Nestled in the heart of Central Alberta, Red Deer’s pizza scene has quietly evolved from simple pizzerias to a vibrant culinary landscape. Many of the city’s original family-owned spots from the ’90s and early 2000s still thrive today, while new artisans have joined the fold. All it takes is a drive down Gaetz Avenue or a stroll through downtown to discover how deeply these pizza joints are woven into the community’s fabric.
Piccolos Pizza & Pasta – Red Deer
$ | (403) 314-1414 | WEBSITE
Plain and simple, Piccolos Pizza & Pasta’s Meat Lover’s pizza is the best pie in Red Deer. Located in a southside strip mall, this low-key spot doesn’t have the big crowds or high energy of some of the surrounding restaurants, and that’s exactly what we like about it. This is the kind of place you come to after a long day, sit in blissful comfort, and eat a $24.95 pizza with toppings that range from pepperoni to sausage to bacon.
But perhaps the best thing about a meal at Piccolos is the fact you’ll have leftovers tomorrow. The crust has just the right amount of zing, and the friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure a good experience.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (780) 628-2044 | WEBSITE
Blaze Pizza has locations across North America, but this build-your-own pizza spot is a Red Deer favorite, and the perfect place to go for a quick meal. All their pizzas are good, but the ultra-thin crust is our usual go-to. The crust itself is well-made, but it’s the way the fresh ingredients create explosive flavors that puts the whole thing over the top for us.
Also, the Red Deer location has a beautiful place to sit with a welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent spot to pick up some keto-friendly options and our favorite guilt-free treat in town before heading out for the day.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (403) 346-1671 | WEBSITE
There are several pizza chains around Red Deer, but Little Caesars is our go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. The spot operates primarily as a takeout counter, so if you’re planning a fancy sit-down dinner, this isn’t your destination. That said, if you’re rushing between errands or just don’t feel like cooking, grabbing a fresh pizza or some crazy bread is a move we fully support.
The pizza itself is tasty with a perfectly baked crust, and the friendly, efficient service ensures a positive experience. A large pepperoni is only $8, and can easily feed a hungry family.
The Pizza Boxx( Red Deer)
$ | (403) 348-5151 | WEBSITE
The Pizza Boxx is a straightforward, no-frills pizza joint where everyone in Red Deer goes to satisfy their post-work pizza craving. It’s affordable and the online ordering is simple to navigate, but you’re going to want one of their specialty pizzas (a perfectly balanced pie loaded with everything from donair meat to extra cheese to fresh veggies). It’s incredibly satisfying, a flavorful combination, and exactly what you want for a quick, delicious meal.
Panago Pizza
$ | (866) 310-0001 | WEBSITE
In reality, you could spend an entire week trying every pizza joint in Red Deer – and most of them would be pretty damn tasty. But if you’re short on time and simply looking for the best, go to Panago Pizza. The popular pizza spot in town, known for its high-quality ingredients, is one of the most reliable restaurants in all of Alberta, and there’s a steady stream of happy customers almost every day to prove it. But frankly, we’d wait thirty minutes for pizza this good.
You can customize a variety of different vegetarian and vegan options (the Caesar salad is their signature side), but at the end of the day, it’s about the pizza. Made with fresh ingredients and cooked to order, it’s hot, flavorful, and unlike any other pizza you’ll find in Red Deer. Prices are fair for the quality.
Boston Pizza
$$ | (403) 342-4446 | WEBSITE
Boston Pizza looks like a standard chain restaurant – you walk into a familiar sports-bar atmosphere with TVs on the walls – but it’s actually quite decent. And the families and groups of friends enjoying their way through Boston Pizza’s Canadian-Italian menu will tell you that.
Whether it’s the wings, crispy on the outside and juicy inside with flavorful sauces, or the poutine with golden fries topped with rich gravy and melted cheese curds, the food here is across-the-board satisfying, and that means you should definitely show up hungry. But if you leave without experiencing the friendly service from staff like Bradie-Lyn, who delivers pizzas with a smile even in windy conditions, don’t bother telling anyone you even came.
Western Pizza
$$ | (403) 346-7799 | WEBSITE
Located in a compact but bustling building, Western Pizza is a Red Deer institution that always seems to have cars pulling up for orders. It doesn’t matter if you call at lunchtime or late evening, there will be someone picking up their food – and everyone’s here for the pizzas. In particular, their Meat Lover’s Pizza. It’s a generous pie loaded with toppings that we crave during long winter nights.
You get your choice of classic sides like taco wraps or cinnamon stix, but you should definitely try the mac and cheese bites and wings combo.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (403) 341-7272 | WEBSITE
We know we said that Papa John’s Pizza serves our favorite fast food pizza in Red Deer, but we can have two favorites, right? Right. Papa John’s is a straightforward pizza joint located in the city with a functional interior that borders on the utilitarian. There are pizza boxes stacked everywhere, promotional posters for deals, and an entire counter filled with dipping sauce choices.
