FYI, they don't take reservations and they do have a HH that ends at 6pm. Alas, we arrived at 6:15p and all tables were already full on this Thursday dinnertime except for the 8-person community table. The estimated wait for two was 10 minutes so we grabbed drinks and headed upstairs to their cute/loft lounge. As we passed the entrance we already heard the host increasing wait time to 20 minutes. For drinks she had got the house red cabernet and for me the bartender and I whipped up a little custom cocktail (see pic). Moments later our table was ready. Note: Penelope operates on a novel "community-waiter" system so don't be confused if a totally different person comes by to: take appetizers, check on you, order entrees, check on you again, and order dessert! We've often had four different staff during a meal here and all are super friendly with experience-filled opinions about everything on the menu. We ordered the Burrata and Tomatoes app which arrived in barely 5 minutes - the cheese is traditionally mozzarella-like but here it was almost ricotta-soft... and melded deliciously with the mildly acidic slices of ripe tomato and lots of pistachio pesto (nice twist chef!). We split the Sgt Pepper pizza this time, craving both sausage and roasted chilis. It arrived in 15 minutes with ample sausage and just a few burnt bubbles (totally ok because we know these thin-crusts must be flash broiled at super high temps (around 1k degrees). We demolished the 'za but both of us would like to have seen a bit more green chili. We were looking forward to the olive oil cake however, at 7pm, they had just sold the last slice (confirmed by our "second dessert waiter" who wandered by a few minutes later ;) Atmosphere is casual-elevated and sound levels aren't bad despite the density of tables - likely due to the 20 foot tall ceilings. Parking is free/easy in their private lot and it appears they do a popular takeout business too. We are both looking forward to their return to downtown this fall with Penelope's II ! read more

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We arrived at around 5:30 and was told there was a 25 minutes wait time. We were seated one hour later. We found out that they have "team service" which explains why you can see servers are all over the place. Regardless, They were all nice and very welcoming. Place has plenty of seating. We ordered a Caesar salad, spaghetti meatball, cheese pizza, OTC pizza and the Jackie luna. Everything was flavorful, our experience would have been better if we were able to get in and out a little quicker. read more

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Leopard spotted, blisterednby wood fire, just enough sauce n cheese, freshest quality produce = Penelope Perfection. Busy on a Weds 330PM shortly after doors open, after 2 days off, but understand it fills up even own the patio and after tasting you'll know why :) Fine dusted parm topped a zesty house dressed $13 Caesar that was pre-split for sharing. House croutons need more of a blast in that wooded oven to crisp up as they were limp and doughy but still polished off the greens. 4/5* Love me some Mortadella and hard to find on menus even in an Italian Grinder here, so my focus lasered in on Tony Balona $18 with Burrata, smoked mozz (didn't taste any smoke) and pistachio dust (very minimal at center, wah), thick swirls of pistachio pesto and switched red sauce for garlic oil, a thin simple sauce. Pistachio not really noticeable in pesto or dust, I really enjoyed my pie, though its not as complex tasting as you might believe. Dough with it's black blisters definitely shines. 5/5* Hub's Classic Pepperoni $17 was flooded in lil' crispy cups; devoured! Happy Hour Bonus 3-6P weekdays, $2 off Appys incl our Salad. $10 cocktails ($6 off!) and $6 Drafts & house wines. Beechwood Brewing centraholic West Coast IPA 7% ABV, a Golden hoppy entry with med bitter to end, Light body and lasting Creamy head was a great pizza accompaniment, as was a regular vs White Negroni on menu. Had an herbal syrup less bitter front than a typical in your face Campari sip. Service was efficient. Water carafe to table on seating. Sure hope they save the water left over given the constant desert shortage, as we only drank 1/3 due to our ABV glasses. On Penelope return, I'll fight to try the fresh pasta unless the Dough menu punches me into submission again! Haha read more

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Yumm yumm yumm, wow why did it take me so long to find this pizza spot. We ordered the bread and burrata and it is amazing. We also got a Margarita pizza, a Classic pepperoni, and Pammy pizza so good. The burrata tomato was so beautiful thank you. I will be back for that alone, everything was amazing. When you are around d Kolb and Speedway definitely stop by in the evening for dinner. The inside was nicely decorated with lots of tables and a cute bar. read more

