Full disclosure to the masses that I've become something of a pizza snob over the years (as my reviews of various valley pizza joints will attest to). That said, I consider myself a fair and objective judge of different takes on the beloved pie. There's pizza places everywhere and some really do get creative in their approach, whether its by going deep dish or by using a unique type of dough, or even mixing up unusual topping combinations (i.e. California Pizza Kitchen and the like). Raffaele's claim to fame is focused primarily on a Sicilian style pie. As I understand it, that typically means two things. Squared and thick. Beyond that my knowledge of Sicilian style pies pretty much ends, but my hopes were high after my co-worker hyped up Raffaele's as his favorite pizza in the valley. And the decent Yelp reviews help too. Having been to Atoyac Oaxaca just a a few doors down, I probably should've expected an equally divvy atmosphere, but my co-worker had convinced me otherwise before arriving. I'm fine with dives, in fact I love ones that serve great food (see my review of Carolina's for proof). The inside of this joint can not so comfortably cram in about 20 and was nearly full at lunch. I decided to go simple with my first go around here. Two Sicilian slices, one with cheese and one with pepperoni. Total cost along with a fountain drink? About $6. Sounds like a pretty good deal if the Sicilian slices are in fact as hearty as anticipated. The verdict? I rarely order pizza by the slice like I did today so maybe my expectations need an adjustment, but waiting 15 minutes for two slices of pizza seems a little extreme. The guys apparently needed to bake a fresh pie as they were out of Sicilian slices when I ordered. So there was a wait. When the two slices did arrive, the appearance was that of, well, pretty much a typical pizza. Just squared. And thicker. They didn't taste bad, just average. Honestly if you've been to Barros, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Peter Piper, Hungry Howies, or any one of the other gazillion well known pizzerias in town, Raffaele's pizza pretty much is right in line with those. For some of you that may be a virtue. For me, it was kind of forgettable. The cheese was, fine. The crust was, okay. The sauce was, meh. Sorry, but I guess after falling for the likes of Pomo, Bianco, Cibo, and La Piazza this felt like a step backwards. I understand that might not be a fair comparison, but thats just where my palette stands at the moment. The staff at Rafaelle's is friendly and the atmosphere is completely laid back despite the aesthetics. For blue collar folks, neighborhood types, and the lunch crowd, I can understand the draw of this place. For people really looking for a pie that stands out, I can't say I found any real distinguishing features. Except for the whole thick square thing of course. read more

Raffaele's Pizza - Two Sicilian style slices. One Pepperoni and one Cheese. Hearty portion. The taste? Meh - Pizza Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

So I got a Sicilian sandwich to go and when I got in my car with it I turned into this shameless ravenous girl and ate it before even leaving the parking lot. It was so cheesy and saucy and steamy and sweet and salty and meaty and...drool... I also captured this really nice picture of cheese oozing out but then managed to lose the picture. I have a feeling my camera was open on snapchat so it didn't save. And now all I have left are my memories. read more

Best Sicilian NY pizza ever! Being from NY, mom and I tour different pizza establishments regularly. This is still our favorite. Preeps r constantly coming in for take out no matter when we eat there. Established in 1974. Gotta try Raffaeles!!! read more

Raffaele's Pizza - Best NY style Sicilian pizza ever! I know; I'm from NY. Definitely a "must try"!!! - Pizza Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Let me preface this buy saying not all pizzas are made to be the same thing. Some are aristocratic in their presentation of flavors and imagery, some are plain and strait forward, and many are in between. Raffaele's is traditional simple NY pizza the way it is meant to be, nothing fancy just wonderful dough, great sauce, yummy cheese, and whatever you want on it. This is by far my favorite pizza joint, and at their prices it truly is "the people's pizza!" If you enjoy really crispy delicious crust, you HAVE to try this delightful hole in the wall. read more

Wow, the reviews are misleading. This is not great NY style pizza. With that said, there was nothing bad about it I suppose. It was just okay, Arizona pizza, sigh again! I knew when I saw the crumble sausage I would be let down, and I was. For Az folks it is probably a four or a five for me a three. I would go back to try their Sicilian Style to see how that is. The guy was pretty nice who helped me too. The inside is very hot and a bit shabby but that never deters me. If you like pretty don't go here. Lol! Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.he ratings fo rhti space are a bit off. read more

Every time I'm in hood gotta get the lunch special, under $6 for two slices and a drink! Great pie!

