We Ranked The 8 Best Pizza Places In Mississippi, And Here Is Who Made The Cut
A road trip across Mississippi taught us that great pizza often hides in plain buildings on quiet streets. We went looking for the pies worth planning a family stop around, from Delta wood-fired ovens to Gulf Coast slice shops.
Each spot below earned its place with real flavor, a welcoming room for kids, and something no other pizzeria on the list can claim. Grab the map, because a few of these deserve a detour.
8. Poppy Pies, Jackson, MS
Two very different crusts share one oven in this cozy Jackson pizzeria, and that split personality is exactly why it lands at the top. Handmade Neapolitan pies arrive soft and blistered, while the Detroit-style squares come out thick, airy, and edged with crunchy caramelized cheese.
Families who cannot agree on a style finally get to order both. The Detroit Margherita is the menu item that tends to win over skeptics, pairing a tall, golden base with bright tomato and fresh basil.
Weekly specials rotate, so the lineup feels new each time you come back.
Inside, the vibe is casual and quiet, with a trendy edge that never feels fussy. Kids fit right in, and there is outdoor seating when the weather cooperates.
Dessert is on the menu too, which helps close out a meal with smaller diners.
Planning tips matter here. The restaurant is closed Mondays, opens at 4 PM on Tuesdays, and runs 11 AM to 9 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
Free parking is usually easy to find, and prices sit around $10 to $20 per person. Takeout and delivery work well for hotel nights after a long day exploring the capital city.
7. Leña Pizza + Bagels, Cleveland, MS
National food writers have pointed toward a small Delta town for great pizza, and Cleveland earned that attention honestly. Leña bakes Neapolitan pies in a large brick oven imported from Italy, and the chef trained in Naples before bringing those skills home.
What sets the pizza apart is its mix of influences. Flavors from Naples, the Mississippi Delta, and Sonora, Mexico all show up on the menu, creating pies that taste unlike anything else in the state.
The dough gets plenty of attention, built on the freshest ingredients and a long tradition of careful technique.
Saturday mornings bring a second reason to visit: scratch-made bagels. Families on a weekend trip can stop for breakfast from 9 to 11:30 AM and return for dinner when the oven fires back up.
The Bread + Cheese appetizer is a crowd pleaser for little ones waiting on their pies.
Hours are limited, with dinner served Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 to 8:30 PM. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early helps.
High chairs, a fireplace, free wi-fi, and easy parking along Cotton Row make it simple for parents to settle in comfortably.
6. Boardtown Pizza & Pints, Starkville, MS
College towns know pizza, and Starkville holds a strong contender in the Cotton District. Boardtown fires its pies in a brick oven, producing dough that stays crisp while the toppings taste fresh and full of flavor.
Inspired combinations are the draw here. The menu runs from a dependable pepperoni to bolder creations, while the vegetarian All Caps pie gives meatless eaters something exciting.
Side options stretch further than usual, with spit-cooked gyros, street corn, wings, and even celery and carrots for kids who like crunchy snacks.
Game days bring energy, since the room is set up for watching sports. Families visiting Mississippi State University will find it an easy stop before or after campus tours.
High chairs are available, dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area, and reservations are accepted, which helps with larger groups.
Doors open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, so a weekday lunch offers a calmer meal.
Parking can be tricky near University Drive, so allow extra time. Prices hover around $10 to $20 per person, and curbside pickup is an option for tired travelers heading back to the hotel.
5. Fergndans Wood Fired Pizza Cafe, Oxford, MS
Light is the word that fits the crust at this locally owned Oxford cafe. Hand tossed and cooked in a wood-fired oven, the pizzas come out airy with a pleasant char, topped with quality cheeses and a well-balanced sauce.
Parents will appreciate the practical side. A kids’ menu, high chairs, and fast service mean nobody waits too long for food.
Fresh salads and baked goods round out the menu, and the vegetarian calzone is a filling choice for anyone skipping meat.
Picture-perfect college charm surrounds the town, but this spot sits slightly outside the busy Square on Highway 30. That location brings an advantage: parking is free and usually plentiful.
The room feels warm and laid-back, and outdoor seating welcomes dogs as well.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, and the cafe closes on Sundays. Early weekday visits are the quietest, while Friday and Saturday evenings fill up.
