Craving crispy slices, chewy crusts, or bubbling cheese? Raleigh serves up an impressive mix of pizzerias, from old-school neighborhood joints to trendy newcomers slinging creative pies. Whether you love a classic New York fold or go for wild toppings, there’s something delicious waiting for every pizza fan.
Let’s get to it.
La Cucina Italiana – Raleigh
Since opening on Glenwood Avenue in 2024, La Cucina Italiana in Raleigh has brought the charm of a neighborhood pizzeria to this stretch of town. The restaurant follows the original in Clayton and showcases scratch-made dough in a well-lit dining room. Warm, rustic décor fills a 40-seat space without any dim lighting.
Specialties include New York-style thin-crust pizzas in 12- to 16-inch sizes. Standard cheese pies offer solid value, while gourmet options such as the Milano and the Bianca add unique flavors. Sauces range from classic tomato to ranch or BBQ drizzles. Customers can build their own stromboli and calzones with toppings that include bacon, pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, feta, and ricotta. Meat-lovers and vegetarians alike find plenty of choices.
The menu extends beyond pizza. Diners can order pasta favorites like vodka penne and lasagna, plus a variety of hot and cold subs. Appetizers round out the selection. Online ordering and a rewards program encourage repeat visits. Staff maintain a friendly, family-ready service style without feeling overbearing.
DeMos Pizzeria & Deli
Downtown Raleigh’s DeMos Pizzeria & Deli stands out among the pizza options on Glenwood South. The shop occupies a compact space and offers seating for small groups. It remains open until 3 am on weekends.
The menu includes hand-stretched, thin-crust slices and square “Godfather” pies topped with chunky crushed tomato and fresh basil. A cheese-stuffed crust adds extra comfort. Signature pies range from the carnivore-approved Big Meat to the Montana, which piles on chicken, bacon, kettle chips, and ranch dressing.
The deli counter features Boar’s Head meats and homemade salads such as tuna, chicken, and egg. Staff prepare crusts in-house every day and use a family sauce recipe. Cheese quality stays high while prices remain reasonable.
Operated by two local residents, DeMos offers a genuine neighborhood feel. Lunch specials include a popular two-slice deal. Late-night crowds gather after bars close. Garlic knots and other appetizers complete the experience, making it a go-to for families and night-shift workers alike.
Oakwood Pizza Box
Oakwood Pizza Box offers chewy, Brooklyn-style thin-crust pies from a compact L-shaped shop on Person Street. There is no extra fuss. Large slices have a crisp edge, and toppings stick to old-school choices such as pepperoni with fresh basil or pepperoni with olive slices.
The square-cut party pies serve multiple guests, and a gluten-free crust is available on request. Seating includes about 20 stools and high tops, but most customers grab food to go. Many pair a Caesar salad with a slice or two and a cold pilsner before leaving with a pizza box under the arm.
Owner Anthony Guerra grew up on Long Island and trained under a well-known pizza legend. His scratch-made dough has kept Oakwood Pizza Box near the top of local “best pizza” lists. You’ll spot students, office workers, and families at dinner time. A large pie costs between $15 and $20, and the shop won the WRAL Voters’ Choice Award in 2024. Casual attire and an appetite are all you need.
Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen
Situated off Hillsborough Street, Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen caters to NC State and Meredith College crowds. Its menu highlights New York-style pizza with large, floppy slices and a crust that shows off charred spots.
Guests can choose Grandma pies, served in rectangular pans for crisp edges. Classic pepperoni sits alongside specialty offerings like the Bruschetta pie. The Bussin Stuffed Pizza layers cheese and sauce in a deep crust that feeds a small group.
Pricing suits college budgets: personal pies under $10 include unlimited toppings with a student deal. A weekday summer buffet offers all-you-can-eat pizza during finals season. Beyond pizza, the menu lists homemade lasagna, baked ziti, and a variety of appetizers. Desserts such as cannoli and cheesecake finish a meal.
Indoor seating offers a cozy atmosphere and a bright patio with umbrellas for warm days. Counter-style service keeps orders moving. Delivery runs through the restaurant’s system or DoorDash. This spot covers pizza, pasta, and late-night slices for study sessions or casual dinners.
Cristo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
Tucked into Quail Corners, Cristo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria has served Midtown Raleigh since 2011 with crust so thin you could almost read a menu through it. The menu lists over 20 specialty pies, including Buffalo Chicken and Gyro Pizza, before you even select your own toppings from a long list of meats, vegetables and cheeses.
Beyond pizza, there are pastas like spaghetti with marinara, seafood dishes with shrimp or calamari, garlic knots delivered hot from the oven, and crispy wings in several sauces. Italian classics such as chicken parmigiana and lasagna share space with a tiramisu that arrives layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
The interior stretches out to seat large parties and families. A cozy patio offers outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. Prices stay firmly in the affordable range, and the staff keeps things moving at lunch or dinner. They accept Apple Pay and other digital payments for a smooth checkout. Whether you come for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, Cristo’s aims to cover all the bases with a friendly, neighborhood feel.
Manhattan Pizza
At Manhattan Pizza in Raleigh, the focus is on classic New York style pizza but with a few playful twists. The thin crust holds a solid fold and carries toppings evenly. The Truffle Porcini starts with mushrooms and truffle oil, while the Mac N’ Cheesy is exactly as described… gooey macaroni and cheese layered right on the pie.
The Greek Pizza layers lamb and beef gyro slices, feta, olives, onions and tomato. For non-pizza nights, subs, burgers, wings and pasta fill the plate. A glass case at the counter features cannoli and New York cheesecake.
