The First Fire Is Lit
Anthony DeSpirito opens the original location on University Ave, Westwood, MA. A hand-imported Italian coal oven arrives and is fired up for the very first time. The opening night waitlist runs out the door.
Our Story
Fired by Passion,
Fired by Passion,
Crafted with Heart
Since 1991, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza has been serving authentic, coal-fired pies made with the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques. Every pizza tells a story of tradition, family, and relentless dedication to quality.
30+
Years of Excellence
50K+
Happy Customers
40+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
Our Story
Where Every Slice Begins
Where Every Slice Begins
with Tradition
It all started in 1991 when Anthony DeSpirito — a first-generation Italian-American — walked away from a corporate career to pursue the one thing that had always brought his family together: great food, made with love, cooked over a real coal fire.
"Coal firing isn't just a technique. It's a philosophy. The extreme heat creates a crust that no gas oven can ever replicate — blistered on the outside, airy within, with a depth of flavor that takes you straight to Naples."
Anthony opened his first location in Westwood, MA with a single hand-built coal oven imported from Italy, a handful of recipes passed down from his grandmother, and an unshakeable belief that people in New England deserved pizza of the highest caliber.
Today, more than three decades later, the same values power everything we do. Our dough is hand-stretched daily. Our tomatoes are imported San Marzanos. Our mozzarella is made fresh each morning. And every pizza still passes through the same style of coal-fired oven that started it all.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Beliefs
We exist to bring people together over food that is genuine, memorable, and made with uncompromising care.
Authentic Craft
We refuse shortcuts. Every element of our process — from fermented dough to coal-fired cooking — reflects our dedication to doing things the right way, always.
Fresh Ingredients
We source locally when possible and import the finest Italian staples. No preservatives, no artificial flavors — just real food with real taste you can trust.
Community First
We are proud members of the Westwood community. Our dining room is a gathering place — a spot to celebrate life's big and small moments around a shared table.
Our Journey
Three Decades of Delicious History
From a single coal oven in Westwood to a beloved local institution — here's how it all unfolded.
1991
1997
Menu Expansion
Responding to passionate customer demand, Anthony expands beyond pizza. Coal-roasted chicken, handmade pastas, and fresh salads join the menu — each designed to shine in the coal oven's intense heat.
Award-Winning Recognition
Boston Magazine names Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza the Best Pizza in Greater Boston. The award sparks national media coverage and a wave of new fans from across New England and beyond.
2004
2010
Full Renovation & Private Dining
The original Westwood location undergoes a full renovation. A private dining room is added for events and catering, allowing the community to celebrate life's milestones with us.
Catering & Franchise Launch
Anthony's officially launches catering services and begins exploring franchise opportunities — sharing the coal-fired tradition with neighborhoods beyond Westwood for the first time.
2018
Today
Serving the Next Generation
Over 30 years and counting, Anthony's continues to welcome families — many now on their second and third generation of regulars. The coal oven still burns. The pizza is still made by hand. Some things never change.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Every great restaurant runs on the energy and talent of its people. Ours are truly exceptional.
Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
Anthony DeSpirito
The man behind the coal fire. Anthony's grandmother's recipes and 30+ years of mastery over the oven make every pizza a genuine labor of love.
Executive Chef
Maria Santos
A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Maria brought her love of Italian cuisine to Westwood in 2008. She oversees the full kitchen and develops our seasonal specials.
General Manager
James Kowalski
With 15 years in hospitality management, James keeps the front-of-house running flawlessly. His attention to detail ensures every guest leaves with a smile.
Pastry & Desserts
Sofia Ricci
Born in Florence, Sofia trained under a Michelin-starred pastry chef before bringing her artistry to Anthony's. Her tiramisu alone is worth the trip to Westwood.
Want to join the team? We're always looking for passionate people.
Get in Touch
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Six principles that have guided us from day one and continue to shape every decision we make.
Uncompromising Quality
We use only the best ingredients, from hand-selected San Marzano tomatoes to fresh daily mozzarella. There is no such thing as good enough.
Made with Passion
Every pizza is made by hand with genuine care. You can taste the difference between food made for profit and food made with love. Ours is the latter.
Honest Hospitality
We treat every guest like family. No pretense, no shortcuts — just warm, genuine service and a meal that speaks for itself from start to finish.
Sustainable Sourcing
We partner with local farms and ethical suppliers who share our values. Responsible sourcing isn't a trend for us — it's been the standard since day one.
Deep Roots
We are Westwood through and through. We sponsor local sports teams, support school fundraisers, and give back to the community that made us who we are.
Continuous Excellence
Three decades of experience haven't made us complacent — they've made us hungrier. We're always refining, improving, and pushing the craft further.