7 North Carolina Pizza Places Worth Every Slice

Pizza lovers, take note, North Carolina knows how to deliver when it comes to a perfect pie. Across the state, you’ll find pizzerias that win fans with everything from thin, crispy crusts to gooey, cheese-loaded slices.

Some lean traditional with wood-fired ovens, while others get creative with bold toppings and Southern flair. What they all share is the ability to make you want just one more slice. These are seven North Carolina pizza spots where every bite feels worth the trip.

1. Inizio Pizza Napoletana (Charlotte area)

You know you’re in for a treat when the line stretches out the door on a Tuesday night. Inizio Pizza Napoletana has earned its reputation, not just in Charlotte but across the state, for pulling off that elusive balance: crispy edges, soft centers, and toppings that surprise you every time.

What really gets me is their attention to detail. Each pie is crafted with flour imported from Italy, and the dough rests just long enough to develop flavor without becoming heavy. I watched the pizzaiolos working with intense focus, turning every pizza in the high-heat oven and finishing each one with a flourish of olive oil or scattering of fresh herbs.

It’s the kind of spot where you might order a classic Margherita one visit and a daring pistachio, ricotta, and pesto pie the next. It’s easy to see why locals keep it at the top of their lists, and why first-timers so often become regulars. Don’t miss Queen’s Feast if you want to sample even more.

2. Mission Pizza Napoletana (Winston-Salem)

When a pizzeria lands at number 18 on the ’50 Top Pizza’ national list, my curiosity gets the better of me. Mission Pizza Napoletana in Winston-Salem lives up to every expectation, especially if you value precision in your slice. The 900°F oven isn’t just for show, it’s the secret behind that signature leopard-spotted crust.

Watching them work, it’s clear they take their craft seriously. Each pizza arrives with a fragrance that makes you pause, anticipating the first bite. The seasonal Bianca, with creamy ricotta, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest, let the ingredients speak for themselves.

I found the dining room unpretentious but full of people who know good food. Staff talked knowledgeably about fermentation and toppings, eager to help newcomers discover their favorites. It’s no wonder Mission Pizza Napoletana has become a pilgrimage for pizza fans in the state.

3. Bird Pizzeria (Charlotte)

Bird Pizzeria doesn’t fit the stereotype of a classic pizza joint, and that’s what makes it exciting. Black-owned, celebrated by The New York Times in 2024, and always buzzing with conversation, Bird exists at the center of Charlotte’s food scene for good reason. Their white pizza, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, and olive oil, caught me off guard with its perfect flavor balance.

Every visit feels like a celebration. There’s music in the air, friendly staff who genuinely want to share their favorites, and a steady stream of regulars who talk up each new menu special. The pies here don’t lean on nostalgia; they’re genuinely inventive, always pushing for something new.

It’s also a place where food critics and locals seem to agree: you’ll want to come back, and you’ll want to bring friends. The sense of community is strong, and the pizza more than lives up to the hype. For me, Bird is one of those rare spots where you finish your meal already planning the next one.

4. Lilly’s Pizza (Raleigh)

Lilly’s Pizza speaks to the soul of Raleigh. Tucked into the Five Points neighborhood, it’s more than just a pizza place, it’s a community gathering spot, buzzing with local art and laid-back vibes. What drew me in first was the organic whole-wheat crust, which delivers flavor and heartiness without feeling dense.

Their menu is a dream for creative eaters. The ‘Big Star’ pizza, loaded with artichoke hearts, feta, and roasted red peppers, changed my mind about what toppings can do together. Flexibility is key here: nearly every pizza is customizable, and the staff don’t blink at special requests.

The sense of grounded authenticity stands out. There’s no rush, no pretense, and plenty of repeat customers who’ve made Lilly’s part of their routine for decades. If you want a slice of Raleigh’s food culture, start here.

5. Oakwood Pizza Box (Raleigh)

Oakwood Pizza Box proves that sometimes, keeping things simple is the boldest move. Run by a New Yorker who missed the flavors of home, this Raleigh mainstay has become known for its unfussy, straightforward menu: classic, square, and white pies. Each pizza is made with a practiced hand and just enough attitude to convince you you’re in Brooklyn.

The crust is thin but not fragile, and the sauce, tangy, with a hint of sweetness, shows restraint. I found every bite satisfying, whether I was after nostalgia or just a quick lunch. The classic slice nails that essential New York fold, complete with a satisfying crackle.

Locals say it’s the closest thing to a true New York pizza around, and judging by the crowds, plenty agree. Somehow, simplicity here never feels boring. It’s an honest, everyday pizza spot with a loyal following and a warm welcome for newcomers.

6. Pizzeria Toro (Durham)

Pizzeria Toro feels like the perfect mix of familiar and surprising, a place where wood-fired tradition meets bold creativity. I still remember the first time I tried their NC Clams pizza, whole clams, punchy chiles, and a dusting of pecorino. It was unlike anything I’d had before, both intense and beautifully balanced.

Toro’s menu changes, but always leans into unexpected flavor combinations. Lamb meatballs, fennel sausage, or even a runny soft egg can appear on your pie without warning. There’s confidence here, and it pushes diners to try something new each visit.

The space itself feels warm and inviting, perfect for a date night or celebrating with friends. For those who want to go off the beaten pizza path, Toro delivers every time, and the staff are happy to share recommendations for adventurous eaters. It’s a Durham essential.

7. Pie.Zaa (Asheville)

Pie.Zaa in Asheville has perfected the art of the giant slice. These aren’t just big for show: each piece is crisp, sturdy, and perfectly engineered to fold, New York-style. Locals line up for their famous pies, and the energy in the shop always feels festive.

The topping options are straightforward, but the real draw is the quality of the dough and the signature crispy bottom. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you smile, simple, satisfying, and ideal for grabbing on the go or sharing with a crowd. The slices really do bring ‘big taste and smiles,’ as many regulars say.

Asheville’s creative spirit shines through in Pie.Zaa’s vibe, colorful art, neon signs, and a playlist full of surprises. If you’re after a slice that captures the city’s fun side, this is the stop you want. And yes, one slice is often enough, but I’ve never regretted getting two.