14 Best Pizzerias Across North Carolina’s College Towns and Main Streets

Tucked between campus quads and charming main streets, you’ll find pizzerias slinging everything from paper-thin Neapolitan circles to thick grandma slabs that could double as a textbook.

These spots prove you don’t need a major city to score a truly memorable slice. I’ve chased down pies across the state of North Carolina, and trust me, the hunt is worth it.

Ready to explore fourteen must-visit pizza joints that’ll make you forget delivery apps exist? Let’s get started.

1. Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro

Nestled near UNC’s campus, this cozy spot turns seasonal ingredients into supple, wood-kissed masterpieces.

The Margherita here tastes like summer in Italy, even when it’s snowing outside. Reservations fill up faster than a lecture hall on syllabus day, so book ahead or risk waiting.

Their vegetable pies change with the harvest, meaning you’ll never eat the same thing twice. I once showed up without a reservation and learned my lesson the hard way.

Pair your pie with one of their crisp salads for a balanced meal that still feels indulgent.

2. Pizzeria Toro in Durham

Downtown Durham’s blazing oven churns out paper-thin pies with charry edges that crackle under your teeth.

Duke students and locals pack this lively spot nightly, drawn by smart small plates and inventive topping combos. The soft egg and arugula pizza sounds fancy, but eats like comfort food.

Fennel sausage adds a sweet-spicy punch that’ll convert even pineapple-pizza defenders. Service moves quickly despite the crowds, so you won’t miss your study session.

This place proves pizza can be both art and fuel for late-night cramming marathons.

3. Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh

NCSU students swear by this beloved slice shop that nails classic New York style without the attitude. Plain cheese here tastes better than it has any right to, thanks to a perfect dough-to-sauce ratio.

Square Sicilian slices arrive thick and airy, ideal for soaking up a long day on campus.

Online ordering makes grabbing dinner between classes ridiculously easy. The white pie showcases garlic and ricotta in a way that’ll haunt your dreams.

Neighborhood regulars treat this spot like a second home, and one visit explains why loyalty runs deep.

4. Pizzeria Faulisi in Cary

Cary’s downtown main street hides this date-night destination where wood-fired pies boast airy rims and satisfying crisp bottoms.

Marinara with anchovy might sound polarizing, but the salty-sweet balance will make believers out of skeptics. Check their hours before heading over, since midweek daytime service can vary.

Rotating specials keep the menu fresh and give regulars a reason to return weekly. I brought my skeptical cousin here once, and she ordered seconds of the anchovy pie.

The intimate setting makes every meal feel special, even if you’re just celebrating surviving Monday.

5. Cugino Forno in Greensboro at Revolution Mill

This local mini-chain’s flagship location serves up 90-second bakes in imported ovens that reach blistering temperatures.

Tender leopard-spotted crusts arrive at your table still bubbling, with edges that puff like little clouds. They bake dough until it runs out each day, so early birds get the freshest pies.

Margherita and Diavola showcase Neapolitan craft without pretension or confusing menus. The Revolution Mill setting adds industrial-chic vibes that make every meal feel Instagram-worthy.

I’ve never left here without sauce on my chin and zero regrets about skipping my diet.

6. Cugino Forno in Durham at Golden Belt

Same Neapolitan excellence as the Greensboro flagship, but this mill campus spot lets you spill onto the lawn or wander to the nearby brewery.

Buffalo mozzarella Margherita here tastes creamier and more luxurious than your average pie. The casual setting invites lingering, whether you’re studying or just dodging responsibilities.

Golden Belt’s artsy vibe attracts a creative crowd that appreciates good food without fuss. Grabbing a pie and heading outside turns dinner into a mini picnic.

This location proves that great pizza doesn’t need white tablecloths or reservations to feel special and satisfying.

7. Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria in Asheville

An Asheville original since the ’90s, this downtown staple slings pies upstairs while you catch pool and good company.

UNCA students and mountain-town locals have kept this place packed for decades. Build-your-own options let you pile on house sausage and whatever else your heart desires.

The upstairs kitchen operates evenings, so plan accordingly if you’re chasing dinner. I once played three rounds of pool while waiting for my pie, and honestly, it made the meal taste even better.