Catering and delivery are also available for families staying in town for a game weekend or a visit to the University of Mississippi. Expect to spend about $10 to $20 per person for a satisfying meal.
4. Vanelli’s Bistro, Tupelo, MS
Greek and Italian cooking share the kitchen at this downtown Tupelo favorite, which makes it a smart pick for families with varied tastes. Pizza leads the way, but gyro wraps, lasagna, and big Greek salads mean everyone finds something.
Hand-tossed dough is the backbone of the menu. It shows up in the pizzas, which earn praise for a great crust and a satisfying cheese pull, and in calzones that rank among the most memorable items here.
The cheese stick pizza is a natural hit with younger diners, while adults might lean toward the BBQ chicken pie.
Families exploring Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, can easily fit a meal here into a day of sightseeing on Main Street. The atmosphere stays casual and relaxed, and there is a kids’ menu plus high chairs.
Free wi-fi helps if someone needs to plan the next stop.
Vanelli’s is closed Mondays. Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Thursday, until 9 PM on weekends, and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays.
Reservations are not taken, but service moves fast. Most meals cost about $10 to $20 per person.
3. Trattoria Pizzeria, Hattiesburg, MS
A game room is not something most pizzerias offer, and it gives this Hattiesburg spot a real edge with kids. Little ones can burn off some energy while the kitchen works on brick oven pies and fresh pasta.
The pizza itself holds up its end. Crusts come out perfectly crispy, toppings taste fresh, and the cheese is applied with a balanced hand.
Beyond pizza, the menu leans fully Italian with chicken parmigiana, chicken Alfredo, lasagna, and calzones or stromboli. Rolls with marinara make a simple starter, and tiramisu closes things out on a sweet note.
Soft Italian music sets a cozy mood in the dining room, so it works for a family dinner or a quieter meal. Reservations are accepted, and the kids’ menu and high chairs help parents plan ahead.
Outdoor seating is available, with dogs welcome.
Downtown on Front Street, the restaurant is open daily, running until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday afternoons bring the biggest crowds.
One practical note: there is no restroom on site, so plan accordingly with small children. Expect to spend roughly $20 to $30 per person.
2. New York Pizza Ocean Springs, Ocean Springs, MS
Toppings go on first and cheese goes on top at this Gulf Coast pizzeria, a small detail that changes every bite. The thin crust stays crispy, and the layering keeps everything balanced in true New York fashion.
Locally owned and focused on authentic pies, the shop also sells slices, which makes it a great option for kids who want just one piece. Breadsticks, fries, chicken Alfredo, and Italian sandwiches give picky eaters plenty of choices.
The dining area stays clean, and the staff keeps things friendly and welcoming.
Beach days in Ocean Springs often end with sandy feet and hungry kids, and this spot handles that crowd well. A kids’ menu, high chairs, and fast service help families eat without stress.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are allowed outside.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 PM on Sunday. Saturday mornings are the quietest time to stop in.
Reservations are not taken, but parking is free and plentiful along Bienville Boulevard. Catering and delivery work well for vacation rental groups, and most meals land between $10 and $20 per person.
1. Papa Dough’s Bay City Tavern, Bay Springs, MS
Sourdough sets this Bay Springs pizzeria apart from every other stop on the list. The signature crust comes out of a wood-fired brick oven crispy and fresh-tasting, with a gentle tang that pairs nicely with the spicy Italian sausage.
Off the beaten path in a small town on Highway 18, it rewards families willing to wander. The menu offers a wide range of sauces and toppings, so every pie can be customized.
Specialty sandwiches deserve attention too, and they are a strong option for kids who prefer something other than pizza.
Everything is handcrafted with fresh ingredients, and the friendly staff keeps service moving quickly. The setting feels casual and cozy, with outdoor seating for warm days.
Kids are welcome, and parking is free and easy to find.
Timing takes a little planning. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays, serves lunch only from 11 AM to 2 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and stays open later Thursday through Saturday.
Delivery is not offered, but takeout is available for travelers continuing down the road. Prices fall around $10 to $20 per person, a fair deal for a pizza this carefully made.