Tortugas Homemade Pizza Named Best in Alabama

Birmingham, AL, August 24, 2025

News Summary

Tortugas Homemade Pizza in Birmingham and Hoover has been recognized as serving the best pizza in Alabama. This accolade comes from the ’50 States of Pizza Slices’ feature showcasing top pizzerias across the nation. Known for its authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizza, Tortugas has been a beloved local spot since 1999. With popular menu items like the carne special, the restaurant continues to delight pizza lovers and has earned numerous awards, including recognition by local publications. Tortugas remains committed to serving quality pizza while expanding its presence in Birmingham.

Exciting News for Pizza Lovers in Birmingham and Hoover!

Birmingham and Hoover are buzzing with excitement as Tortugas Homemade Pizza has been crowned as serving the best pizza in Alabama. This delightful recognition comes from a special feature called “50 States of Pizza Slices”, which shines a spotlight on delicious pizza across the country.

A Slice of Chicago in Alabama

Tortugas Homemade Pizza, a gem that first opened its doors in 1999, has been serving up authentic Chicago-style stuffed pizza since day one. The brainchild of Carlos and Carol Vizcaino, who moved to Birmingham from the Windy City, their mission was clear: bring the deep-dish pizza experience to Alabama. Their vision has clearly resonated with locals, as the restaurant has become a beloved spot for pizza lovers everywhere.

Today, their son, Matt Vizcaino, manages the restaurant and proudly carries on the family legacy. Under his leadership, Tortugas expanded to a second location in Birmingham’s bustling Southside area back in 2017, making it even easier for pizza enthusiasts to indulge in their delicious offerings.

Stuffed, Not Just Thin Crust

While both locations of Tortugas offer thin-crust options, it’s the stuffed pizza that truly stands out. One of the fan favorites on the menu is the carne special. This hearty pizza masterpiece combines Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and, yes, even more bacon, all packed into that famous stuffed crust. It’s a mouthwatering creation that has generated quite a following!

A Menu of Praise

Tortugas Homemade Pizza isn’t just popular; it’s been awarded numerous accolades over the years. Here are some highlights of its achievements:

• Recognized as Top Pizza in Birmingham by the Birmingham Business Journal
• Awarded Best Pizza honors multiple times by the Hoover Sun
• Featured in Birmingham Magazine’s best pizza roundups
• Included in the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” by I Love Alabama Food
• Ranked among Alabama’s top ten restaurants by Top-Rated Local Restaurants Award

It’s no surprise that Tortugas Homemade Pizza has become a treasured institution not only for local residents but also for many who have relocated from Chicago. Their delicious menu offers layers upon layers of cheese, meats, and veggies, creating that comforting and satisfying experience pizza lovers crave.

Where to Find Tortugas

If you’re looking to experience what all the fuss is about, you can visit the original location at 2801 John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover, or check out the Southside location at 1304 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham. Each visit promises a taste of pizza perfection that will leave you coming back for more!

With its rich history and commitment to quality, Tortugas Homemade Pizza continues to delight the palates of pizza enthusiasts across Alabama. There’s something truly special about enjoying a slice from a place that has been dedicated to making great pizza for decades.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tortugas Homemade Pizza Named Best Pizza Spot in Alabama
Chicago-style Pizza Takes Center Stage in Alabama
Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses Amid Closure
Birmingham’s Tortugas Homemade Pizza Recognized as Alabama’s Best

Additional Resources

• AL.com: This Alabama Pizza Joint is So Good Food Network Just Named It The Best in The State
• Yellowhammer News: Food Network Named This Birmingham Restaurant as Alabama’s Top Pizza Slice
• Bham Now: Tortugas Named Best Pizza in Alabama by Food Network
• Montgomery Advertiser: What’s the Best Pizza in AL? Food Network Says It’s in Birmingham: Tortugas Pizza
• CBS 42: Food Network Puts This Birmingham Pizza Place as the Best in Alabama
• Wikipedia: Pizza
• Google Search: Best Pizza Places
• Google Scholar: Pizza Restaurant Awards
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
• Google News: Pizza News

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.