper Crust Pizza is a good choice if you want local pizza, fresh toppings, New Mexican flavors, multiple crust choices, and a broad menu rather than just a basic slice. Its long history also makes it an established part of Santa Fe’s pizza scene.

3. Tender Fire Kitchen
Tender Fire Kitchen brings a fresh farm-to-fire approach to the Santa Fe pizza scene. Located at 1025 Midtown Calle Central, the restaurant focuses on wood-fired food, local ingredients, and naturally fermented dough. Its philosophy is summed up by the idea of “Flour to Flame. Farm to Feast,” with dishes inspired by local farms, community, and the warmth of fire.
Sourdough Pizza Made with Care
Pizza is at the heart of Tender Fire Kitchen. The restaurant uses three-day organic fermented sourdough and cooks its 12-inch pizzas in a wood-fired oven. The menu also includes vegan options, house-made cheeses, locally sourced produce, and fresh salads.
Current pizza choices include classics such as Cheese and Margherita, along with Soppressata, Pepperoni, Sausage, Kale, Mushroom, Clam, and Potato pizzas. There is also a vegan pizza made with seasonal vegetables, vegan cheese, and pesto, giving plant-based diners a dedicated option.
More Than Pizza
Tender Fire is not only about pizza. The menu features house bread, pizzeta, pesto flatbread, roasted vegetables, salads, and house-made sauces. Options such as vegan Caesar salad and seasonal vegetable dishes make it easy to build a meal around different dietary preferences.
The restaurant also offers sauces such as hot honey, ranch, and Papi-Chulo, which can add an extra kick to the wood-fired dishes.
Farm-to-Feast Philosophy
What makes Tender Fire different is its focus on the relationship between food, farmers, and community. The restaurant says its kitchen is built around balance, from tenderness and fire to sweet and salty flavors. Its open-kitchen concept also allows guests to see more of the cooking process and connect with the people behind the food.
A Cozy Santa Fe Pizza Stop
Tender Fire Kitchen is a great option for anyone looking for wood-fired pizza in Santa Fe with a modern, farm-focused approach. The combination of long-fermented sourdough, fresh ingredients, house-made elements, and high-heat cooking gives its pizzas a distinctive character.
Location: 1025 Midtown Calle Central, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Dinner: Thursday–Monday, 5–9 PM
Cafe: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–12:30 PM
Style: Wood-fired pizza, sourdough, farm-to-table-inspired dishes
4. Esquina Pizza
Esquina Pizza / Copita Wine Bar is a cozy Santa Fe spot focused on wood-fired pizza, seasonal ingredients, and natural wine. Located on South Guadalupe Street, Esquina combines Italian-inspired cooking with a touch of Santa Fe character. The restaurant says its menu changes with the seasons, using fresh produce and creative toppings.
The 12-inch pizzas include classics such as Margherita and Three Cheese, along with more creative choices like The Local, topped with Hatch green chile and piñon, and Sweet + Spicy, featuring soppressata, pickled hot peppers, goat cheese, and red chile hot honey. Other options include Pesto 2.0, Sausage, Mushroom, Leo’s, and Garden Pie. Gluten-free crust is also available.
Beyond pizza, guests can enjoy garlic bread, marinated olives, stuffed dates, house-made meatballs, salads, and an antipasti platter. Next to the pizza spot is Copita, a small natural wine bar with a relaxed, intimate setting that pairs naturally with the wood-fired menu.
Location: 403 S. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: 505-303-3034
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 5 PM–9 PM
Style: Wood-fired pizza, seasonal plates & natural wine
Pizza Places in Santa Fe – Quick Comparison
| Pizza Place | Pizza Style | Must-Try | Best For |
| Bruno’s Pizzeria | New York-style | Full Moon Pizza | Groups & sharing |
| Upper Crust Pizza | Classic & specialty | New Mex Pizza | Families |
| Tender Fire Kitchen | Wood-fired sourdough | Margherita & seasonal pies | Food lovers |
| Esquina Pizza | Wood-fired | The Local Pizza | Date nights |
Best Pizza Places in Santa Fe – Quick Picks
Best for New York-style pizza: Bruno’s Pizzeria is a great choice for classic New York-style pies and its famous oversized Full Moon Pizza.
Best for families: Upper Crust Pizza offers a broad menu with pizzas, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and different crust options.
Best for wood-fired sourdough: Tender Fire Kitchen stands out for its naturally fermented dough and high-heat wood-fired pizzas.
Best for a date night: Esquina Pizza pairs wood-fired pies with seasonal dishes and wine for a more intimate dining experience.
Reviews About Pizza Places in Santa Fe
Tips for Choosing a Pizza Place in Santa Fe
When choosing among the best pizza places in Santa Fe, start by thinking about the type of pizza you want. If you love a thin, foldable New York-style slice, look for a restaurant specializing in classic New York pies. For a crisp, lightly charred crust, a wood-fired pizza spot may be the better choice.
The dough also makes a big difference. Some restaurants focus on traditional pizza dough, while others use long-fermented or sourdough dough for a deeper flavor and different texture. If you enjoy local flavors, look for pizzas featuring green chile, chorizo, piñon, seasonal vegetables, or other Southwestern ingredients.
