Aiello’s Pizza

Really awesome pizza. You can argue about the merits of other pizza shops, but the sauce on Aiello’s is great, and I love the crust.
Bring cash, get take out and give it a try.

The pizza is among the best in Pittsburgh but it is very inconsistent. If one of the owners is working the pizza is amazing and is easily a 5 but if they are not the quality drops significantly. It makes me want to call and ask who is working before placing an order because the experience can drastically differ. I can’t give less then a 4 because I have walked out with amazing pizza but unfortunately it doesn’t happen every time.

Aiello’s has gotten better in recent years as some of the more unpleasant employees have left so that’s a bonus. In the sq hill pizza wars, I think Aiello’s has the best pepperoni and plain white pizza on the block.

One of my favorite Pizza places in Pittsburgh. The sauce is one of the best I’ve had… and I’m originally from New Haven (home to some of the best pizza in the world) so I know what I’m talking about. Now granted, Aiello’s is no Peppi’s Pizza, it’s still very good. Definitely overpriced and the «cash-​only» thing is kind of annoying, but Hey, for Pittsburgh, if the Pizza doesn’t look like an oil spill you should count your lucky stars.

Aiello’s is my favorite pizza in Pittsburgh, though if you prefer thicker cheese you might prefer their certain competitor (you know who). For me, the Aiello’s formula, which is a bit lighter but still filling, is ideal.
Warning though: the service can be ok or can be a bit on the rude side depending on with whom you interact.

I’ve heard a lot about this place over the years, specifically the debate between Mineo’s and Aiello’s from their respective fans… but when our office intern kept raving about Aiello’s, we knew we had to try it out for his last day.
You order when you arrive, pick out your drinks, and pay when you leave (CASH ONLY!)… we ordered a large white pizza (the intern’s recommendation) and a large pepperoni. There were 6 of us, so we found it a bit difficult to figure out seating, since they only have booths that comfortably seat 4 — but we were able to secure 2 booths directly across from one another. Not a big deal, just don’t come here with everyone you know and expect to have a large place to eat in.
Once the pizzas arrived and essentially took up most of the table space, we dug in. I preferred the white pizza over the pepperoni. The crust was just thin enough, cooked perfectly, and the cheese was sturdy enough to withstand actually picking the slice up and eating it. The pepperoni was a bit flimsier, I’m assuming from all the grease, and required a knife and fork. I only had one slice of the pepperoni before the devil on my shoulder dressed in a Fiori’s t-​shirt advised me that this pepperoni was just OK and, in my opinion, can’t hold a candle to my beloved South Hills pizza joint. I managed to snag one more piece of white pizza and eat it before starting to wish I had worn stretchy pants.
To sum it up – Aiello’s is good, but it’s not great. I’ve had plenty of better pizza in this city, but to each their own. Some prefer sweeter sauce, some prefer more cheese, thinner crust, the list goes on and on. I know most mom & pop pizza spots in this city have their following and I don’t see Aiello’s going anywhere ever… I’m just not sure it’d be my first choice when I’m craving a traditional pizza pie.

Best slices in town period. Better with fresh cheese and garlic. My mouth waters every time I get a perfect large pie from these guys. Call ahead 10 – 15 mins in advance for the best pies in Pittsburgh. There is no other pepperoni roll in the WORLD I would get than this place.

I was in Pittsburgh for a Pirates game and had to stop in at Aiello’s Pizza once again for my favorite pizza. Oh man, Aiello’s is the best of the best.
We wasn’t able to eat at Aiello’s the last time because there was no place to park, so this time we had pizza for breakfast. It was a rainy day and plenty of street parking. We had the white pizza again and I could have ate my weight in it.

I split a Florentine pizza with a few of my friends a few weeks ago. The pizza was greasy, and I was not exactly a fan of the taste. The dried and sort of sweet flavor of the dried tomatoes did not go well with the provolone cheese and flavorless mushroom. I did not really taste any olives in my pizza, but I knew they were there. I also found the broccoli sort of a nuisance when eating the pizza, like it was an unwelcoming taste and texture.
Additionally, the crust did not seem like it would withstand the immense weight of all the toppings. I will give them props though; that pizza is very unique. However, I think overall, the pizza could be better.
I do want to give Aiello’s another try and maybe go for something that is not too risky in terms of flavor. We shall see the next time I am in Squirrel Hill.

