Pizza Wizard

Pizza Wizard is a Detroit-style pizzeria located at 760 South Clinton Avenue in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood. The restaurant is operated by chef Brian Van Etten, who is also the chef and co-owner of The Playhouse / Swillburger. Pizza Wizard focuses on square pan pies built in the Detroit tradition, featuring an airy yet crisp crust with Wisconsin Brick cheese spread to the edges and thick stripes of red sauce laid across the top. The shop offers dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery through third-party services.

The core menu centers on Detroit-style square pan pizzas, each measuring roughly 6.5 by 9 inches and cut into four corner pieces — sized to feed one to two people. Pizza Wizard also offers 14-inch round thin-crust pies on occasion, along with meatball subs, wings, and salads. The menu rotates regularly, with creatively named specials like "El Meat Man" and "The Side Piece" appearing alongside staple options.

Dietary accommodations are a visible priority. Vegan pizzas are available, and the kitchen uses Caputo Gluten-Fiore flour for a gluten-free crust option prepared in dedicated pans to reduce cross-contamination. Vegan and gluten-free cookies from The Little Brownie bakery round out the dessert selection. Beer is served on-site, with a limited wine list also available.

Pizza Wizard has built its identity around Detroit-style square pies — a format that was uncommon in Rochester before the shop arrived. The restaurant earned a "Best Pizza" distinction from CITY Magazine, where it was recognized alongside established local names like Mark's Pizzeria and Pizza Stop. Its rotating specials and commitment to vegan and gluten-free options have helped it carve out a distinct place in the South Wedge dining scene.

Pizza Wizard sits on South Clinton Avenue in the South Wedge, next door to Stuart's Spices. The neighborhood is a walkable stretch of independent shops and restaurants running south from the edge of downtown Rochester toward Highland Park. Street parking is the only option, though the area is generally manageable outside of peak hours. The restaurant offers limited table and bar seating on a first-come, first-served basis, and is handicap accessible. Hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Monday and Tuesday closures.