My Favorite Pizza Places in and around the Triangle!
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s pizza. There are so many fabulous pizza options in the Triangle and beyond, so know that narrowing this list down was a very difficult feat. If you’re ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure, check out these spots in and around the Raleigh area!
Pizzeria Faulisi
First, we’re starting our pizza adventure in thriving Downtown Cary, which has so many fun and new things to see and do these days! Nestled in a cozy corner neighbored by Bond Brothers Beer, Sidebar, and RBF, Pizzeria Faulisi is my fave pizza destination in Cary. Walk in and immediate feelings of cozy will consume you! This gorgeous restaurant has a home-like, curated feel full of bold colors, deep tones, and vintage photographs. All of their pizzas are 12 inches in diameter, thin crust and are 100% wood fired. As they proudly state on their site, “There will be char aka flavor.” Pizzeria Faulisi uses freshly milled flour from Boulted Bread in Raleigh along with caputo flour from Italy combined to make their unique dough. This local spot is a must!
Photo by: Pizzeria Faulisi
Poolside Pies
Esteemed Raleigh restaurateur, Ashley Christiansen, brought us pizza gem, Poolside Pies, a few years ago and the Downtown Raleigh pizza scene has been forever changed since. This family-friendly, Italian-inspired experience serves delicious pizzas and specialty cocktails. I love the unique flavors this spot brings to the menu. Here are a few I’ve been eyeing so you can get a feel for the magic: Creamed Spinach w/ artichoke, oyster mushroom, and ricotta salata, The Duke w/ Duke's Mayo, horseradish, heirloom tomato, buttermilk cheddar, black pepper, and parm, and Summer Squash w/ pesto, lemon ricotta, pepitas, and pecorino. Fun fact about me: I love a squash pizza (more on this topic if you keep reading.) All this being said, if you’re looking to satisfy your pizza craving while in Downtown Raleigh, look no further than Poolside Pies.
Photo by: Poolside Pies
Pizzeria Toro
Next on our pizza journey, we’re trekking to Downtown Durham. I couldn’t wait any longer to touch on my squash pizza fondness. A few years ago, I finally made my way into Pizzeria Toro and fell in love. It was love at first bite of the squash pizza special. Though you can’t always find this flavor on the menu, I trust any seasonal special they dish out. You cannot go wrong with your order. Their wood-fired pizzas, salads, and snacks are all the highest quality and packed with flavor. Top it all off with one of their great wine selections and your pizza evening is complete. Cheers!
Photo by: Pizzeria Toro
Pizzeria Mercato
Grab your pizza passport, we’re going to Carrboro. Pizzeria Mercato is a new-to-me spot and I wish I had known about it way sooner. This pizza restaurant serves Neopolitan-inspired pizza cooked in brick-lined ovens, fresh salads, textured vegetable dishes, handmade pastas and luxurious gelatos. This statement says it all, a “seasonally focused restaurant featuring a constantly changing, of-the-moment menu that relies on and is inspired by the nationally renowned Carrboro Farmers Market.” It’s the local focus for me. Local = freshest = flavor = great pizza. That is all you need to know, my friends. Try Pizzeria Mercato to find “Where Pizza meets the South!”
Photo by: Pizzeria Mercato
La Dolce Vita Pizzeria
Okay I’m really taking you on a trip now, but trust me the drive will be worth it! I make the drive to Sanford for this spot more than I probably should, but I just can’t help it! Located in Downtown Sanford, you’ll find La Dolce Vita Pizzeria. I know we’re here for pizza but I HAVE to talk about their steak sandwich for a moment. It is phenomenal and I highly recommend you add it to your order even if you just wanted pizza, trust me. The chipotle sauce lives in my mind rent free. Back to the za, La Dolce Vita believes “in simple, hand-crafted pizza that embodies true Italian taste.” To pair with their delicious pizza and pasta dishes, they also always have 16 beers on tap! If you’re ready for a fun change of scenery and delicious dishes, head to Sanford and try this yummy Italian escape.
Photo by: La Dolce Vita Pizzeria
