Best Pizza Restaurants for Families in Tampa: Kid-Friendly Pizza Guide
Pizza is the ultimate kid-friendly food, and Tampa offers incredible pizza restaurants perfect for families. From authentic Italian pizzerias to fun pizza buffets with games, this comprehensive guide covers the best pizza places in Tampa where kids are welcome and parents can enjoy quality food.
Why Tampa Families Love Pizza Restaurants
Pizza restaurants are ideal for families because they offer:
- Kid-approved food that even picky eaters enjoy
- Quick service for hungry children
- Affordable prices for family dining
- Casual atmospheres where kids can be kids
- Variety with different toppings for everyone
- Entertainment options at many locations
Top Pizza Restaurants for Families in Tampa
1. Bavaro's Pizza Napoleon & Ristorante
Locations: South Tampa, Carrollwood, Westchase
Best For: Authentic Italian pizza, family atmosphere
Bavaro's is a Tampa institution serving authentic Neapolitan pizza in a warm, family-friendly environment. Their wood-fired pizzas feature fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, while the casual atmosphere welcomes families with children.
Menu Highlights:
- Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza
- Classic Italian pasta dishes
- Fresh salads
- Homemade desserts
- Kids menu available
Why Families Love It:
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Generous portions
- Multiple convenient locations
- Welcoming to families
- Reasonable prices
Price Range: $$
Kid-Friendly Features: Kids menu, high chairs, casual atmosphere
2. Blaze Pizza
Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
Best For: Custom pizzas, dietary restrictions, quick service
Blaze Pizza revolutionizes family pizza dining with build-your-own pizzas cooked in just 180 seconds. Kids love choosing their own toppings, and parents appreciate the fresh ingredients, gluten-free options, and lightning-fast service.
Menu Highlights:
- Build-your-own personal pizzas
- Gluten-free and vegan options
- Fresh salads
- Craft sodas and lemonades
- S'mores pie dessert
Why Families Love It:
- Kids design their own pizzas
- Accommodates dietary restrictions
- Fast service (3 minutes!)
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Affordable pricing
Price Range: $
Kid-Friendly Features: Interactive ordering, quick service, dietary options
3. CiCi's Pizza
Locations: Multiple Tampa locations
Best For: Pizza buffet, budget-friendly, large families
CiCi's all-you-can-eat pizza buffet is a Tampa family favorite for affordable dining. Kids can try different pizza varieties, and the unlimited buffet means no one leaves hungry.
Menu Highlights:
- Unlimited pizza buffet
- Pasta bar
- Salad bar
- Dessert pizzas
- Arcade games at select locations
Why Families Love It:
- Unbeatable value
- Kids can try multiple varieties
- No waiting for food
- Arcade entertainment
- Perfect for large groups
Price Range: $
Kid-Friendly Features: Buffet style, games, very affordable
4. Mellow Mushroom
Locations: South Tampa, Wesley Chapel
Best For: Unique atmosphere, craft pizza, vegetarian options
Mellow Mushroom combines creative pizzas with a fun, psychedelic atmosphere that kids find fascinating. Their extensive menu includes unique specialty pizzas and plenty of vegetarian options.
Menu Highlights:
- Specialty craft pizzas
- Build-your-own options
- Gluten-free crust available
- Calzones and hoagies
- Craft beer for parents
Why Families Love It:
- Unique, colorful décor
- Creative pizza combinations
- Accommodates dietary needs
- Spacious booths
- Coloring activities for kids
Price Range: $$
Kid-Friendly Features: Coloring sheets, fun atmosphere, kids menu
5. Eddie & Sam's NY Pizza
Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
Best For: New York-style pizza, pizza by the slice
Eddie & Sam's serves authentic New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie. Their huge slices and quick service make them perfect for families on the go or casual dining.
Menu Highlights:
- New York-style pizza by the slice
- Whole pies
- Stromboli and calzones
- Italian subs
- Pasta dishes
Why Families Love It:
- Huge pizza slices
- Quick service
- Authentic NY flavor
- Multiple locations
- Good value
Price Range: $
Kid-Friendly Features: Casual atmosphere, quick service, pizza by slice
6. Antico Pizzeria
Location: South Tampa
Best For: Authentic Italian, date night with kids
Antico Pizzeria brings authentic Italian pizza to Tampa with imported ingredients and traditional techniques. While slightly upscale, they warmly welcome families and offer an authentic Italian dining experience.
