Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A pizza shop in a tiny Indiana town has people driving 30 minutes, 40 minutes, even all the way from Indianapolis and Fishers. Some have tried twice on a weekend and left without a table.
Others keep a list of the best places to eat in the state, and this spot made the cut. The pies are huge, the crust has a real chew, and the plan for payment matters as much as the plan for dinner.
Here is a close look at the story, the setting, the menu favorites, and the practical details that help a first trip go smoothly. Keep reading to find out why a small town west of Indianapolis has pizza fans circling it on the map.
A Small-Town Pizzeria on South Broadway
Perillo’s Pizzeria sits at 5 S Broadway St, North Salem, IN 46165, in the Indiana countryside northwest of Indianapolis. The town is small, and the pizzeria is the reason many people have it on their maps.
It is listed as a pizza restaurant, and it holds a 4.7-star score from more than 860 reviews. That is a strong number for a place tucked into a rural community.
Fans describe a family-owned shop with a Sicilian owner, which helps explain the Italian dishes on the menu. The pizza gets most of the attention, but the pasta, calzones, and salads draw their own followers.
Drivers come from Indianapolis, Fishers, and other towns, and some say the trip takes about 30 minutes or more. Most say it was worth the miles, and many plan a second visit before they leave.
Here is how the rest of the story unfolds, from the menu to the patio to the practical details.
Why Drivers Cross County Lines for Dinner
A pizza shop earns a lot of respect when people plan a drive around it. This one has diners who travel from Indianapolis, Fishers, and 30 minutes away in other directions.
One couple built a drivable list of top Indiana restaurants, and this place sits on it as part of a 2024 best restaurants in Indiana book. That kind of mention turns a local favorite into a destination.
Others say they came after it had been on their list for quite a while. Some call the trip a bit of a drive, but a worthwhile one.
The reputation also spreads through work crews who pass through the area and stop in. They carry stories of the pizza back to their offices.
The pattern is easy to spot: first-timers arrive curious and many leave as regulars. Few small-town restaurants can say the same.
Family Ownership and Sicilian Roots
Behind the counter is a family-owned operation, and that detail comes up often. One diner said the shop was recommended because of its Sicilian owner, which points to authentic dishes.
The owner has thanked guests for supporting a family-owned restaurant. That personal touch fits a small town where people know each other.
Another longtime fan shared that a daughter once worked at the shop years ago. Stories like that show how the place has become part of local life.
The menu leans on Italian classics, with pasta, salads, calzones, subs, and pizza all in the lineup. Everything feels rooted in tradition rather than trend.
That is a big part of the grandmother comparison in the title. The cooking aims for home-style Italian comfort, not novelty.
New York Style Pies With a Philly Accent
New York style pizza is a recurring topic here, with 17 mentions among the popular topics. Fans say the crust is thin, cooked well, and has a satisfying chew.
One transplant from the East Coast called it pretty close to Philadelphia pizza and meant it as a big compliment. Another who grew up in the New York and New Jersey area said it meets the bar for a picky pizza palate.
A pie with black olives and fresh tomatoes earned praise for its slightly sweet flavor and balanced cheese. Some people could not wait to get home and ate a slice right on the patio.
The pizzas are large. One order of a New York style and a Sicilian came to $52 and could easily feed six or more, according to one happy family.
That kind of value helps explain why people keep driving back.
Big Pies, Bigger Appetites
Size is a running theme. Fans call the pizzas massive, with generous toppings and plenty to go around.
A group of five ordered a Double Stuffed Meat Pizza that could have fed everyone. They added a large Eggplant Pizza just in case.
The Sicilian style is another option, and one family loaded theirs with sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and black olives. They said it held up well when they ate it at home.
The menu also includes specialty pies such as a Southwest BBQ pizza. One fan called it the best of its kind they had tried in a long time.
Leftovers are likely, so plan on a take-home box. Here the pizza math always seems to work out in favor of the hungry.
Calzones and Pasta Worth a Detour
Pizza is the headline, but calzones have the most mentions among the popular topics, at 52. One diner described a calzone big enough for two meals.
The pasta side of the menu gets attention too. Fettuccine, lasagna with meat sauce, spaghetti and meatballs, and Alfredo all show up in fan stories.
A half order of shrimp fettuccine was big enough to split with a friend. A chicken pesto dish was another big hit, and pesto chicken shows up among the popular topics.
Salads and sides round things out. Fans mention a Greek salad, fresh side salads, bread sticks, and an Italian sub.
Portions run large, so sharing is a smart move. Order a little of everything and the table fills up fast.
