Vote now in the final round of our contest! What’s the best metro-east pizza?
Do you have a go-to local restaurant for great pizza in the metro-east? The Belleville News-Democrat is conducting a poll to find the best pizza around, and you can vote now for your favorite spot.
Whether you prefer your pizza deep-dish, New York-style, Detroit-style or with St. Louis’ provel, there are options for you in southwestern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region.
Readers submitted 23 restaurants to be included in our poll, and after three rounds of voting, the top two vote-getters have progressed to our final round.
Papa Vito’s, which won the BND’s best pizza poll three years ago, has made it to the final round. The restaurant’s downtown location received a certificate in 2012 saying a “paranormal investigation” by GhostFind found the building “haunted.”
Smitty’s Pizzeria, located in Lebanon, is also among the final two competitors.
The poll is not scientific. It’s just for fun!
The final round of voting will be open until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6. The winner will be announced soon after.
If you’re interested in some of our previous bracket competitions, don’t miss southwestern Illinois’ choice for the best coffee shop or top restaurant.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 4:45 AM.