Menu Highlights:
- Authentic Neapolitan pizza
- Imported Italian ingredients
- Fresh pasta
- Italian wines
- Homemade desserts
Why Families Love It:
- Authentic Italian experience
- High-quality ingredients
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Educational for kids
- Special occasion dining
Price Range: $$-$$$
Kid-Friendly Features: Welcoming staff, authentic experience
7. Chuck E. Cheese
Locations: Multiple Tampa locations
Best For: Birthday parties, entertainment, young kids
Chuck E. Cheese is the classic kids' pizza restaurant combining pizza, games, and entertainment. Perfect for birthday parties and special occasions, it's designed specifically for families with young children.
Menu Highlights:
- Pizza buffet or individual pizzas
- Chicken wings
- Salad bar
- Desserts
- Unlimited games and entertainment
Why Families Love It:
- Built for kids
- Birthday party packages
- Unlimited entertainment
- Kids eat and play
- Nostalgic for parents
Price Range: $
Kid-Friendly Features: Arcade games, play areas, party packages, Chuck E. character
8. Bella's Italian Café
Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
Best For: Casual Italian, family-owned atmosphere
Bella's Italian Café offers homestyle Italian cooking including excellent pizza in a warm, family-owned atmosphere. Their generous portions and reasonable prices make them a Tampa family favorite.
Menu Highlights:
- Traditional Italian pizza
- Pasta dishes
- Italian sandwiches
- Fresh salads
- Homemade desserts
Why Families Love It:
- Family-owned warmth
- Generous portions
- Reasonable prices
- Authentic recipes
- Multiple locations
Price Range: $-$$
Kid-Friendly Features: Welcoming atmosphere, kids menu, family portions
9. Pizza Fusion
Locations: South Tampa
Best For: Organic pizza, health-conscious families
Pizza Fusion specializes in organic, eco-friendly pizza with health-conscious options. Perfect for families prioritizing nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Menu Highlights:
- Organic ingredients
- Gluten-free crust
- Vegan cheese options
- Fresh salads
- Organic sodas
Why Families Love It:
- Healthy ingredients
- Accommodates allergies
- Eco-friendly practices
- Fresh, quality food
- Unique options
Price Range: $$
Kid-Friendly Features: Healthy options, dietary accommodations
10. Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Location: Westshore
Best For: Coal-fired pizza, special occasions
Grimaldi's serves legendary coal-fired brick oven pizza in an upscale-casual setting. Their authentic New York pizza and welcoming atmosphere make them perfect for family celebrations.
Menu Highlights:
- Coal-fired brick oven pizza
- Fresh mozzarella
- Classic Italian appetizers
- Calzones
- Homemade desserts
Why Families Love It:
- Exceptional pizza quality
- Special occasion atmosphere
- Generous portions
- Welcoming to families
- Consistent quality
Price Range: $$-$$$
Kid-Friendly Features: Welcoming atmosphere, shareable pizzas
More Great Tampa Pizza Restaurants for Families
11. Peter Piper Pizza
Location: Brandon
Best For: Pizza buffet with games
Highlights: Unlimited pizza buffet, arcade games, birthday parties
Price: $
12. Hungry Howie's Pizza
Locations: Multiple Tampa locations
Best For: Flavored crust pizza, delivery
Highlights: 8 flavored crust options, affordable, great for takeout
Price: $
13. Marco's Pizza
Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
Best For: Quality chain pizza, delivery
Highlights: Fresh dough daily, quality ingredients, reliable delivery
Price: $-$$
14. Jet's Pizza
Locations: Multiple Tampa locations
Best For: Detroit-style pizza, deep dish
Highlights: Square deep dish pizza, unique style, generous toppings
Price: $-$$
15. Flippers Pizzeria
Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
Best For: Local chain, consistent quality
Highlights: Tampa-based chain, reliable quality, family-friendly
Price: $-$$
Pizza by Neighborhood
South Tampa
- Bavaro's Pizza Napoleon
- Antico Pizzeria
- Mellow Mushroom
- Pizza Fusion
Brandon/East Tampa
- CiCi's Pizza
- Peter Piper Pizza
- Eddie & Sam's
- Marco's Pizza
