10 Iconic North Carolina Pizzerias You Don’t Want To Miss

North Carolina might not be the first place you think of when it comes to great pizza, but it’s quietly making a name for itself one slice at a time.
Across the state, you’ll find everything from authentic Neapolitan pies to spot-on New York-style slices, all crafted with care and big flavor.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or just visiting, these 10 standout pizzerias are well worth a spot on your must-try list.
1. Mission Pizza Napoletana: Winston-Salem’s Authentic Treasure

Ranked high on the prestigious list of Top 50 U.S. pizzerias, Mission Pizza Napoletana doesn’t mess around with authenticity. Their dough ferments for days before meeting its fate in a blazing 900°F Stefano Ferrara oven.
The result? Perfectly charred crusts with those signature leopard spots pizza aficionados dream about. Every pie comes topped with meticulously sourced ingredients that would make an Italian grandmother nod in approval.
2. Oakwood Pizza Box: Raleigh’s New York Slice Heaven

Ask any Triangle local where to find the best New York-style pizza, and Oakwood Pizza Box inevitably enters the conversation. This unassuming joint serves slices that would make a Manhattan cabbie do a double-take.
Their thin, foldable crust achieves that perfect balance of crispy and chewy. I once watched a heated debate break out between two transplanted New Yorkers about whether this place was better than their hometown favorites – high praise indeed!
3. Pizzeria Toro: Durham’s Wood-Fired Pioneer

Since 2013, Pizzeria Toro has been the cornerstone of Durham’s pizza revolution. Their centerpiece copper-clad oven doesn’t just cook pizzas. It transforms them into smoky works of art.
The seasonal toppings showcase North Carolina’s agricultural bounty, from spicy sopressata to local mushrooms.
The space itself feels simultaneously rustic and modern, with communal tables that have hosted countless first dates and family celebrations over the years.
4. Pie Pushers: Durham’s Street Food Success Story

What started as a beloved food truck has blossomed into one of Durham’s pizza institutions. Pie Pushers crafts New York-style pizzas with Southern personality and zero pretension.
Their signature Bull Durham pie, topped with spicy buffalo chicken, ranch, and blue cheese, represents everything wonderful about fusion food.
Back in 2018, I devoured an entire pie after a Duke basketball game and still consider it one of my finest pizza achievements.
5. Anna’s Pizzeria: Apex’s Grandma-Style Sensation

In suburban Apex, Anna’s Pizzeria has quietly built a reputation for serving some of the most authentic Grandma-style pizza outside of Long Island. Their rectangular pies feature a thinner crust, crispy bottom, and a perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio.
The cozy, family-run atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been invited to Sunday dinner. Don’t miss their garlic knots – pillowy bites of heaven that have their own local fan club.
6. Inizio Pizza Napoletana: Charlotte’s Neapolitan Trailblazer

Inizio Pizza Napoletana elevates Charlotte’s pizza scene with authentic Neapolitan pies, using 48-hour fermented 00 flour dough baked in a wood-fired oven for a soft, charred crust.
The “Pistacchio” pie, with pistachio pesto and prosciutto, is a nutty, savory delight. The airy, wood-accented space feels like Italy.
My Italian cousin swore the margherita outshone Naples’ classics – a Charlotte triumph!
7. Bird Pizzeria: Charlotte’s New York Times-Recognized Gem

When The New York Times names you among the 22 best pizzerias in America, you’re doing something great. Bird Pizzeria, a Black-owned Charlotte treasure, creates wood-fired masterpieces that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Their sourdough crusts develop complex flavors during multi-day fermentation. My first bite of their mushroom pie, topped with roasted fungi, caramelized onions, and truffle oil, nearly brought tears to my eyes. It was that good.
8. Zepeddie’s Pizza: Charlotte’s Blind Taste Test Champion

This under-the-radar spot specializes in hand-tossed pies with crusts that achieve the perfect textural trifecta: crispy exterior, chewy middle, and airy rim.
Their sauce strikes that elusive balance between sweet and tangy. The modest storefront might not scream “award-winning,” but your taste buds will understand the hype with that first magnificent bite.
9. Slice Pizzeria: Outer Banks’ Year-Round Beach Favorite

While many Outer Banks restaurants hibernate during off-season, Slice Pizzeria keeps the ovens hot year-round. Their coastal-inspired pies feature fresh seafood toppings that celebrate the restaurant’s oceanside location.
The “Crab Rangoon” pizza, an unexpected fusion of Maryland crab dip and pizza, has developed a cult following.
I’ve personally witnessed sunburned tourists making special detours just to grab one more pie before heading home from vacation.
10. Di Fara Pizza Tavern: Cary’s Sicilian Square Slice Specialist

When Yelp reviewers call you “the most authentic NY pizzeria in NC,” you’ve clearly captured something special. Di Fara Pizza Tavern in Cary has earned those accolades with their exceptional Sicilian-style square slices.
The thick, airy crust supports a generous layer of tangy sauce and multiple cheese varieties. Each pie gets finished with a flourish of fresh basil and olive oil drizzle.
The restaurant’s warm brick interior transports you straight to an old-school Brooklyn pizzeria.