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Amazing pizza! One of the best I've had and believe me, my husband and I try wood fired pizza everywhere we go. The crust has nice texture and chewy just perfect. The atmosphere is eclectic and fun. Service was beyond friendly. Only one possible criticism and really constructive is that the tiramisu although tasty (whipped cream) that's all that I could really taste. It needs more ladyfingers. read more

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The Pizza is to die for and memorable. It's been a long time since I have a new constant craving. Penelope surpassed my expectations. The crust wasn't too thin. The topping was plentiful. The price point is more expensive but well worth the savory flavors. Every bite was delicious. The service was okay but we had one server who was a shinning star and was just great! Even boxed our food. The area is a little loud and close together so be prepared. Only thing I have to note was dessert was good but for me I love extremely sweet dessert. It was very good but not my taste. The cream was very mild which I think was unique and different to more traditional. Just wasn't my taste. To be honest even with that it was amazing dinner. I will definitely be back! read more

Penelope - Nonni - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Holding true to our 2026 plan another never before visit, this time to Penelope wood fired pizza. We arrived promptly at 3 pm as we were advised to do, as we had reservations our table was already set with a cold decanter of water awaiting. Our server came right over and took our drink order and provider her suggestions to us first timers. We started with the 3 meatball shareable plate. Man what an experience. Soft tender meatballs perfectly seasoned with a robust sauce that compliments the seasoning of the meat ball. The speed of service absolutely incredible, we had barely finished the meatballs when 2 pizzas and a plate of lasagna arrived. My son never looked up from his lasagna, a HUGE 10 layer lasagna with oodles of meat and cheese in delicious Penelope house sauce with perfectly cooked al dente noodles. He got one to go. Ok so did I. My Pizza, the SGT pepper, light airy crust , garlic oil, smoked mozz, green chilies, a delicious house made sausage and a hot honey drizz. This is an amazing combination of flavors. Mom's pizza, The Nina. Same delectable crust, house red sauce, mozz, ezzo pepperoni, sausage, sweet bell pepper and onion. Another amazing combination. The only down fall, my mother said it was too salty. The staff was amazing! Benny and Sierra were friendly, informative and prompt and a credit to this great establishment. It is easy to see why Penelope has been top 50 in the U.S. for three years running. You want your pizza done right, you have to give Penelope a go. read more

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Great service. Good music. Strong drinks. Good food. Had 2 no tiki drinks, the lasagna and the OTC pizza. All delicious! read more

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I love pizza and this place has incredible pizza! We shared the Sgt Pepper it was amazing. They ferment their dough for 24 hours so get your taste buds ready. Great bar scene and most impressive is the family feel you get when you meet the staff. They are all in and it shows. Excellent! read more

Outstanding & unique options to choose from. Good coke and service. Friendly staff and efficient production got hot fresh pizza quicker than I thought we would. Impressive!! read more

What a dream. I did not visit Penelope back in their food truck days but for quite some time now They have been on my must-go list. Yes it took quite a long time. The pizza is fantastic, really perfect. Tucson is fortunate to have this establishment. We went on a Friday around 5:30 and they were quite busy. Got on the list and were seated in 10 minutes, and that surely can be different at busier times. Staff was very nice and inviting. Got the meatballs (fantastic), O.T.C pizza (fantastic) and the Pammy pizza (fantastic and actually a surprise). read more

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I cannot believe how disappointing my visit was considering Penelope's is on Yelp's Top 100 list. I called to have our pizza ready by a certain time because my guy and I were on a roadtrip and wanted to get our food fast. I showed up, paid, and was not provided with any update as to where my food was until I had been waiting around for 10 mins. The staff had no issues with standing around chitchatting, though. Nearly 30 mins after the time I had requested my pizza be ready at, I finally got it. There was basically no apology from the staff for the long wait either. We got the Sgt Pepper pizza (sub prosciutto for house sausage, add mushrooms and bell pepper) and the Olive Oil Cake. The pizza crust tasted like burnt butter, they cheaped out on the ingredients, sad amount of prosciutto (there wasn't even a piece of prosciutto on each slice), couldn't taste the hot honey drizzle or the green chili salt. The cake was find, but nothing to rave about. Honestly, my guy and I agreed that nothing about the pizza was enjoyable and it was definitely not worth the delay they caused us in our trip. They have a lot to work on in my book and I have zero desire to come back. read more

