BALLANTYNE
Tony’s Big Pizza
14027 Conlan Circle
The scoop: Authentic pizza made from fresh vegetables, hand-tossed dough and homemade sauce.
What we’re having: The Greenhouse- tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Onions, Black Olives, Spinach, Mushrooms
Kenna Coal Fired Kitchen
5361 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 200
The scoop: We trust any pizza place whose name means “born of fire”, especially when their pizzas are cooked in a coal fired oven reaching temperatures up to 1000 degrees.
What we’re having: Kenna Classic – pepperoni, sausage, caramelized onions, mushrooms, sweet peppers and mozzarella.
The Rusty Onion
6654 Carmel Rd.
The scoop: There’s something of everyone on this menu, from 13 specialty pizzas to a build-your-own and gluten free option.
What we’re having: The Shrromin’ Fun guy – Mushroom and rusty onion mix with goat cheese, roasted garlic spread, mozzarella, arugula and white truffle oil.
Vine American Kitchen
13735 Conlan Circle
The scoop: This Ballantyne staple has a section of their menu dedicated to flatbreads. Choose from classic, pepperoni and sausage, roasted vegetable and BBQ chicken and white cheddar.
What we’re having: The new roasted vegetable flatbread.
OGGI Ristorante Italiano
16646 Hawfield Way Dr.
The scoop: Another spot with a flatbread section on the menu. Notable order: the vegetable flatbread with zucchini, tomato, portobello, onion, crispy potato fries.
What we’re having: Blackened shrimp flatbread – mozzarella, fresh tomato, chive, reduced balsamic.
Arooji’s Wine Room
5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
The scoop: There may only be two options on the menu, but we can’t argue with a good wine/pizza pairing.
What we’re having: Arooji’s pizza – Thin crust pizza with proscuitto, sun dried tomato pesto and provolone cheese.
BELMONT
Simonetti’s Pizza
6432 Wilkinson Blvd.
The scoop: Inspiration for Simonetta’s specialty pizzas comes from tried and true family recipes and a focus on simplicity. In addition to order off the menu, a build-you-own option is available.
What we’re having: House special – sausage, eggplant, tomato, spinach and ricotta.
The String Bean
106 N Main Street
The scoop: Don’t miss the flatbreads and pies on the menu at The String Bean, built with fresh and local ingredients.
What we’re having: Figgylicious – Delicious fig spread on a flatbread topped with shaved prosciutto and goat cheese, then finished off with fresh peppery arugula and a balsamic drizzle.
DILWORTH
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
2230 Park Rd.
The scoop: True neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven within 90 seconds.
What we’re having: Pistacchio – Rosemary, Sea Salt, Ricotta, Buffalo Mozzarella, Garlic, Pistachio Pesto Sauce, Pistachios.
Fran’s Filling Station
2410 Park Road
The scoop: Fran’s boasts a few flatbread options to round-out your meal, from sweet to savory.
What we’re having: Fig, goat cheese and brie flatbread.
300 East
300 East Boulevard
The scoop: Did you know you could grab pizza at this neighborhood gem? Choose from the Spanish pizza or the Man Baby with roasted tomato basil sauce and fresh mozzarella.
What we’re having: Spanish pizza – Joyce Farms chicken, serrano ham, gouda and manchego, roasted pepper tomato sauce.
Fern, Flavors of the Garden
1419 East Blvd.
The scoop: For our vegan and health-conscious friends, check out the flatbread starter.
What we’re having: Almond Alfredo Flatbread (Vegan Option) – Dukes flatbread topped with house made almond alfredo sauce. Topped with spinach, tomato, and garlic. Your choice of dairy or vegan mozzarella.
ELIZABETH
Carpe Diem Restaurant
1535 Elizabeth Ave.
The scoop: This Charlotte staple boasts a handcrafted pizza option on its starters menu.
What we’re having: Pizza appetizer with house made naan, oven dried tomatoes, grilled summer squash, onion, roasted red peppers, pickled garlic spread, Gruyere, fried egg
Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar
1701 E. 7th Street
The scoop: This neighborhood eatery serves up a menu of specialty pies, from the luau to their speical white with sundired tomatoes.
