Birmingham, Alabama, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham’s Tortugas Homemade Pizza has been recognized as Alabama’s best pizza in a nationwide ranking, showcasing authentic Chicago-style flavors combined with Southern hospitality. Owned by Carlos and Carol Vizcaino, the restaurant has created a niche for its stuffed and thin-crust pizzas, rapidly gaining popularity among locals and transplants. With accolades including being listed among Alabama’s top eateries, Tortugas is not only a dining destination but a cultural hub for pizza lovers. As National Deep Dish Pizza Day approaches, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a flavorful slice.
Chicago-style Pizza Takes Center Stage in Alabama
In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, a culinary delight is captivating the taste buds of the locals and transplants alike. Tortugas Homemade Pizza has snagged the coveted title of the best slice in the state, as recognized in a nationwide ranking of top pizzas. This accolade has put the spotlight on the city’s beloved pizza joint, bringing together the rich flavors of Chicago-style pizza with the warmth of Southern hospitality.
Owned by Carlos and Carol Vizcaino, Tortugas is the result of a delicious journey that began back in the 1980s, when the couple started working in a Chicago pizzeria. With a deep-seated passion for authentic pizza, they made the big move to Birmingham in 1999, transforming their love for Chicago pizza into a thriving business. Beyond just a restaurant, Tortugas embodies decades of family history and culinary tradition, making every slice a piece of their heritage.
What sets Tortugas apart is not just the pizza itself but also the commitment to keep authentic Chicago flavors alive. The restaurant is famous for its rich variety of offerings, particularly its gooey stuffed pies that have made mouths water across the state. Diners have the option of choosing between thin-crust and stuffed pizza, with many local Chicago transplants declaring the stuffed varieties are reminiscent of home—a comforting revelation for those missing the Windy City.
Signature menu items like the “Carne Special”, which showcases a hearty combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and bacon, are always crowd-pleasers. In 2017, the Vizcainos expanded their pizza empire by opening a second Tortugas location to meet the growing demand. With both establishments serving up deep-dish and thin-crust pizza, they’ve managed to cater to a diverse clientele, from city locals to Chicago expats who have found a delicious slice of nostalgia.
Tortugas Homemade Pizza has certainly made a name for itself over the years. It’s consistently ranked among the top pizza destinations in Birmingham, earning accolades such as being listed in Alabama’s Top 10 Restaurants and making it onto “Local Eats Top 100.” Their deep-dish pizza has also secured a spot in the revered list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die,” ensuring that both locals and visitors will have to make a pilgrimage to try it for themselves.
As you gear up for National Deep Dish Pizza Day on April 9th, many are turning their attention to the best pizza joints. Besides Tortugas, noteworthy mentions in Birmingham include Salvatore’s Pizza and Pasta, Basil Pizza and Bar, Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe, and Carpenetti’s Pizzeria. Each spot brings its own unique flavors to the pizza scene, making Birmingham a true haven for pizza lovers.
For those craving Tortugas’ famous stuffed pies, patience is a virtue; they take about 45 minutes to cook. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, fear not—there are always plenty of slices available for those with shorter appetites. All in all, Tortugas Homemade Pizza represents a delightful fusion of family tradition and Chicago heritage, now firmly rooted in Alabama’s vibrant food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tortugas Homemade Pizza unique?
Tortugas combines authentic Chicago-style pizza with family traditions and recipes, offering both stuffed and thin-crust options.
Where did the owners start their pizza journey?
Carlos and Carol Vizcaino began their pizza journey working in a pizzeria in Chicago during the 1980s.
How long does it take to cook Tortugas’ stuffed pies?
Cooking the massive stuffed pies takes about 45 minutes, making it best enjoyed by patrons with a bit of time to spare.
What are some signature menu items at Tortugas?
The “Carne Special,” featuring Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and bacon, is a must-try.
Are there other pizza places worth visiting in Birmingham?
Yes! Other notable places include Salvatore’s Pizza and Pasta, Basil Pizza and Bar, Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe, and Carpenetti’s Pizzeria.
Key Features of Tortugas Homemade Pizza
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicago-style Pizza | Authentic flavors brought from Chicago, with both thin-crust and stuffed options. |
| Family-Owned | Run by the Vizcaino family, incorporating decades of tradition and history. |
| Signature Dishes | Notable items include the “Carne Special” and gooey stuffed pizzas. |
| Two Locations | Opened a second location in 2017 to accommodate increasing demand. |
| Accolades | Named among Alabama’s top restaurants and “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Montgomery Advertiser: Best Pizza in Alabama
- Patch: Chicago Pizza Express Opens in Northport
- Bham Now: 5 Spots in Birmingham to Enjoy Deep Dish Pizza
- News Nation Now: Top Chicago-Style Pizza Not in Chicago
- AL.com: Birmingham City Bite – Tortugas
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- Google Search: Chicago-style pizza
- Google Scholar: Pizza History
- 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.
