Best of Boston

Forget the perfunctory décor and out-of-the-way address, Santarpio’s pies are the zenith of ‘za, delivered dangerously hot from the depths of a loud and steamy backroom. Some say the secret is the sauce. Others swear by the cheese. Whatever the magic ingredient, one thing is obvious: This is soul pizza. The doughy, oven-charred crust blisters with bubbles and is smothered beneath a voluptuous helping of cheese. Santarpio’s is so addictive, it’s got devotees cheerfully volunteering to make pickups at nearby Logan so they can stop on the way for a slice. Or three.