North Carolina might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of great pizza — but anyone who’s actually eaten their way through the state knows better. From authentic Neapolitan ovens to New York–style slices and creative Southern twists, NC’s pizza scene has matured into something truly impressive. This list is based on real customer reviews, local popularity, consistency, food quality, and overall dining experience. Every place below has earned its reputation the hard way — through years of satisfied customers, strong word-of-mouth, and standout pizza that keeps people coming back.
Location: Greensboro, NC
Style: Authentic Neapolitan / Artisan
Average Rating: 4.7+ (2,000+ reviews)
Cugino Forno Pizzeria sits comfortably at the top of North Carolina’s pizza scene. Located inside the historic Revolution Mill complex, this spot blends old-world Italian techniques with modern Southern hospitality.
What separates Cugino Forno from most pizza places is discipline. Their dough is fermented properly, their oven temperature is spot-on, and toppings are used with restraint — letting quality shine instead of overwhelming the pie.
The crust is light, airy, and blistered just enough. The sauce tastes fresh and balanced, not overly acidic or sweet. Every pizza feels intentional.
Classic Margherita (a true test of any great pizza place)
Pepperoni with house-made chili oil
Seasonal specialty pizzas using local ingredients
Pizza purists
Date nights
Anyone who appreciates authentic Italian pizza
- Website: Cugino Forno Pizzeria
2. Devil’s NY Pizzeria & Restaurant (Durham)
Location: Durham, NC
Style: New York-Style
Average Rating: 4.6+ (1,500+ reviews)
If you’re craving real New York–style pizza in North Carolina, Devil’s NY Pizzeria is about as close as it gets. Thin, foldable slices. Greasy in the best way. Generous cheese. Zero nonsense.
This place has built a cult following in Durham — especially among students, professionals, and longtime locals who just want a reliable slice that hits every time.
Devil’s doesn’t try to reinvent pizza. Instead, they focus on doing one style extremely well. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and consistency is excellent — which is why the review count keeps climbing year after year.
Classic cheese slice
Pepperoni slice (extra crispy)
Full pie if you’re feeding a group
Quick lunch
Late-night cravings
NY pizza lovers living in NC
- Website: Devil’s NY Pizzeria
3. Oakwood Pizza Box (Raleigh)
Location: Raleigh, NC
Style: New York-Style & Sicilian
Average Rating: 4.7+ (1,000+ reviews)
Oakwood Pizza Box has quietly become one of Raleigh’s most respected pizza spots. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t overmarket itself. But the pizza speaks loud enough on its own.
Their dough has character — crisp on the outside, chewy inside — and their sauces are bold without overpowering the pie.
Oakwood shines because of its simplicity and consistency. You know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s almost always excellent. The Sicilian squares are especially popular and often sell out.
Classic red sauce pizza
Sicilian square slices
White pizza with ricotta and herbs
Casual dinners
Takeout nights
Raleigh locals who want quality without fuss
- Website: Oakwood Pizza Box
4. Hutchins Garage (Durham)
Location: Durham, NC
Style: Artisan / Creative
Average Rating: 4.7+ (800+ reviews)
Hutchins Garage is where creativity meets comfort food. The vibe is relaxed, the crowd is diverse, and the pizzas are imaginative without being weird.
This place is known for experimenting with toppings while still respecting the fundamentals of good pizza.
Hutchins Garage balances flavor and fun. You’ll find pizzas here that feel unique but still familiar — perfect for people who want something different without risking disappointment.
House specialty pizzas
Seasonal pies
Add a side or salad to share
Groups of friends
Casual evenings out
Trying something new
- Website: Hutchins Garage on Facebook
5. Geno D’s Pizza (Charlotte)
Location: Charlotte, NC
Style: Italian-Inspired / Gourmet
Average Rating: 4.8+ (600+ reviews)
Geno D’s Pizza might be smaller in scale, but it delivers big flavor. With one of the highest ratings in Charlotte, this spot has become a favorite for locals who value quality over hype.
Everything here feels thoughtfully made — from the crust to the toppings. The flavors are bold but balanced, and the pizzas feel elevated without being pretentious.
Specialty gourmet pizzas
Classic Italian pies
House-made desserts
- Hours are shorter than most pizza spots, so plan ahead — it’s worth it.
