10 North Carolina Pizza Spots Locals Say Beat The Chain Restaurants
In North Carolina, pizza is serious business, and these ten spots have earned a devoted following for good reason.
From perfectly crisp crusts to flavorful toppings and gooey, melty cheese, each pie feels crafted with care.
Locals know these pizzerias deliver a quality that big chains can’t match, and visitors quickly understand why.
Every bite captures the essence of authentic, satisfying pizza, making these spots must-visit destinations for anyone craving a truly memorable slice.
1. Pizzeria Mercato (Carrboro)
Wood-fired magic happens daily at this Carrboro gem where authenticity isn’t just a buzzword. Owner Andrea imported his oven directly from Italy, and the difference shows in every crispy, charred bite.
Locals swear by the Margherita, which uses San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella that arrives fresh twice weekly.
The dough ferments for 48 hours, creating those perfect air pockets that separate real Neapolitan pizza from pretenders.
Open kitchen seating lets you watch pizzaiolos stretch dough by hand while chatting with regulars who’ve been coming since day one.
2. Oakwood Pizza Box (Raleigh)
New York transplants get misty-eyed when they bite into these massive, foldable slices. The crust strikes that perfect balance between crispy and chewy, exactly like you’d find in Brooklyn.
This neighborhood spot keeps things simple but does everything right. Their pepperoni cups up beautifully when baked, creating little grease pools that pizza purists absolutely love.
Late-night crowds pack the tiny dining room on weekends, and the by-the-slice option means you can sample multiple varieties without committing to a whole pie.
3. Cugino Forno (Greensboro)
Creative combinations reign supreme at this Greensboro hotspot where the menu changes seasonally.
Chef-driven pizzas feature unexpected ingredients like fig jam, prosciutto, and arugula that somehow work perfectly together.
The 900-degree oven cooks each pie in about 90 seconds, creating leopard-spotted crusts that Instagram can’t resist.
Local ingredients dominate the menu, from North Carolina cheeses to vegetables sourced from nearby farms.
Craft beer pairings are taken seriously here, with knowledgeable staff ready to recommend the perfect brew for your pizza choice.
4. My Father’s Pizza & Pasta (Black Mountain)
Family recipes brought straight from Italy make this spot feel like dining at an Italian grandmother’s house.
The owner’s father developed these recipes decades ago, and they haven’t changed because perfection needs no updates.
Generous portions mean leftovers are guaranteed, but good luck not finishing your entire pizza in one sitting. The garlic knots alone are worth the visit, brushed with herb butter and served piping hot.
Regulars have their usual orders, and staff often know what customers want before they sit down.
5. West First Wood-Fired (Hendersonville)
Upscale without being pretentious, this Hendersonville establishment elevates pizza to art form status. The wood-fired oven produces crusts with incredible texture while keeping toppings perfectly cooked.
Local honey drizzled over spicy salami creates sweet and heat combinations that chain restaurants wouldn’t dare attempt.
Seasonal specials showcase whatever’s freshest from regional farms and producers.
Wine selection impresses even serious oenophiles, with Italian varieties carefully chosen to complement the menu. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners when tables fill quickly.
6. Big Mike’s (Brevard)
Generous doesn’t begin to describe the topping quantities at Big Mike’s. This Brevard institution believes more is more, piling on ingredients until pizzas become glorious, cheesy mountains.
The Supreme lives up to its name with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives fighting for space.
Hikers and cyclists refuel here after tackling nearby trails, appreciating the massive portions and reasonable prices.
Casual atmosphere encourages showing up in workout clothes or muddy boots. Nobody judges, and everyone leaves satisfied.
7. Sorrento’s Italian Bistro (Banner Elk)
Ski season crowds flock to this Banner Elk bistro after hitting the slopes. Authentic Italian preparation methods and imported ingredients create pizzas that transport diners straight to Naples.
The Quattro Formaggi showcases four different cheeses that melt together into creamy perfection. Fresh basil gets added after baking, releasing aromatic oils that make your mouth water before the first bite.
Romantic ambiance makes this perfect for date nights, with candlelit tables and an extensive Italian wine list complementing the elevated menu.
8. Nags Head Pizza Company (Nags Head)
Beach vacationers discover this Outer Banks treasure and return every summer. Salt air and sunshine make everything taste better, but the quality here stands on its own merits.
Thick crust options satisfy those who want substantial, filling slices after a day in the ocean. The seafood pizza features local shrimp and crab, celebrating coastal ingredients chains can’t match.
Casual vibe welcomes sandy feet and wet swimsuits. Take your pizza to the nearby beach and watch the sunset while enjoying slices that put delivery chains to shame.
9. Slice Pizzeria (K*ll Devil Hills)
Counter service keeps things moving fast at this K*ll Devil Hills favorite where lines form quickly during peak summer months.
Huge slices rival anything you’d find in Manhattan, with that perfect grease-to-cheese ratio New Yorkers demand.
The white pizza surprises skeptics who think red sauce is mandatory. Ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic create rich flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Grab a slice to go and head straight to the beach, or claim a spot at the outdoor picnic tables where locals swap vacation stories.