Our Story
From Sicily to Squirrel Hill
Three generations. One family. The same unwavering commitment to making Pittsburgh's best pizza since 1958.
The Founder: Giovanni “John” Mineo
In 1955, a young man named Giovanni Mineo left the sun-baked streets of Bagheria, Sicily — a small town just east of Palermo — and crossed the Atlantic to start a new life in America.
Three years later, riding Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill electric street car down Murray Avenue, he spotted something that would change the neighborhood forever: an empty storefront at 2128 Murray Ave. John knew immediately — this was where he would bring a taste of Sicily to Pittsburgh.
In 1958, Mineo's Pizza House opened its doors. From day one, John insisted on the same traditions he grew up with: hand-rolled dough, sauce made from real Italian tomatoes, and fresh ingredients prepared by hand every single day.
Three Generations Strong
What John started alone in 1958 has grown into a family legacy. Three generations of Mineos have stood behind the counter, rolled the dough, and poured their hearts into every pizza that leaves the kitchen.
Today, Mineo's has expanded to four locations — the original Squirrel Hill shop, Mt. Lebanon, Allison Park, and even Pittsburgh International Airport. But no matter which location you visit, the recipe hasn't changed. The dough is still hand-rolled. The cheese is still hand-grated. The vegetables are still hand-cut.
Some things are worth doing the hard way.
What Makes Mineo's Different
🧀 Buried Toppings
Our signature: toppings go UNDER the cheese, locking in flavor and creating a pizza experience unlike anything else in Pittsburgh. Try it once and you'll never go back.
🇮🇹 Aged Provolone
Our not-so-secret secret ingredient. Super-salty aged provolone gives every Mineo's pie its unmistakable character — the thing that's kept customers loyal for 65+ years.
🍞 Briny, Chewy Crust
Hand-rolled with a hint of cornmeal, baked on stone. Our crust has that distinctive briny chew that Pittsburgh Magazine called “fully loaded.”
🍅 Homemade Sauce
Made in-house from real Italian tomatoes. Spicy, tangy, and perfectly balanced — the foundation that ties every ingredient together.
The Murray Ave Pizza Rivalry
If you know Squirrel Hill, you know the debate: Mineo's or Aiello's? Located just six doors apart on Murray Avenue, the two pizzerias have fueled one of Pittsburgh's most legendary food rivalries for decades.
We'll let our 2956+ reviews, our NY Times Top 10 recognition, and 65+ years of loyal customers speak for themselves. But we always say — try both and decide for yourself. (We know which one you'll come back to.) 😉
Awards & Recognition
🏆 NY Times Top 10 Pizza in America — 2024
🏆 Voted Best Pizza in Pennsylvania — 2017
🏆 Top 26 Pizza Shops in the Country
🏆 Pittsburgh Magazine Best Pizza
🏆 Barstool Pizza Review — 7.1 Score
Come Taste the Tradition
Visit us at our original Squirrel Hill location, or ship a pie to anywhere in the US.