Not all pizza is created equally ~ whether you’re more of a deep dish kind of gal or crave crispy thin crust, piled high with toppings or bare, to-go or to dine in with a glass of red, the Queen City is filled with many ways to satisfy your pizza cravings. Lucky for you, we have your Scoop Girls’ Guide to Pizza in Charlotte. Here’s what we found:
Featured Picks:
800° Woodfired Kitchen
6815 Phillips Pl Ct.
The Scoop: At 800° Woodfired Kitchen, pizza is their specialty. They start with pure, fresh ingredients, scratch made dough, and artisan quality meats and cheeses to form the most delicious pies which they then place into a woodfired stone hearth oven to create a unique, subtle, and smoky taste. This upscale pizza spot with a speakeasy in the back is the perfect date night destination or girls night to split a few pies.
What we’re having: Sauage & Peppers with peppadews, Italian sausage, and
caramelized onions. Another must-have is the Zucca with rosemary oil, roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. Yum.
Angeline’s
303 S Church St.
The Scoop: This Uptown favorite boasts a modern, Italian influenced menu that features a variety of wood-fired pizza options to enjoy, including:
- Prosciutto & Arugula – White Sauce, Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula, Lemon Oil
- Sausage – Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, House Sausage, Roasted Red Peppers
- Margherita – Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino
- Pistachio – Pistachio Crema, Fresh Mozzarella, Cauliflower, Green Olives, Golden Raisins
What we’re having: The Sausage or Pistachio.
401 Social
401 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd
The Scoop: Located in the heart of Charlotte, 401 Social features shareable plates, flatbreads, handhelds, and crafted cocktails. Pro-tip: grab a seat out on the spacious patio to soak up city views with your pizza.
What we’re having: The Margherita Flatbread with fresh robust marinara, fresh mozzarella and basil. Another great option is the Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread with housemade white sauce, prosciutto, red onion, and gruyere cheese topped with fig glaze.
Uptown Pies:
Fahrenheit
222 South Caldwell St.
The Scoop: For pizza with a view, head to the 21st floor in Uptown where you can choose from four classic pizzas including:
- Pepperoni: Fennel Confit, Crushed Tomatoes, Provolone, Crushed Red Pepper, Parmesan
- Margherita: Dried Tomatoes, Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Olive Oil, Basil
- Mr. Fungi: Roasted Exotic Mushrooms, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Truffle Oil
- Pizza Bianco: Roasted Garlic Cream, Caramelized Onion, Pulled Chicken, Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Basil
What we’re having: Pizza Bianco (pictured above).
Geno D’s Pizza
224 E 7th St
The Scoop: This father and daughter collaboration brings Jersey Shore style pizza to Uptown. Co-owner Geno DiPaolo and his daughter Gena run Geno D’s Pizza together, where you will find crispy, similar to New York style pizza, but with an even amount of cheese and sauce, which is what makes it Jersey Shore style.
What we’re having: The Hot Honey with peppadew, pepperoni, and spicy honey. Another favorite is the Grandma Pizza- rectangular, thin Silican pizza with fresh mozzarella, special pesto, and strips of sauce on top (pictured above).
Bisonte Pizza Co.
710 W Trade St
The Scoop: Bisonte brings Buffalo-style crust (a doughy take somewhere between thin NY-style and deep-dish Chicago style) to Uptown.
What we’re having: The 3 Cheese Steak – Bisonte’s best steak pizza with three cheeses, mushrooms, onions and hot or sweet peppers. No sauce. Swap for chicken or sausage at no charge.
Pie in the Sky
320 S Tryon St.
The Scoop: Order pizza by the slice or the whole pie at Pie in the Sky. With 13 kinds of pizza along with subs and salads, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
What we’re having: The New Yorker with pepperoni, ham, bacon, sausage, roasted peppers, banana peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives.
South End Favorites
VANA
1440 S Tryon St. Suite 100
The Scoop: Another South End hotspot that offers three types of flatbreads, the Margherita flatbread (tomato, mozzarella, basil), the Mushroom flatbread (artichoke, garlic cream, ricotta, pickled onion) and the Pepperoni flatbread (tomato, smoked mozzarella, basil, red onion). Every Tuesday is $8 specialty flatbreads, so bring the girls and order a pie or two to share.
What we’re having: The Mushroom flatbread (artichoke, garlic cream, ricotta, pickled onion).
North Italia
1414 S Tryon St. Ste 140
The Scoop: Craveable Italian food made from scratch defines North Italia. Not only do they specialize in handmade pasta, but handmade pizza as well. Expect to find six specialty pies on the menu along with a chefs choice option that differs everyday.
What we’re having: Cacio E Pepe with pecorino crema, mozzarella, and cracked pepper.
