Boston may not be known for its pizza like Chicago and New York, but its stalwart Italian-American communities and wave of artisan Neapolitan restaurants promise pies that can compete on any level.

Bostonians flock to their local no-frills pizza joint for weekly fixes, and they can be just as passionate about defending their neighborhood favorite as they are about Tom Brady's throwing arm. Boston’s rising restaurant scene has brought new competition, and the excitement around a good slice has never been more palpable. Here, our picks for when you're in town.