What we’re having: Keep it local with the Elizabeth special – pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, White Onions And Mozzarella Cheese.
FORT MILL
Fratelli Ristorante & Pizzeria
975 Market St # 101
The scoop: Make a selection from an assortment of New York style pies with traditional and gourmet toppings, or opt for a pan pizza with thick crust, extra cheese and sauce.
What we’re having: The numero tre – roasted red pepper, fresh garlic, salami and prosciutto.
Figaro’s Pizza
8167 Charlotte Hwy.
The scoop: Have your pizza your way with a choice of toppings on original, thin, Sicilian pan or gluten free crust.
What we’re having: Creamy garlic chicken – Tender cuts of chicken, hearty black olives, flavorful onions, crispy green peppers & fresh tomatoes on our creamy garlic sauce.
Village Pizza
773 Crossroads Plaza
The scoop: made fresh daily with only the finest ingredients. These recipes have been used & perfected for over 25 years of restaurant and pizzeria experience! Gluten free crust available. The pros at Village Pizza have been perfecting the recipe for fresh pies for over 25 years. The house-made dough and sauce just may be the secret ingredients.
What we’re having: The Village Specialty – Artichoke, Roasted Red Peppers, Salami & Spinach
LAKE NORMAN
Alino Pizzeria
500 S Main St #401, Mooresville
The scoop: Kown for its charred crust and brick oven Neopolitan-style pizza, Alino Pizzeria offers ten specialty pies.
What we’re having: The traditional Margherita and the Sorrento pies.
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 for a deep dish, hot dogs and more.
What we’re having: The deep dish, of course!
Proscuitto’s Pizzeria & Pub
20920 Torrence Chapel Rd, Cornelius
The scoop: Take a trip to Boston without leaving the Queen City. Enjoy their take on pizza, plus live music and the game on the big screen. It’s a tried and true family favorite.
What we’re having: Boston cheesesteak pizza – Shaved steak, onions, blue cheese crumbles, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella.
The Vinyl Pi
15906 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville
The scoop: The rock-n-roll atmosphere fits in with the unique offerings at The Vinyl Pi, from the Supremes (almost every topping you can think of) to the moe, made with a base of Frank’s Red hot sauce.
What we’re having: The white album – spinach, tomatoes, basil pesto swirl, garlic cream base.
Novanta 90 Pizzeria Napoletana
120 Langtree Village Dr #102, Mooresville
The scoop: Hand-crafted Neopolitan pizza (think a thin, soft crust) fired in a Stefano Ferraro wood burning oven for between 60 and 90 seconds.
What we’re having: Nopoletana – pomodoro sugo, anchovies, parmigiano reggiano, basil, mozzarella, olives, evoo.
MIDTOWN
Pizzeria Omaggio
1055 Metropolitan Ave #130
The scoop: “Omaggio” means homage in Italian, and that’s exactly what the folks at Pizzeria Omaggio aim to do with their specialty and create-your-own pies. We love that they have a whole menu dedicated to white pizza!
What we’re having: Pera gorgonzola – a white pizza with whole milk mozzarella, gorgonzola and sliced pears.
Mama Ricotta’s
601 S Kings Dr A
The scoop: Homestyle Italian and New Haven-style pizza, cooked in a true wood-burning oven with a characteristically thin crust.
What we’re having: Joe’s favorite – pepperoni and house made pork sausage smothered with mounds of shredded mozzarella
Vivace
1100 Metropolitan Ave. Building E, Suite 100
The scoop: You know and love Vivace for the views, brunch and entrees, but have you tried their pizza? Options range from mushroom to Margherita to fig and prosciutto.
What we’re having: Fig and prosciutto – gorgonzola, baby arugula.
DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana
1500 E 3rd St
The scoop: Can you taste the authenticity? 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. All pizzas are made-to-order and cooked in wood-burning ovens for a quick 90 seconds.
