Pizza In Charlotte: 7 Essential Spots For Ultimate Refuge
Image Credit: Inizio Pizza Napoletana, Charlotte NC

Charlotte’s love for pizza is indescribable. In this city, you will find a crowded pizza place at every corner. Each of these pizzerias are known for their distinct taste and offerings.  Whether you like deep-dish pizza or thin-crust pizza you will find everything in this city.

Some of the well-established family-owned gems are known for their ages of experience which is reflected in every pizza slice. While newcomers are admired for their innovative cuisine that combines traditions and cultures.

From classic Italian to New American, these pizzerias in the city draw out the best flavours in each pie, which leaves a lasting impression. Dive into the city’s brimming pizza pies and find out which taste suits your preferences the best.

7 Iconic Pizza Spots In Charlotte

1) Benny Pennello’s

Image Credit: Benny Pennello’s

Benny Pennello’s along with its sister restaurant Benny Ferrovia’s is known for its s 28-inch Virginia-style pizzas. Situated in the historic gingham factory, this restaurant is famed for its big pies that are provided with customised toppings. If you are ordering for yourself, go by the slice which will be enough to fill your tummy packed. It is a great spot to dine in with friends for a new adventure.

Location: 2909 N Davidson St STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28205

Timings: Sun-Wed: 11 am–12 am; Thu: 11 am–2 am; Fri-Sat: 11 am–3 am

Must Try:  Virginia-style pizzas

Price for 2: $50 approx.

2) Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria

Image Credit: Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria

Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizzeria is the first choice for a family-friendly restaurant in Charlotte. Here all the delectable pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning brick oven which they imported from Milan in the late '80s. It is said that this oven has baked over a million pies till now. When you come here, don't miss the signature Luisa pizza which features tomatoes, pesto, ricotta cheese, and garlic. Also try the muffuletta, Genoa salami, provolone, and muffuletta pesto.

Location:  1730 Abbey Pl, Charlotte, NC 28209

Timings: Mon: 5–9 pm; Tue-Thu: 11 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm; Fri: 11 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm; Sat: 5–10 pm; Sun: 5–8:30 pm

Must Try: Luisa Pizza, Muffuletta, Genoa Salami, Provolone, And Muffuletta Pesto

Price For 2: $50 approx.

3) The Pizza Peel & Tap Room

Image Credit: Nicholas Prendergast

The Pizza Peel & Tap Room is owned by the same people behind the well-known favourites of the city like  The Improper Pig and The Flying Biscuit Café. This spot is particularly famous for pizzas like The Godfather. Must-try options like white pizza feature a garlic oil base topped with salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, spinach, and roasted red peppers. Also the So Fresh and So Clean pie with olive oil, garlic, red onions, mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes, cilantro, lemon zest, Parmesan, and avocado is a hard miss.

Location:  4422 Colwick Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue: 11 am–9 pm; Wed-Sat: 11 am–10 pm; Sun: 12–9 pm

Must Try: White Pizza,  So Fresh And So Clean Pie

Price For 2: $50 approx.

4) Hawthorne’s New York Pizza and Bar

Image Credit: Benjamin Cook

Hawthorne’s has been a staple in the food scene of Charlotte since 2004. This family-friendly restaurant is famous for its legendary pies and New York-style and tavern-style bar pies. Hawthorne’s Buffalo Wing pizza made headlines when it  famously sent an expectant mother into labour, earning the name “The Inducer.” Their signature Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza with homemade ranch dressing, chicken, bacon, red onions, and mozzarella is a perfect choice if you are coming for the first time.

Location:  1701 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Timings: Sun-Thu: 11 am–9 pm; Mon: Closed; Fri-Sat: 11 am–10 pm

Must Try: New York-style pizza,  Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza 

Price for 2: $40 approx.

5) Inizio Pizza Napoletana

Image Credit: Inizio Pizza Napoletana

For the finest  Neapolitan-style pies in North Carolina, head straight to Inizio Pizza Napoletana in Charlotte. Their attention to detail is what makes every pizza pie a feast for taste buds. Each pizza is made with gently worked dough and premium ingredients and is baked for just 90 seconds at 900 degrees which makes the crust evenly good. The seasonal favourites like the Pistachio Pie, Buffalo mozzarella, and Margherita pizza are a must-try on the menu.

Location: 10620 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Timings: Sun-Thu: 11 am–9:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–10 pm

Must Try:  Pistachio Pie, Buffalo mozzarella, and Margherita pizza

Price for 2: $60 approx.

6) Geno D’s Pizza

Image Credit: Geno D’s Pizza

Geno D’s Pizza is where you will get the acclaimed Grandma-style pizza in Charlotte. The speciality of this pizza is the beautiful stripes of red sauce, pesto, and cheese which not only looks good but tastes delicious. Along with this, they also serve up  New Jersey-style pizza with thin crust and brimming toppings. Pair the garlic knots, and focaccia sandwiches with your meal for an ultimate repast. Also try the cannoli, meatballs and hot honey pizza.

Location: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 11 am–8 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–9 pm; Sun; 11 am–7 pm

Must Try:  Grandma-Style Pizza,  Garlic Knots, Focaccia Sandwiches

Price for 2: $60 approx.

7) The Crust Pizza

Image Credit: The Crust Pizza

The Crust Pizza opened its newest restaurant in ParkTowne Village in 2022. This place is the one for meat lovers. The way pepperoni turns into crispy edge cups in the oven makes it a sight to behold. This restaurant's family-friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect place for get-togethers. Their Midwest-style pies with Neapolitan-thin crusts, house-made sauce, and rich provolone are some of the most raved items on the menu. Along with this,  the Palermo with fresh garlic and gorgonzola or the Buffalo chicken with creamy Parmesan dressing is also a must-try.

Location: ParkTowne Village, 1600 E Woodlawn Rd #250, Charlotte, NC 28209

Timings: Mon-Sun: 11 am–9 pm

Must Try:  Buffalo chicken, Palermo,  Midwest-style pies

Price for 2: $80 approx.

Dine in these raved pizza places and savour the best pies you’ll ever find in North Carolina. From steadfast traditional pies to extravagant modern fusions, these pizza places will serve you the best pizzas in the most comforting setting.