Okay, you guys may have seen a couple of #LiveOnTheDrives where I have talked about picking up Papa’s Pizza and taking it home… and if only you could SMELL the goodness! Oh My Yum! Papa’s Pizza is a cozy restaurant offering everything you love about Italian cuisine. Featuring classic Italian dishes such as pizzas, subs and pasta, and fresh salads. This is a business I found as I was looking to support businesses by helping them advertise with WFXR… I’ll link his commercial at the bottom of the blog!
A Slice of Salem: Why Papa’s Pizza is a Must-Try for Food Lovers
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a slice of pizza fresh out of the oven. But not all pizzas are created equal—and in Salem, VA, Papa’s Pizza has set the bar sky-high. Winning awards such as Best Pasta, Best Italian Restaurant, and Best Sandwiches and Subs all from Community Votes Roanoke. When you have a community voting for you, then you KNOW you have done something right.
Papa’s Pizza is locally owned by Vincenzo (Vinny) and his wife and are third generation owners. Vinny is from Italy himself, and has brought those family recipes to Salem, Virginia to share. Papa’s Pizza is more than just a local pizzeria. It’s a flavor-packed destination where old-world Italian recipes meet modern creativity, resulting in a menu that keeps people coming back for more.
The Grandma Pizza: A Square Pan Legend
If there’s one menu item that’s become the talk of the town (and MY personal FAVE!), it’s Papa’s Grandma Pizza. Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t your everyday pizza. Served in a square pan, it’s baked with a crispy bottom crust that gives way to pillowy softness inside. Then comes the layering: house-made marinara (family recipe!), fresh basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and just a kiss of garlic oil to finish. Each bite feels like Sunday dinner at Nonna’s kitchen table. Let me just say since having tried this pizza, it is my GO-TO. I LOVE bringing this dish home to my family!
Lunch Deals
If you are looking for a great lunch deal, Papa’s Pizza has it! 
2 slices + a drink – $6.96; 
1 slice, side salad + a drink – $8.08; 
Any regular sub, chips + a drink – $10.99. I don’t know that you’ll find a better lunch deal in town! And the first time I got the 1 slice, salad and drink deal… I think I could have made my lunch off of the salad alone! It was SO GOOD! How great it is to know that you can get FRESH made food for such a great cost!
What makes it special?
Fresh ingredients, authentic Italian and of course the dough, which is proofed for over 12 hours, creating the perfect chewy base for tangy tomato sauce and a blanket of melty cheese. From pepperoni-loaded pies to veggie-topped creations, the options make it easy for everyone at the table to find a favorite.
Subs, Sides, and Something Sweet
Pizza may be the star of the show, but Papa’s Pizza menu is full of supporting acts that deserve a standing ovation. Their oven-baked subs are piled high with fresh meats and cheeses, served hot and toasty. Garlic knots make the perfect sidekick, especially when dunked into their homemade marinara. And if you’ve saved room, dessert seals the deal—think cannoli with sweet ricotta cream or tiramisu that melts in your mouth!
Why Papa’s Stands Out
Plenty of places can toss a pizza, but what makes Papa’s Pizza different is the care behind every ingredient and recipe. Vinny and his family have built a menu that honors their Italian heritage while daring to get creative. It’s this balance of tradition and innovation that makes dining at Papa’s Pizza an experience rather than just a meal.
So next time you’re in Salem, skip the ordinary and head to 1951 Electric Road. Whether you’re trying the Grandma Pizza (which, again, I HIGHLY recommend!), diving into Alfredo on a crust, or grabbing a quick lunch deal, Papa’s Pizza delivers more than food—it delivers flavor and authenticity that feels like family.
