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5 Best New Pizzas

Grab a slice of the tastiest pies at five of 417-land’s newest pizzerias. There is everything from veggie perfection to a pizza covered in Thai flavors. Ninja Turtles not included.

Photo Kevin O'Riley

Old Chicago's Thai pie.

Things we know about 417-land: It’s good at Chinese. It’s good at sushi. It has embraced fusion like nobody’s business. But in 2008, 417-land also become the home of several new (or newly reopened) pizza joints that have rolled into town. These are our favorite outside-the-box pies at five of our region’s most recent pizza perfect destinations.

1. Thai Pie

$18.99 for a large at Old Chicago
2040 E. Independence St., Springfield, 417-887-0100, oldchicago.com
The Pizza: A sesame-seed crust is covered in a Thai chili pizza sauce, chicken, mushrooms, red bell peppers, broccoli, green onions, teriyaki sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
The Restaurant: This chain boasts deep-dish pizza and an expansive beer menu.
Why We Dig This Pie: We appreciate an out-of-the-ordinary pizza that strays from the tomato-and-oregano standbys. And the sesame-seed crust is a clever touch.

2. Pizza Valentino

$20.90 for a large at Rosati’s Pizza
3049 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-877-2008, myrosatis.com
The Pizza: Thick and flaky deep-dish Chicago-style crust is covered with Italian beef, sausage, onions, tomatoes and giardiniera.
The Restaurant: Rosati’s is more than a pizza joint. It also has sandwiches, fried chicken and several other very comfort food-y options.
Why We Dig This Pie: The giardiniera makes it. It’s a hot pepper relish that is spicy enough to wake your mouth up but mild enough that your lips don’t start to burn. And what better to pair that heat with than a whole lotta meat.

3. The Mediterranean

$15.99 for a large at Wheat State Pizza
3821 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-881-2888, wheatstatepizza.com
The Pizza: Pesto sauce is spread over wheat pizza crust and then topped with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese and green olives.
The Restaurant: Wheat State Pizza uses a wheat dough for the crust and has a fun toppings list with unexpected items such as corn, cream cheese, avocados and sunflower seeds.
Why We Dig This Pie: This is a great alternative to the typical veggie pizza that’s very heavy on onions and green peppers and very light on creativity. Plus, who doesn’t love a little pesto in their lives?

4. The Hot Kahuna

$14.49 for a large at Bud & Walt’s Pizza & Pasta House
701 McCroskey St., Suite 1, Nixa, 417-724-0070, budandwalts.com
The Pizza: Just three toppings: Pepperoni, jalapeño and pineapple.
The Restaurant: Bud & Walt’s serves Chicago-style pizza (but it’s a thin hand-tossed crust).
Why We Dig This Pie: Sweet and spicy. It’s an irresistible combination. For people who don’t fear a little tropical fruit on their pizza but want to take the flavor adventure to the next level, swapping the traditional Canadian bacon for pepperoni and adding hot jalapeños is the perfect solution.

5. Bleu Max

$17.96 for a 16-inch at South Avenue Pizza Company
307 South Ave., Springfield, 417-869-1500
The Pizza: Thin crust is covered with a white sauce and topped with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and Gorgonzola cheese.
The Restaurant: Although 417-land natives know that South Avenue Pizza Company has been a downtown Springfield mainstay for ages, this incarnation made the list because it’s the new version. It was reopened last year under new ownership.
Why We Dig This Pie: There’s just something about a white pizza that is exotic in the world of hand-tossed pies, and this one wins points for using sun-dried tomatoes. The flavor is bolder than fresh tomatoes, and the texture is more fun. Add that sharp Gorgonzola cheese, and it’s a party for your taste buds.