What is the Best Beer to Pair with Pizza? A Pairing Guide

Pizza and beer are generally a great combination, but creating the perfect match can take your culinary combination to a whole new level. Pairing the right variety of beer with each pizza style will enhance the taste of your food and beverage to make every pizza night more enjoyable. Finding the right beverage for your pizza is a considerable achievement when choosing from endless varieties of ales, lagers, microbrews, and stouts. Luckily, Spinato's is in the perfect position to help you understand the art of pairing pizza and beer. 

Pizza and beer


Understanding Pizza Pairings: It's All About Balance

While the different pizza types share many commonalities, each has stand-out dominant flavors best complimented by specific beers. From the richness of classic cheese to the fresh clean flavors of a Margherita pizza, you want a beer that perfectly matches and contrasts that dominant flavor. Determine the dominant flavor of your favorite slice by considering the taste first hitting your tongue and the overwhelming flavor of the pizza as a whole. Then choose a beer that offers a contrast to balance the flavor and similarities to bring out subtle nuances of flavor. 


Classic Pairings: Matching Your Favorite Pizza Styles with Beer

The classics always top the popularity list at any pizza restaurant. Here's the best way to match your favorite pizza styles with beer. 


  • Classic Cheese Pizza: The richness of classic cheese pizza is a people-pleaser that works for almost everyone. Pair your favorite cheesy slice with a crisp Pilsner or Lager with just enough bitterness to

  • balance the richness of that gooey cheese. 

  • Pepperoni Pizza: Pepperoni's spice keeps diners coming back for another slice (or pie, we won't judge). Grab a hoppy, malty Ale to balance the savory and spicy meats and enhance the sauce's flavor. 

  • Vegetarian Pizza: Fresh veggies bring natural flavors to pizza, delivering a new taste profile. Pair veggie pizza with refreshing Kölsch or Wheat Beer to complement the varied flavors of the veggies.

  • Meaty Pizzas: Meats like sausage and meatballs pack a savory punch for a hearty and filling pie. Choose Amber Ales or Brown Ales with caramel notes to match the savory meat flavors.

  • Classic Margherita: Stripped to basics and featuring a rustic flavor, Margherita pizzas are in a class of their own. The crisp, clean flavors demand an unfiltered Ale with fruity fragrances and fresh hops or

  • a bready lager to match the toasty crust.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Unique Pizza and Beer Pairings

While the classics always have a place in any pizza lover's heart, pizza is the perfect foundation for adventurous combinations that wow your tastebuds. Like every culinary decision, pairing beers with different pizzas is partially an individual choice. When choosing beer pairings for your favorite pies outside the realm of classic favorites, approach the task with an experimental flair and a consideration for complimenting and contrasting flavors. 


For example, reach for a fruity IPA with fresh hop flavors to balance a spicy pizza and bring out the sauce's sweetness. Consider how Belgian beer's clean profile and complex fruitiness balance gourmet pizza's creamy, garlicky flavors. No matter what type of pizza you love most, choosing a beer that will bring out the flavor of the ingredients and clean your palate for another bite of that savory goodness will elevate the flavor. 


Spinato's -- Your Matchmaker for Pizza and Beer

At Spinato's Pizzeria, we believe the best pizza and beer pairings are a matter of personal taste. That's why we offer a diverse selection of both to help you find the perfect combination.

One of our unique features is our commitment to local craft beer. We proudly serve a variety of locally brewed beers, supporting the thriving Arizona craft beer scene and showcasing the amazing flavors and styles our state has to offer.

In addition to our regular menu, we also host annual beer and pizza pairings with the Wizard of Za. This exciting event features specially crafted pizzas and beers designed to complement each other perfectly. Keep an eye out for these special pairings, as they offer a unique and delicious experience.

Whether you're a seasoned pizza and beer connoisseur or just starting your culinary journey, Spinato's Pizzeria has something for everyone. Visit one of our locations in Central Phoenix, North Phoenix, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, or Gilbert to discover your new favorite pizza and beer pairing.