Who Has The Best Tomato Pies in Philadelphia?

 A Slice of Philly Tradition: Where to Find the Best Tomato Pie

While cheesesteaks and hoagies get the national spotlight, true Philadelphians know the city's most comforting and beloved culinary staple is the Tomato Pie. Don't mistake this for a typical pizza. Philly's tomato pie is a simple masterpiece: a thick, rectangular, focaccia-like crust is topped with a generous layer of thick, sweet tomato sauce, a sprinkle of Romano or Parmesan cheese, and a dash of oregano. Served at room temperature, it's the perfect snack, lunch, or party food.

If you're ready to taste this authentic slice of Philly tradition, here's where to find the absolute best tomato pie in the city.

1. Cacia's Bakery

• Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
• The Vibe: A no-frills, old-school corner bakery where tradition reigns supreme.
• Why It's a Must-Try: A South Philly institution for over 60 years, Cacia's (pronounced kah-chas) uses its seasoned brick oven to produce a tomato pie with a legendary crust—perfectly crisp on the bottom yet airy inside. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and a testament to their time-honored family recipe.

2. Sarcone's Bakery

• Neighborhood: Bella Vista / Italian Market
• The Vibe: A historic landmark that feels like stepping back in time. Expect a line, and know it's worth the wait.
• Why It's a Must-Try: Open since 1918, Sarcone's is famous for its crusty, world-class bread, and that same expertise goes into their tomato pie. The focus here is on the phenomenal dough, which provides the perfect chewy and slightly dense base for their simple, savory tomato sauce. It's a quintessential Italian Market experience.

3. Marchiano's Bakery

• Neighborhood: Manayunk / Roxborough
• The Vibe: A welcoming, family-run bakery that specializes in a few things and does them exceptionally well.
• Why It's a Must-Try: While many bakeries offer tomato pie as one of many items, Marchiano's makes it a star attraction. Locals flock here for the perfect balance of a light, airy crust and a bright, flavorful sauce. While you're there, don't miss their other specialty: breads stuffed with everything from pepperoni and cheese to spinach.

4. Gaeta's Tomato Pies

• Neighborhood: Northeast Philadelphia
• The Vibe: Your classic neighborhood Italian deli and bakery, bustling with local regulars.
• Why It's a Must-Try: Gaeta's is a go-to destination in the Northeast for all things Italian, but their tomato pie is legendary. The secret is in their sauce—a perfectly seasoned recipe passed down through generations that makes every slice incredibly delicious. It's the definition of a local gem.

5. Carangi Baking Company

• Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
• The Vibe: An unassuming, wholesale-focused bakery that's a true hidden gem for those in the know.
• Why It's a Must-Try: Tucked away in South Philly, Carangi's might not have the flash of other spots, but it delivers one of the most classic and satisfying tomato pies in the city. Their house-made crust and perfectly simple sauce create a pure, no-nonsense rendition of this Philly favorite that will have you coming back for a full sheet.

6. Square Pie

• Neighborhood: East Passyunk
• The Vibe: A cozy, modern BYOB that takes a chef-driven approach to pizza and pie.
• Why It's a Must-Try: If you're looking for a gourmet twist, Square Pie elevates the classic. Their thick, Brooklyn-style crust is a fantastic base for their tangy sauce. While their standard tomato pie is excellent, this is the place to try creative variations with high-quality toppings like house-cured sausage or Berkshire pork.

7. Tony's Famous Tomato Pie

• Neighborhood: Mayfair / Northeast Philadelphia
• The Vibe: A long-standing, beloved local pizza joint with a retro feel.
• Why It's a Must-Try: Unlike the bakery-style pies, Tony's serves a thinner, crispier crust more akin to a traditional pizza—but without the mozzarella. Their signature cheeseless tomato pie is a simple, satisfying slice of Philly history that transports you back to the city's pizza roots.

Whether you're a lifelong Philadelphian or a visitor eager to explore the city's culinary delights, don't miss out on the opportunity to savor a slice of authentic Tomato Pie. These bakeries offer a taste of Philly tradition that will leave you wanting more.

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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff

Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places in Philly for great food, entertainment, and more.

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