We Ranked The 12 Best Pizza Places In South Carolina And Here Is Who Made The Cut
One pizzeria on this list has been baking pies since 1966. It also parks a food truck called the Leaning Tower of Pizza at the state fair.
I love that name way more than I probably should.
Another spot bakes thin crusts in a wood-fired oven that reaches 900 degrees. A third puts pistachio pesto on a pie that Food Network once ranked among its top 10 pizzas.
South Carolina clearly takes its pizza more seriously than people give it credit for.
So I went looking for places with real personality. I found sesame-crusted squares, slices big enough to need a game plan, and a bakery that also turns out pies.
A few Detroit-style corners sneaked in too.
Ranking these was harder than I expected, and a couple of picks surprised even me. So which one sits closest to your couch right now?
1. EVO Pizzeria
Pistachios on pizza sound like a dare until you learn Food Network once named this pie one of its Top 10 pizzas. Yes, the nut topping earned national bragging rights.
That Pistachio Pesto pie stacks Split Creek fromage blanc, ground pistachios, and crème fraîche. Mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano round it out, so it’s rich without being heavy.
Prefer something meatier? The Pork Trifecta piles on bacon, pepperoni, and sausage for a full pork parade.
Build-your-own fans get options too. You pick red sauce, basil pesto, or tomato garlic cream as your base, then load up.
The story started on wheels. A mobile oven launched in 2005, long before this North Charleston spot became a South Carolina pizza landmark.
Local farms matter here. Suppliers like Kurios Farms and Split Creek Farms often get a shout-out on a chalkboard inside.
Don’t skip the starters. The focaccia bread and wood-fired olives make a smart opening act while the oven does its thing.
Vegetarian diners have several options to explore, while vegan guests should check the ingredients and ask about possible modifications. The build-your-own pizza option makes it easier to find something that suits different preferences.
Plan around the calendar a bit. The doors stay shut on Mondays, and reservations aren’t taken.
Weekend evenings get busy, so a lunch visit might be your friend. Outdoor seating is available if the weather cooperates.
Address: 1075 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
2. Tutti Pizza
Sesame seeds usually live on bagels and burger buns. On upper King Street, they’ve moved onto the pizza crust, and honestly, good for them.
Square pies are the signature move. The sesame-dusted edges add a toasty, nutty crunch that round pizza rarely gets to brag about.
Shape matters more than you’d think. Squares mean corner pieces, and corner pieces mean extra crust for the people who secretly love crust most.
Fresh salads share the spotlight. The Caesar even comes in a to-go version, so your greens can ride home with your pie.
Save room for cannolis. A crunchy shell feels like the right ending after a crust that’s already crunchy in the best way.
Plant-based diners can explore the available options and ask about ingredient substitutions. Checking the current menu is the best way to find a pizza that fits individual dietary preferences.
Timing takes a little homework. The shop closes Mondays and Tuesdays, opens in the late afternoon midweek, and adds lunch hours on weekends.
Sundays run from noon into the evening. That window tends to draw the biggest crowds, so arrive early or order ahead.
Delivery and takeout are both on the table. That’s handy, because parking near King Street can take some patience.
Families are covered too. High chairs and changing tables make a casual dinner with little ones much easier.
Address: 700 King St Ste a, Charleston, SC 29403
3. La Brascas Pizza
Plenty of pizzerias have a slogan, but how many have a food truck called the Leaning Tower of Pizza? This Columbia classic rolls it out at the South Carolina State Fair.
History runs deep here. The restaurant opened in 1966 and has picked up multiple State’s Best Pizza awards over the decades.
The same family has owned and run it since 1998. Generations of customers and staff have grown up around these tables.
Toughness is part of the story. The team has pushed through floods, a pandemic, and staffing struggles, and the ovens keep going.
So what’s on the pie? Homemade sauce, fresh ingredients, and a handmade custom crust that stays crisp on the bottom.
Toppings tend to come piled high. A New York style crust is also available if you like a thinner, foldable slice.
Beyond pizza, the menu leans comfort-food classic. Spaghetti and meatballs, a meatball sub, baked wings, and garlic cheese bread all show up.
Dessert deserves its own trip. The homemade cheesecakes, including an Oreo version, are a big reason people linger.
Planning a group dinner? Reservations are accepted, and there’s a private dining room for bigger crowds.
Sundays are off the schedule. Friday evenings get the busiest, so a weeknight visit may be calmer.
Address: 4365 Fort Jackson Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205
4. Fire King Pizza
Egg rolls at a pizza joint? Fire King makes the case with its own signature version, and the idea is too fun to ignore.
The heart of the menu is handcrafted pizza. Wings ride shotgun, which makes this an easy pick when the group can’t agree.
Then come the lemonades. Signature lemonades are a calling card here, giving you something bright to sip between slices.