There’s a lot going on, but the star of the show is still the classic pepperoni pizza – perfectly cooked pepperoni on a crust loaded with toppings and tasty sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and fantastic. And also only $12.99 for a medium.
Cosmic Pizza & Donair Piper Crossing – Red Deer
$ | (587) 680-0855 | WEBSITE
On days when the pizza chains are just too crowded, head to Cosmic Pizza & Donair and get your pie fix there instead. This quiet strip mall spot has a small dining area by Red Deer standards (only two tables total), and while there are several pizzas we like, go for the Hawaiian. Made with a light, crispy crust and flavorful sauce, this sweet-and-savory pie is topped with generous layers of cheese, ham, and pineapple.
There’s a lot going on here, but these are the kind of flavors that’ll satisfy your cravings and still leave you wanting more.
Red Deer Pizza
$ | (403) 314-9899 | WEBSITE
Red Deer Pizza serves our favorite pizza slices in Red Deer. The cheerful, counter-service spot isn’t reinventing pizza, they’re just making it exceptionally well. That means fresh toppings that perfectly complement whichever base you pick, plus huge slices we wish we could order by the dozen. Our go-to is always the classic pepperoni, but if you’re looking to switch things up, try the vegetarian option as well. Just make sure you add a side of wings.
Famoso Italian Pizzeria – Red Deer
$$ | (587) 273-3744 | WEBSITE
Famoso Italian Pizzeria serves one of the most memorable pizzas in the city – the large size, perfect for sharing. It’s a generous pie (for $24.99) featuring a crispy crust, fresh toppings, and cheesy, gooey perfection baked in a traditional oven. Each slice comes out hot, giving you a chance to savor, enjoy, and debate which topping combination is the best. Note: When the pizza is this incredible, there will never be a consensus.
If you want to break up the cheese parade a bit, throw in their excellent bruschetta as well.
Pizza Hut
$$ | (403) 648-0803 | WEBSITE
As its name suggests, this Red Deer restaurant specializes in classic American-style pizza, and in particular, the familiar favorites that have made it a household name. That also means it’s pretty different than other pizza spots in the area (many here focus on artisanal or gourmet styles). While this is one of our favorite all-around dining experiences in the neighborhood, the one thing you must appreciate is the amazing customer service from friendly staff like Chay and Camlon.
They’re patient, accommodating, and provide great suggestions on deals, making the whole visit relaxing and enjoyable. Also, enjoy their new store layout, which is open and inviting, and just as welcoming as the food is delicious.
Anthony’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen
$$ | (403) 340-3463 | WEBSITE
In a city known for its pizza joints, Anthony’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen emerges as perhaps its most beloved. This welcoming establishment offers a dining experience where regulars and newcomers alike gather to enjoy both classic Italian dishes and creative specialties.
Everyone is ordering the Bruschetta and Zeppole with caramel sauce, which have become signature items, but don’t overlook the shrimp and mussel pasta with its perfectly spiced sauce or the tender mozzarella balls that rival any in Red Deer. The atmosphere feels like a neighborhood gathering spot where the staff’s attentive service and the carefully adjusted music create an environment that keeps people coming back.
Pizza 73
$ | (403) 346-7373 | WEBSITE
In a town full of pizza joints, Pizza 73 is the reliable old friend that everybody keeps coming back to. From the moment you step into the clean, spacious dining room, you can feel how comfortable it is compared to other spots in Red Deer. There’s classic rock playing softly in the background, the dining area is filled with families and regulars who’ve been coming for years, and the menu focuses on consistently delicious pizzas made with fresh ingredients.
But whether it’s the perfectly crispy crust, the generous pepperoni pizza that kids adore, or the owner’s kind gesture of offering free dipping sauces, Pizza 73’s food isn’t just better than the average pizza place, it’s become a local favorite for good reason.
Riverside Paradise Grill & Pizza Co.
$$ | (403) 986-1101 | WEBSITE
This welcoming restaurant specializes in pizza, which are hearty pies made from fresh dough and topped with everything from garlic cheese sticks to the gut buster pizza. While Riverside Paradise Grill & Pizza Co. is the best version we’ve eaten in Red Deer, the real fun comes when it all arrives at the table.
After cutting the pizza into generous slices and spinning the tableside superb pizza sauce until it’s warm and ready, you essentially create a build-your-own dipping station right at your seat. Using the garlic puffs as your starter, add in fresh tomatoes for brightness and dip it all in the sauce. If it’s your first time, it’ll take you a few tries to get the hang of the garlic cheese sticks, but when the portions are this big, you’ll get all the chances you need.
Royal Pizza Red Deer
$$ | (587) 273-2210 | WEBSITE
Royal Pizza Red Deer is a classic pizza spot in Red Deer, and while you can certainly order their excellent pizza and spaghetti for delivery, the move is to take a seat and order the chicken calzone. You can find calzones at many pizza places around town, but this is our favorite. The filling is hearty, cheesy, and slightly peppery, and the dough itself is perfectly crisp yet chewy. But perhaps the best part is saving room for a slice of their creamy, house-made cheesecake to finish the meal.
