Article and Photos by Renata Haidle

Pizza! Just the word alone conjures up visions of bubbling cheese, an endless variety of toppings, and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked dough. More than food, pizza is a shared experience, a crowd pleaser, and the quick and easy solution to nearly every “What’s for dinner?” debate. From midnight cravings to Guinness World Record-worthy creations (24-karat gold pizza, anyone?), this humble pie has cemented its place as a cultural obsession. 

FROM NAPLES TO AMERICA 

Pizza’s story began long before mozzarella met tomato. Historians say the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans enjoyed flatbreads topped with simple ingredients. Baked on hot stones, these early renditions were a convenient and versatile staple. In ancient Greece, for instance, bread was often garnished with oils, herbs, and cheese - a simple version quite similar to today's focaccia and a precursor to the modern pizza. It wasn’t until the 18th century in Naples, Italy, that the pizza we recognize today began to take shape. Italian immigrants brought their recipes to America in the early 1900s. In 1947, The New York Times predicted that “pizza could be as popular a snack as the hamburger if Americans only knew about it.” By 1953, the same newspaper wrote, "Pizza… is such a gastronomical craze that the open pie threatens the pre-eminence of the hot dog and hamburger.” 

THE BIRTH OF THE MARGHERITA 

Legend has it that the iconic Margherita pizza, topped with a simple mozzarella, basil, and tomato trio, was created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy. The vibrant red tomatoes, pure white mozzarella, and lively green basil were meant to represent the colors of the Italian flag. This winning combination quickly gained popularity, symbolizing Italian culinary pride. 

BREAKING RECORDS: EXTRAORDINARY PIZZAS 

In 2017, California set a record with the longest pizza ever created, stretching an impressive 6,000 feet (6,333 feet 3.60 inches, to be exact). A few years later, Los Angeles witnessed the creation of the world's largest pizza, at almost 14,000 sq. ft. And New York City, always competitive, gave us another Guinness World Record: a 24-carat-gold-topped pizza, priced at $2000 - and that is only entry level. It can get even more extravagant depending on the ingredients. Created by the chef at the hugely popular Industry Kitchen, a restaurant on New York City’s waterfront, this pizza features Stilton cheese from England, Osetra caviar from the Caspian Sea, foie gras and truffles from France, and 24-carat edible gold from Ecuador. Forget the Margherita; this pizza is much more suitable for a queen! 

photo courtesy of Enzo

BILLINGS' BEST SLICES 

While Billings might not have the pizza pedigree of cities like Naples, Chicago, or New York, our local pizzerias offer a diverse range of options, from classic Neapolitan pies like Ciao Mambo’s Margherita to inventive creations like the Mexican-inspired Sierra Asada at DiamondX Beer, which features a mouthwatering marinated carne asada laying on a zesty cilantro pesto base. Jet’s Pizza stands out as the only spot in town offering authentic Detroit-style pizza, with its signature square, deep-dish pies and crispy, caramelized edges that bring a taste of the Motor City right to your plate. 

For those seeking a more upscale pie in a refined location, Bistro Enzo is where you want to be. Their dough is made from scratch in-house every day in an amazing wood-fired oven from Italy. Their “Fun Guy” pizza is a vegetarian delight, topped with mushroom duxelles, portabella slices, Havarti cheese, asparagus, and a drizzle of truffle oil. 

“My favorite pizza in Billings is the iconic Village Inn Pizza,” says Billings native Lindsay Blackburn. “I was glad they re-opened in 2023 after closing the original location on Grand because I’ve loved their thin-crust pizza for decades. I like to build my own pizza and add a salad with my to-go orders because their salad bar is fantastic! In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with traditional pizza toppings made with quality ingredients on a crispy, thin crust. Village Inn Pizza is the best in Billings, hands down!” 

Most Billings pizzerias now offer gluten-free crusts to accommodate celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals. Cauliflower-based crusts are available for those on a keto diet, and most places are safe for people with peanut and tree nut allergies. Lindsay Blackburn further shares her experience with Village Inn Pizza: “We can order whichever pizzas we want and share (two of us have peanut and tree nut allergies, and all of their toppings are a-okay!).” 

* Please note that menu offerings can change, so always confirm with the restaurant before placing an order. 

The camaraderie among Billings' pizzerias was displayed during the annual Pizza Palooza held at the Billings Depot last December. Now entering its third year, this event gathers local pizza artisans to showcase their best creations, fostering friendly competition and community engagement. The December 2024 edition saw seven local establishments compete for the coveted title of Best Pizza in Billings: Pie Guys Pizzeria (winner of the 2023 title), Jet's Pizza, Diamond X Beer Co., Granite Peak Distributing, Village Inn Pizza, Hooligan's Sports Bar, and Six Gun Pizza from Forsyth. The People's Choice winner was Six Gun Pizza, while Village Inn Pizza won the Judges’ Choice. 

With local chefs spinning out pies that are equal parts tradition and creativity, Billings’ pizza scene continues to evolve. The city's pizzerias are not just places to eat. They are gathering places where stories are shared and memories are made. From timeless classics to bold, unconventional creations, the city’s pizza offerings promise something delicious for every taste. 

Originally printed in the March 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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