- Website: Geno D’s Pizza
6. Sticks & Stones Clay Oven Pizza – Greensboro
Location: Greensboro, NC
Style: Clay-Oven / Artisan
Average Rating: 4.6+
Sticks & Stones is one of those places locals recommend without hesitation. Known for its clay-oven pizzas and bold flavor combinations, this spot blends traditional technique with modern creativity.
The clay oven gives the crust a distinct texture — crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside. Their ingredient combinations feel thoughtful rather than experimental for the sake of it.
Wood-fired specialty pizzas
Pies with roasted vegetables
Signature sauces and cheese blends
7. Pizzeria Omaggio – Charlotte
Location: Charlotte, NC
Style: Neapolitan / Italian
Average Rating: 4.7+
Pizzeria Omaggio brings a refined Italian pizza experience to Charlotte. It’s especially popular among diners who appreciate authentic preparation methods and high-quality imported ingredients.
Their Neapolitan pizzas are cooked at high temperatures, resulting in a soft center with beautifully charred edges. The simplicity of each pizza allows flavors to shine.
Margherita with buffalo mozzarella
Prosciutto & arugula pizza
Seasonal Italian specialties
- Website: Pizzeria Omaggio
8. Intermezzo – Charlotte
Location: Charlotte, NC
Style: Artisan / Gourmet
Average Rating: 4.6+
Intermezzo is often described as a “hidden gem” by locals. The menu focuses on high-quality ingredients and carefully balanced flavors, making it one of Charlotte’s most underrated pizza spots.
Intermezzo excels at balance — crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings all work together instead of competing. It’s also a great spot for pairing pizza with wine or craft drinks.
House specialty pizzas
White pizza options
Seasonal chef-inspired pies
- Website:Intermezzo Charlotte
9. Pie-Zano’s Pizzeria – Rolesville
Location: Rolesville, NC
Style: New York-Style
Average Rating: 4.7+
Pie-Zano’s is a favorite among Raleigh-area locals looking for classic NY-style pizza done right. The slices are big, cheesy, and satisfying — just how New York pizza should be.
Consistency is the key here. Customers return because they know exactly what they’re getting every time: great crust, generous toppings, and friendly service.
Large cheese or pepperoni pie
Garlic knots on the side
Foldable NY-style slices
10. Slices Pizza Co. – Greensboro
Location: Greensboro, NC
Style: NY-Style / Fast-Casual
Average Rating: 4.5+
Slices Pizza Co. has built a strong reputation for quick, flavorful pizza without sacrificing quality. It’s a popular stop for students, families, and anyone craving a fast but satisfying meal.
Simple menu, solid execution, and good prices. This is the kind of pizza place you go to again and again because it never disappoints.
Pepperoni slices
Specialty pies
Late-day grab-and-go slices
Final Thoughts
North Carolina’s pizza scene in 2026 is stronger and more diverse than ever. What makes these pizza places special isn’t just the dough, sauce, or toppings — it’s the consistency, local support, and passion behind every pie.
From authentic Neapolitan ovens to classic New York–style slices and creative artisan pizzas, the spots listed above represent the best pizza experiences across the state. Each restaurant has earned its place through real customer loyalty, strong reviews, and a commitment to quality.
If you’re visiting North Carolina or already live here, this guide gives you a reliable starting point for finding great pizza — whether you want a casual slice, a family dinner, or a standout food experience worth traveling for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best pizza place in North Carolina in 2026?
Cugino Forno Pizzeria in Greensboro consistently ranks as the best pizza place in North Carolina in 2026 due to its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, high-quality ingredients, and thousands of positive customer reviews.
2. Does North Carolina have good New York–style pizza?
Yes. North Carolina has several excellent New York–style pizza spots, including Devil’s NY Pizzeria in Durham, Oakwood Pizza Box in Raleigh, and Pie-Zano’s Pizzeria near Raleigh. These places are known for thin, foldable slices and classic flavors.
3. Which city in North Carolina has the best pizza scene?
Cities like Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh, and Charlotte stand out for their pizza variety and quality. Each offers a mix of traditional and modern pizza styles, making them top destinations for pizza lovers in the state.
4. Are these pizza places family-friendly?
Most pizza places listed in this guide are family-friendly and suitable for groups. Casual dining, affordable pricing, and welcoming environments make them great choices for families, friends, and travelers.
5. How were these pizza places selected?
These pizza places were selected based on real customer reviews, consistency of food quality, local popularity, reputation, and overall dining experience. This approach ensures the list reflects genuine, trusted opinions rather than trends or promotions.
