Il Rione: A Standout for New York-Style Pizza in Cleveland
When Il Rione first opened its doors in Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood, it didn’t take long for word to spread. The small, stylish spot immediately gained a reputation for some of the best New York-style pizza in Cleveland. Years later, that hype hasn’t faded and it’s easy to see why.
Classic New York Style, Cleveland Setting
Walk inside Il Rione and you’ll see the crew working right in front of you, stretching massive pies by hand. Their technique is pure New York: thin-stretched dough, baked to a crisp and chewy finish, with just enough structure to fold a slice, at least when you’re not overloaded with toppings.
The crust strikes that perfect middle ground between crispy and pliable. It crunches on the edges but still has that subtle chew that defines a true New York slice.
The Sauce and Cheese
Il Rione keeps things simple with a bright tomato sauce. It’s low in acidity, so it never overwhelms the toppings, but instead complements them. The cheese pulls everything together, a nostalgic nod to New York pizzerias, with that slightly congealed, dimpled look and a creamy, balanced melt.
Signature Pies
Il Rione’s menu has stayed largely consistent since opening, and for good reason. A few standout pizzas keep customers coming back again and again.
The Clam Pie: A New Haven Classic in Cleveland
The most talked-about specialty is their clam pie, a clear tribute to New Haven’s legendary pizza scene. If you’ve ever heard about the legendary pies at Frank Pepe’s or Sally’s Apizza in New Haven, you know the tradition: fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and just enough char on a thin, blistered crust.
Il Rione’s version is a worthy homage. It first appeared on their menu years ago and quickly became a cult favorite. After a hiatus, the clam pie is now back on Wednesdays only, and it’s worth planning your week around. For Cleveland, a city not particularly known for clam pizza, this is as close to a New Haven slice as you’ll get without a road trip east.
The Diavolo
If you want heat with balance, the Diavolo is a must-order. Spicy salami brings a punch of flavor, while softened red onions add natural sweetness. Calabria chiles layer in just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming the pie. The balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors shows the intentionality behind Il Rione’s topping choices.
The Speck
The Speck proves that a white pie doesn’t need to feel heavy. Built on a ricotta base, it layers lemon zest, pistachio, hot honey, and thin slices of speck. The result is a harmony of flavors: creamy cheese, citrus brightness, nutty crunch, and a touch of sweetness from the honey. Instead of leaning on richness, the pie lets each ingredient shine. It’s creative without ever feeling “too cute.”
Why Il Rione Works
Part of what makes Il Rione one of the best pizza spots in Cleveland is restraint. They don’t overload their pies or throw together gimmicky topping combinations. Instead, each pizza feels purposeful, with flavors that are thoughtfully paired. The consistency since opening shows a commitment to doing New York pizza justice, while occasionally branching out with creative, well-executed specials.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for the best New York-style pizza in Cleveland, Il Rione should be at the top of your list. From the straightforward perfection of their cheese pie to the cult-favorite clam pizza, they’ve proven that Cleveland can hold its own against the country’s more famous pizza cities. Whether you’re a traditionalist or someone who appreciates a creative twist, Il Rione delivers.
This review is part of my ongoing search for the Best Pizza in Cleveland. Check out the full list and Cleveland Pizza Map.