The only place in town that can hold a candle to a raised in South Hills, Fiori’s stuffed gal for pizza. I have walked miles to this place. I have taken lyfts from bars in South Side to this place (with the original idea probably being to go home in East Lib, but some dreams do come true). It’s all worth it. I’m not even getting into the Mineo’s garbage here because that’s what it is. Don’t even start.
First of all, you pay when you leave. Second, if you don’t like slightly sweet pizza sauce or those crust bubbles, get out now. Crust bubbles made here make the world a little brighter.
I typically split a large black olive with a girlfriend. A few specs of grease and sweet tomato sauce are always all that survives. Good to note this is also the only spot for pizza that I dine in. The Formica covered booths tucked together by the pop can machines are the cutest. Coupled with some friendly fellow pizza patrons, you’re going to make some friends.
More importantly, you’re going to have the best pizza in the city. I said it.

Once again, my boss was nice enough to treat us all to lunch. He picked Aiello’s and I decided on just green pepper pizza. Simple enough.
I have to be honest, but I truly don’t understand the hoopla about this place. It’s not awful, but it’s not really anything to rave about either. Maybe it was because by the time my coworker brought back the food my pizza wasn’t that warm, but I just wasn’t too impressed. After having a few pieces, I decided it may be the dough/​crust. It didn’t seem done. Not only was it mushy and falling apart (along with the cheese and sauce), but the flour still left on it was waaaaay too much for me. I had flour all over my face and hands. I’m usually a fan of mom and pop’s pizza joints, but Aiello’s didn’t really cut it for me.
I’m giving this three stars because after microwaving a few pieces later on that night, it tasted better. I somehow preferred it microwaved? Hmm…

Canned mushrooms! $ 30 for one pizza and some breadsticks. Nothing to write home about at ALL!
Did I mention they use canned mushrooms?! They might as well slice a rubber bouncy ball on the pizza. Those might taste better and be less chewy than canned mushrooms.

It’s better than Mineos. There is no contest. It’s just better.
There’s less grease, less cheese (Mineo’s has half an inch), more sauce. It’s a personal preference — if you like cheese go to Mineos, if you like a perfect ratio then go to Aiellos. They put their toppings under the cheese, and it makes perfect sense! I never knew the genius of it but it works, trust me.

I tried to pay about four times before I finally figured it out. You don’t pay when you order, you don’t pay when you pick out a drink, you don’t pay when you pick up the pizza, you don’t pay until you’re leaving the place. So bizarre, but whatever works for them.
Aiello’s is a small little walk in pizza place in Squirrel Hill. I went there after a hard Sunday afternoon bouldering, so I was hungry. Four of us split a large pepperoni pizza which set us back about $ 20. Filled us up enough, but not enough that we didn’t go to Waffalonia after.
Neat neighborhood place, filled up quick with Steelers fans after the game was over.

I love pizza. More than I should admit. Moving from a small town to Pittsburgh widened my options. I’ve made it a goal to try as many different pies this city has to offer. No need to read further. Just go. Now.
Aiello’s is my go to everytime. I crave it. Nothing has yet to compare. Start with a crispy but not too crusty underbelly and a mild chewy but not too soft center. Baked to perfection. The sauce is the epitome of Italian spice profiles. Not sweet from added sugar like you so often find but a natural hint of the sweetness from the tomatoes. The cheese. Oh the cheese!
Go to Aiello’s. Right now. The price is worth every mouthwatering bite. Why are you still reading this? Go.

About a month ago, I went to Aiello’s Pizza. I decided to join the crowd and wait to write the review until I tried Mineo’s. This was an interesting tactic, as I usually write reviews pretty quickly and just save them as drafts if I don’t want to post them immediately. So this is what was special about Aiello’s:
I don’t really remember.
The pizza wasn’t great and the pizza wasn’t bad. The crust was a medium thickness with a sweeter sauce and not as much cheese as I like. I remember thinking that around $ 20 for a large cheese pizza seemed like too much. As I was moving the day I got the pizza, delivery would have been really nice. The storefront was standard pizza store. But, kids, that’s it.
Would I come back here? Probably. I might try the specialty pizzas or just order some different kinds by the slice. But I just didn’t think Aiello’s was anything to write home about.
Cash Only

