A look at pizzerias in Madison, Wisconsin

Grampa’s Pizzeria

This neighborhood pizzeria has made the most of its surroundings. Its backyard was converted to a garden, which provides herbs and vegetables for the 40-seat restaurant. To help appease waiting diners, the company bought a house next door and turned it into a cocktail bar. The pizzeria’s menu of small plates, salads, pizzas and desserts rotates seasonally. Fall offerings  featured unique small plates like Pork Confit with chimichurri, mustard, giardiniera and sourdough ($9). The pizza menu has eight thin-crust, artisan pies. The Jabroni is topped with a pesto/tomato sauce, smoked mozzarella and basil ($11). The Brassacre pairs Brussels sprouts with bacon, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, garlic and grana ($15).

1374 Williamson St.
grampaspizzeria.com

Pizza Brutta

VPN-certified pizzaiolo Derek Lee opened Pizza Brutta in 2007 focusing on the Neapolitan spirit of pizza making and supporting the local food system by sourcing ingredients in the region. Local, free-range prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and organic greens highlight some of the pizzeria’s Wisconsin finds. Brutta’s menu of red and white pizzas, salads and sandwiches features Neapolitan favorites with house specialties like the Broccolini white pizza with basil, garlic, Calabrian chile, sausage and Parmesan ($12). The red-sauced Lombardo is topped with basil, garlic, ham, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and gorgonzola. Special market pizzas and sandwiches spotlight local, seasonal ingredients.

1805 Monroe St.
pizzabrutta.com

Ian’s Pizza

Since opening its first location in 2001, Ian’s has grown into an expansive pizza company with two in Madison, another two in nearby Milwaukee and a location in Denver, Colorado and Seattle, Washington. Ian’s best-selling pizza is the Mac n’ Cheese with crème, mozzarella, macaroni noodles and cheddar ($16.50 for a 16-inch). The Macadilla Killa starts with the mac n’ cheese base with the addition of spicy chicken and finished with a quesadilla top. A handful of featured pizzas are debuted each month. Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chipotle Pork n’ Beans and Chicken Mashed Potato made January’s list.

319 N. Frances St.
ianspizza.com

On the Radar

Novanta Neapolitan Pizza
& Mozzarella Bar
Novanta.biz

Glass Nickel Pizza Company (8 locations)
Glassnickelpizza.com

Salvatore’s Tomato Pies (4 locations)
Salvatorestomatopies.com

Roman Candle Pizzeria (5 locations)
Theromancandle.com