5 Best Pizza Places in Raleigh, North Carolina to Try

Raleigh’s pizza scene blends Southern hospitality with a cosmopolitan appetite for authentic pies and creative toppings.

From wood-fired Neapolitan masterpieces to foldable New York slices and hearty deep-dish favorites, the City of Oaks serves up exceptional options for every kind of pizza lover.

Here are the five best pizza spots in Raleigh for 2025, each earning praise for quality, originality, and loyal local fans.

1. Oakwood Pizza Box

A downtown staple, Oakwood Pizza Box is beloved for its classic New York–style pizza: blistered, chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all built for the perfect fold.

With a tight menu, late-night hours, and a commitment to doing few things exceptionally well, Oakwood’s thin crust and huge slices have won over pizza purists and foodies alike.

Try the classic cheese or a sausage pie for a true East Coast fix.

2. Poole’side Pies

Chef Ashley Christensen’s Poole’side Pies has become a local destination for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza with whimsical Southern flair.

Expect beautifully charred crusts, inventive topping combinations (like NC sausage, house-pickled peppers, or sweet corn), and a bright, modern space.

The dedication to local ingredients and playful cocktails make Poole’side a must for foodies and date nights.

3. Trophy Brewing & Pizza

Combining Raleigh’s love of craft beer with killer pies, Trophy Brewing & Pizza is known for its creative, hand-tossed pizzas and wide selection of in-house brewed beers.

Signature pies feature bold flavors—like the “Most Loyal” (goat cheese, peppadew peppers, arugula)—as well as seasonal and build-your-own options.

The lively taproom setting makes Trophy a favorite for group hangs, beer lovers, and anyone seeking pizza with personality.

4. Gonza Tacos y Tequila’s “Gonza Pizza”

While not a traditional pizzeria, Gonza has made a splash with its fusion Latin-Italian pizzas—think chorizo, roasted corn, queso fresco, or chicken tinga atop a crispy crust.

Their playful mashups (like the “Mexican Street Corn Pizza”) are both delicious and unique, drawing crowds that crave something beyond the ordinary.

The upbeat, festive atmosphere and inspired flavors make it a standout on Raleigh’s pizza map.

5. Gino’s Pizza

A North Raleigh mainstay, Gino’s Pizza is classic, cozy, and always reliable, known for generous portions and hearty, old-school Italian flavors.

Slices and whole pies are made using house-made dough, slow-simmered sauce, and all the classic toppings (plus stromboli, subs, and pasta).

Gino’s friendly staff and affordable pricing keep families and regulars coming back decade after decade.