Indianapolis is a city in Indiana renowned for hosting one of the biggest motor racing events anywhere in the world, the Indianapolis 500. It's a place that's kept up to speed on its development too and the last few decades have seen the appearance of an international airport, sports stadiums, and efficient new transport systems.

It may be racing towards a great and economically stable future, but the one thing that was slow to get off the starting grid in Indianapolis was pizza. Pizzerias didn't become a feature on the streets of Indianapolis until the early 1990s when pies were introduced by two city chefs, one of German and one of Irish descent. That doesn't mean the locals were deprived of Italian food beforehand though. The Italian Food Festival is an annual event that's taken over Stevens Street for more than thirty-five years with stalls offering an incredible array of authentic Italian fare.

In many ways, deep dish pies are comparable with Chicago-style pizzas, but there's one main difference and that's the way the sauce and toppings are layered. When you're served a Chicago-style the first thing you'll be cutting into is the sauce before you discover the cheese and anything else you ordered underneath. A deep dish is more like a regular pizza, only thicker and a whole lot juicier.

When a pie is cooked in a high-sided pan like a deep dish is, the tomato sauce base gets completely covered so there's no risk of it drying out while in the oven. The cheese gets totally melted too and often browns a little, which gives it a slightly toasted taste. Pizzerias in Indianapolis are flexible though and if you want your pie done deep dish Chicago-style, they're more than happy to oblige. After all, it's the same - only the inside is upside down.

Best delivery pizza in Indianapolis

If you've got a family get-together planned or are having a bunch of friends round to watch a football game, you'll need a pizza or two that's big enough to feed everyone. The best delivery pizza in Indianapolis to match your needs is one from Cugino's on North Franklin Street. Cugino's is housed in a no-frills premises that’s not overly eye-catching externally or anywhere near reaching fine dining standards internally. It is spotlessly clean though and that's what counts when it comes to serving food.

When you want a delivery pizza in Indianapolis large enough to feed a team, Cugino's will pull out all the stops and produce a mega 30" one for you. Their dough is extra tasty too as they only use extra virgin olive oil in the preparation process. If there's disagreement in your group about topping choice, please everyone with Cugino's Around The World pie. It's loaded with everything - including banana.

Best takeout pizza in Indianapolis

There's a lot to see and do in Downtown Indianapolis so if you're visiting or just having an afternoon out, you might not want to spend your time in a restaurant. Drop in at Buca di Beppo's on North Illinois Street and you'll be able to pick up the best takeout pizza in Indianapolis.

You won't walk past Buca di Beppo's without noticing it and that's a fact. Outside the restaurant has a complete Italian look, from its sidewalk terrace to its green and white striped awning. Inside is a shout out to the Italian’s love of nostalgia and the walls are covered with so many photos and posters, you may well have trouble taking your eyes off them to look at the menu. That won't take long as their pizza menu is short, but highlights what pizzas are all about, simplicity and those undeniable true Italian flavors.

Best pizza near Indianapolis

Greenwood

Greenwood is around fifteen miles south of Indianapolis and might not feature on most folks’ list of exciting places to visit unless the weather was warm. When the sun shines and the temperatures rise, Greenwood is a great place to go as it has a fantastic water park, Freedom Springs. After a day floating on the lazy river or whooshing down slides, a pie from Chicago Pizza on Highway 31 will finish your outing off just right.

Zionsville

Zionsville is a family-oriented town to the northwest of Indianapolis and a great place to live or visit with kids. As well as acres and acres of parks for them to explore, they can have fun while learning in the Zion Nature Center. There are skateboarding facilities and even a sledding hill in winter. If they're ravenously hungry after all the outdoor activity, you'll get them well fed at the Zionsville Pizzeria on Main Street.

McCordsville

McCordsville is the sort of place to live if you appreciate a quiet life. If you're a party animal then you may well want to pass it by as about the only spot in McCordsville where there's remotely anything happening is in the local winery. You can get a decent pizza at Kinsey's Italian Cafe though and if you ask, they'll even throw on some extra minced garlic for you.