Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina hides some amazing pizza treasures in the most unassuming places. These hole-in-the-wall pizza joints might not look fancy from the outside, but locals know they serve up some of the most mouthwatering pies in the state. From mountain towns to coastal communities, these hidden gems have perfected their craft through years of dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Elizabeth’s Pizza – High Point
Glowing neon in the window announces this unassuming storefront that’s been slinging New York-style slices since the 1980s. Regulars swear by the thin, foldable crust that somehow maintains the perfect balance of crisp exterior and chewy interior – the hallmark of authentic East Coast pizza.
What sets Elizabeth’s apart? Those heavenly garlic knots alone are worth the trip, arriving hot and glistening with herb-infused oil and just the right amount of garlic punch.
The pizza makers behind the counter toss dough with practiced precision, creating an impromptu show while crafting pies that have earned fierce loyalty among High Point locals.
Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen – Raleigh
From the street, you might miss this Hillsborough Street gem, but locals know better than to judge by appearances. Step inside to discover the intoxicating aroma of fresh dough made daily and sauce that strikes the elusive sweet-savory balance that defines great pizza.
The pepperoni pie reigns supreme here – each slice adorned with cups of crispy-edged pepperoni that cradle tiny pools of savory oil. College students crowd in during late hours, while families claim the few tables during dinner rush.
Despite its modest setting, Bussin delivers consistency that puts many upscale pizzerias to shame, proving that sometimes the best food comes from the humblest kitchens.
My Father’s Pizza & Pasta – Black Mountain
Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, this rustic stone building holds pizza magic that draws devotees from miles around. The hand-tossed crust strikes that perfect balance – not too thick, not too thin – supporting a harmonious sauce-to-cheese ratio that makes each bite memorable.
Their signature “My Father’s Supreme” loads up traditional toppings without overwhelming the foundation, while the “Hawaiian Classic” converts pineapple skeptics daily. Family-owned for generations, the recipes haven’t changed because they’ve never needed to.
The cozy interior, with its wooden tables and local art, completes the experience of authentic mountain comfort food at its finest.
Pizzeria Don Luca – Wilmington
A storybook structure – small white building with a red roof and hand-painted pizza mural – houses Wilmington’s best-kept secret. The centerpiece: an authentic wood-fired oven that reaches scorching temperatures to create those signature charred spots on a perfectly chewy Neapolitan crust.
Owner Luca, transplanted from Naples, insists on imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes. His minimalist approach lets quality ingredients shine without fussy adornments.
Seating is limited to a handful of tables, creating an intimate experience where you can watch your pizza transform from raw dough to bubbling perfection in under two minutes. The coastal location adds a special something to this slice of Italy.
Tony’s Pizza – Charlotte
Corner spot, brick frontage, arched windows – Tony’s embodies the classic neighborhood pizza joint. The owners, Brooklyn transplants, brought authentic New York techniques to Charlotte decades ago, creating a loyal following that spans generations.
Massive slices feature that distinctive droop when held – the true mark of proper NY-style pizza. The sauce provides bright acidity against creamy cheese, all supported by a thin crust with surprising structural integrity.
No pretension exists here – just straightforward, honest pizza served on paper plates. The walls showcase vintage photographs of Charlotte alongside New York landmarks, creating a visual story of how this pizza tradition traveled south and found a new home.
Frank’s Pizza & Subs – Newport
Time seems to stand still at Frank’s, where the same family has been serving coastal communities since 1977. The faded awning and weathered sign speak to decades of salty air exposure, but inside, the pizza-making ritual continues unchanged.
Navy personnel from nearby bases mix with local fishermen at the laminate tables, all united by appreciation for Frank’s consistent hand-tossed pies. The house specialty combines pepperoni, sausage, and fresh-caught local shrimp – a uniquely coastal take on pizza that works surprisingly well.
The subs deserve equal billing, constructed on house-baked bread with generous fillings. Cash-only policies and the vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia complete the nostalgic experience.
Favilla’s New York Pizza – Asheville
Tucked between quirky boutiques in eclectic Asheville, Favilla’s unassuming exterior belies the Sicilian magic happening inside. The thick, square-cut slices feature a paradoxical crust – somehow both sturdy and airy – that provides the perfect foundation for their punchy sauce and quality cheese.
Founded by Sicilian immigrants, the recipes reflect authentic island techniques rather than mainland Italian styles. The result? A distinctively rich flavor profile that stands apart from typical American interpretations.
Art from local creators adorns brick walls, while the staff – often family members spanning three generations – banter with regulars. The pizza pairs perfectly with local craft beers, creating a quintessential Asheville dining experience.
Pure Pizza – Charlotte
From humble beginnings as a market stall to its current Plaza Midwood location, Pure Pizza represents Charlotte’s evolving food scene. The farmhouse-inspired interior features reclaimed wood and Edison bulbs – simple yet intentional, much like their approach to pizza.
What sets Pure apart? Their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and heritage grain crusts that offer complex flavors conventional flours can’t match. The seasonal farm pie showcases whatever local farmers are harvesting, creating an ever-changing taste of Carolina.
Founder Julie champions sustainable practices throughout the operation. Her pioneering spirit turned what could have been just another pizza place into a community institution that bridges traditional techniques with modern environmental consciousness.
Pie on the Mountain – Lansing
After a day hiking western North Carolina’s rugged trails, hungry adventurers find this genuine mountain treasure. Housed in a converted cabin with mismatched furniture and panoramic views, Pie on the Mountain feels more like a friend’s home than a restaurant.
The hearty pies reflect their surroundings – substantial and unfussy, with toppings sourced from neighboring farms. Their signature “Forest Floor” pizza combines wild mushrooms foraged from nearby woods with herbs grown on the restaurant’s patio.
On cool evenings, the wood stove provides both warmth and ambiance. Local musicians often appear unannounced for impromptu performances, creating magical moments that embody the spirit of mountain hospitality and community that makes this hidden gem truly special.
