Pizzeria Bianco
In the pantheon of American pizza legends, few stories are as compelling as that of Chris Bianco and his revolutionary approach to wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Bianco. When Chris Bianco started Pizzeria Bianco in the back corner of a Phoenix grocery store in 1988, he had no idea that he would become a driving force in the artisanal pizza movement What began as a humble operation has evolved into one of the nation’s most celebrated pizzerias, fundamentally changing how Americans think about pizza.
Pizzeria Bianco has been rated as the best pizza in the United States by Bon Appétit, Vogue, Rachael Ray, and Andrew Zimmern, and has also been recognized by Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, GQ, and Gourmet Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix wood fired pizzas. This isn’t just hyperbole – it’s the culmination of decades of unwavering dedication to craft, quality, and the belief that pizza can be elevated to fine art without losing its soul.
The accolades tell the story of excellence. Bianco first won the James Beard Award for Best Chef (Southwest) in 2003 —the first pizzaiolo to receive the honor— and helped spawn a generation of independent and artisanal pizzerias PIZZERIA BIANCO – Updated August 2025 – 3097 Photos & 3701 Reviews – 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, Arizona – Pizza – Restaurant Reviews – Phone Number – Yelp. Nearly two decades later, on June 13, Bianco won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, his second award from the colloquially nicknamed Oscars of Food PIZZERIA BIANCO, Phoenix – 623 E Adams St, Central City – Menu & Prices – Tripadvisor, cementing his status as not just a pizza maker, but a transformative figure in American dining.
Located in the Town & Country shopping district at 20th Street and Camelback Road, this Pizzeria Bianco location embodies everything that makes the brand extraordinary. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on sourcing the finest ingredients and treating them with respect. House-made mozzarella, hand-selected tomatoes from Italy, and dough that’s given time to develop complex flavors through slow fermentation create the foundation for pizzas that transcend the ordinary.
The wood-fired ovens are the heart of the operation, reaching temperatures that create the signature leopard-spotted crusts – perfectly charred on the outside while maintaining a tender, chewy interior. Each pizza emerges as a work of art, with ingredients that sing in harmony rather than competing for attention. The Biancoverde, featuring fresh mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and arugula, exemplifies this philosophy – simple ingredients transformed through technique and passion into something transcendent.
What sets Pizzeria Bianco apart in Phoenix’s competitive culinary landscape is its unwavering commitment to the slow food movement. This isn’t fast-casual dining; it’s a meditation on what happens when traditional Italian techniques meet Arizona’s unique culinary identity. Since starting Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix nearly 30 years ago, his thin-crust wood-fired pizza has consistently won accolades Chris Bianco (@pizzeriabianco), proving that consistency and excellence go hand in hand.
The atmosphere at the Town & Country location strikes a perfect balance between casual accessibility and culinary sophistication. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the pizza-making process, where skilled pizzaiolos stretch dough by hand and carefully tend to each pie as it bakes. The wine list features carefully selected bottles that complement the food, while craft cocktails provide a contemporary touch to the dining experience.
Beyond the food, Pizzeria Bianco represents something larger – a commitment to community, craftsmanship, and the belief that great food brings people together. lending his advice, wisdom, and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restaurateurs PIZZERIA BIANCO – Updated August 2025 – 3097 Photos & 3701 Reviews – 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, Arizona – Pizza – Restaurant Reviews – Phone Number – Yelp, Bianco has influenced an entire generation of pizza makers across the country.
For visitors to Phoenix or longtime residents seeking an authentic taste of what makes Arizona’s culinary scene special, Pizzeria Bianco offers more than just a meal – it provides an experience that redefines what pizza can be when passion, technique, and quality ingredients converge in perfect harmony