Walk into the Greenville Shopping Center and you’ll see it. It’s not just a restaurant. Honestly, it’s more like a curated time capsule that somehow managed to stay cool for decades without ever trying too hard. If you're looking for Pizza by Elizabeths Greenville, you're looking for a place that basically redefined what "fancy pizza" meant to Delaware long before artisanal crusts were a TikTok trend.
The vibe is distinct. Imagine 1930s glamor—think Greta Garbo and elegant portraits—mixed with the smell of bubbling cheese and fresh herbs. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s Greenville.
Most people think they know what to expect from a suburban pizza joint. They expect red checkered tablecloths or maybe a flat-screen TV blasting sports. You won't find that here. Instead, you get a sophisticated, slightly moody atmosphere where the staff actually knows the menu backwards. This isn't just about food; it’s about a specific Delaware subculture. It’s where business deals happen over a "Betty" pizza and where families celebrate graduations.
What Actually Makes the Menu at Pizza by Elizabeths Greenville Different?
Let’s be real: the naming convention is the first thing that hits you. Every pizza is named after a famous "Elizabeth" or a woman of note. You’ve got the Taylor, the Taylor-Made, the Queen, and the Saint Libby. It sounds a bit gimmicky until you actually take a bite.
The crust is the star here. It’s thin. It’s crisp. But it’s not that "cracker" thin that shatters into a million pieces and leaves you hungry. There’s a chew to it. They use a unique blend of flours, and the temperature of their ovens is calibrated to hit that sweet spot between charred and golden.
Customization or Bust
One thing people often miss is the "Design Your Own" section. While the signature pizzas are the draw, the local regulars—the ones who have been coming since the early 90s—know that the ingredient list is where the magic lives. We are talking about things like roasted duck, lump crabmeat, and fig jam. You can’t just go to a chain and get that.
They also lean heavily into dietary inclusivity without making a big deal out of it. Their gluten-free crust is actually edible. Seriously. Most GF crusts feel like cardboard, but theirs holds up to the weight of the toppings. And they offer vegan cheese that actually melts. That’s a rare find in a place that feels this traditional.
The Salad Situation (Because You Can't Just Eat Dough)
It would be a massive mistake to ignore the salads. In fact, if you go to Pizza by Elizabeths Greenville and don't order a salad, did you even go? The "Elizabeth’s Salad" is the one. It’s got that signature dressing—a creamy, slightly tangy tarragon vinaigrette that people literally try to recreate in their home kitchens with varying degrees of failure.
The portions are huge. You see people sharing a large salad and a small pizza, and that’s the pro move. The greens are always crisp, never wilted, which sounds like a low bar until you realize how many high-end places fail at basic produce storage. They source locally whenever the Delaware seasons allow for it, which means the tomatoes actually taste like tomatoes in the summer.
The Bar Scene and the "Cork" Factor
The bar at Elizabeths is its own ecosystem. It’s small, intimate, and usually packed by 5:30 PM. They have a wine list that punches way above its weight class for a "pizza place." They aren't just serving house red; they have thoughtful selections from small vineyards that pair specifically with the richness of their specialty pies.
If you’re into cocktails, the bartenders here are old-school. They make a martini that is cold enough to hurt your teeth, just the way it should be. No fluff. No excessive garnishes that get in the way of the gin. Just solid, consistent mixing.
Debunking the "Pricey" Myth
You’ll hear people complain that it’s expensive for pizza. Sure, if you are comparing it to a $10 carry-out special from a place with a neon sign in the window, it’s pricey. But that’s a bad comparison. You aren't paying for just flour and water. You’re paying for the fact that they use real lump crab and premium cheeses.
The value is in the consistency. In an industry where quality usually dips after a few years, Elizabeths has stayed remarkably stable. The owner, Betsy LeRoy, has maintained a standard that is frankly hard to find in the 2020s restaurant landscape. She’s often there, making sure the "Elizabeth" brand stays true to its roots. That kind of oversight matters.
The Design and the "Greene" Philosophy
The restaurant underwent a significant renovation years back to move to its current spot in the shopping center, and they leaned hard into sustainable design. It was one of the first restaurants in the area to really prioritize "green" building materials.
The cork floors aren't just for aesthetics; they absorb sound, making it one of the few places where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over the tables next to you. The lighting is low and amber. It feels expensive, but the service is warm enough that you don't feel out of place in jeans.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip, don't just wing it on a Friday night. You’ll be waiting at the door.
- Go for Lunch: The lighting is different, the vibe is chill, and you can usually snag a booth without a struggle.
- The "Saint Libby" is the sleeper hit: Everyone goes for the Taylor, but the Saint Libby with its pepperoni, mushrooms, and onion is the classic choice for a reason.
- Takeout is an option, but... The pizza is best within four minutes of leaving the oven. If you live more than ten minutes away, eat there. The thin crust loses its structural integrity if it sits in a cardboard box for too long.
- Check the Specials: They often do seasonal soups that are made from scratch. The tomato bisque is a local legend.
Actionable Steps for Your First (or Next) Visit
When you head to Pizza by Elizabeths Greenville, start with the Elizabeth’s Salad—extra dressing on the side if you want to control the tang. Order the "Taylor" pizza if you like something sweet and savory (the honey mustard and pecans are a wild but effective combo), or stick to the "Queen" for a more traditional Margherita vibe.
Park in the back of the Greenville Shopping Center for easier access, and if the weather is nice, ask about the patio seating. It’s tucked away and feels a bit more private than the main dining room. Lastly, don't skip the dessert menu; the flourless chocolate cake is dense, rich, and exactly what you need to finish off a meal that started with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio.
Check their current hours before you head out, as they do occasionally close for private events due to the popularity of the space for local parties. If you’re looking for a gift, they sell their salad dressings and specialty items, which are basically the "I live in Greenville" starter pack. Go for the food, stay for the portraits of famous Elizabeths staring you down while you eat your crust. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Brandywine Valley.