Seasoned fries round out the snack side of things. Pair them with those Fire King Egg Rolls, and you’ve basically built a party platter.
A salad bar adds a fresher option. It’s a nice balance when your table has ordered enough cheese for a small village.
Kids get their own menu. That makes this downtown Columbia stop a low-stress choice for family lunches.
Pay attention to the hours before you head out. The restaurant opens Wednesday through Saturday, then closes Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Thursday afternoons and Friday evenings bring the biggest rush. Wednesday mornings tend to be quieter if you like elbow room.
Getting your food is flexible. Curbside pickup, delivery, no-contact delivery, and dine-in are all options.
Parking is usually easy to find. With lots and street spots nearby, you can save your energy for deciding between pizza and wings.
Address: 1840 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201
5. Belladina’s Pizzeria of Greenville
Can’t pick a pizza style? Downtown Greenville has a family-owned spot that lets you skip the hard decision and try several.
The lineup is impressive. Neapolitan traditional crust, Sicilian-style, Coppia pizza, and pan-baked Detroit style all share the menu.
Detroit style fans, take note. Those pan-baked squares are famous for their crispy, cheesy corners.
The thin crust gets plenty of attention too. Expect a crisp base, a tasty sauce, and a generous blanket of cheese.
Starters are worth a look. Eggplant rollatini, arancini, bruschetta, and garlic knots make the wait for your pie go fast.
Pasta lovers can grab lasagna instead. A deli stromboli and a caprese salad also show up for anyone wanting variety.
The location is handy on West Washington Street. You’re right in the middle of downtown, so it’s an easy add to a stroll.
Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome. Bring your pup along for a slice-and-sit afternoon.
Game day? The room is set up for watching sports, so you can catch the score while you eat.
Reservations are accepted, and catering is offered. Sunday hours are shorter, closing in the early evening.
Address: 9 W Washington St, Greenville, SC 29601
6. Sidewall Pizza Company
Pizza and homemade ice cream under one roof sounds like a kid’s dream menu. Grown-ups in Travelers Rest seem pretty happy about it too.
The pizzas lean creative and Italian, with a thin, crispy crust. The dining space is sunny with high ceilings, so it feels open and bright.
Menu names give you a peek at the fun. There’s a Meatball Pizza, a Protein Pizza, and a Spicy Italian built for heat seekers.
The crushed tomato sauce is vegan. That small detail makes it easier for plant-based eaters to build a pie they’ll enjoy.
Breadsticks and a buffalo chicken dip cover the snack side. A wedge salad adds some crunch if you want greens first.
Vegetarian diners can explore the available pizza options, while vegan guests can start with the vegan crushed tomato sauce and ask about suitable toppings or substitutions.
Then there’s dessert. That homemade ice cream is the reason many birthday dinners land here.
Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, making the patio a convenient choice for guests bringing their four-legged companions. Indoor pet access shouldn’t be assumed.
The location sits on South Main Street in a small town near the Swamp Rabbit Trail area. It’s a fun stop after a ride or a stroll.
Plan for Monday through Saturday hours. Sundays are closed, and reservations are accepted.
Address: 35 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
7. AJ’S Pizza Myrtle Beach
Taco night and pizza night finally got married on North Kings Highway. The Taco Pizza is just one of the playful pies on this menu.
Creativity shows up all over the board. The Big Island Pizza, Chicken Alfredo Pizza, and a cheeseburger pizza all sit beside the classics.
Traditional fans won’t feel left out. Supreme, veggie, white pizza, and a straightforward pepperoni with extra cheese are all here.
The Margherita gets attention for smart topping work. Cheese and toppings stretch toward the edges, so the last bite isn’t just bare crust.
Not in a pizza mood? Baked subs, pasta, and wraps keep the menu flexible for picky eaters.
Think of this as a grab-and-go spot. Service runs at the counter with no table service, and takeout or delivery is the main game.
That setup works great for beach trips. Pick up a pie, head back to your rental, and eat with sandy feet.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays and Mondays are closed, so plan your craving accordingly.
Wednesday and Friday evenings are the busiest. Calling ahead can save you some waiting.
Parking is usually easy here. That’s a real win on a busy stretch of Myrtle Beach during peak season.
Address: 5917 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
8. Toffino’s Italian Bakery Deli Pizzeria
Bakery, deli, and pizzeria all at once? Toffino’s basically answers every Italian craving with one address.
Pizza comes first for this list. The crust is thin, light, and foldable, baked until crisp, with a nicely seasoned sauce.
The deli side has its own star. The Legendary Italian Hoagie is billed as the top seller, and that’s a bold title to live up to.
Other sandwiches keep the pressure on. A cheesesteak with the works and a meatball Parmigiano round out the lineup.
