For any true pizza enthusiast, the name Angelo’s Pizzeria in Philadelphia carries a certain weight. Located on South 9th Street, this eatery has consistently been lauded as a top destination for pizza in a city already famous for its culinary scene. Having heard countless recommendations and seen mouth-watering photos, visiting Angelo’s Pizzeria South 9th Street Philadelphia PA became a personal quest. Despite living relatively close, previous trips to Philadelphia never aligned perfectly for a visit – until now. The anticipation was built upon years of glowing reviews, often mentioning the legendary owner, Danny, making the experience even more compelling. It was time to finally understand the hype and experience Angelo’s Pizzeria firsthand.
My journey into the world of pizza has been enriched by a network of incredibly supportive individuals within the pizza industry. This community is genuinely unique, fostering friendships and collaborations across the board. One such invaluable connection is with Chef Gregorio Fierro, a renowned figure in the pizza world. Considered a true master and the “Soul Behind Some of Philly’s Best Pizza,” Gregorio’s knowledge is simply astounding. A brief phone call with him can be more educational than years spent working in a pizzeria.
Stepping into the Buzz of 9th Street: Locals and First-Timers Alike
Thanks to Gregorio’s connections, I found myself on 9th Street, joining a diverse queue outside Angelo’s Pizzeria just before opening. The line was a mix of seasoned locals and eager visitors, easily distinguishable by their behavior. The “tourists,” myself included, were busy capturing the moment with selfies and video calls, while the regulars seemed relaxed, perhaps catching up on sports scores, clearly accustomed to the Angelo’s experience.
Entering Angelo’s was like stepping into a whirlwind of organized chaos. Despite the bustling kitchen and limited space, a team of what appeared to be a dozen pizza makers, alongside friendly counter staff, moved with incredible speed and precision. The energy was infectious – loud music filled the air, yet amidst the rapid pace, there was laughter, jokes, and singing. It was a work environment unlike any I had witnessed, a vibrant and dynamic performance of pizza making in action.
Navigating the Menu: Local Recommendations for Angelo’s First-Timers
To ensure I sampled the best Angelo’s had to offer, I consulted both Gregorio and Mike View from Pancakes and Protein Shakes, a seasoned Angelo’s patron and Philly food expert. Their recommendations shaped my order: the classic cheese pizza, the upside-down thick pizza, the tomato pizza, a cheesesteak, and an Italian Hoagie. The meatball hoagie and chicken cutlet were noted for a future visit, echoing suggestions from numerous readers. Shortly after ordering, word spread that “The YouTube Guy” had arrived, and I was ushered upstairs to a private dining space.
For those familiar with Angelo’s Pizzeria through their Instagram presence or other reviews, the upstairs room is no secret. It’s a relaxed, almost mancave-like setting with couches, large TVs, and a dining table – the perfect spot to delve into a pizza review in peace, capture photos and videos. While I’m unsure if this space is typically rentable, for a pizza reviewer, it was an ideal setup, feeling almost like a fantasy football draft dream come true!
Angelo’s Philly Tomato Pie: A Unique Twist on a Local Classic
The first pizza to arrive upstairs was the tomato pie. Philadelphia’s tomato pie is known for its bakery-style approach: a chewy, rectangular crust loaded with a sweet, thick sauce and a dusting of parmesan. Angelo’s Pizzeria honors these Philly roots but innovates with the crust. Instead of the traditional spongy square, Angelo’s uses a round, light, crispy, and subtly charred crust that’s bursting with flavor.
The sauce maintains a hint of sweetness and impressive depth, complementing rather than overpowering the exceptional crust. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and Italian seasoning, this tomato pie was effortlessly enjoyable, bright, and refreshing. While devouring the entire pie was tempting, the promise of more pizzas required restraint as I eagerly awaited the next offering.
Angelo’s Pizzeria Achieves a Top Pizza Rating
Next up was the pizza I had anticipated most – the classic round cheese pizza. For a purist like myself, this pizza, adorned with fresh basil leaves, had been a constant presence on my social media feed for years. Finally being at Angelo’s, ready to taste my top bucket list pizza, felt like a pizza dream realized. Despite the excitement, I aimed for objectivity, determined to provide a fair and critical review.
Angelo’s Pizzeria’s Tomato Pie, a Philly classic reimagined with a signature crispy crust, ready to be enjoyed on South 9th Street.
Savoring the Round Cheese Pizza: A Slice of Perfection
Expectations were incredibly high for this cheese pizza, and the anticipation was palpable. Upon opening the box, it looked even more stunning than the countless photos I had seen online. The aroma of the charred crust and fresh basil filled the air, unfiltered and real. It was time to experience this much-hyped pizza firsthand at Angelo’s Pizzeria South 9th Street Philadelphia PA.
Elite Pizza at its Finest: Living Up to the Hype
The crust was the star – light, crispy, and packed with flavor. The sauce, smooth yet textured, tasted of simple, high-quality, fresh tomatoes, without being overly seasoned. The cheese was melted perfectly, a delightful blend creating a velvety layer across the pizza.
The generous basil topping, initially a question mark, proved to be a masterstroke. It wasn’t overpowering or salad-like; instead, the basil was tender and melded seamlessly into the cheese. The flavor was subtle, yet transformative. This pizza was truly exceptional, among the best I’ve ever tasted. It not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it – believe the hype surrounding Angelo’s Pizzeria.
The Intriguing Upside Down Pizza: A Sicilian-Grandma Hybrid?
