"Flagstaff's best wood-fired pizza — chef John Conley's VPN-certified Neapolitan kitchen on Route 66, where the shrimp fra diavolo holds its own against the pies."
About Fat Olives
Fat Olives sits on Historic Route 66 on the east side of Flagstaff, and was the first restaurant in Northern Arizona to earn Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certification — the strict Neapolitan-pizza standard. Opened more than twenty-five years ago by chef John Conley, it has since become a local fixture, with a stop on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and a place on Yelp's list of the country's top pizza spots.
For Flagstaff's other notable kitchens, compare the wood-fired Pizzicletta, the modern Tinderbox Kitchen or the bistro cooking at Josephine's.
The Kitchen
The heart of the kitchen is the wood-fired oven and the VPN-certified Neapolitan pies that come out of it — blistered, leopard-spotted crusts in the Naples tradition. Beyond pizza, the menu runs to house pasta and Italian mains, with the shrimp fra diavolo a long-standing favourite and a roasted lamb and lemon-dill salmon among the heartier plates. Prices are moderate, and there are dedicated kids' and gluten-free options.
The Room
The room is relaxed and family-friendly rather than formal — a busy neighbourhood pizzeria with the buzz of a place that has been full for a quarter-century. It is the kind of dinner that suits children, a group of friends or an easy weeknight, with local beer and cocktails alongside the Italian wine list. Expect a wait at peak times.
Best for Birthday
A relaxed pizzeria with room for all ages makes Fat Olives an easy birthday dinner in Flagstaff. The shared, casual format also suits a low-key first date over pizza and wine, or a sociable team dinner after work.
Not for
Not for diners seeking a quiet, white-tablecloth fine-dining evening — Fat Olives is a busy, family-friendly Neapolitan pizzeria that runs loud and full, with waits at peak times.
Frequently Asked
What is Fat Olives known for?
It is Northern Arizona's first VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria, on Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff, known for wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes such as shrimp fra diavolo. It has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Who started Fat Olives?
Chef John Conley opened Fat Olives more than twenty-five years ago and built it into one of Flagstaff's longest-running Italian kitchens.
What should I order?
The VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas are the signature; among the non-pizza dishes, the shrimp fra diavolo, roasted lamb and lemon-dill salmon are favourites, plus house-made pasta.
How expensive is it?
Moderate — it is a casual neighbourhood pizzeria rather than a fine-dining room, with kids' and gluten-free menus available.
Where is Fat Olives located?
At 2308 E Route 66 on the east side of Flagstaff, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Fat Olives
Casual and popular; expect a wait at peak times.
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Practical Information
Address2308 E Route 66, Flagstaff
NeighbourhoodEast Flagstaff, Historic Route 66
CuisineNeapolitan / Italian
PriceModerate; kids' & gluten-free menus
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingFamily-friendly pizzeria
ReservationWalk-ins welcome
