12 North Carolina Small-Town Pizzerias Giving New York A Run For Its Money

New York might claim the pizza crown, but North Carolina’s small towns are serving up slices that could make even the pickiest Brooklyn native jealous. From wood-fired perfection to creative toppings that push boundaries, these hidden gems prove great pizza isn’t limited to big city streets.

Get ready to discover twelve pizzerias scattered across the Tar Heel State that are flipping dough and challenging everything you thought you knew about America’s favorite food.

1. Coppola’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant (Mount Airy)

Mount Airy’s answer to authentic Italian cuisine serves pies that would make Mayberry proud, though Andy Griffith probably never tasted anything this good. Coppola’s takes pizza seriously, using imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes that give each slice an unmistakable authentic flavor.

The pepperoni cups up perfectly when it cooks, creating little grease pools that pizza purists consider liquid gold. Beyond pizza, their pasta dishes earn equal praise, but you came for the pizza, so stay focused.

2. My Father’s Pizza (Black Mountain)

Family recipes passed down through generations make every bite at this Black Mountain spot taste like a trip to the old country. The crust strikes that perfect balance between crispy edges and chewy centers, topped with ingredients that taste like they were picked this morning.

Locals swear by the classic margherita, but adventurous eaters should try the specialty pies that change with the seasons. The cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating in someone’s home kitchen, which is exactly the point.

3. Waynesville Pizza Company (Waynesville)

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, this pizzeria brings serious heat to its pies without burning your taste buds. Fresh mozzarella gets stretched daily, and the sauce recipe remains a closely guarded secret that keeps customers coming back weekly.

Their white pizza topped with garlic and ricotta has converted countless tomato sauce loyalists. The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars, creating a welcoming vibe that matches the mountain town charm outside.

4. Brooklyn Pizzeria (Goldsboro)

Bold move naming your spot Brooklyn Pizzeria in North Carolina, but these folks back up the claim with massive slices that fold perfectly. The owner actually hails from New York and brought authentic recipes south, refusing to compromise on quality or technique.

Each pie emerges from the oven with that characteristic leopard-spotted crust that signals proper high-heat cooking. The cheese-to-sauce ratio hits that sweet spot where neither overpowers the other, creating harmony in every bite.

5. Slab Town Pizza (Cashiers)

Tucked away in the highlands, Slab Town serves up pies that make the winding mountain roads worthwhile. Their wood-fired oven imparts a smoky flavor that gas ovens simply cannot replicate, giving each pizza a unique character.

Creative topping combinations push boundaries without crossing into weird territory—think prosciutto with fig jam or local mushrooms with truffle oil. The thin crust provides the perfect vehicle for bold flavors without overwhelming your palate or your stomach.

6. Mission Pizza Napoletana (Winston-Salem)

Certified Neapolitan pizza in Winston-Salem sounds impossible until you taste Mission’s perfectly charred pies. They follow strict Italian guidelines for dough fermentation, oven temperature, and cooking time, resulting in pizza that would earn nods of approval in Naples.

The puffy, blistered crust edge called the cornicione provides a built-in handle and textural contrast to the tender center. Simple ingredient lists let quality shine through—you’ll actually taste the difference between mediocre and premium mozzarella here.

7. TwoBoros Brewery & Pizzeria (Wilkesboro)

Beer and pizza unite in perfect matrimony at this Wilkesboro hotspot where both are crafted with equal care. The brewers collaborate with pizza makers to create pies that complement their rotating tap list, resulting in flavor combinations that elevate both.

Their sourdough crust develops complex flavors during a slow fermentation process, adding depth you won’t find in quick-rise doughs. Seasonal pizzas feature local ingredients from nearby farms, connecting diners to the surrounding community with every bite.

8. SoPies Pizza (Southern Pines)

Southern hospitality meets Italian tradition at SoPies, where the name cleverly plays on both location and food. Their Detroit-style square pies feature crispy caramelized cheese edges that crunch satisfyingly with each bite, offering something different from the usual round options.

Thick, airy dough supports generous toppings without getting soggy, proving that sometimes more is actually more. The sauce goes on top of the cheese in true Detroit fashion, keeping everything moist and flavorful from first bite to last.

9. West First Wood-Fired (Hendersonville)

Flames dance in the wood-fired oven at West First, where temperatures exceeding 800 degrees transform dough into crispy, bubbly masterpieces in under two minutes. The intense heat creates those desirable char spots while keeping the interior tender and moist.

Farm-to-table ingredients sourced from Appalachian growers bring freshness that grocery store produce cannot match. Each pizza becomes a canvas for seasonal flavors, changing throughout the year as different crops reach peak ripeness.

10. Big Mike’s (Brevard)

Everything about Big Mike’s lives up to its name, from the generous portions to the big-hearted service. Slices come loaded with toppings that pile high without skimping, giving you serious bang for your buck in this mountain town.

The lunch special draws crowds of hikers and bikers refueling after exploring nearby trails and waterfalls. Classic New York-style pies dominate the menu, but weekly specials showcase creative combinations that keep regulars guessing what comes next.

11. Sorrento’s Italian Bistro (Banner Elk)

High elevation meets high quality at Sorrento’s, where mountain views compete with the pizza for your attention. This bistro elevates pizza from casual food to culinary art without pretension or sky-high prices that match the altitude.

Hand-tossed dough gets topped with premium ingredients like prosciutto di Parma, fresh arugula, and aged balsamic that drizzles across each slice. The dining experience feels special enough for date night but relaxed enough for families with hungry kids after skiing.

12. Capone’s Pizza (Boone)

Named after the infamous Chicago mobster, Capone’s serves pizza so good it should be illegal. This Boone institution has fed hungry college students and mountain visitors for years with consistently delicious pies that never disappoint.

Late-night hours accommodate the college crowd, but families pack the place during dinner for good reason—the quality never drops regardless of when you order. Generous cheese coverage and zesty sauce create that craveable flavor that keeps people coming back weekly.