The upside down pizza was next, and the box felt substantial. Described on the menu as a “thick crust square pan pizza w/ the sauce on top of the cheese,” some might call it Sicilian or grandma style. Its density leans more towards a grandma pizza than a fluffy Sicilian, yet this thick pan pizza is uniquely Angelo’s. Opening the box revealed a visually stunning pizza with vibrant red sauce, deep green basil, yellow cheese, and golden-brown crust edges.
The crust was again flavorful, enhanced by caramelized cheese along the pan’s edge and char on the dough, creating a flavor-rich experience in every bite. The dough was thick, dense, yet wonderfully soft and chewy inside with a crisp exterior. With the cheese under the sauce, the naturally sweet tomato sauce truly shone. There seemed to be a unique, delicious drizzle on top, adding an extra layer of flavor that was hard to pinpoint but unforgettable.
Angelo’s Cheesesteaks: Could They Rival Philly’s Best?
Having been blown away by the pizza, the next test was the cheesesteak. Angelo’s Pizzeria is often touted as having the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia – a bold claim in a city renowned for its cheesesteak culture. While I won’t declare Angelo’s the definitive best in Philly, as my cheesesteak experience in the city is broad but not exhaustive, I can confidently say it was the best cheesesteak I have ever had, in Philadelphia or anywhere else.
Angelo’s Pizzeria Cheesesteak with onions and Cooper Sharp cheese, a must-try alongside their famous pizza on South 9th Street in Philadelphia.
The Cheesesteak Secret: Homemade Bread, Cooper Sharp, and Quality Steak
The key to Angelo’s cheesesteak perfection lies in three elements: the bread, the Cooper Sharp cheese, and the high-quality steak. The bread, baked fresh daily in-house, is sesame-seeded and perfectly proportioned to the filling. It’s remarkably thin, almost hollowed out, creating an ideal vessel for the tender, sliced and chopped steak, onions (a personal must), and creamy Cooper Sharp cheese.
The meat is incredibly tender, the Cooper Sharp cheese rich and smooth, and the bread offers a delicate balance of tenderness and a slightly flaky, firm crust. While I don’t maintain cheesesteak rankings, Angelo’s has undoubtedly claimed the top spot on my personal list. The Italian hoagie, using the same fresh bread and generously filled with Italian meats and cheeses, was equally impressive. Though tasted a day later, the bread remained remarkably good, a testament to its quality.
Jim Mirabelli of NEPA Pizza Review with Danny DiGiampietro of Angelo’s Pizzeria on South 9th Street, capturing a memorable pizza experience.
A South 9th Street Experience to Remember
In conclusion, everything at Angelo’s Pizzeria was exceptional. Visiting Angelo’s Pizzeria South 9th Street Philadelphia PA was more than just a meal; it was a truly memorable experience. I am grateful to Danny, Jared, and the entire team at Angelo’s. For me, collecting pizza memories and meeting passionate individuals like Danny, who strive for excellence daily, is as rewarding as any physical collection.
Meeting Danny DiGiampietro briefly during a busy service, his energy and passion were immediately evident, validating the countless positive comments about him. From the exceptional food to the vibrant atmosphere and hardworking team, every aspect of Angelo’s contributed to an unforgettable visit to this old-school pizzeria.
Planning Your Visit to Angelo’s Pizzeria on South 9th Street
For those planning a visit, Angelo’s Pizzeria is reachable by phone at (215) 922-0000 for call-ahead orders. Parking is street parking only on South 9th Street, a one-way street in the bustling Italian Market area. While parking can be tight, spots do become available frequently. Consider parking a few blocks south on 9th Street and enjoying a walk through the charming Italian shops and markets – it’s a worthwhile experience. Angelo’s Pizzeria is takeout only, so be prepared to enjoy your pizza elsewhere, perhaps embracing the vibrant atmosphere of South 9th Street.
Pizza Scores and Ratings
Restaurant: Angelo’s Pizzeria
Location: 736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Date: April 2022
Eat In/Take Out: Take Out
Angelo’s Cheese Pizza Rating Scores
Close-up of Angelo’s Pizzeria’s Cheese Pizza crust, showcasing its thin center and crispy edges, a hallmark of their South 9th Street location.
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 9.5 |
| Sauce | 9.1 |
| Cheese | 9.3 |
| Taste | 9.5 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 9.5 |
| Value | 7.2 |
| Overall Rating | 9.4 |
Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philadelphia Round Cheese Pizza Rating Scores – Among the very highest I’ve ever scored!
Pizza is Similar to: Pizza Jawn, Fredi the Pizzaman, John’s of Bleecker, Frank Pepe
Angelo’s Upside Down Thick Square Pan Pizza Rating Scores
Angelo’s Pizzeria’s Upside Down Square Pizza, a thick and tender pan pizza with sauce atop the cheese, a unique offering on South 9th Street.
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 8.7 |
| Sauce | 9.0 |
| Cheese | 9.1 |
| Taste | 9.1 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 8.5 |
| Value | 7.5 |
| Overall Rating | 8.9 |
Rating of Angelo’s Pizzeria Upside Down Square Sicilian Pan Pizza.
Pizza is Similar to: (not many I can think of!): Rosario’s Pizzeria, Armenti’s Pizzeria
Angelo’s Round Tomato Pie Rating Scores
The Tomato Pie from Angelo’s Pizzeria, featuring a complex sauce and signature crust, a delightful taste of Philadelphia’s 9th Street.
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 9.6 |
| Sauce | 9.1 |
| Cheese | N/A |
| Taste | 8.9 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 8.8 |
| Value | 7.1 |
| Overall Rating | 8.8 |
Rating of Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philadelphia’s Round Tomato Pie
Pizza is Similar to: (I can’t think of any, but here are some philly tomato pie options!): Corropolese Bakery, Conshohocken Bakery