It is also worth checking the topping choices and dietary options before visiting. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners can find suitable choices at several Santa Fe pizza restaurants. Finally, consider the atmosphere. A casual family pizzeria is ideal for a relaxed meal, while a cozy restaurant with wine and wood-fired dishes may be better for a date night or special evening.
Best Pizza Toppings to Try in Santa Fe
For a true Santa Fe-inspired pizza, try Hatch green chile, chorizo, soppressata, sausage, mushrooms, pesto, piñon, and seasonal vegetables. Green chile adds a spicy kick, while piñon brings a nutty flavor. These toppings can turn a familiar pizza into something that feels distinctly local.
Pizza & Drinks Pairing
The right drink can make a good pizza taste even better. In Santa Fe, you can pair your favorite pizza with craft beer, wine, soda, or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks depending on the restaurant and your preference.
For classic New York-style pizza, a cold beer is a simple and popular match. Light lagers work well with cheesy and pepperoni pizzas, while a fuller beer can stand up to spicy sausage or meat toppings. For wood-fired and sourdough pizzas, wine is another great option. A crisp white wine pairs nicely with Margherita, vegetable, or pesto pizzas, while a medium-bodied red works well with sausage, pepperoni, and other rich toppings.
If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, or soda can help balance the richness of melted cheese and savory toppings. For pizzas with green chile or spicy toppings, choose a refreshing drink that can cool the heat and keep every bite enjoyable.
History
Pizza became part of Santa Fe’s dining scene as local restaurants began combining traditional Italian and American pizza styles with New Mexico’s unique flavors. Over time, pizzerias introduced everything from classic New York-style slices to wood-fired pies, while local ingredients such as green chile and chorizo added a distinct Southwestern touch.
Restaurants such as Upper Crust Pizza, which opened in Santa Fe in 1979, helped establish pizza as a local favorite. Today, the city’s pizza scene continues to grow, with family-run pizzerias, wood-fired kitchens, and modern restaurants offering creative pizzas alongside traditional favorites. This mix of Italian tradition, New York influence, and New Mexican ingredients makes Santa Fe’s pizza culture unique.
Pizza & Dessert Pairings
A great pizza meal in Santa Fe does not have to end with the last slice. Many local pizza spots also offer sweet treats and Italian-inspired desserts that make a perfect finish to your meal. After a savory pizza, try something creamy, chocolatey, or light and refreshing.
For a classic Italian ending, cannoli is an excellent choice, especially at Bruno’s Pizzeria, where Nonno’s Famous Cannoli is made with ricotta-filled shells. Other pizza restaurants may offer favorites such as cheesecake, brownies, or seasonal desserts. Pairing a warm, cheesy pizza with a sweet dessert gives you a complete and satisfying Santa Fe dining experience.
Conclusion
Santa Fe offers a fun and flavorful pizza scene with something for every taste. From classic New York-style pies at Bruno’s Pizzeria and specialty pizzas at Upper Crust Pizza to wood-fired sourdough creations at Tender Fire Kitchen, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a great slice. Local ingredients and Southwestern flavors also give some pizzas a unique Santa Fe touch.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly pizza dinner, a casual slice, a wood-fired pie, or a relaxed pizza-and-wine experience, Santa Fe has plenty of choices. Try different crusts, toppings, and local flavors to find your favorite. With so many excellent pizza places in Santa Fe, pizza lovers have plenty of reasons to come back for another slice.
FAQs
i. What are the best pizza places in Santa Fe?
Some popular choices include Bruno’s Pizzeria, Upper Crust Pizza, Tender Fire Kitchen, and Esquina Pizza, each offering a different pizza style and dining experience.
ii. Where can I find New York-style pizza in Santa Fe?
Bruno’s Pizzeria is a good choice for classic New York-style pizza, including its large Full Moon Pizza.
iii. Where can I get wood-fired pizza in Santa Fe?
Tender Fire Kitchen and Esquina Pizza are known for wood-fired pizzas with crisp, flavorful crusts.
iv. Does Santa Fe have green chile pizza?
Yes. Some local pizzerias use New Mexican green chile as a topping, adding a spicy Southwestern flavor to traditional pizza.
v. Which pizza places in Santa Fe are good for families?
Upper Crust Pizza is a family-friendly option with pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and different crust choices.
iv. Are there vegan pizza options in Santa Fe?
Yes. Some Santa Fe pizza restaurants offer vegan pizzas and plant-based toppings, making it easier to find options without animal products.
vii. Can I find gluten-free pizza in Santa Fe?
Several local restaurants offer gluten-free crust options, but it is best to confirm availability and preparation methods before ordering.
viii. What pizza toppings are popular in Santa Fe?
Along with classic pepperoni and sausage, you may find green chile, chorizo, mushrooms, pesto, seasonal vegetables, and other Southwestern-inspired toppings.
ix. Which Santa Fe pizza places are good for a date night?
For a more relaxed evening, Esquina Pizza offers wood-fired pizza and wine in a cozy setting, while other local spots provide casual options for couples.
x. What should I try when visiting Santa Fe pizza restaurants?
Try at least one New York-style or wood-fired pizza, and consider adding a local ingredient such as green chile. If available, finish your meal with an Italian dessert such as cannoli.
