That’s Amore! Eugene’s Best Pizza Places

By: Jessica Force | July 19 2011
Posted in Eugene - Find It - Eugene

Photo by: iStock/otokimus

Eugene has some of the most satisfying eateries in the Pacific Northwest, with a handful of them focusing their attention on slices of perfectly constructed pizza pie. We put together a guide to help you find the most delicious pizza places in the area, whether you’re near the University of Oregon campus, or out in the Whitaker neighborhood. 

Best Campus Pizza: Pegasus Pizza

Established in 1989, Pegasus Pizza is not only a campus favorite, but also a Eugene favorite. It was voted “Best Pizza Restaurant” in 2010, and has recently opened another location in Eugene’s Oakway Center. Pegasus’s location on 14^th and Alder makes lunchtime pizza a must, with cheap lunch deals and a laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking to have pizza for dinner, try the California Chicken Club pizza: creamy white garlic sauce, freshly diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, chicken, and juicy red onion. Also, don’t forget to head downstairs to Fathom’s Bar for a pint and a slice. Find Pegasus Pizza on Facebook & Twitter. 

Most Spirited Pizza: Track Town Pizza

Looking to watch the game and eat delicious pizza? Track Town Pizza on Franklin Boulevard is where you need to be. Track Town’s pizzas are made with “handmade sauce, fresh produce, and dough and recipes made from scratch,” and they even have a wide selection for the vegetarians in the family. If you’re a meat lover, try the Heptathalon, which has crisp Canadian bacon, pepperoni, salami, linguica, ground beer, and sausage. Also, if you’re a student or senior, don’t forget about the yummy lunch buffet for only $6.95! Find Track Town Pizza on Facebook. 

Most Authentic Pizza: La Perla Pizzeria Napoletana

John “Gianni” Barofsky and Beppe Macchi have a gem of a pizzeria located on the corner of 13^th and Pearl. La Perla is one of very few locations in the country to serve true Neapolitan pizza layered with the freshest ingredients & dough made by hand, which is then cooked for 90 seconds in a wood-burning oven that can reach temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees. Talk about authentic. If you enjoy a savory, cheesy pizza, try the Quattro Formaggi: house-made mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Fontina and Parmesan. Maybe you like to try what’s different. In that case, try the Siciliana, which uses fresh Mozzarella, Pomodoro San Marzano, juicy roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, eggplant, and olives. Seat yourself outside on the covered patio and relocate to Italy for the evening.

Best Vegetarians/Vegan Pizza: Pizza Research Institute

Part of Blair Blvd's "Eat Street" (5^th & Blair in the heart of Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood), Pizza Research Institute is the best option for vegans and vegetarians, or anyone that enjoys great pizza. Come grab a slice or two and listen to some live music throughout the week, and try the pear, vegan pesto & herb roasted potato special, or build your own using fresh vegan or vegetarian ingredients. They even hand-paint their to-go boxes for customers! Find PRI on Facebook. 

Best Late-Night Pizza: Sy’s New York Pizza

If you’re leaving the campus bars on 13^th and need a quick bite, what better way to satisfy your hunger than with a slice of greasy, cheesy New York style pizza? Sy’s is simple, as pizza should sometimes be, and keeps their doors wide open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Feel free to add your own toppings to your slice, or just eat it the original way (cheese and a soft crust for $2.50!). Sy’s has been open near the University since 1978, and likes to keep things traditional and authentic. The pizza is made daily in a brick oven, and is “the best New York pizza in Eugene.” Find Sy's on Facebook. 

Best Downtown Pizza: Mezza Luna

Mezza Luna is located in the heart of downtown Eugene on Broadway & Pearl and was ranked “Most Delicious Pizza” in 2009 and 2010. Check out their daily slice specials, or choose from one of Mezza Luna’s specialty pizzas, like the Pollo Party: juicy marinated chicken, salty artichoke hearts, feta, fresh basil, mozzarella, and garlic olive oil sauce. Are you a vegetarian? Have no fear: the vegetarian options are just as plentiful as the others. If you visit the website, you can view the meat and veggie slice combinations that have been created. Expand your options and your appetite!

Jessica is a senior English major at the University of Oregon, but born and raised in sunny southern California. When she’s not buried in a book, she loves to explore the local food options available throughout Eugene.