Emmy Squared Pizza
1932 Hawkins St ( South End), 1508 Central Avenue (Plaza Midwood)
The Scoop: This small pizza chain originated from Brooklyn and is known for its unique, square-shaped, Detriot style pies. Made from quality ingredients and flavorful toppings, their signature style pizza has a crispy bottom, cheesy crust, and features their signature sauce stripes.
What we’re having: The Timothy — chicken, Korean wing sauce, scallions, buttermilk blue, radishes
The Puttery
210 Rampart St.
The Scoop: Recently opened in South End, Puttery brings a modern twist on golf, and offers delicious food and cocktails while doing so. After a round or two of put-put, find a place in the lounge area and relax with a pizza or two.
What we’re having: You can’t go wrong ordering one of their top pizzas: sausage and hot honey, mascarpone and mushroom, and burrata and serrano.
Benny Ferrovia’s
340 W Tremont Ave Suite 120
The Scoop: Brand new to South End and sister store to Benny Pennello’s is Benny Ferrovia’s, where 28” signature pizzas are served and two plates are needed to hold one slice. Founded on the idea of piling the freshest, high quality ingredients onto their pies, both Benny locations keep their pizzas simple, quick, and always delicious.
What we’re having: Be on the lookout for their monthly specials. For February, we’re having the Belusci with ground beef, bacon, beer cheese and crispy onions.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
4001-A Yancey Rd
The Scoop: A joint venture from Southern Tier and Victory Brewing Company serves up craft beer, cider, and 12 to 16-inch pizzas made with their Victory Classic lager beer dough.
What we’re having: Roasted Butternut Squash with arugula, pecorino, mozzarella, balsamic, red sauce, and pickled onions.
Midtown Pizzas
Mama Ricotta’s
601 S Kings Dr AA
The Scoop: Homestyle Italian pizza cooked in a true wood-burning oven with a characteristically thin crust. Choose from six Mama Ricotta’s specialty pies or get creative and personalize your own.
What we’re having: Tomato & Mozzarella – Freshly made mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, torn basil and Italian extra virgin olive oil.
Pizzeria Omaggio
1055 Metropolitan Ave #130
The Scoop: Fun fact: “Omaggio” means homage in Italian, and that’s exactly what you can expect from Pizzeria Omaggio. A healthy amount of options live on their pizza menu, including a whole menu dedicated to white pizza. For our gluten-fare friends, they also offer GF dough. Pair your pie with $3.50 Peroni Draft Beer every Tuesday, or a half-off bottle of wine on Wednesdays.
What we’re having: Pera gorgonzola – a white pizza with whole milk mozzarella, gorgonzola and sliced pears.
Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint
345 S Kings Dr.
The scoop: Known for their build-your-own option, or you can choose from their chef-created specialty pies. They also have gluten free options.
What we’re having: The Alfredo artichoke: Alfredo Sauce, Mozzarella, Artichoke Hearts, Spinach, Red Onions, Baby Bellas, Parmesan Cheese and Pesto Drizzle.
NoDa
Salud Cerveceria
3306-C N Davidson St.
The Scoop: Sister shop to Salud Beer Shop, Salud Cerveceria specializes in 100% 12″ wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings. Make any pizza vegan with the option of vegan cheese or no cheese.
What we’re having: We’re changing it up and ordering the Latin Lingo – spicy crema base, chicken, roasted corn, red onion, Jalapeño, cotija cheese, cilantro, and tajin. Spicy and delicious.
Bird Pizzeria
510 E 15th St.
The Scoop: New to the neighborhood and a block away from Optimist Hall, Bird Pizzeria brings East Coast-style pizza to Charlotte. The resteraunt offers quick service with a window pick up option along with outdoor patio seating. For now, their menu includes 14″ whole pies, but they hope to expand to serve individual slices in the future. Customize your pie with toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, kale, hot honey, argula, and more.
What we’re having: White Pie – fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter garlic, olive oil, basil.
Protagonist
3123 N Davidson St. Suite 104
The Scoop: In a pizza and beer kind of mood? With enormous slices, a build-your-own pizza option, and a sprawling brewery, Protagonist checks all the boxes when it comes to the perfect hangout spot. Every Thursday, grab a FREE slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza when you purchase any drink between 4-6 p.m.
What we’re having: The Homer Simpson with Carolina BBQ base, marinated chicken, bacon, red onions, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese. Garnished with cilantro.
Room & Board
3228 N Davidson St.
The Scoop: This casual, old school eatery occupies a historic house in Charlotte’s art district. Feauring reimagined pub fare and Detriot Style pizza with 4-square or 8-square options, R&B is a great place to go with friends to share a pie. Enjoy live music, bar games, an outdoor patio, and full service bar that extends outside. Plus, we’re loving half-off priced pizzas every Wednesday along with many other weekly specials.
