The Best Wines to Pair with Pizza, Burgers, Sushi, and 'Girl Dinners'

Y'all, wine isn't just for pre-fix dinners. Sometimes, the best meals aren’t fancy multi-course affairs—they’re the foods we crave the most. Whether you’re indulging in pizza, a juicy burger, sushi, or the ultimate 'girl dinner' (salad and fries), the right wine pairing can take your meal to the next level. Here’s your go-to guide for effortless, delicious wine pairings with your favorite comfort foods.

1. Pizza & Wine: A Match Made in Heaven

Whether you’re a fan of classic margherita, meat lovers, or white pizza, there’s a wine that can complement the crispy crust, gooey cheese, and bold flavors.

🍕 Margherita Pizza – A light-bodied, chillable red like Gamay or Barberabrings out the tomato’s acidity without overpowering the fresh mozzarella and basil. If you prefer white, go for a zesty Sauvignon Blanc.

🍕 Pepperoni or Meat Lovers Pizza – The rich, salty, and slightly spicy toppings call for a medium-bodied red with good acidity, like Chianti, Zinfandel, or Sangiovese.

🍕 White Pizza (No Tomato Sauce) – A creamy, garlicky white pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp, mineral-driven white wine, such as Chablis (Unoaked Chardonnay) or Pinot Grigio.

2. Burgers & Wine: Elevate Your Backyard BBQ

Burgers bring juicy, umami-rich flavors, and the right wine can cut through the fat and enhance every bite.

🍔 Classic Cheeseburger – A medium-bodied red with balanced tannins, like Cabernet Franc or Syrah, complements the smoky char of the beef and richness of the cheese.

🍔 BBQ Burger (With Bacon or BBQ Sauce) – A smoky, sweet BBQ burger needs a fruit-forward red with bold flavors, like Zinfandel or Malbec.

🍔 Mushroom Swiss Burger – The earthiness of mushrooms pairs well with a Pinot Noir or Grenache, both of which bring out the umami notes without overwhelming the dish.

🍔 Veggie or Black Bean Burger – A light, juicy red like Gamay or a dry roséwill highlight the freshness of the ingredients.

🍔 Chicken or Turkey Burger – For a lighter, leaner burger, go for a medium-bodied white like Viognier or a fruit-forward Pinot Noir, which complement the milder flavors while adding depth.

3. Sushi & Wine: A Surprisingly Perfect Pairing

Sushi may not be the first food that comes to mind when thinking about wine pairings, but the right choice can enhance the delicate flavors of fresh fish and umami-rich soy sauce.

🍣 Salmon or Tuna Rolls – A chilled Pinot Noir or Gamay works beautifully with fatty fish, balancing its richness with bright acidity.

🍣 Spicy Tuna Roll – The heat from spicy mayo pairs well with an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which cools the spice while enhancing the flavors.

🍣 Shrimp Tempura Roll – A crispy, fried roll needs something with bubbles! Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or a dry sparkling rosé will cleanse your palate between bites.

🍣 Sashimi & Nigiri – Keep it clean and elegant with a high-acid white winelike Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or Chablis.

4. 'Girl Dinner' (Salad & Fries) & Wine: The Ultimate Pairing

Girl dinner took social media by storm and (still has a chokehold on it), but it was nothing new to us ladies. Nothing beats a plate of crispy fries next to a fresh, vibrant salad—the ultimate combination of indulgence and balance. Here’s what to pour:

🥗 Greek Salad (Feta, Olives, Cucumber, Tomato) – The briny, fresh flavors of a Greek salad pair perfectly with a crisp Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc.

🥗 Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and parmesan need a light, citrusy white like Chardonnay (Unoaked) or Vermentino.

🍟 Crispy French Fries – Fries are made for sparkling wine! Champagne, Cava, or a dry Prosecco adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance the salty, crispy goodness.

🍟 Sweet Potato Fries – The caramelized sweetness of these fries pairs wonderfully with a dry rosé or an off-dry Riesling.

Final Sip: Wine Makes Every Meal Better

You don’t need a five-star meal to enjoy a great wine pairing. Whether you’re reaching for pizza, a burger, sushi, or a “girl dinner," there’s a perfect wine waiting to elevate your favorite comfort food.

What’s your favorite casual food & wine pairing? Drop your go-to combo in the comments!