Westshore/Airport Area
- Grimaldi's Pizzeria
- Blaze Pizza
- Bella's Italian Café
Carrollwood/North Tampa
- Bavaro's Carrollwood
- Hungry Howie's
- Jet's Pizza
Wesley Chapel
- Mellow Mushroom
- Blaze Pizza
- Multiple chain options
Tips for Pizza Dining with Kids
Choosing the Right Pizza Restaurant
For Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Choose restaurants with high chairs and changing tables
- Look for quick service options
- Consider pizza by the slice for faster service
- Bring wipes and bibs
For Preschoolers (4-5 years):
- Buffet-style works well for variety
- Look for coloring activities
- Choose casual atmospheres
- Consider restaurants with games
For School-Age Kids (6-12 years):
- Build-your-own pizza options
- Restaurants with arcade games
- More adventurous toppings
- Birthday party venues
Making Pizza Night Special
- Let kids help choose the restaurant and toppings
- Try new places to expand their palates
- Make it educational - learn about Italian culture
- Create traditions - pizza night every Friday
- Celebrate achievements with special pizza outings
Pizza Party Planning Guide
Best Tampa Pizza Restaurants for Birthday Parties
Top Party Venues:
- Chuck E. Cheese - All-inclusive packages with games
- CiCi's Pizza - Affordable buffet parties
- Peter Piper Pizza - Pizza and arcade combo
- Blaze Pizza - Build-your-own pizza parties
- Mellow Mushroom - Unique atmosphere, private areas
Party Package Considerations
Questions to Ask:
- How many guests included in base package?
- What food is included?
- Can we bring our own cake?
- How long is the party room reserved?
- What entertainment is included?
- Are party hosts provided?
- What's the cancellation policy?
Dietary Accommodations at Tampa Pizza Restaurants
Gluten-Free Options
- Blaze Pizza - Dedicated gluten-free crust
- Mellow Mushroom - Gluten-free crust available
- Pizza Fusion - Organic gluten-free options
- Grimaldi's - Gluten-free crust
- Most chains - Verify cross-contamination procedures
Vegan Options
- Pizza Fusion - Vegan cheese and organic vegetables
- Blaze Pizza - Vegan cheese available
- Mellow Mushroom - Multiple vegan pizzas
- Most restaurants - Can customize with veggie toppings
Allergy-Friendly
- Blaze Pizza - Transparent ingredients, customizable
- Pizza Fusion - Organic, allergy-conscious
- Always inform staff of severe allergies
- Ask about cross-contamination procedures
Money-Saving Tips for Family Pizza Dining
Best Deals and Discounts
Kids Eat Free:
- Check individual restaurant promotions
- Many offer kids-eat-free nights (typically Tuesday-Thursday)
- Sign up for email lists for exclusive deals
Lunch Specials:
- CiCi's lunch buffet
- Pizza by the slice deals
- Weekday lunch specials
Coupons and Apps:
- Download restaurant apps for exclusive deals
- Check Groupon for pizza deals
- Sign up for loyalty programs
- Follow restaurants on social media
Budget-Friendly Options:
- CiCi's unlimited buffet
- Pizza by the slice
- Lunch specials
- Takeout vs. dine-in
- Share large pizzas
Pizza Etiquette for Kids
Teaching Restaurant Manners
Basic Pizza Etiquette:
- Use napkins frequently
- Don't talk with mouth full
- Wait for everyone to be served
- Use inside voices
- Stay seated while eating
- Say please and thank you
Handling Messy Eaters:
- Bring extra wipes
- Request extra napkins
- Cut pizza into smaller pieces
- Use plates, not eating from box
- Clean up spills immediately
Related Resources
Explore more Tampa family content:
Conclusion
Tampa offers incredible pizza restaurants for families ranging from authentic Italian pizzerias to fun buffets with games. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, special celebration, or birthday party venue, Tampa's kid-friendly pizza places deliver delicious food in welcoming atmospheres.
Ready to find your family's new favorite pizza spot? Explore these Tampa pizza restaurants and discover why pizza night is every family's favorite tradition!
Pro Tip: Create a "Tampa Pizza Passport" and challenge your family to try a new pizza restaurant each month. Keep notes on favorites and build your own family pizza guide!