What we’re having: DeSano specialty pizza – San Marzano tomato sauce, sausage, pepperoni, garlic, scamorza, mozzarella di bufala, pecorino romano.
Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint
345 S Kings Dr.
The scoop: Get creative and build-your-own or choose from their chef-created specialty pies.
What we’re having: The Alfredo artichoke – Alfredo Sauce – Mozzarella – Artichoke Hearts – Spinach – Red Onions – Baby Bellas – Parmesan Cheese – Pesto Drizzle.
MYERS PARK
Stagioni: Four Seasons of Food
715 Providence Rd.
The scoop: Cut your gourmet pizza with scissors at this Myers Park favorite serving fresh twists on authentic Italian recipes. Choose from five specialty options.
What we’re having: Margharita – NC heirloom tomatoes, roasted garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil.
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
1730 Abbey Pl.
The scoop: The possibilities are endless with a build-your-own option (with tons of topping options) and speicalty pies. Don’t miss their popular lunch buffet.
What we’re having: Eggplant Special – Roasted eggplant, provolone, garlic and parmesan cheese.
Zio Casual Italian
116 Middleton Dr.
The scoop: Try one of their grilled pies made with scratch-made dough and vegetables from their on-site organic garden.
What we’re having: Goat Cheese & Prosciutto – Goat cheese, provolone, sundried tomato, caramelized shallot, prosciutto, fresh arugula, truffle oil.
5126 Park Rd.
The scoop: This local chain is a favorite for both in-house and takeout dining. A bonus? You can enjoy at two other locations in Eastway and the Arboretum.
What we’re having: Positano – Grilled shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, basil, olive oil, garlic, ricotta and mozzarella.
NODA
Benny Pennello’s
2909 N Davidson St, Ste 100
The scoop: Challenge yourself to a larger-than-life slice at Benny Pennello’s, where each slice measures 14 inches!
What we’re having: Classic pepperoni, but check in for monthly specialty slices!
Heist Brewery
2909 N. Davidson Street Suite 200
The scoop: This go-to brewery also boasts an impressive menu of wood fired flatbreads. Grab a brew and a slice.
What we’re having: The sweet and spicy flatbread – pulled pork, grilled peaches, jalepenos, pickled shallots, mozzarella, sriracha, green onions and a pineapple laze.
Crepe Cellar Kitchen & Pub
3116 North Davidson Street
The scoop: If you needed another reason to visit Crepe Cellar besides their sweet and savory crepes, their french baguette pizzas tempt from the starters menu.
What we’re having: HOUSEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SALCICCIA Housemade Italian sausage salciccia – caramelized shallots, marinara, mozzarella.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
Intermezzo
1427 E 10th St
The scoop: Since 2007, this Charlotte go-to has been serving and delivering hand-tossed pizza and unique Serbian dishes.
What we’re having: Spinach supreme – Spinach Sautéed in Garlic, Ricotta, Mozzarella Cheese, Mushrooms.
Pizza Peel & Tap Room
1600 Central Ave
The scoop: Choose from a large selection of meat and veggies specialty pies, or create your own Pizza-Tron.
What we’re having: Sorry for Partying Supreme – Pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, mozzarella cheese, green peppers, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, onion, mushroom
ROCK HILL
Luigi & Sons Italian Restaurant
2387 Cherry Rd.
The scoop: Bring your family to meet Luigi’s. This pizzeria is run by Luigi Rizzo, his wife, his six sons and two daughters.
What we’re having: Margellina – sauteed shrimp, baby clams, and fresh garlic.
SOUTH END
FUEL Pizza
1801 South Blvd
The scoop: In 1998, two New Yorkers on the hunt for great pizza in Charlotte decided to create their own. We’re spoiled with multiple locations of this vintage-gas-station themed spot to get your fix.
What we’re having: The Brooklyn Bridge – Tomato sauce topped with hot cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, with fresh basil finish.
1910 South Blvd.
The scoop: For a more upscale take, order a pizza or flatbread from the patio at Luciano’s.