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Today was a good day. I moved to Tucson not long ago, and have not found many places that I like yet. I came here not expecting much but the restaurant was really cute and the staff was so friendly and understanding. I made a mistake and showed up an hour early because I misheard. They rushed my order and never gave attitude. The place was packed and now I know why. Got home with my pizza and it was Amazing! Super fresh and taste was delicious! My husband couldn't wait and stole a piece before i could take a photo. We had the Adambam it was a 10/10 . I will be back and I love the staff so much. Thank you for yummy food and nice experience for my fist time at the restaurant. read more

Penelope - Olive cake yum - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We had the lasagna, and it was delicious. The staff were very attentive, and the wait was not long at all.

We tried couple of time to dine in but it always pack. So last night we decided to order togo. The process of order until picked up is ok. Pizza was ready when we get there. Parking was busy but still ok. When we get home, we open the box, the Pizza was burnt on the edge and bottom. The taste was ok, not really special or something else. read more

Penelope - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We had a variety of pizza and salads- all delicious. Reasonably priced. Now offers delivery which is great.

Penelope's did not disappoint. It was everything we expected and more. In addition to the food being excellent (pizza, appetizers, desert), the staff was super friendly and service top notch. We will be back soon and often, so happy we live so close by. read more

I really enjoy the food here but service is extremely slow. Both times I've eaten here, my food has taken over 30 minutes to arrive; last night it took 45 minutes. It wasn't particularly busy either. The ambiance is relaxed. They have a lounge waiting area upstairs. Additionally, after 5 pm there is no option to rsvp if you party is smaller than 6 people. The drinks are pretty yummy as well. So if you don't show up super hungry and ready to wait, it might be worth it to you. read more

Brought sister and BIL here after my brother and I raved about it. They loved. In two visits total, we have had great meatballs, good salads, great cocktails, excellent chicken parm, great pizzas (until someone wants hot honey drizzled on one - I don't get it, but that's me), and always good service. The ONLY thing we've had and would not order again is the 10-layer lasagna. I think we ended up with the vegetarian version. Noodles were al dente or almost. My idea of lasagna is a comfort food with fully cooked noodles, layered with LOTs of cheese, so this dish was not that. read more

Penelope - The pizza is thin and crispy and delicious - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Finally got here! They have bizarre hours and every time we wanted to go they were closed. Then they got the Yelp top 100 restaurant award and it was always packed! We came around 5:30 and got a table right away and when we left there was a lot of people waiting. This spot never seems to last but I hope Penelope's does. We had the Figgy Piggy, OTC and burrata and tomato. Everything was very tasty my only negative would be the crust was a bit too burnt for my liking but I know that's what happens with wood fired. The staff revolves around to each table so everyone can help you. read more

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I went with 3 other friends to celebrate a birthday on a Sunday at 4 pm. We had made reservations and had mentioned the birthday gal and were assured she would get a birthday dessert. This restaurant was very busy (okay), extremely loud (diners + very loud music) and not the most inviting place. We all asked for water to start. Received. Two of us wanted salad, so we asked for a side salad. They don't have those so we ordered a House Salad to split. We got a salad consisting solely of arugula and some little chunks of cheese dressing with balsamic. No other type of lettuce, tomatoes or anything. Oh, we didn't want the onion so they left that off. They split the salad for us, but for $13, a little bit of arugula, dressing and cheese, it was a big disappointment. If we had known, we would have ordered the Caesar with balsamic. At least their would have been lettuce involved. We perused the menu and all decide on the Chicken Parmesan. It was the strangest Chicken Parm we had ever seen. Sorry, no pics. Too chaotic. A piece of breaded chicken with a slight bit of cheese on top of the chicken, WITH a glob of spaghetti marinara piled on top of the chicken topped with a basil leaf. Portion size was small for the $20 price. The dish was very dry. We finally stopped one of the staff and asked for extra marinara sauce even though we were almost halfway through with the entree. Staff members were bustling around but getting their attention was a tad difficult. This was an Italian restaurant and no offer of bread? I also wanted to order a soft drink and had to flag down a staff member well into the meal for a lemonade. I did get the one refill without having to ask. Even though this was on the smaller side for a restaurant, they only had two neutral gender restrooms. There were lines constantly making it difficult to get to the restroom when needed. The place was kept clean and tables bussed constantly, which was good, because tables were small. As we finished our meal, a couple of us wanted boxes. We waited for our server to show up again. He had no idea about the birthday dessert. We told him quietly and after about 10 minutes received the olive oil cake with ice cream and 4 spoons. It was okay but nothing we would ever order. Separate checks were received. Mine was $20 for entree $6.50 for 1/2 salad, $5 for lemonade totaling $31.50 before tax & tip. My bill was nearly $40 for chicken, a bit of spaghetti, arugula (weeds) and lemonade. I felt that was way over priced for what was served. As mentioned, the food was okay, service at times was good, other times not so much. The noise level was too loud, we couldn't even carry on a conversation. I won't return and I doubt my friends will. The good reviews actually amaze me. We saw pizzas being delivered and there were burn spots on the crust. Glad we didn't order one. I had wanted to visit here because of the good reviews that don't usually steer me wrong. This time, they did. Sorry Penelope, you will have to make large improvements before I return. read more