Coworker and I came here for lunch. We just wanted a nice, reasonable priced lunch to get together eat and chat. I looked up well reviewed restaurants near cholla and yucca libraries (where we work) and saw this place pop up. The place is in an old strip mall and looks like a dive, but the pizza was wonderful! Sauce wasn't too acidic, cheese was good, nice crispy crust, laid back environment to eat in. Will defiantly go back! read more

We've been ordering from here for some time now and I'll be the first to admit that I do not like pizza. I will beg to order anything else before succumbing to peer pressure and dialing for pizza. That said, this is the only place I will order from. But when we order it has to be either a plain cheese pizza or pepperoni because if you order any other type it will taste dry and like it's been under the heaters for some time. Their wings are okay, way better than some chain place, the fries, though, always are a bit limp and greasy. The one thing that annoys me the most about this place is the delivery guy who also takes the occasional phone orders. He always sounds like he rolled out of bed wrong and has a complete attitude when delivering. Dude, if you were nicer, maybe you'd get a better tip. We'll keep ordering until the day we find somewhere else. We just wish the customer service was better. read more

One of the best pies in town. Billy the current and only second owner worked here when he was in high school and learn from Raff..the best. The sauce is absolutely delicious. This is not a fru fru pizza joint. Nothing "foodie" here. Just great good ole fashion pizza with the perfect medium thick crust. You can also get a big fat sicilian crust too but I prefer the thin. The other entrees are always delicious too! read more

This has long been one of my favorites. I recently ordered delivery and it was super slow and the pizza wasn't great. The service when I called to check on the order wasn't friendly. For the price, I expect better. read more

Raffaele's pizza is splendid and so are the wings. I've only gotten take out or delivery; this isn't really a dine-in joint. They do a large cheese pizza and 20 wings for 25 bucks!~ That is a STEAL considering it is always over 30 bucks with less wings at other nearby places. The strip mall is ghetto and they don't have a website but the NY style pizza is worth picking up the phone for delivery. read more

Very average pizza and service, though the reviews led me to think otherwise. Drive by this place on my way home from work every few days, figured we would give it a try. Large pizza and wings for $25 is an OK deal if it's really good... This place is in an older strip mall that looks unassuming during the day, but at night, with all the riff-raff milling about, is akin to a zombie film shot in a demilitarized zone. Pretty sketchy, I recommend carrying here... Ordered and drove down about 20 min later. Our order wasn't ready. Bummer, since it was pretty hot inside the dimly lit dining room. Also, ditch the tip thing at the POS; real turn off, and I shouldn't be asked to tip when it's a carry-out order, especially when it's an order that is already running behind schedule. Uncouth. Pizza is OK. Cheese is cheap, marginal quality; pretty good amount of oil sitting on top when we opened the box, and very stringy/rubbery. Crust is fine, no chewiness, but has very little flavor and is a bit thicker than I like. Sauce and toppings were forgettable. I don't see what all the praise is about, it's average at best. Wings weren't blowing my skirt up, either. Not one of them was crispy. All were bathed in a fairly salty red goo of oil and medium sauce. They weren't the best I've ever had, but certainly not the worst. I can't say I'd come back, but it was nice to see a small business thriving in the area. It's very serviceable pizza, but it would never crack my top 20 list, some chains included. Definitely worth a try, who knows, maybe you'll enjoy their product better than I. read more

Just got pizza from here today after not having it for a while. This pizza is amazing. Just how my grandma used to make it. It probably one of the best Sicilian pizzas in Arizona. I would recommend it to anybody. I'm glad that nothing has changed with the new owner. Raffaele really had it figured it out and nothing needs to change. read more