Several months ago, I ordered a white pie with stewed tomatoes from Aiello’s for take out. Because I was serving four people, I went with the extra large (18″), which ran about $ 25. The size of the pie was more than sufficient – in fact, I ended up with left overs. When I called to order, the guy I spoke to told me to allow 40 min.
I was excited to try this pizza given its PGH cred. In general, I’d call myself a fan of it, though I wouldn’t call it the best pizza I’ve ever had, or even the best pizza I’ve had in PGH. Honestly, it’s hard for me to compare this pizza to others I’ve tried in PGH, given that most of them were standard margherita pies, and this was a white one. Having said that, Aiello’s pie was better than many of the mediocre pies I’ve tried around town. The crust was nice and crispy, and the savory cheese and garlic base was complemented well by the juiciness and hint of sweetness of the stewed tomatoes. My only major complaint was that the base of the pizza was rather dry, as at least one other reviewer has pointed out. The juiciness of the stewed tomatoes definitely mitigated this shortcoming, however, so I’d recommend them as a topping.
Overall, Aiello’s makes a solid and tasty, though rather expensive, pie. If you’re a fan of white or margherita pizza, I’d recommend the version I ordered. Based on my experience, I’d order from them again if I happen to be hungry for pizza in Squirrel Hill.

My boyfriend has been coming here since he was literally a baby and it is hands down his favorite pizza place in the burgh. It’s hard for me to convince him to eat anywhere else when we are in the squirrel hill area.
Aiello’s is a pretty awesome place. The employees are always friendly and welcoming when you arrive. They also have a pretty awesome selection of craft beer– six packs or individual beers. I had «morgazm» by duclaw the other day– a grapefruit infused blonde ale– amazing!
When my boyfriend and I go, we always get their pepperoni pizza. The pizza is overall much thinner than a lot of pizza places in the area and the sauce is packed with flavor… It’s delicious. We went with a few friends the other day and they ordered the pierogie pizza. This was my first time trying a pierogie pizza, but I wasn’t overall impressed by it. It was cheesy, with mashed potatoes and sautéed white onions. Without sauce– which I absolutely require in a pizza, haha.
Overall– Aiello’s is an awesome pizza joint. The perfect place to have a beer and kick back with some awesome pizza.

This place is pretty good, has a family atmosphere and you can tell this place has been here for quite sometime. I went here with my husband and his family for a post moving dinner, and it was not bad at all. Their system for drinks was interesting, but it worked. They have vending machines for some sodas and if you want a beer you just ask for it and pay for the ones you had at the end.
The pizza was rather tasty. Love their crust, it was nice and crispy and their sauce was not too spicy, so I was a fan of that. Their large and medium pizzas are enormous so you definetely get your moneys worth.
In terms of ambiance, the place is a bit old, there are booths on the back and you bus your own table when you are done. The Parmesan and the red pepper flakes tend to sit on a counter so if someone is using it, you have to ask for it. Their walls are covered with autographs of local celebrities, which is kinda cool and will keep you entertained seeing who visited the place.
Overall I really liked their pizza, customer, service and ambiance. I would def come back.

My first adventure when visiting Pittsburgh was to decide for myself who had the best pizza in town — Mineo’s or Aiello’s. There’s long been a debate between the two local pizzerias, located only a block or so from each other. I ordered one slice of pepperoni to go, headed to Aiello’s and did the same, settled in at a bistro table along Murray Ave. and prepared my test slices. There is an obvious difference in the look of the slices and my first guess, based on appearance as best slice, went to Aiello’s. But in all reality, looks don’t matter so I dug in. The verdict? Mineo’s won hands down because of its sauce, grease and cheese. However, Aiello’s should not be ignored. The slice was good. Crispy crust, hot out of the oven and had sort of a sweet tomato sauce.
In 1967, Giuseppe, «Joe,» Aiello set sail for America from Palermo, Sicily to catch a fleeting dream. With only 13 dollars in his pocket, Giuseppe left his family, confident that the land of opportunity would provide more than an income but of the life he had dreamed about.
After years of kneading dough and simmering sauce for an employer, Giuseppe decided to fulfill his dream and open his own pizza shop.
April 5, 1978 marked the opening of Aiello’s Pizza on Murray Ave. On May 13, 2013 Giuseppe passed away. Now his son, Michael, will continue the tradition Giuseppe started.