The Garlic Roll Cult Following
Garlic rolls have 36 mentions in the popular topics, and fans treat them as required. One group called the garlic knots an absolute must-have.
They are twisted so they look like cinnamon rolls. Fans say they come warm, soft, and brushed with garlic butter.
The owner has thanked fans for loving the pizzas and the garlic rolls. That shows the team knows what keeps people coming back.
Even guests who had a few quibbles about other things still singled out the garlic knots. It is the kind of side that becomes part of the order before the menu is even open.
Add a basket early and it will have company soon. The table tends to clear it quicker than anyone expects.
A Sweet Finish With Lemon
Dessert here leans lemon. Lemon cake appears among the popular topics, and one lunch guest called the slice generous and very good.
Another fan raved about fresh Italian lemon gelato with lemon curd. It comes in a champagne flute to go, and guests get to keep the glass.
That keepsake detail adds a little fun to the end of the meal. It also gives a reason to leave a spot on the table for sweets.
Desserts are worth planning for, since the main courses are big. Sharing a slice or taking a treat home is a sensible approach.
A lemon finish is a bright way to end a heavy, cheesy meal.
Inside the Cozy Dining Room
The dining room feels like it has been around for decades. Guests describe a cozy, family atmosphere that suits the small-town setting.
Seating inside is limited, and the topic appears in the popular mentions. One diner said the tight space made for a great experience, while another noted the room feels snug in winter.
That small size means a wait can build on busy days. Large groups may find it harder to land a table.
The team gets praise for being friendly, attentive, and quick with drink refills. Guests who stayed on the patio said staff checked on them several times.
It is a small room with a big personality, and that personality is a large part of the charm.
Patio Tables for Nice-Weather Meals
Outdoor seating has 39 mentions among the popular topics, so the patio is a big part of the plan. It is a small area, but it gets steady use in warm months.
Fans have eaten lunch there, shared a first slice right after pickup, and stopped for a relaxed dinner in fall weather. It is a nice option when the dining room is full.
The patio also helps in a place with limited indoor seating. Guests say staff still check in regularly out there.
Dress for the season, since patio dining depends on the weather. Fans say it is best in the nice weather months.
Take a table outside and the countryside setting does a lot of the work.
Bring Cash or a Checkbook
Payment is the single most repeated tip. Cash only has 39 mentions in the popular topics, and many guests say cash or checks are the only options.
Cards are not accepted, and the shop does not take reservations as far as one guest knew. A bank with an ATM is nearby for anyone who forgets.
One guest also mentioned a tip jar on the counter. They had expected tips to go straight to their server, so it is something to know before ordering.
None of this stops people from planning ahead and enjoying the meal. A quick stop at the bank on the way saves any stress at the register.
Treat it as part of the old-school experience. Cash in hand, the rest of the visit is simple.
Hours and the Best Time to Arrive
Hours vary across the week, so a quick check helps. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday run 11 AM to 2 PM and 4 to 8 PM.
Friday and Saturday are open 11 AM to 9 PM. Sunday runs 11 AM to 6 PM, and Tuesday is closed.
Weekends can be busy. One couple tried twice on weekends and could not get in, then went on a Monday at noon and had no trouble.
Wait times can stretch when several orders are ahead. One guest who ordered pizza to go reported a long wait, so patience is part of the plan.
Weekday lunches look like the easier path. Arrive early on weekends if a table matters.
Getting There and What to Expect on Price
The pizzeria is at 5 S Broadway St in North Salem, a rural community northwest of Indianapolis. Many guests make the drive from the city, and they say it is a simple trip.
Prices strike most fans as reasonable for the portion sizes. One guest felt some menu items were a bit steep, though they still enjoyed the meal.
An order of two large pies plus garlic twists came to $52 for one couple, with enough food for six or more. Sharing is the way to stretch a budget.
Plan on a moderate wait and a snug room, especially in winter. Large groups should expect to be flexible.
Bring cash, bring patience, and bring an appetite. Those three things cover most of the planning.
The Verdict on This Country Pizza Stop
Perillo’s Pizzeria has earned a loyal following well beyond North Salem. The pies are large, the crust has a chew, and the Italian menu goes well beyond pizza.
The patio, the garlic rolls, the calzones, and the lemon desserts give people reasons to return. A few gripes about wait times and the snug dining room are small next to the praise.
It suits families, road-trippers, and pizza fans who like a small-town setting. It is not the right fit for a quick bite or a big group without notice.
For most, the trip pays off. Many say they plan to come back with family and friends.
Bring cash, pick a weekday if possible, and leave room for dessert. A grandmother would likely approve of that plan.