What we’re having: Blackened Chicken – Grilled chicken, jalapenos, mozzarella
Heist Brewery
2909 N. Davidson Street Suite 200
The scoop: Did you know that this go-to brewery also boasts an impressive menu of wood-fired flatbreads? Grab a brew and a slice and relax on their patio.
What we’re having: The Sweet Shiitake: Herbed boursin cheese, mozzarella-provolone blend, shiitake mushrooms, fresh arugula, bacon jam, and Lil’ Buddy honey. Another favorite is the BBQ flatbread.
Benny Pennello’s
2909 N Davidson St. #100
The Scoop: Larger than life slices are what Benny Pennello’s is all about. See Benny Ferrovia’s in South End, their new sister store that recently opened.
What we’re having: A classic slice of pepperoni pizza.
Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria
1030 Woodward Ave
The Scoop: Neapolitan-style handcrafted pizza is what Livy’s is all about. Order one of their specialty pizzas to bring classics with a bit of new school to the table. For our vegan friends, they offer two vegan pizza options to choose from.
What we’re having: The Fuego with garlic and spice marinated chicken, house hot sauce, Pomodoro, mozzarella-provolone blend, bacon, Calabrian chilis, sriracha, celery leaves, and buttermilk dressing.
Myers Park
Stagioni
715 Providence Road
The Scoop: This Myers Park favorite stays true to serving authentic Italian dishes with a fresh, modern take. Choose from five specialty wood-fired pizzas, or DIY with their Stagioni Take Home Pizza Kit.
What we’re having: Shrimp Scampi Pizza with roasted garlic, mozzarella, lemon, garlic and oregano oil, and parmesan.
Zio Casual Italian
116 Middleton Dr.
The Scoop: Try one of their grilled pies or New York-style pizzas made with scratch-made dough and vegetables from their on-site organic garden.
What we’re having: Goat Cheese & Prosciutto grilled pizza: Goat cheese, provolone, sundried tomato, caramelized shallot, prosciutto, fresh arugula, truffle oil.
Mellow Mushroom
Various locations
The Scoop: This pizza chain based out of Atlanta, Georgia boasts an impressive menu of up fresh, stone-baked pizzas. Pro tip: if you’re in the mood for two pizzas but only want one pie, order half of each to get the best of both worlds.
What we’re having: The Holy Shiitake Pie – Olive oil and garlic base, shiitake, button and portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and MontAmoré. Finished with a garlic aioli swirl and a spritz of black truffle oil. Garnished with fresh chives and shaved parmesan.
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
1730 Abbey Pl.
The scoop: The possibilities are endless with a build-your-own option and eight specialty pie options.
What we’re having: The classic Luisa or the Eggplant Special with roasted eggplant, provolone, garlic and parmesan cheese.
Portofino’s
5126 Park Road, 3124 Eastway Dr, 8128 Providence Road (Charlotte)
The Scoop: This local chain is a favorite for both in-house and takeout dining.
What we’re having: The Florentina – Chicken, spinach, ricotta, pesto,
mozzarella.
The Jimmy
2839 Selwyn Ave x
The Scoop: Food inspired by the Mediterranean coast of Italy and France, The Jimmy is all about handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
What we’re having: Margherita pizza with “bianco di napoli, tomato, basil, siano fiore de latte.
Dilworth
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
2230 Park Road (Dilworth), 10620 Providence Road (Providence Commons), 16627 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Ste E1 (Huntersville)
The Scoop: True Neapolitan-style pizza cooked at 900 degrees in a wood-fired oven in under 90 seconds. Each location has a spacious patio to hang out on to share handcrafted pies.
What we’re having: Pistacchio Pizza with rosemary, sea salt, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, garlic, pistachio pesto sauce, and pistachios.
Dilworth Tasting Room
300 E Tremont Ave
The Scoop: In addition to an extensive wine menu, tasty cocktails, and a secret garden-style patio, this Dilworth favorite also serves up a variety of flatbreads that can’t be missed.
What we’re having: Prosciutto & Brie Flatbread made with apricot jam, sautéed apples, prosciutto, brie and goat cheese topped with mixed greens.
Capishe: Real Italian Kitchen
500 E. Morehead St. Suite 100
The Scoop: This Dilworth eatery is known for its fast service and high-quality pies.
What we’re having: The Mozzone with bufala mozzarella, artichoke, Italian sausage, roasted mushroom, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh garlic.
300 East
300 East Blvd
The Scoop: Did you know you can grab pizza at this neighborhood gem? Located in a quaint renovated house, 300 East offers pizza on their lunch and brunch menu. Pro tip: pair it with a glass of wine since 1/2 price glasses of wine are back on Tuesdays.
What we’re having: The lunch special: Cremini mushroom, pancetta, and spinach pizza with fontina, parm, and provolone.
