I had a speaking engagement this week with 250 of my friends in Bluffton. A fine time, as always, was had. When it came time for the Question and Answer portion of the program, it may have taken a couple of at bats, but inevitably the question came. It always does.

“I’m from Boston and I’m looking for good Northeastern style pizza. Where do you go?”

What followed was a rant-on my part-a few years in the making. I believe the words were something along the lines of “y’all need to stop with the pizza thing!”

It was light-hearted, we were having fun but the point was still valid. Too many people move to this area demanding that we have pizza like they do ‘back home.’ I’ve talked about it in this space before, but I will remind you as often as I get a chance that we are barking up the wrong tree.

Depending on which area Facebook group you follow you can count on seeing the argument at least every two weeks. The same argument from the same people who moved here from ‘back home’ most of which are underwhelmed by the offerings we have for pizza for 50 miles North and South of the Savannah River.

Stop chasing unicorns. Stop getting angry that you aren’t finding one. You very likely won’t. Close? Maybe. Like “back home?” No. Why not? As I told the group this week “First of all, the water. Second of all, everything else.”

If I move to Ohio, I would not be angry that they don’t have good Shrimp and Grits. If I moved to Montana I would not lament the lack of Cuban food. At least I wouldn’t expect there to be any of note.

With all of that said, Happy National Pizza Day! February 9th. A day to celebrate some pretty good pies in the area. Here are some of my favorites. Keeping in mind this is a list, not a ranking. And only 1 or 2 would I compare to anything ‘back home’

Neapolitan

Pizzeria Vittoria – Savannah. Savannah’s best pizza. In fact, this might just be one of the most consistent anything you can eat in this town.

Graffito at Plant Riverside District – From the first time I had it, it immediately jumped up to the top of the class with Vittoria. Great pizza down on the Riverfront.

The Southern Peel -The Southern Peel is a Bluffton-based food truck. You can generally find them at Lot 9 Brewing Company. Or hire them for a private event, which they do plenty of. Exceptional pizza.

“NY Style”

Piace Pizza – Beaufort, SC. Don’t hold it against him, but Brian is a Philly guy doing some great pies like they got back home. There is no website, there is some social media. There’s also a great atmosphere at Piace, pizzas, meatball subs (grandma’s recipe) and sports everywhere. Looking for an afternoon out of town, this spot is worth the drive.

Screamin’ Mimi’s – A Savannah institution. If you know, you know.

Square “Detroit” Style Pizza

Motor City Mondays at the Wayward Lounge in the Perry Lane Hotel. This pizza is as good as you will have anywhere. But only available on Mondays during Happy Hour. When they are gone, they are gone.

Big Bon Bodega – Big Bon just brought back their pizza program late in 2023. They are called “Savannah Square” pies and all named for a Square in Historic Downtown Savannah. Very very good pizza.

Honorable Mention in the greater Savannah/Bluffton area include: Vinnie Van Go Go’s at City Market, Riverboat Pizza in the Georgetown area, Local Pie Bluffton and Ricciardi’s in Richmond Hill. Home to the area’s finest Deep Dish Chicago style.

Got any we should try? Let me know. tips@eatitandlikeit.com

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