This spot embodies Asheville’s laid-back spirit, proving pizza and fun go hand in hand beautifully.

8. FRESH Wood-Fired Pizza in Black Mountain

Small-town charm meets serious wood-fired craft at this Black Mountain main street staple with two locations. Spicy soppressata delivers the perfect kick without overwhelming your taste buds.

Daily desserts from the in-house baker provide a sweet ending that’ll make you forget about chain pizza forever.

Current hours are clearly posted, so you won’t drive out for nothing. The West Asheville location offers the same quality if you’re exploring that neighborhood.

Both spots feel like the kind of place locals guard fiercely but secretly want everyone to experience and love.

9. Lost Province Brewing Co. in Boone

App State’s downtown brewpub legend serves wood-fired pizza alongside live music on weekends that’ll have you tapping your feet.

The Appalachian sausage pie honors local flavors with every bite, and soft pretzels make the perfect shareable starter. Casual, lively, and reliably packed, this spot captures mountain-town energy perfectly.

Weekends get loud in the best possible way, so bring your extroverted friends. I once caught a bluegrass band here while demolishing a sausage pie, and it remains a top-ten life moment.

This brewpub proves pizza tastes better with live tunes and good company surrounding you.

10. Mandolino’s Artisan Pizza in Davidson

Davidson’s Main Street treasure serves grandma-style slabs and airy rounds steps away from campus. The vodka-sauce grandma slice tastes like an Italian nonna’s secret recipe, rich and comforting.

Burrata pie showcases creamy cheese that pools in the center, begging to be scooped up with crust.

Family-friendly vibes make this spot perfect for parents visiting students or casual group dinners. Walkability to campus means you can stroll off your food coma under the trees.

This pizzeria nails the balance between artisan craft and approachable comfort that everyone craves deep down.

11. Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub in Wilmington

This late-night legend operates multiple locations with hours stretching to 3 a.m. on weekends downtown and at Wrightsville Beach.

Foldable New York slices fuel post-study sessions and beach days with equal enthusiasm. Garlic knots arrive hot, buttery, and dangerously addictive, perfect for sharing or hoarding.

Posted hours make planning easy, even when hunger strikes at midnight. I’ve stumbled here after concerts more times than I’ll admit, and it never disappoints.

This spot understands college life runs on irregular schedules and requires pizza that tastes good no matter the hour or situation.

12. Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria in Wilmington

Vivian Howard’s playful, affordable pies bring Italian-American comfort to Wilmington’s South Front District.

Danny’s pizza showcases her knack for balancing tradition with creative twists that surprise your palate. Seasonal specials keep the menu exciting, giving regulars fresh reasons to return weekly.

Weekends get busy, so planning ahead saves you from long waits. Comfort sides round out the menu, making this more than just a pizza stop.

This spot proves celebrity chefs can still deliver approachable food that feels like a hug on a plate without breaking your budget.

13. Marabella Old World Pizza in Greenville

Eastern North Carolina’s favorite for classic New York and Old World pies keeps ECU students and locals coming back religiously.

Pepperoni with extra-crisp edges delivers the perfect crunch-to-chew ratio that pizza dreams are made of. Current hours run 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days, making meal planning straightforward.

The Greenville shop balances tradition with consistency that’s rare in college-town dining. Old World techniques shine through in every carefully crafted pie that leaves the kitchen.

This pizzeria understands that sometimes you just want reliable, delicious pizza without surprises or gimmicks, and they deliver every single time.

14. West First Wood-Fired in Hendersonville

Finally, Hendersonville’s downtown date-night standby operates a serious oven that produces restaurant-quality pies worth dressing up for.

Prosciutto-arugula combines salty and peppery flavors in perfect harmony. Seasonal vegetable pies showcase whatever’s freshest, meaning the menu evolves with the calendar.

Posted lunch and dinner hours Monday through Saturday make planning easy, and reservations are available for special occasions. The downtown location invites pre-dinner strolls through charming main street shops.

This spot elevates pizza night into an event without feeling stuffy or overly formal, striking that rare balance beautifully.