May 20, 2025 - Food and Drink

Turkish pide spices up Pittsburgh's pizza scene

Ryan Deto

A Turkish pizza known as pide, with cheese and Turkish pepperoni called sujuk. Served at Efes Pizza in Aspinwall, Pa. — Crispy half-football pides are served up hot at Efes Pizza in Aspinwall. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios

It's time for another peculiar Pittsburgh pizza.

The intrigue: Yinzers might not realize many pizza joints in the region are run by Turkish immigrants and their descendants, but a select few lean into their roots and offer a Turkish-style pizza called pide.

🍕 Dig in: At Efes Pizza in Aspinwall, the Turkish flatbread is shaped like a football and loaded with either traditional pizza ingredients like cheese and pepperoni, or a Turkish minced meat mixture bursting with soft spices.

I tried the Pide Efes, which is filled with finely chopped ground beef, tomatoes, and onions. The subtle warm spices are complemented by a cool tzatziki sauce.
The cheese and sujuk (Turkish pepperoni) has Italian pizza flavors, but with a Middle Eastern flair thanks to a pop of cumin.
The thin, crunchy, yet pliable crust is the real star. Light and delicious.

The vibe: This is an unassuming mostly-takeout spot in a small strip mall. There are a few tables inside if you want to sit down.

🇹🇷 Pide is also offered at Ephesus Pizza in Downtown, Gyroland & Bakery in Ross, and EGE Mediterranean in Oakland.

Where: Efes Pizza, 50 Freeport Road #300 in Aspinwall.

Cost: $16

Six-word review: Crispy, aromatic, unique, satisfying and comforting

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Turkish pide spices up Pittsburgh's pizza scene

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