The 2023 Tucson Originals Pizza Throwdown is Tucson’s ultimate pizza party. Nine Tucson pizzerias will compete to see who can come up with the tastiest, most inventive pies. The throwdown is a chance to sample pizza from makers you’ve never tried before and to revisit some old favorites.

 Courtesy Tucson Originals via Mat Cable

Ten Tucson pizzerias will be tossing their best creations in one kitchen on Saturday, May 27, to see whose pies reign supreme.

The 2023 “Tucson Originals Pizza Throwdown and Dessert Duel” will pit some of Tucson’s most beloved pizzerias to see who can come up with the most innovative and best-tasting pies, as judged by an audience of folks who eat pizza.

The fundraiser for Tucson Originals, which supports locally-owned restaurants, takes place from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, 3011 E. Speedway.

The contestants include past winners Zio Peppe and Flamme Pizza Nepolitana competing with longtime Tucson pizzerias Vero Amore, Mama’s Pizza, Rocco’s Little Chicago, Fresco, Empire Pizza, Mama Louisa’s, Firetruck Pizza Company and the late entry of Squared Up Pizza.

The competition will take place in Fresco’s kitchen, where owner Mat Cable, Tucson Originals events chairman, has two double-stack conveyor ovens, double-stack deck ovens and a trio of wood-fired pizza ovens outside.

“Everybody is there, on site, and making their pizzas,” Cable said. “For the pizza (makers), it’s a real big deal.”

The 2023 Tucson Originals Ultimate Pizza Throwdown is a chance to sample pizza from makers you've never tried before and to revisit some old favorites. 

It’s also a real big deal for pizza lovers, who get to sample creations from some of their favorite pizzerias and discover new ones while sipping craft beer from Tucson’s Barrio Brewing Co. and Firetruck Brewing Company.

Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ, The Dutch and Dante’s

Fire will compete in the Dessert Duel. Cable said some of the pizzerias also might enter that competition to be judged by the audience.

“It’s simple, but it’s a one-of-a-kind event; nobody does anything like it,” Cable said. “It’s just a really fun time. It’s my favorite event of the year.”

Admission is $50 per person and includes pizza and dessert samples and three drink tickets. Tickets are available at 2023pizzathrowdown.eventbrite.com.

Mushrooms, pickles, and maybe, just maybe, ranch dressing are the big pizza trends this year.

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Contact reporter Cathalena E. Burch at cburch@tucson.com. On Twitter @Starburch