Update 3/25- continues to be amazing. They are delightful and greet everyone who is coming in as though they are long-lost friends. The food is soo good! Bread and friends is still a fav and one MUST save room for the chocolate budino. But of course there is everything in between- unique flavor combos on the pizzas, fresh pasta and cute cocktails! No surprise they are among Tucson Yelp Elites top 25! read more

Penelope - Where the magic happens! - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Dam best pizza ever ordered the O.T.C., house red sauce, mozz, ezzo pepperoni, ricotta, hot honey drizzle and parm!!! Awesome music and ambience my favorite cocktail so far is the Know Better Now Tini. Do Not Leave without trying the Rotating Tiramisu, huge portion and the best I've had. Exceptional customer service definitely worth coming back read more

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While it's a busy spot with a little of a wait (maybe just on weekend evenings), it is so worth it. We loved the bread and marinara appetizer, the hot honey pizza with ricotta or burrata and the pineapple drizzle pizza. Service was very friendly and we appreciated the heaters outside. A level up from so many of the other (still very good) homemade pizza spots in town! read more

Penelope - Hot honey and pineapple drizzle pizzas - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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This place was ok. Not great., it seemed reasonable by looking at the menu online but my salad was served in a small salad bowl compared to what would normally be served for a $15 salad at most other places. It looked more like a side salad and was served in the same bowl for my daughter who ordered the vodka pasta, and it wasn't even served with the penne pasta listed on the menu. Other people at the table said the pizza was good. I will try that next time. read more

Wow! Incredible delicious pizza! It's true firewood cooked. I love their white-pizza, it's a new and continuing favorite! Kolb & Speedway location read more

Very friendly staff, fast service and great pizza, crust is amazing! It's a nice bright open atmosphere and suggest you get there before 5 to be seated immediately. I'm excited to try their new location in the Maynard's spot when they open. read more

The food is amazing, the service is stellar and everything was glorious. We have been here a couple of times now, and each time it has been excellent. This time we had the bread and oil and cheese, and split four pizzas. My favorite was the Adambam with sausage and mushrooms and olives, although they were all delicious. We shared some desserts - the budino and the tiramisu were particularly good, and the portion of tiramisu was epic. I love family run businesses and this one is excellent. read more

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I've been to Penelope a few times now and really enjoy the wood fired pizzas and happy hour drink specials! The Know Better Now Tini with a sidecar of bubbles might be my new favorite! They have indoor and outdoor patio seating, however be sure to get in early or order to-go as they do often get very busy. The customer service is usually great, but just know in advance that you typically do not have one server. Instead they work on rotation, so multiple will stop by to assist or check-in on your table. The one menu item I would not order again was the citrus pistachio creme cannolis. The filling was not very sweet as one would expect. Excited to go back to try more menu items from here. read more

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Great food,,, good atmosphere and even better service,,,, everyone was very friendly and professional,,,, HIGHLY recommend this place???

