Best Pizza Spots in Charlotte, NC
As someone who lives a quick hour from Charlotte and spends a lot of time enjoying the nightlife, listening to music, walking the streets, and hanging out with my Queen City friends, I often run back to their food. It’s varied, tasty, and with such a vibrant culture, Charlotte has some of the best pizza joints I’ve experienced.
So I have compiled a list of my eight top favorite pizza joints in Charlotte, NC below! (In no particular order, because Lord knows it’s hard picking a favorite)
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
2230 Park Rd Ste 101, Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 900-0929
When I say they are “dedicated to the craft of true Neapolitan pizza” (they also like to say that) I mean it. With authentic Italian crust precisely crafted by owner Grant Arons (literally, this man imports water from Italy for its exact pH balance and mineral content), robust tomato sauce made with imported San Marazano tomatoes, and a wide variety of favorite flavors like Marguerita (or the not-so-familiar Pistachio pizza), Inizio is a must for anyone looking to satisfy their craving for authentic, Neapolitan pizza.
Benny Pennello’s
2909 N Davidson St STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28205,
(980) 949-8398
NoDa (short for the street “North Davidson”) is a vibrant community that I absolutely love to explore, and a key point (if you like pizza, of course) is Benny Pennello’s. Did you ever think you’d need a 28-inch pizza? Me neither, but now I can’t have enough. You can buy the pizza by the slice and pair it with one of 28 beers. Delicious, various, and in the heart of NoDa, you won’t want to skip it.
Pure Pizza
224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 207-0037
If the name isn’t enough to entice you, the meaning behind the name should. Pure Pizza proudly serves pizza crafted with season-specific and locally sourced ingredients. “Keep it Pure” is their motto and “farm-2-fork” is their mission. Since 2012, owners Juli and Jeff’s desire has been to make food they would feel good about serving to their children, and it shows. You won’t worry about GMO’s and instead will enjoy the authentic flavor of organic farm-fresh pizza. Bon Appetite!
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizza
1730 Abbey Pl, Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 522-8782
The game is in the name: Luisa’s uses an Italian imported brick oven to cook up their pizzas and calzones, lovingly made with a delicious and authentic sauce, fresh ingredients, and a mouth-watering crust. The interior and tap-room are akin to a fine dining experience, so you can enjoy your wood-burning-oven-fresh pizza and relax into the sheen ambience.
Stagioni
715 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
(704) 372-8110
The magic is in the setting and Stagioni has it. Nestled in “the Villa,” a historic Charlotte home where folks gathered for food, wine, and celebration since 1928, Stagioni exceeds the enticement of the Villa’s auburn-washed interior with the smell of wood-fired pizzas cooking to perfection. The variety consists of Italian-musts as well as modern varieties on pizza, served thoughtfully with a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines. Don’t feel like eating out? Stagioni provides a “make it yourself” kit that comes with the dough, sauce, and two toppings for two people: only $25.
Pizzeria Omaggio
1055 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 370-0777
As their website states, “the definition of the Italian word ‘Omaggio’ means homage, to pay tribute, respect, a gift.” And in everything Pizzeria Omaggio does, they strive to fulfill that definition. With an authentic pizza (and with authentic scenery to boot), Pizzeria Omaggio respects Italian traditions and makes a Roman pizza not quite like any other in Charlotte. Owner Daniel Siragusa says “We always strive to create the best experience for our guests on all levels.”
Alino Pizzeria
8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027
(704) 979-8119
Named by Charlotte Axios as one of the best Pizza restaurants in Charlotte, Alino brings the best when it comes to authenticity and flavor. Their dough is imported from Italy and they make their from-scratch Neapolitan style pizzas in 90 seconds flat! And the restaurant includes outdoor seating with lush, planted vegetation for a nice view to pair with your pizza. And don’t forget dessert! Alino’s makes a fine gelato and offers wines that pair perfectly with your meal.
The Pizza Peel and Tap Room
4422 Colwick Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 714-8808
I can’t count on my hands and toes how many times I’ve met with friends at the Pizza Peel. It has a casual/family air to it, which makes for a relaxing destination to grab a brew, a serious slice, and catch up with those you love. Don’t take my word for it though; they have four and a half out of five stars on Zomato.com. Even if you’re not feeling pizza, they offer wings, tacos, and much more. They quote love and passion as their driving force, and you can taste it in every bite. Check out The Pizza Peel next time you’re in C-town!
Mama Ricotta’s
601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 343-0148
Since 1992, Mama Ricotta’s has been one of Charlotte’s premier Italian restaurants. There’s a lot to love here, from the open kitchen concept with a wood-burning oven to the fireplace to bask in on the enclosed patio space. But people keep coming back for the food. There’s some fantastic options like the Penne Alla Vodka and Chianti-Braised Short Rib, but their Neapolitan style pizza, with its thin and crispy crust, can’t be beat. Check out the Vegetariana, with zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and eggplant; or go for Joe’s Favorite Pizza, topped with pepperoni and sausage.
Closing
You could go to a new pizza place every day for a month in Charlotte and have a great meal every time. The city is alive with passionate restaurant owners and discerning restaurant-goers, making the competition fierce and fiery and the pizza simply delicious. If you’re stopping in Charlotte, or you already live there and want to try something new, I highly recommend one of my selected restaurants.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on October 7, 2021 and last updated on February 22, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Charlotte, check out our city page
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