A small-town Italian restaurant earning global recognition is the kind of story that stops you mid-scroll — and Lievita in Chillicothe, Ohio is exactly that. Lievita shined at the International Pizza Expo World Pizza Challenge, a showcase event in Las Vegas that judges hundreds of pizzas from around the world, with owner Joe Casillas bringing the Ohio pizzeria to Nevada and placing top three in the Midwest and 25th in the world in cheese pizza. That alone is worth the drive to Chillicothe.
Joe and his wife Shai opened Lievita with a clear mission: to build a kitchen centered on clean ingredients, many of which are locally sourced from Ross County. The result is a farm-to-table Italian experience that’s unlike anything else in southern Ohio — one where every dish is made from scratch and every ingredient is chosen with genuine intention.
The Pizza That Put Chillicothe On The Map
The award-winning pizza features a sourdough base, sauce made from scratch, and cheese without seed oils or fillers. That detail matters more than it might seem. Lievita’s sourdough is slow-fermented, taking extra time to get ready — and since earning its world ranking, owners say they have tripled how much dough they prepare in a day. The demand has surged, but the quality has not wavered.
Lievita does not take pre-orders or save pizza dough to keep up with inventory, stating on social media: “We won’t rush and use same-day dough because our slower process gives you the gentler, better-for-you dough so many of you with celiac or gluten sensitivities count on.” If you’re someone who typically struggles with gluten, this slow-fermented crust is worth trying. The 12″ New York-style and the Detroit-style square pies are both menu standouts, and the Detroit-style in particular draws its own devoted following.
A Menu Built Around Clean, Honest Ingredients
Along with its award-winning pizza, the shop serves a variety of Italian food, including pastas, sandwiches, salads, quinoa bowls, and a build-your-own pasta option. The range is genuinely impressive for a restaurant of this size. The menu features fresh pasta brought in three times a week for unparalleled taste and texture, and their grass-fed, 21-day aged beef contains no hormones, exemplifying their dedication to high-quality, natural ingredients.
The complimentary bread served with a fluffy lemony butter has become a signature welcome for guests, enticing them to explore more of what’s on the menu. It’s the kind of small touch that tells you immediately what kind of place this is. Lievita also boasts a selection of delectable desserts, including Carrot Cake and Tiramisu, perfect for rounding off a satisfying meal.
Appetizers are another highlight here. The Italian sausage and peppers with pasta stands out for its outstanding seasoning and generous portions, while cheese sticks are described as “epic” with plenty of cheese inside. Zucchini fries round out the starters and are a popular order for good reason — crispy, clean, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
The Clean-Eating Philosophy That Sets It Apart
Lievita partners with Ohio regenerative farms and chooses organic, non-GMO produce whenever possible. Their beef is grass-fed, their poultry is raised humanely, and their recipes stay free from harmful additives — and they remove seed oils entirely, using butter, extra virgin olive oil, and beef tallow instead. This isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s baked into every decision they make in the kitchen.
The owners have stated: “We wanted to take everything to the next level to bring a healthy and holistic experience to Chillicothe. It’s not just about using local farm products — it’s about ensuring every ingredient is certified organic and ethically sourced, even down to the chocolate we use.” For diners who are increasingly mindful about what goes into their food, Lievita offers rare peace of mind alongside genuinely delicious cooking.
Atmosphere & Décor
Located in historic downtown Chillicothe, Ohio, Lievita offers a charming dining experience with a touch of Italian flair. The space has warmth to it — the kind of casual comfort that makes you want to linger. The restaurant is divided into two distinct areas: a bar side with a well-stocked bar, booths, and tables for dining, and a more traditional restaurant side — the bar side providing a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
The inviting atmosphere features a classic interior and a wonderful bar, creating a pleasant setting for dining. The lighting skews dim and intimate, which adds to the mood on a date night or a relaxed evening out. When the weather cooperates, outdoor seating under the trees provides a scenic and peaceful alternative to the indoor space.
Other Considerations
What’s the pricing like? Portion sizes are huge and prices are great for scratch kitchen favorites — a combination that’s increasingly rare. The menu also features weekly specials like $10 pizzas and $2 kids’ meals, making it easy on the wallet for families or anyone looking for a deal without sacrificing quality.
Is it good for families and kids? Lievita is family-friendly with delicious, made-from-scratch dishes using high-quality and local ingredients. The dedicated kids’ menu — including kid’s pasta and kid’s 10″ pizza — means the little ones are well taken care of. It’s just as comfortable for a casual family dinner as it is for a date night out.
Can I order online or get it delivered? You can enjoy Lievita from home with their simple online ordering system — choose your favorites and place your order in just a few clicks, and every meal is prepared fresh using the same clean ingredients and careful methods as their dine-in service. Delivery is also available through DoorDash if you’re in the area.
What about catering? If you’re hosting a meeting, family gathering, or celebration, Lievita’s catering options make it easy — choose from party boxes, pasta pans, salads, and desserts, all prepared fresh. It’s a great option for any event where you want to impress without the usual catering-company blandness.
What about parking? There are city parking meters out front, active Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so it’s worth downloading the meter app or bringing some change for a weekday visit. Evenings and weekends are much easier to park for free.
Should I expect a wait? There’s a palpable energy at Lievita that is infectious — and even with occasional wait times due to high demand, the dedicated staff manage to maintain a level of service that enhances the dining experience. Arriving a little early or visiting on a weekday afternoon can help you avoid the busiest rushes.
Lievita
📍 85 N Paint St, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Website: https://eatlievita.com
