A pizzeria is a restaurant that specializes in making and serving pizza. The word comes from Italian, where it simply means “pizza place.” Walk into a pizzeria and you'll usually smell tomato sauce, melted cheese, and baking dough. Many pizzerias have large ovens visible from the dining area, where skilled pizza makers toss and stretch the dough before sliding pies into ovens that can reach 800°F.

Traditional pizzerias originated in Naples, Italy, where pizza was invented. These places often feature wood-fired brick ovens and serve pizzas with simple, fresh toppings. American pizzerias developed their own styles, from New York's thin-crust slices you can fold in half to Chicago's deep-dish pizzas that require a fork and knife.

Some pizzerias are small family operations where the same family has been making pizza for generations, using recipes passed down through the years. Others are large chains with locations across the country. Whether fancy or casual, what makes a place a pizzeria is its focus on pizza as the main attraction, though most also serve salads, pasta, and appetizers.