What we’re having: Smoked chicken – Grape tomatoes, bacon, feta cheese, authentic creamy Parmigiano dressing.
Blaze Pizza
1750 Camden Rd #112
The scoop: Channel your inner pizza chef with a build-your-own approach featuring plenty of toppings and multiple crust options, including gluten free and high-rising.
What we’re having: Green stripe specialty pie – pesto drizzle over grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, chopped garlic, mozzarella, arugula.
SOUTH PARK
WP Kitchen + Bar
6706 Phillips Pl Ct C
The scoop: Stop by this South Park favorite for a number of pizza options.
What we’re having: Roasted Mushroom – garlic cream, baby spinach, goat cheese, truffle oil
Reid’s Fine Foods Restaurant and Wine Bar
4331 Barclay Downs Dr
The scoop: Reid’s “After 5” menu offers three distinct flatbread options. Grab a glass of vino and pick your favorite.
What we’re having: Flatbread menu. truffle goat cheese – Fried Diced Potatoes, Roasted Tomatoes, Arugula, Basil Pesto
MezzaNotte Brick Oven Pizza
2907 Providence Rd.
The scoop: Dine on your choice of authentic Neapolitan pizzas from the sunny patio.
What we’re having:MEZZANOTTE The Mezzanotte – Ricotta-tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto and Italian sausage. Or, the parmigiana – Fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, marinated tomatoes, pomodoro, topped with basil.
SOUTH CHARLOTTE
TRUE Crafted Pizza
7828 Rea Rd.
The scoop: Take your pick from TRUE’s two primary styles of pizza: traditional oven baked pies with crispy crusts, or signature grilled pizzas brushed with olive oil and grilled to perfection.
What we’re having: BLT – applewood smoked bacon, grilled romaine lettuce, grape tomato with creamy bleu cheese or ranch dressing.
Brooklyn Pizza Parlor
7725 Colony Rd. E1
The scoop: Classic NY-style pizza parlor with plenty of options, including stuffed pizzas and great non-pizza dishes.
What we’re having: The Julia white pizza – creamy spiced ricotta. A portion of sales benefit charities that advocate for childhood cancer treatment.
BRAVO Cucina Italiana
9824 Rea Rd.
The scoop: In Blakeney, BRAVO serves up a slice of authentic Italian flavor.
What we’re having: Quattro Formaggi Pizza – four cheese, applewood bacon
Riccio’s Italian Restaurant
9213 Baybrook Ln.
The scoop: Since 1962, Riccio’s has been serving up traditional New York style pies with homemade dough and sauce.
What we’re having: The artichoke pizza – White style with mozzarella, Gouda, marinated artichokes, and fresh tomatoes.
UPTOWN
Zablong
137 Brevard Court
The scoop: Pizza with flavors as unique as its oblong shape. Build your own or pick from fun chef’s specialties.
What we’re having: Browse the ingredients and make your own, plus be on the lookout for their salad version and pizza of the month.
Fahrenheit
222 South Caldwell St.
The scoop: For a pie with a view, head to the 21st floor for a menu of four classic pizzas.
What we’re having: Mr. Fungi – Roasted Exotic Mushrooms, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Truffle Oil
Aria Tuscan Grill
100 N Tryon St.
The scoop: Settle in for happy hour and one of their bar pizzas, or dine for dinner and select from multiple red and white pizzas.
What we’re having: Asparagus and artichoke pizza with preserved lemon and goat cheese.
Tavolo
300 N College St.
The scoop: A special wood-fired pizza section on Tavolo’s menu makes this a must-try for Uptown pizza lovers.
What we’re having: Alfredo rustica – Sundried tomato, wild mushroom, alfredo, fontina cheese.
Rooster’s Wood-fired Kitchen
150 N College St.
The scoop: Venture from your usual order and try one of the three pizzas on Rooster’s menu: roasted chicken pizza, salami and cheese pizza, mushroom, campo de montalban pizza.
What we’re having: Roasted chicken pizza.