Elizabeth / Plaza Midwood
Hawthorne’s
1701 E. 7th Street (Uptown), 4100 Carmel Road (Elizabeth), 4351 Main Street (Harrisburg)
The Scoop: This neighborhood eatery boasts a menu of specialty pies New York style, from classic cheese and pepperoni to their specialty chicken, bacon, ranch and their luau.
What we’re having: Their Elizabeth Special with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, white onions, and mozzarella cheese.
Intermezzo
1427 E 10th St.
The Scoop: This European-style café situated between Plaza-Midwood and Uptown has been serving and delivering hand-tossed pizza and unique Serbian dishes since 2007. Order a pie and take in the view of Uptown Charlotte on their spacious outdoor patio.
What we’re having: We’re loving the Pesto Chicken pizza with basil pesto, roasted garlic, caramelized onion, mushrooms, fontina, mozzarella, parmesan, and olive oil, or the Mexican pizza with seasoned beef, mozzarella, black beans, tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, and spicy crema.
House of Pizza
3640 Central Ave
The Scoop: Serving up delicious pizza is what House of Pizza is all about. Each pie is made using fresh, high-quality ingredients to give it an authentic taste that keeps Charlotteans coming back for more.
What we’re having: House Special Pizza – Mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham, mushrooms, onions, peppers.
Pure Pizza
1911 Central Ave & 7th Street Market
The Scoop: At Pure Pizza, the mission is to “keep it pure”, which is exactly what you experience with their farm to fork pizzas. Customize your own pizza, stick to the classics, choose from one of their craft pizzas, or even take a look at their vegan/vegetarian pizza options. They have gluten-free options, too.
What we’re having: The Lulu: Mozzarella, ground beef, bacon, tomato, jalapenos, and Pimento cheese.
Ballantyne
The Rusty Onion
6654 Carmel Rd.
The scoop: There’s something for everyone on this menu, from 13 specialty pizzas to a build-your-own. You can also make any specialty pizza gluten-free.
What we’re having: Their Cheeseburger Dyno-mite — a Big Mac in pizza form.
Tony’s Pizza
14027 Conlan Circle
The Scoop: From Brooklyn to Charlotte, Tony’s Pizza is authentic and made with fresh ingredients, hand-tossed dough, and handmade sauce. They also offer gluten-free dough and vegan cheese.
What we’re having: The Greenhouse with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, black olives, spinach, and mushrooms.
South Charlotte
TRUE Crafted Pizza
7828 Rea Rd.
The Scoop: Choose from two primary styles of pizza at TRUE: traditional oven-baked with a crispy crust, delivered in five minutes or signature grilled pizzas brushed with olive oil and grilled to perfection. Both styles are topped with the freshest ingredients possible and make for memorable pizzas.
What we’re having: BLT – applewood smoked bacon, grilled romaine lettuce, grape tomato with creamy bleu cheese or ranch dressing.
DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana
7315 Waverly Walk Ave.
The Scoop: From the moment you step into DeSano’s, you know this isn’t your average pizza joint. Each pizza is expertly crafted and cooked in their wood-fired grill for a quick 90 seconds, slightly charring the crust. DeSano Pizzeria carries through on their commitment to Italian-style cooking by only using the highest quality ingredients flown in weekly from Napoli and Campania.
What we’re having: The Verdura with broccoli rabe, mushrooms, Vesuvian cherry tomatoes, garlic, scamorza, mozzarella di bufala, and pecorino romano.
Civetta Italian Kitchen + Bar
7828-E Rea Rd.
The Scoop: This Italian kitchen and bar has two options when it comes to their grilled flatbreads. Choose from their Italiano flatbread with housemade sausage, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and tomato sauce or the Margherita with fresh mozzarella, basil, and roasted tomatoes.
What we’re having: Their Italiano grilled flatbread.
And Beyond
Aliño Pizzeria
Concord Mills (Concord), 500 S Main St #401 (Mooresville)
The Scoop: At Aliño Pizzeria’s, fresh ingredients are important. Their pizzas are made with San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo Italian flour, extra virgin olive oil and buffalo mozzarella that arrives weekly from Italy. Baked in a wood-fired oven and to your plate in 90 seconds, you can’t go wrong with this Italian Neapolitan pizza.
What we’re having: Pizza Leonardo (pictured) with Italian sausage ,sweet red peppers and caramelized onion.
Matt’s Chicago Dog
19732 One Norman Dr., Cornelius
The scoop: You don’t have to travel all the way to the windy city for Chicago-style pizza. Stop by Matt’s Chicago Dog for a deep dish.
What we’re having: The deep dish, of course!
Village Pizza and Italian Restaurant
773 Crossroads Plaza, Tega Cay, SC
The scoop: The pros at Village Pizza have been perfecting the recipe for delicious New York Style pizza for over 25 years.
What we’re having: The Chicken Pesto Pizza – Grilled chicken and tomatoes in a pesto sauce.