Oh Raffaeles how we love thee.... Really though... My son & I go to here usually at least once a week. We are never disappointed. They have great lunch specials. During lunch we get a a couple Sicilian slices, a drink and either a salad or wings....$9 and some change...perfect. For dinner we usually order the Stromboli and eggplant parm dinner....so good, the best.... Yes, the inside needs a makeover but it's pretty much endearing and shouldn't stop you from giving this place a try. Honestly, I've been going to Raffaeles for about 30 years....the staff is always friendly, the food is always great. The ONLY suggestion I have is...I wish they would make a half size Sicilian pizza....we love it but ordering a whole pie for 2 people is just too much....I think others would agree. read more

It was just OK. Not the best pizza and spaghetti we've had, but not the worst. The spaghetti lacked flavor. The meatballs were pretty good. And the pizza crust was thicker than we typically like. We had delivery service and it was disappointing to not get my salad with our other food. They took care of it and delivered a salad, but it arrived when we were done eating. We'll try another place next time we crave pizza. read more

I've been going to Raffaele Pizza since I was a 5 year old (18 now). My grandpa used to take me and speak Italian to Raffaele. Raffaele also used some cool Italian moves to outsmart some RAYS pizza guys who came into his shop and pretended they knew the Italian language. (long story...basically rafi told them off in Italian and they smiled back and nodded [cuz they had no clue he was telling them to get the F*&% outta my store]) The place has never changed still has the wood paneling with the signed picture of Regan in the corner and the little casers/ pizza hut/ dominos comic that states where the other companies go to get their real pizza (Raffaele Pizza of course). The red hair lady will always ask "whaddu want" you say C and she'll say "one and one" then punch the vintage cash register *ding* to bring up the total. This is the most REAL pizza in AZ its so GOOD and never gets old. I never go except for the lunch special, any other time and you'll be unlikely to see Raffaele or the red haired lady and you'll miss the soap operas and slices! I recommend the C on the lunch menu as you get a slice of cheese, Sicilian and a drink for under $5 it's such a deal, you also get to watch the soap opera on the tv in the corner. I love Raffaele Pizza!!! read more

Very good pizza and wings! I've lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and this was my first time there. I'll be back can't wait to stuff my face and try more of what they have. Oh and the ranch is good too. read more

When I walked in today, I was immediately taken back to my days going to Washington High School, when we would go here for lunch and order the $3.00 lunch special, two slices of cheese and a drink. Every once in a while if my job at the car stereo store gave me a few extra hours, I'd splurge and get pepperoni. I remember it for being the best pizza ever. Today, just not the same. The $3.00 lunch special is no loger available, as WHS has a closed campus. The pizza is still the same as I remember it, with a slightly rubbery cheese, a great crust, and the perfect amount of sauce. This is what an old school NY pizza place should be. I do the garlic salt, oregano, and red pepper on my pizza and there is something about it that just makes me feel the ultimate comfort. Comfort is a tough thing for me to feel. I've never had the wings, or sandwiches, or pasta, or really anything other than cheese/pepperoni pizza here. It's really all you need to enjoy the place. Everyone I know that has been there has loved it, and to the same degree, everyone I know who hasn't, has talked crap about it. I give it 3, not because of the food, or because of the location, or the atmosphere, but for the fact that in comparison there really are better pizza places in town, and since I gave some of them a four, I guess 3 is all I can give this one. It's a great neighborhood pizza place. read more

Went to Raffaele's Pizza based on wanting to eat near this location and from other great reviews on Yelp. The pizza was outstanding. Sicilian was out of this word, and the thin crust great too. That's all I had - the two pieces and some water. Yum, yum .. the best. I rated it four stars instead of five only because it's a very tiny hole in the wall that didn't have any atmosphere, and only had a few tables. Good thing I got there at 11:30 a.m., as it was packed very shortly after that. So, it's not really a place to take to impress a lady, but the food is good. I'll definitely go back, again and again. read more

I've been going here since high school. This is the standard by which I compare all new york style pizza. This pizza is goooooooood! I rarely order a whole pizza but come here during the lunch special (11-2:30, I believe). It's hella cheap too. Everypne, I mean everyone I have try this pizza loves it. I always bring one of these babies to superbowl parties, big basketball games, etc. Ya gotta try it! read more

