5 Must-Try "Beach" Pizza Shops in The State of Delaware

The true definition of beach Pizza is subjective. For some, it's a grease-stained box eaten directly on the sand. For others, it's a gourmet, wood-fired pie accompanied by a glass of wine. No trip to the First State coastline is complete without indulging in at least one of these legendary spots.

Here are the five best must-try Pizza shops across the Delaware beaches, blending history, unique styles, and artisanal craft.

1. Grotto Pizza (Multiple Locations – Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany)

It is impossible to write about Delaware Beach Pizza without starting here. Grotto Pizza is not just a restaurant; it's a cultural institution. Established in 1960 by Dominik Pulieri, this is the definitive taste of a Delaware vacation for generations of visitors.

• Why It's a Must-Try: Grotto Pizza is instantly recognizable by its appearance. Unlike most pizzas, where the cheese hides beneath the sauce, Grotto flips the script. The Pizza features a unique swirl of tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce that extends all the way to the edge, atop the provolone/mozzarella blend.
• The Vibe: The heart of Grotto is the Rehoboth Avenue location near the boardwalk, but you'll find them everywhere. It's loud, friendly, and smells like nostalgia. It is the quintessential beach slice.

2. Nicola Pizza (Lewes)

For decades, Nicola Pizza was an iconic staple on Rehoboth Avenue, famous for the lines that wrapped around the building. In 2022, they moved their operations to a massive, modern facility nearby in Lewes, but the recipe—and the fierce loyalty of their fans—remains unchanged.

• Why It's a Must-Try: While their Pizza is excellent, Nicola is actually world-famous for inventing the Nic-o-Boli®. It is an overstuffed, crescent-shaped sandwich filled with beef, cheese, and sauce (with customizable vegetable options). It's not quite a calzone, not quite a stromboli—it is its own delicious entity that must be experienced.
• The Vibe: Though the new Lewes location is grander, it retains the family-friendly, bustling energy that made it a legend. It's a "destination meal" for families visiting the coast.

3. Louie's Pizza (Rehoboth Beach)

Tucked just steps away from the Rehoboth Boardwalk on Rehoboth Avenue, Louie's Pizza is the underdog hero of the downtown scene. While Grotto is the big name, many locals and long-time visitors swear that Louie's serves the best traditional boardwalk slice.

• Why It's a Must-Try: This is classic, authentic, old-school pizzeria excellence. They offer both whole pies and quick, hot slices to go. It's a New York-style slice adapted for the beach: thin, foldable, with a perfect balance of savory sauce and quality mozzarella that's never too greasy. It's the ideal food for walking the boardwalk.
• The Vibe: Louie's is no-frills, fast, and quintessential boardwalk. It's the spot you grab a slice at 10 PM after playing arcade games, eating it hot while you watch the ocean.

4. Crust & Craft (Rehoboth Beach/Coastal Hwy)

If you need a break from the classic boardwalk style and are craving something more "elevated," Crust & Craft on the Coastal Highway is the premier destination for artisanal Pizza.

• Why It's a Must-Try: Crust & Craft specializes in wood-fired, Neapolitan-style Pizza. Their dough is handmade and fermented for days, resulting in a thin center and a beautifully charred, chewy crust (known as leopard spotting). Their toppings are gourmet and creative, featuring ingredients like Calabrian chiles, sweet garlic, buffalo mozzarella, and house-made sausage. It's a completely different Pizza experience than anything else on this list.
• The Vibe: Modern, warm, and sophisticated. It's a full-service restaurant that also serves incredible Pizza, making it a great spot for a nicer dinner or date night away from the boardwalk crowds.

5. Pomodoro Pizzeria (Bethany Beach)

Heading further south to the "Quiet Resorts," Pomodoro Pizzeria in Bethany Beach has built a massive reputation by focusing on authentic, big-city-quality in a beach-town setting.

• Why It's a Must-Try: Pomodoro brings authentic New York/Bronx-style Pizza to the Delaware coast, and they do it with impressive precision. They are famous for their gigantic pies, thin crust, and sweet, robust sauce. The Pizza is structured enough to hold up to heavy toppings but still maintains that quintessential NY foldability.
• The Vibe: Pomodoro is small, cozy, and often bustling with takeout orders. It feels like a neighborhood hidden gem. It is hands-down the top choice for families staying in Bethany who want a high-quality, reliable whole pie to share after a long day in the sun.