Good food! We sat at the bar. nice bartenders. good portions and good tasting! will go again. read more

Came in and was seated pretty quickly. I think they just opened but had a few tables going already. We ordered an app, 2 pizzas, and dessert. Everything was delicious! Servers were super nice, but since there were only 2 for the restaurant, it could at times be hard to get their attention. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this place and will definitely be back. read more

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Penelope was recommended to us by a friend that we trust completely on all matters food related. :) My favorite foodie friend said that Penelope's had "to be the best pizza" he had in years. So...we found ourselves on the Eastside of Tucson and thought the opportunity was there to try it for ourselves. It was Thursday night and super busy! Was there a wait if you wanted a table? Oh indeed there was. We opted for a space at the bar and it was perfect. We had an amazing server named Sam. She was lovely and so helpful! Foodie friend recommended that adambam but since my husband isn't a fan of olives and I'm not a big fan of mushrooms... we decided on the O.T.C. We were also tempted by the Jackie Luna but we will be back and try that one next time. The O.T.C. was super yum! I love ricotta and hot honey so it was totally perfect in my opinion! Penelope is such an awesome addition to Tucson and I look forward to our next visit. Ohhh and they have delicious local root beer from Brickbox (I believe) and I loved it! It is a lovely local place with lots of great pizza options and good vibes! I am all about good food and good vibes theses days more than ever! :) read more

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Wow! Why did it take me so long to come here?! Pizza is fire'd to perfection! The pepperoni they use are the little ones that are full of flavor! The waitstaff were all very friendly & hospitable. Restaurant vibe is cool with plenty of seating. They are in the process of completing an upstairs cocktail lounge that looks like it's going be such a cool hangout area, even though it's small. I tried one of theirspecialty pizzas that had a hot honey drizzle and was unsure at first, but when I tried it, I loved it! We also tried their homemade cannolis and they were tasty! Oh, and they delivered my bill with a Thank You postcard! How thoughtful is that?! I'll definitely be returning! read more

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We went back to Penelope Pizza last week, and it was just as good as we remembered. Between being named one of the top 50 pizzerias in the country two years running and making Yelp's top 100 in 2025, they're clearly doing something right. We shared the Sgt. Peppero with a friend, and honestly, this pizza was something special. The garlic oil and smoked mozzarella base with roasted Anaheim chiles and their house sausage would've been amazing on its own, finished with that hatch green chili salt. We got the hot honey drizzle on the side since Scott has a spice sensitivity, which worked out perfectly. Those of us who wanted that sweet heat could dip it or add it to our slices while Scott could enjoy the smoky, savory flavors without the extra kick. Scott and I also split the 10 Layer Meatball Lasagna. This was comfort food at its finest. Tender beef and pork meatballs in their house marinara with this bright lemon basil ricotta that kept it from being too heavy. Add the mozzarella, parm, and fresh basil, and you've got something really special. It split perfectly with a fork, which tells you how well it was put together. Our friend went with the Chicken Parm. House made chicken cutlet with marinara, mozzarella, parm, and basil, topped with spaghetti. It's a brilliant take on the classic that somehow makes it even better. And to top it all off, we had their classic Tiramisu for dessert. My goodness; so delightful and rich. The perfect ending to an incredible meal. This could've been a meal itself--great for three people. Every time we go, it just confirms what all those rankings already tell youthis place is the real deal! read more

Penelope - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We went at 630pm and were seated right away. They were able to accommodate 1/2 pizzas without meat, which was nice! The quality of the pizza dough is delicious! The toppings felt light and flavor a little mild, especially for vegetarians. Service is communal, so it can be hard to find someone to add to your order. read more

Penelope - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

It was great! The pizza, the pasta, even dessert. All good. Got the olives as an appetizer, my date got lasagna, I got pizza, and we got tiramisu as a dessert. Pizza was nicely charred but not burnt, the lasagna was huge and delicious. The tiramisu was amazing and more than enough for two people. Service was fantastic as well. It was crowded, but I can see why. Great all around. read more

Penelope - Lasagna and the Nina pizza - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Had to go back to Penelope and try a pasta dish. Ordered the chicken parm and it was delicious! Quick and friendly service. The meatballs are still incredible too. They have happy hour with deals on apps and drinks. Stop by for some great Italian! read more

Penelope - Pizza Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The service is stellar here, very attentive even when busy. The ambiance is energetic inside and casual patio outside. We ordered vodka pasta with sausage and Quattro formagiano with meatballs. The vodka pasta sauce was very flavorful with a little kick. The Quattto was very tasty but one meatball wasn't cooked in the middle otherwise I would give 5 stars! For dessert was chocolate budino in a cute jar and you could see vanilla bean specks in the whipped cream! All was perfect portion size too We ll come again! read more

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Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. Highly recommend! The staff was super friendly