This place looks GHETTO! Seriously. Way ghetto. It's back behind a 7-11 and wedged next to a gun range (I think it's a gun range... it's a lot of people with guns at any rate) Walked in and there were a lot of people in there, there are places to sit but you have to go up and order at the counter. The menu is up over your head and they also have ones on the counter for you to check out (there's a picture of the menu in the Yelp photos) They have lunch specials with two slices of pizza and a drink for under $5, and different variations of the combo for different prices. I got the Stromboli and a small (16oz) soda for around $8.50-- the stromboli (a small) was HUGE! and it tasted really good, and it comes with marinara sauce, and I can only imagine how big the large is... geez. I took half of it home and ate it for lunch the next day! Anyway, it looks like nothing special, but it's pretty good, weird area, and I would probably come back if I had a pizza craving or something. read more

Fast, fresh, friendly, great subs and pizza! Sad that closed on Sun and Mon. read more

The VERY best New York style pizza in Phoenix! Been looking for this for a while now, and to find it so close was amazing. Couldn't believe this place has been in same location for 30+ years, and Never heard of it before. The pizza and wings were delicious.. The quality of ingredients impressive, especially for such a hole in the wall. You dont go there for the ambiance! You DO go there for the delicious food! read more

Delicious! My first time, always hear good reviews, finally found my pizza and close to home. We all loved it! read more

Raffaele's Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I moved to Phoenix from New York about a year ago. I tried Raffaele's last week and it was the first time since living here that I didn't miss a good New York slice--at least not quite as badly, come on. If you're reading reviews of different places to pick up a pie, just stop now and go to Raffaele's. read more

We went there tonight for the first time, based on the other reviews and high ratings. We ordered a sicilian with half olives and half cheese (my daughter is still not so big on toppings). Some folks mentioned the prices seemed high, but you get a heck of a lot of pizza for the price. The sicilian takes about 45 minutes, so you might consider calling ahead. But - man. Totally worth the wait. I haven't had a sicilian pie like that in nearly 20 years. Perfectly cooked (some places give you a slightly undercooked pie), very good sauce, the right amount of cheese - and I appreciated being asked if we wanted a lot of olives (we did). It was thick, a bit crispy, but somehow also light. I absolutely loved it and it reminded me of the best sicilian pies back east. I had to force myself to stop eating after 4 good-sized slices. I'm a little frustrated with myself for not coming in before, but I'm new to Yelp, so I just learned about it. Highly recommended. read more

I'm in town on business and had to order pizza for about 50 people with little time to spare! I found Raffaele's Pizza here on yelp and seeing that it had good reviews and was close to where I'm working I decided to give them a call. Honestly, I thought they would think I was crazy needing 12 pizzas at noon on a Saturday ASAP but the manager could not have been nicer or more helpful to me. He not only helped me figure out how much pizza I needed by asking demographic questions about the group I needed to feed but he also got all the pizzas done in 45 minutes, provided plates, AND gave me a 10% discount. One other thing that was extremely helpful was that he helped me figure out what type of pizzas to order (veggie, pepperoni, etc.) based on what people normally like. Talk about excellent customer service! The pizza was really good and everyone seemed to love it! We went with a NY style pizza which is my personal favorite! It was certainly a crowd-pleaser. The sauce was particularly delicious! read more

We ordered a large cheese pizza and fried zucchini for delivery-- and oh my gosh they were to die for. Despite spending time in a to-go box, the zucchini was crunchy and fresh. It came with a side of ranch that was also delicious. If you're a ranch fan like I am, you will not be disappointed. The pizza was also tasty. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Raffaeles Pizza is my absolute favorite in all of Phoenix.. Been coming here for years. It's a shining gem of a Pizza Place. 100% Best pizza in the valley. The classic cheese is the way to go. read more

We just moved to the neighborhood and we're so happy to find this gem! We over the pizza and wings!!! We will definitely be back!!!