Snackers get options too. Fried ravioli and Topher’s Cheese Sticks make easy shareables for the table.
Now, the bakery part. Chocolate shell cannoli, key lime pie, and carrot cake are all on the dessert list.
Coffee is part of the experience. A pastry and a cup could be the perfect excuse to stop by midday.
An outdoor patio adds a relaxed spot to eat. Dogs are allowed outside, so your pup can tag along.
The shop opens Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays and Mondays are closed.
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds in this busy Myrtle Beach area.
Address: 550 Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
9. Local Pie Hilton Head
Island vacations usually mean seafood, but a wood-fired oven on New Orleans Road makes a strong argument for pizza night.
The pies are thin-crust and Neapolitan-style. The crust comes out crispy with a little chew, which is exactly the goal.
Ingredients lean local. House-made meats also show up, giving toppings a homemade edge.
The Local Margherita is a smart starting point. It lets the crust and sauce do the talking without extra noise.
Gluten-free diners have a real option. A gluten-free crust is available, so nobody has to watch from the sidelines.
Appetizers cover the comfort zone. Fried mozz, spinach artichoke dip, and buffalo chicken dip are all on the menu.
Dessert has a twist. Cinna-Bites bring a sweet, cinnamon finish after all that savory goodness.
Kids get a pepperoni pizza of their own. A veggie calzone is also there for anyone who wants their pie folded.
Live music is part of the scene. Monday hours run later than the rest of the week, which is handy for night owls.
Weekends open at noon, while weekdays start in the afternoon. Outdoor seating is available when the island breeze is nice.
Address: 55 New Orleans Rd Unit 106, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
10. Dough Boys Pizza Hilton Head
Some pizza crusts are crackers in disguise. At this small Hilton Head joint, the crust leans soft and pillowy with lightly crisped edges.
The space is intimate and low-key. Think simple setup, big flavors, and no fuss.
Portions run generous. You might find yourself packing up leftovers for a beach-day lunch.
Classic pies sit next to more unique ones. A cheeseburger pizza is one of the creative headliners.
A supreme pizza comes in smaller sizes too. That’s helpful if you want to sample more than one thing.
Calzones get serious love here. The Roni Calzone is a popular pick for pepperoni fans.
Sandwiches are part of the menu as well. A chicken pesto option gives you a break from the pizza parade.
Sides keep things fun. Curly fries, mozz sticks, and a meatball app make easy add-ons.
The schedule is refreshingly simple. Doors open seven days a week, from late morning until the evening.
That makes it easy to fit into a vacation plan. Delivery and takeout are both available, and parking is usually easy to find.
Address: 1 New Orleans Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
11. Venus Pie Pizzeria
Big slices call for two hands and maybe a strategy. In downtown Spartanburg, that’s just a normal lunch.
New York-style pizza is the main event. The crust comes out crispy and crunchy, with a nice char on the bottom.
The setup keeps things simple. There’s no fancy decor competing with your food, and that’s part of the charm.
Hot Honey and Pepperoni brings sweet and spicy together. It’s a combo that keeps showing up on menus for good reason.
The Great White Way is a vegetarian pick. Its name nods to Broadway, which fits a New York-style pizza shop.
Calzones are build-your-own. You choose the fillings, so the only limit is your appetite.
Subs and other Italian standards fill out the menu. A cannoli makes a sweet closer if you saved room.
Game fans will feel at home. The space works well for watching sports with friends.
Hours stretch later on Thursday through Saturday. Sundays are closed, so plan your weekend slice run early.
Catering is available for bigger gatherings. Reservations are accepted too, which is handy for group dinners.
Address: 400 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29302
12. Millstone Pizza and Taphouse
Nine hundred degrees is hotter than most home ovens dream of reaching. This Rock Hill favorite bakes its pizzas in a wood-fired oven that hits that mark.
The result is thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizza. High heat cooks the pie fast, which helps create those charred, bubbly edges.
The dough is house-made. The Margherita uses fresh tomatoes and buffalo-style cheese, a classic that shows off the crust.
Like a little sweet heat? Hot Honey Pepperoni is a menu highlight for that exact reason.
Buffalo Chicken and BBQ Chicken pizzas offer bolder flavors. Fried garlic knots make a great warm-up while you wait.
Dessert comes from the same fiery oven. A wood-fired giant chocolate chip cookie might be the best surprise on the menu.
Coffee drinkers get a treat too. A cold brew option gives you a nice afternoon pick-me-up.
Kids have their own cheese pizza. That keeps young eaters happy while grown-ups explore the specialty pies.
Live music adds some extra fun. Outdoor seating is available when the weather in South Carolina plays nice.
The restaurant opens daily, with later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations aren’t taken, so arriving early on Friday evening is a smart move.
Address: 121 Caldwell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730