There’s no doubt that pizzas are what pizzerias do best. It’s the dish that the restaurant was founded around and is named after.

But, while the pizza is undoubtedly the main star of the show, many local pizza restaurants are also thriving in other segments of their menu. And it’s very likely that your local pizzeria offers a significant assortment of side foods worth sampling alongside your pie.

So if you have a hankering to experiment with something new — but don’t know where to start — you’re in luck. Here’s a quick guide to the six popular side dishes you should consider adding to your next pizza delivery order:

1. Garlic knots, garlic bread or breadsticks

The ultimate crowd pleaser, a serving of garlic knots or garlic bread may be devoured before the pizza is. These are great sides to include if your ordering for a particularly big group of people. After all, who doesn’t love fresh, warm bread straight from the oven?

2. Salad

Whether it’s a Caesar salad, an antipasto salad, or just a bed of mix greens, this cold and nutritious side dish will round out any pizza meal perfectly. It brings a freshness to the meal and the fiber from the cruciferous vegetables will keep you fuller, longer.

3. Chicken wings

Chicken wings and pizzas are a commonly celebrated pairing and a favorite combo to munch on while watching your beloved sports team take on their rival. This side dish brings another punch of protein to your meal and is the perfect add-on to order if you’re a meat lover  — or if you’re dining with one.

4. Mozzarella sticks

A perfect option for those diners who have a serious craving for cheese, mozzarella sticks are a mainstay dish on the menus of many pizzerias. Served with marina sauce, this appetizer is often fried to perfection, with a crisp breadcrumb shell and melt-in-your-mouth cheesy interior.

5. Crispy eggplant fries

A great starter to your meal, crispy eggplant fries are an excellent option if you love mozzarella sticks, but don’t want to consume too much dairy in one sitting. You also get the smug satisfaction of covertly squeezing more vegetables into your meal with this mouth-watering dish.

6. Calamari

If you have a love for seafood or fancy yourself a more adventurous eater, calamari is an optimal first course to kick off your meal. This tasty dish of fried squid is sure to bring a new flavor and texture to your meal of pizza. (Pro tip: Make sure to ask for a side of lemon to add extra zest and brightness to the calamari.)

— Melanie Lawder