The Falls Pointe Shopping Center location offers a casual vibe that suits families, friend groups and the after-soccer crowd. Prices remain reasonable and a loyalty app rewards repeat visits. They highlight “clean food, clean flour” without overplaying it. To finish your meal they serve housemade gelato in flavors like chocolate and vanilla. It might be wise to save room for a scoop or two.
Gino’s Pizza
Serving Midtown Raleigh, Gino’s Pizza brings classic New York-style pizza in generous portions. Their hand-tossed dough and sauce made from vine-ripe tomatoes form the foundation for favorites like the Supreme, pepperoni, or Lasagna pizzas. The Meat Lover stromboli overflows with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, challenging diners to finish it solo.
The dining room seats 20 to 30 guests, creating a busy yet casual atmosphere. Gino’s delivers up to eight miles away, making it convenient for large orders. Party-size pies stretch to 28 inches, perfect for group lunches or family dinners. Most pizzas range from $10 to $20, with party pies offering greater value for gatherings.
A rewards program provides discounts and free items to frequent customers. Despite an ownership change in 2022, Gino’s preserves its original recipes and community focus. Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or scheduling delivery, Gino’s Pizza offers reliable quality, substantial portions, and a neighborhood-friendly vibe.
Ruckus Pizza and Bar
In Raleigh’s casual scene, Ruckus Pizza and Bar has offered New York-style pizza since 1999. Each slice features a thin crust designed to fold easily. Cheese pizzas start under $9, while specialty pies include the Sam I Am—topped with prosciutto, caramelized onions, arugula, and pesto—and the RBC, featuring chicken, bacon, and garlic on a ranch base. A 24-inch group pizza feeds several people, ideal for gatherings.
The menu also offers burgers, wings, salads, pasta, tacos, and even sushi and poke bowls. The dining area includes sports-bar seating, live music, trivia nights, and weekend brunch. Beer promotions often come with collectible glassware, and a spacious outdoor patio adds extra seating. Ruckus provides catering and stays open until 2 AM for late-night orders. Located in a Mission Valley strip mall, the restaurant combines scratch-made dough, reasonable prices, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether guests visit for dinner, an after-work drink, or a post-midnight slice, Ruckus delivers a neighborhood hangout vibe.
Tazza Kitchen Village District
At the Village District in Raleigh, Tazza Kitchen Village District specializes in all-day brick oven pizzas that lean into Neapolitan tradition. Each pie bakes in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a thin, blistered crust. The Margherita pizza features buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil. The Spicy Sausage & Black Pepper Honey pizza blends savory sausage with a honey drizzle for a balanced sweet-and-savory finish.
Toppings range from prosciutto and arugula to house bacon and caramelized onions. Guests can also build their own pizzas from a selection of fresh ingredients. The open kitchen layout allows diners to observe staff at the brick oven. Beyond pizza, the menu includes tacos, grain bowls, and weekend brunch items. Prices are mid-range, making the restaurant suitable for lunch, dinner, or a break during shopping. A curated list of craft beers and cocktails complements the food offerings. Communal tables and modern decor create a casual yet refined atmosphere, delivering a consistent neighborhood dining experience.
Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Nestled in Southeast Raleigh, Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant offers a long-standing local tradition. All dough is homemade, and the same sauce recipe has been used for decades. You can choose between thin and chewy New York-style slices or Sicilian squares with deeply caramelized edges. Signature pizzas include the Roma Spinach pie, topped with feta and tomatoes, and the Caprese pizza featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Beyond pizza, Frank’s serves calzones and stromboli filled with mozzarella and house-made marinara. The menu also offers chicken parmesan, Philly cheesesteak hoagies, meatball subs, and chicken wings tossed in buffalo or Korean sauce. Dessert options include cannoli and Oreo cheesecake. Prices remain accessible, allowing families to dine without overspending. The interior balances a neighborhood spot with a no-frills pizzeria vibe. A neon sign adds a classic touch, and tables are arranged to keep the space cozy. After nearly fifty years at 2030 New Bern Ave, Frank’s continues its focus on scratch-made recipes and friendly service.
Milton’s Pizza & Pasta
Since 1983, Milton’s Pizza & Pasta in Raleigh has built a loyal following with its Greek-style pan pizza. Each pie features hand-stretched dough that balances between thin crust and deep dish. The menu spotlights the Milton’s Special, layered with assorted meats and vegetables, and the Stanley Cup, which combines bacon, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese. Vegetarian and gluten-free crusts round out the offerings.
The self-serve salad bar boasts about 40 fresh items, a standout feature for a pizza restaurant. At lunchtime, a buffet attracts families, office workers, and kids eager for extra breadsticks. Service shifts from counter-style buffet at midday to full table service in the evening. A separate bar area offers draft beer and television screens for sports viewing. Prices stay moderate, with most large specialty pies under $30. This combination of quality ingredients, variety for different diets, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Milton’s a dependable choice for casual dining.
Mellow Mushroom Raleigh
On West Peace Street, Mellow Mushroom offers hand-tossed dough mixed with spring water and baked in stone deck ovens. The crust delivers a soft, chewy texture with a rustic edge.
Signature pies include the Kosmic Karma, which uses alfredo sauce topped with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. The Holy Shiitake pie loads on mushrooms, roasted garlic, and multiple cheeses. Build-your-own options feature an extensive list of toppings from classic pepperoni to gourmet vegetables.
The décor features bold mushroom murals and a mix of tables and booths. A dog-friendly patio sits outside, and the bar carries an extensive draft beer selection that often exceeds other Glenwood South venues.
Prices range from $10 to $22 for specialty pies. Vegan, gluten-free, and cauliflower crusts sometimes appear on the menu. The restaurant also serves calzones, salads, and appetizers like spinach dip. Whether dining with friends, family, or grabbing a late snack, Mellow Mushroom blends variety with a laid-back atmosphere.