These are the worst wings that I've ever had every wing was burnt was all crispy and hard trash don't ever get anything from here

I hadn't eaten a Raffaele's pizza in awhile and remembered it as being just 'ok'. I was searching for a nearby place and came across it again, and after reading the reviews thought maybe I missed something the first time around, so I ordered a Raffaele's special for delivery. The service is friendly, the delivery was fast, and the pizza looked great... Until I bit it. It's like they use absolutely NO seasoning at all. No salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, basil, marjoram... nothing. It tastes like vegetables on top of tomato sauce, baked. If the pepperonis or sausage were spicy, they could make up for it, but sadly, they're bland. There is also a strange tendency for the dough to become very soggy if it's in the box longer than 10 minutes. By soggy, I mean you'll think someone poured a glass of water in the box. I wouldn't have mentioned this if it hadn't been for the fact my nephew ordered the exact same pizza the following week, and the exact same thing happened. Now, on the plus side, all the vegetables taste fresh, and they use real cheese, the kind that leaves long strings when you pull a piece of pie out the box, which is good. I'm giving them 3 stars because of the service and quality of the ingredients, and I remember their wings being good, but the pizza was very bland. Add some seasoning and I'll gladly raise it to 4 or 5, depending on taste. read more

This is our favorite pizza delivery place! If you love wings, you know that most chain pizza places have awful hot wings. Raffaele's wings are so good I crave them. Their pizza is also my favorite. If you're on here looking to see if you should try them for your pizza needs, YES! read more

Everything I've had from here has been great with one exception, the wings. The sauce was outstanding but the meat on the wings was meager and a little dry. Try the pizza (Sicilian or not, both styles are good) first, by the slice if you need to, then get a sandwich the next time. read more

9/27/2015 I can't think of a higher compliment to pay any establishment than what I'm about to say about Raffaella's pizza: 4 months after freezing, ITS STILL DELICIOUS! I bought a large pizza in July, froze it. Tonite, I heated up that last slice and, God, it was great! Love their sausage and sauce! Real quality! read more

This is my first visit to Raffaele's Pizza and wasn't sure what to expect from the previous reviews. I Had a small Stromboli and while my first bite didn't wow me, eventually the flavor and taste grew on me quickly. Maybe my palate was off this night but if I get to try another dish I will certainly write a follow-up. Ambiance is lacking but customer service seemed up to par and accommodating. Nothing to dismiss this place for from other reviews. Looking forward to trying it again. read more

They use the manufactured sausage...... you know the little balls of joy.... sauce isn't bad..... This is a major pet peeve of mine. It must be stopped. Nothing drops the score more than the use of this. Does anyone remember La Palermo on 35th avenue and Bethany Home??? The best. Their sausage was real. I'd drive 50 miles for that again. The Sicilian at Raffaele's was just OK. read more

Probably some of the best, if not THE best pizza in Phoenix. It's been here for 40 years; as a kid, my family picked up pizza from here on a weekly basis. I came back into town, after moving away, for work and I stumbled across it again. the Sicilian pizza is amazing and the "standard" pizza is by far some of the best I've had in a long time. My favorite, obviously, is the Sicilian (corner piece). I am heading back to Portland and I will be taking two whole frozen pizza's with me (After I order them, of course). this place is well worth seeking it out for a slice! I wish I could get this kind of pizza in Portland, OR! read more

Been wanting to go here after attending ucelo martial arts right next door for about ten months. Today I finally went and man it's delicious! I got the lunch special with Sicilian pizza with just pepperoni (because I am bland like that) and a 20oz Dr Pepper. The pizza is beyond delicious. The owner was very nice and humble, he also added a 10% discount to the total because I go to ucelo martial arts! read more

I was shown this place back in the early 90s, and just ate here again for the first time in like twelve years. Every single time, I've gotten the meatball and cheese sub. Since I've moved to Chicago, I still have yet to find a place that made one like that. The prices can't be beaten. The old signed picture of Ronald and Nancy Reagan addressed to Raffaele himself is still on the wall, though the ink has worn considerably since I first saw it. The ambiance is so everyman, and that really is how it should be, yet the place is a secret that every customer is in on. It is all about the food. The sandwich is still pretty much the same, but I think the bread was better back then. It used to be a well baked bread, and if you grabbed the sandwich with both hands, a meatball would always fall out of it. So I think the bread might be a bit different from then, but otherwise everything else is the same. I was seriously stuffed after eating that sandwich, just like before. I can't give an opinion on the pizza, because I've always had to have that sandwich, no matter what. read more